The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizgirpfQiY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFkWfAPvnZ
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5qbnT45VT
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtuRVGoN6P
"Kid! Over here!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J8Kk2oMNa
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydBdwGnWBw
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM4MJx5Xli
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyBbNyoYub
"Ya ready!?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY6SMBgbny
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM0aSS3wYr
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9WQHoTttS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdu4j5K32Z
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV5f0ezQ0P
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MBPHcuCIM
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcVEL2YDwm
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXQXfMt7H3
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Q4RHM6s5
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"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo134CfZLbc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJnA3BUCKT
YEAH!137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRagXMxsloj
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8kJZrqk3h
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2dAljOEGe
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBCt7YQ5EB
"Ack!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YfSNobycg
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd3oZkEcsO
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4vIqfAR36
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqnk1aVGpG
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2ePW3KzPg
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uKrdVHJOi
"R-Right!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq5S8YWsm2
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8UDExUXPw
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi0ybPQvzk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CZDjx1sfU
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Jas96TYz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k2agakhrr
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE121Cbub0M
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNlkOwnnn2
"Crap!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9n9RA8a3t
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I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjptzBrSmc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef5wW4xgdn
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRRLdF4I0s
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtocGhHVPo1
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A3J9obCKP
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnvYKBeFKe
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaFDGtgugn
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP3XmK3wth
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKdw8uJfO1
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhVn5AIASe
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"L-Lola!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKUBSvt2sX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2grQaRB3t
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBJ7RMxX7k
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWVr3LOyJm
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOgdTm6fOj
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXsZ1iQENd
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTbyChrGvE
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSlb59QX9M
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea7yd0EFcA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv99uBG9Q0Y
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc8kTFjXIy
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdOGUjNfFK
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdSxMAiu7N
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJFdvjYOSo
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXCg2CqDAy
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–
–
–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFxYjWOVpt
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Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJVEEK9XMp
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsz1Acxolv
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXiiw9SKUl
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4FteUckSD
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She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMRoaIsmy6
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"Do you have something you want to say?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q6bLxckto
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Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs52jkwgYq
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspm1FPkZ4q
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfdwcRjH0C
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVe9Z4aFJz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDDhoOtL7l
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJdHlBHb0q
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoThkFT6JwE
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXbFUstOzp
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH67Tcuszo
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NiUTLt5bl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGxzOKe2Dt
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lVS89zrPU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFk9NoAaNT
"Call me Anima."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BEzKezNLY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXEm7xdbsE
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGb4tJ3ORG
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The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ox2ix6eDy
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYPzSSnIs6
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3sY70ELiT
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZi3b61GYe
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"Ngh!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCQaNYv7DX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyhTnwKhh3
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU2DLEhW4h
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**THUD**137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4CWdbYNGQ
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She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ivSiVcuna
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZaebNGPwM
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAC14CiMRj
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"--!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLs5YsLrtr
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Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXDQ6b4u4A
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcFKZjIySB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJiBMP2vTm
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyuf4jEZ4v
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhfCwbMdWB
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EkKPvOVzJ
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She had hit a wall.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mYw70hrUa
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"--!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTIbmikwyK
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qtXmIH1AL
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPiOmkbCmX
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**CLING**137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOihh9rT3ea
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She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaphHAW14PJ
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"Huh. I can't break free."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI1GuVrRqq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0isarILgm
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgky306nCa
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcbeObS2rv
"--Huh?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6TS2iBmZ
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"Caught you!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoHag1VWkV
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjHR2hcKzh
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXfRmSWfXK
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"You!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVrhJ9DCJx
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHbKG0Pj2z
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI8EZDHLAG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PsAu9uJRX
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ymf9ZKBM
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3reKdAePQ
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GBKQPXv6G
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bpDNkZn5b
"Hrk!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzg4f0Leu0
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhmRnPH7Du
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgQq9eaCnx
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIam7WjDKna
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BLjUAalRb
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqA9a2n5Zl
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i1THwwSzv
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kyAf9BuGw
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Gv2s1cmu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMdGdhCJGa
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxn7k5oqlU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2lsoM5NHE
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSmwTpRbNn
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i2NqHXiUe
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCazFctv5x
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwja0b1mDM
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNonoWG2udU
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"...This is irritating."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypW6fRjmaH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmLK0VxTKc
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYpFHOm2kC
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNH4Ggvkvi
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdYFSaWEDZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWVZZ5cfaW
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnz3olEJit
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Giving up became more and more alluring.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4FMCwYMkw
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTL3muIThj
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluxSs90gYB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju0jKbMEjK
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomDyd4e6On
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ405UKYUI7I
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsatIAz1hrG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMVOtYbmgm
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP25NzJTn2q
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnF0yNrMli
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU9a4g7bwS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSi60yHrdo
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KuThK3nX5
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"...Unless, of course."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxovxszeJ0H
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmVCGUiemK
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJkEBy7Vbe
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgFJpRfPBt
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYS3uMg8HT
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwscHyktSQH
"I don't like what you're planning!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH9HxAh0JS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNj0AuzNIu
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO9wMJG3JP
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pk0dOpRaD
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NKuOB2wvX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ424PATQtmR
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFHGZIOwqu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpMz6Kg5FT
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsWrleoNl4
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMCMfnFkJs
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1hUR4gxIZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgprM1UrVLt
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk6nHd6xZy
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXNC4D0ytd
**THUD**137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAGOzrQeYV
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But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N7jWNzRkG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXoeUYmLnm
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnizECv7Goj
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVqN7dBHav
"--Hrk!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgGHEUSS54
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bZ7uZx2GY
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZanHZz6c0
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0xSUAyolZ
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8HGCmPIRX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStm25mWfUV
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhrllrYKOz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJfkVZ2dG9
"This..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gnhMJkiWA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTI10wN940
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNYZAzyFSa
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxqVZL3yub
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw1hPGn1rO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2dkwC0qRG
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuh6buDMRS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I1zlf7YIp
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVDCnRefTp
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva1MOwaALA
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp24cNIuJx
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6FMXo3x5d
"--sneaky!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oPkC41ezc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwcjHXDuOs
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FEPsxPsxy
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBtEg9lugK
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac4WjLHWbF
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0GNjSYfU
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5Ihr13DoB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRcRZfooiS
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcnuyrnI58
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURG3gCL8ai
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2dfrcG8pQ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3SKiYoSms
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHVC9tZpCO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmymtAON6Q
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcgAn00rwy
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXrIdmgVHb
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIOhpardbk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIxDJKFTUH
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkIsRAmgxN
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oNb3256jH
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aB8BA8qm0
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEorHtGrDu
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqNsS9GYVR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNtgqwcVKZ
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiRWgBhnaZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZd7ZIbQ3o
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj7P5MfpGy
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhjfaz3vdG
"I win, though–"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMflrvSSNnu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrEEAEfLs6
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q4Aa6B1CL
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgQKjb0Xo4
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvY7SarUXB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5GBPfQhqW
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJlDk930jU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlALQm0Nz5T
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYagA8A3vmC
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJRIP3wYH7
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAbGkRV7Md
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmBkk3lbtC
"Can't move your legs?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvCdWx4zeO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzxnAea9a8
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn1jSaiUb5
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v1O4GnJC6
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aSJ9z9Pm1
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZgwoIppOw
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjjLsGFGDd
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5hz2Kl2Hb
"Aren't you going to do something?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHEkZDTmPH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf0PNXZVAR
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlMEmDyCbX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNarBxSLTiL
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbidvrcBo9G
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXp0B0P8Vb
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ME6Tjn7tf
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQox73pkph2
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI2Ac1TYd0
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Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZIrF7Wy3I
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZabvhwKqF
**BOOM**137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWfsK59Ucn
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAezpZ4hiPk
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY96RNBziq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzprj03xay
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrxx7cJsNO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC2mTfpxCw
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlyarnLuqs
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0prQ0SBkuG
"--?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KQHimWCJR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi9oNpWCiV
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1UtjBmQfQ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeWnnu4RnB
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX98SdI5Wzj
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"...Ehh."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡral2GdawrY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcsfQLFkAE
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXXXCEyPy4
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOh0rvgOFL
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVZNtp9U87
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDVOO2iyaV
"..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO35Ybu5GI
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigjiQYmtyz
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfUfD9wGvA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTQA5h21vx
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHa1e3rtOl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH28UkM83se
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpsYcpBQAO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3US3LhNQZ
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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