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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIE01MlzUM
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK2IEmhqsO
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCTVIRd890
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqe3qhIJtN
"Kid! Over here!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3n1j3g9dW
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPrnJ0LvJI
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ017BdfBfe8
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiSNxjOEec
"Ya ready!?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjD1WJCzoO
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzjuRHbSDn
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ezTRxG0OZ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOLQtNYIfJ
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sojpV8yvU
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITislWgSU7
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 place152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn03SOhkptx
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkF7fj5XCX
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKyFsRAubw
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksbooNFTnu
"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!?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxi3wph7Ey
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp65bGRGZDV
YEAH!152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9t0CaLfbc
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFtb4sD57s
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy4GyTFZx5
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsxlCXOFjb
"Ack!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGHAq4xfa3
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOULVJg4akz
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMamCJUhsE
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZCZysz5np
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAxV4fpk2I
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8307y21S8
"R-Right!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdruWiJEwy6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxaOFwb95s
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5bD6VUy1f
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Zi3XlUuh
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygOc6wCt5i
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjma8FS5v2s
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflpZUpBfUP
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFniW4M19ij
"Crap!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU3Tm1fFLK
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb9qDnb2G7
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxt3IORUKM
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSHy79ET91
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4glwUuRRwL
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMUmUXKPDa
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3aZXFZ53Q
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAHDy6Fpdn
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP8rXZv5z0
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjrz5sJQnK
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6qCOwsy5d
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uKGEUaqx3
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijHT9eZBBL
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtfcV1duOr
"L-Lola!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPODYqhITTw
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU51xPBNzd
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1PcjCQqkl
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8A63zBTIN
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNEDehDQ9P
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN6Lhj8jrZ
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSPdxBfh62
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUfmOrgAIh
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJeHfgyC1H
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N6z6c71AT
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6qtCyhwPX
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ8pWdEjPT
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoiFsuEZOt
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mPAAwgVZ7
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv6i1yfU6a
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3tt2iNWH1
–
–
–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUmlDW6dMB
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKOywHv97b
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?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbRQIFJ4kq
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadUGJnbMiu
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsQSsXCtcb
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOrQjS9YQB
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2SJVt8UKJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWOrrF1xOH
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7dwAJB9I2
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9fYKrarcU
"Do you have something you want to say?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZx2nsyGbg
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EgD8MiJMS
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoOAJm8rMz
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYHvzHNr3y
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkm7vSDTgl
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zi3U8gpZp
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEBJFlXcJ7
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMG879NkZY
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF0Z9AAwbR
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcJzqLXLLA
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDNqAPojLN
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8JgcyH2gN
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iJJFk3mEo
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiWnk4VEh2
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8Poer0ZSb
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj30tPlydW0
"Call me Anima."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡida51N5ula
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVAvy6RSba
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx2BbP6vj6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dHFf3cH30
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjglU8to8L
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmFpkf2nnX
Then, the Harbinger dashed.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2o7KrvZN6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF0iIGm5Sy
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJMcFEjlT5
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH2TE6Pzn8
"Ngh!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pQoA9a51a
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRKJKh2xHX
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–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAtvSDaXV6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGWWKfEUkR
**THUD**152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ayOMCdcEW
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDklOES9s5
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94HyyrKcVP
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaM7lVKpQJ
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz4dMlhrEF
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX4UenwD52
"--!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIKblVZTT9
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYk4ccosol
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEhuJNTezM
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh0RP8ukAr
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6DZpMMn4y
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4Bu7MLFAi
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA15zCz8bxp
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0LZOSVYLb
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2oXXTim0l
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKviGWkGuE
She had hit a wall.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsNt88HMve
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fkNZNS7QY
"--!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXqeQkhGyY
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D2CmORc5j
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–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmiBszbIth
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs7Ifo1hpr
**CLING**152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5A5xclLi0
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl7hSPSG1B
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMES4yxavAa
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcyVwMgfnu
"Huh. I can't break free."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtamqrWKzCF
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7QgTkJxVE
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPF4BGjIuh
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdyY8lRVcQ
"--Huh?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AcfPAC2Uj
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRnSwIkUpu
"Caught you!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRhmP7UBcj
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5uEpypm52
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j0WXWcJ4a
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuIQctYeOu
"You!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAkUXRvoQ1
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEcjYkPCJF
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrscg7eqn42
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGTW0HKMY
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBI4rLLeaC
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpdDLnEsw5
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyljk3uXNR
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHRCOEK5uo
"Hrk!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X4R9KWMhq
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl0iFojaef
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCUP0mrw3q
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx5jcLhzcV
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ460Q0qJbBI
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHErqf0lsaa
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHqr1CIxUF
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63VjAkCXfr
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUnwaRhL48
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvYJxLhSst
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyAtFNB2a9
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk7XWZTgIQ
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9JFS3XI0k
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFWXpG3Rv
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRtbm85F5U
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJwck2P9Nl
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc2il751k0
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfKaFGVxD9
"...This is irritating."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjLjrVdwcv
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKLHArfGjc
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSuaGz3DsM
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bquU0tkMZ
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRT63H43sK
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lCeKDD4T6
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUaVqMEKUE
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN0HmfuGH5
Giving up became more and more alluring.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBhObcetuX
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVPsoXdYmv
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlayJf0uCP
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCYXuKpMkq
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzL0DY7EaJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcDzjGrYzx
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwy1JXUhV6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcJXzE0Jza
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NodwY9qJR
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7prtqxzlWt
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgkpzG2hXq
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRekHkpCt6
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenvY7eCzDU
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXKrRJuuIw
"...Unless, of course."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznK2QUQLpV
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfjxFoO0a1
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PbsA2KXkb
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX8LKib9eq
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg2WmPezxD
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG7DCxQbmI
"I don't like what you're planning!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Uo9DzUqe
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHXZPfVVow
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxehFXNHPkJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7o2hrl9Z3
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQXxvrV4Fs
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk6mFl8uYV
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeScKs4wap
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u5IsqhX5B
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxiULH8GlI
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwH9VKxjLE
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FoKm90eJH
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwpIZIgoNN
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–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKdyzEmEpj
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mwYB6prm8
**THUD**152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyU2HIhuq4
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezvClaMzoa
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs6VbdmiaP
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2aCqcuC3q
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–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnax2i6Bro2
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh22F9iswUV
"--Hrk!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFtjXyuur6
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTzolzun5Z
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNXthgfOrF
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVZkex2Ywt
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15fS5wntxd
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmi9Bx8vaR
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTMoZo4tsV
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILytb8fwLy
"This..."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYaqUsIMUM
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI3rB642TF
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NZB7hG1hm
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rmsb6JwFG
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw964XTbAS
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe4IAnqcYN
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWQobkvHlg
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQMmFN9SeF
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbZOLKinDK
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM50shBtoAW
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpxqnasQnp
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYaQ80z678
"--sneaky!"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlaUfd1bzq
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53rKLss6PH
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUDPCwgzWg
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAbLjRZuRv
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2388A5fI5
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZDDLHDVyN
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwzIpq8WNJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUa3NZZKI2
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC94mmjF1O8
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROEX2BqIv2
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSa7c2BKBa
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1DTwlodTr
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0NP2uulBf
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EfEReSRYU
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6GZiqgeWz
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKGGABo7al
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2OUylhgst
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQpUjvOD8J
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhHdAMgRoJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VP30i5qca
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa59yRRQNWU
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD6pRinwcI
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGMsnihH1Y
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0dkWqzJNl
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88rzxZpYXH
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6biaosqvpF
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjE9YGBPqF
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyAPZqiChR
"I win, though–"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEY3nqhS5l
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5fLPt8mAX
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsPIuz9aG8
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYYZ0mXFoh
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF68uKfLYO
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr89LlTIuK2
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzTRPvkJTs
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR12KYhNaNP
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ex4bkJjjk
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv7oIGzcIc
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh1zf8rgrL
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdERB5xs4cp
"Can't move your legs?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPYRxveG99
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8RFEmpD9Z
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdbRXB8Kko
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlL1GX3ZzL
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTEohQhRJK
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KS74FTO3h
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKOfdN4CeK
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpJh0qJujz
"Aren't you going to do something?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1pclJYGD4
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5wPsecbCP
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7uqolUFFJ
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIduDBsF3x
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8plj2I6Cw
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWRNtJCErv
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyVtNEBTuA
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeNr2gajHB
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWjALyInkw
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Weq5N79aY
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–152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0FUXPD7bl
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTP35Jtft6
**BOOM**152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wBjH9KqMe
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgBcbjkNsA
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2F8CElcV2
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEYsfa5xnb
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPj9NnMbsB
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZr8MM14ff
"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."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqr7kqjJmw
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUTMvcRyih
"--?"152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzdTtHgyEd
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yJ5eFga4W
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICfYDhzA4N
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcLgqLIpE9
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt81hN3DCyf
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAF1O3qx7d
"...Ehh."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazsjuKKCJb
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEphCcXO5G
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXPctQotsE
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAO0L5DeG5
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Uy5Zm8aPp
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIENK8uPoup
"..."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9wI9dOTCu
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTEEVDU9NT
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQuXhiYDlo
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivVhkgfKOo
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8urDOjWK2
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYTeWvt7px
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.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoFHciloKx
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK1c8wu6gJ
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8BBw17v15
