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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAbd55U1uSEV
48Please respect copyright.PENANAxCrQD7tI8W
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAN4n7g9rjtt
48Please respect copyright.PENANAmXdxH7JO3j
"Kid! Over here!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAv3dsqMooBN
48Please respect copyright.PENANARmfQk0uTU0
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA6sFDOYewKA
48Please respect copyright.PENANA1YRwuSS6Gq
"Ya ready!?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAAieUaZ6GGG
48Please respect copyright.PENANAn3AqiSlo4W
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAteVEGDNnV8
48Please respect copyright.PENANAPxsGZEvXe1
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0mT89WAa9
48Please respect copyright.PENANAi1VGT1h8Ur
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 place48Please respect copyright.PENANAwZK7AFsR13
48Please respect copyright.PENANAbxmY2KvRod
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.48Please respect copyright.PENANASmtdLxkCdp
48Please respect copyright.PENANAadlP8RZWnT
"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!?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAmFbdnzno8T
48Please respect copyright.PENANAfxaJGsSmGz
YEAH!48Please respect copyright.PENANA4hXqpwX7lo
48Please respect copyright.PENANAHdtHPJls6V
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA47MVG19ml0
48Please respect copyright.PENANAKZ6StWqPc9
"Ack!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAC5LSmmJZWX
48Please respect copyright.PENANAq5uadyHC4a
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.48Please respect copyright.PENANAY3pueiihMw
48Please respect copyright.PENANAgg7l98s15R
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAhCPsAJ55T0
48Please respect copyright.PENANAnCWdlWqCBZ
"R-Right!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAPaZNmp0AKD
48Please respect copyright.PENANApdhVmAJGJN
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAXmKorFCiWb
48Please respect copyright.PENANAdxWnihKpSg
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."48Please respect copyright.PENANAWPr2oSL0z1
48Please respect copyright.PENANA7l3G8E260O
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.48Please respect copyright.PENANAaFPujmpz5T
48Please respect copyright.PENANAh2dTbXS3KL
"Crap!"48Please respect copyright.PENANA6YaRnWxIZ6
48Please respect copyright.PENANADJbSyGb4Jc
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAnBP9XdDwgn
48Please respect copyright.PENANApIgGhGXLIT
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.48Please respect copyright.PENANAFlvtrwqKtC
48Please respect copyright.PENANAIU6MZ1qNeU
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."48Please respect copyright.PENANAaHWRMzyBM3
48Please respect copyright.PENANAhCArjyx15j
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAFLJb7RUUZW
48Please respect copyright.PENANARPmM7sFkHf
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.48Please respect copyright.PENANAe6ki9lJt62
48Please respect copyright.PENANA2gIhOOlUiN
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."48Please respect copyright.PENANAFTZzQFCMKP
48Please respect copyright.PENANAGqe8JAwvWz
"L-Lola!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAouHusQXaL0
48Please respect copyright.PENANA5NDcrF2FHw
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.48Please respect copyright.PENANArXtf7ZIpqQ
48Please respect copyright.PENANAlKOHHliYJg
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"48Please respect copyright.PENANA6q0zpA0b0D
48Please respect copyright.PENANADAWNH2cEWQ
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAek6HMtQMjN
48Please respect copyright.PENANADwAoIYiW6F
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"48Please respect copyright.PENANA2kOjNjrPDi
48Please respect copyright.PENANADeIoKQOQSh
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."48Please respect copyright.PENANAMtHY3XyPIG
48Please respect copyright.PENANAQwc4Amg7QO
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAQYvpqjfFP8
48Please respect copyright.PENANAyY47IgpIEC
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.48Please respect copyright.PENANAFqYJkTj36H
48Please respect copyright.PENANA2JVnscqX9y
–
–
–48Please respect copyright.PENANAm01sippn6j
48Please respect copyright.PENANAjIv4wG7m68
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?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAhMgAyFV71l
48Please respect copyright.PENANAdzjVNFf2z8
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAihiS8VMrXl
48Please respect copyright.PENANAqPItWXmVT1
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.48Please respect copyright.PENANA9IrMZlZ0CZ
48Please respect copyright.PENANAiHtei3LGFc
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAl1uhx66BAD
48Please respect copyright.PENANAW7oav2VkCM
"Do you have something you want to say?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAu8n6qhFypp
48Please respect copyright.PENANARafq8GPGZM
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.48Please respect copyright.PENANASiIJ4NvprD
48Please respect copyright.PENANAL0FN3xRF3a
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."48Please respect copyright.PENANA4fnohD6naH
48Please respect copyright.PENANA4BOPjBldtC
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."48Please respect copyright.PENANAAzxisf7JQL
48Please respect copyright.PENANAagw1rDY05s
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."48Please respect copyright.PENANAeYHPFcxmWg
48Please respect copyright.PENANAa0yXxRtRzV
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAdp9hV07Unw
48Please respect copyright.PENANAbFxv1COFmQ
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."48Please respect copyright.PENANA7H0eEtPifF
48Please respect copyright.PENANAaUNpUOMDON
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.48Please respect copyright.PENANAHytW1Gsmhg
48Please respect copyright.PENANA6uhgce2JTu
"Call me Anima."48Please respect copyright.PENANA7v82MAEub3
48Please respect copyright.PENANAp6m7zqQ1tw
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAhH4K35uNud
48Please respect copyright.PENANAcwzlTbkk8x
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.48Please respect copyright.PENANAbIZxVfc0zG
48Please respect copyright.PENANAdHoAGwb87U
Then, the Harbinger dashed.48Please respect copyright.PENANAXGX4uTYN2b
48Please respect copyright.PENANAw92S8vqMxN
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAV69t5gGVdm
48Please respect copyright.PENANAK7SlPZjmZV
"Ngh!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAqs9AoHEiUj
48Please respect copyright.PENANAvS5EomC3qW
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–48Please respect copyright.PENANATJpHB7Eog2
48Please respect copyright.PENANAzG4JJQkt45
**THUD**48Please respect copyright.PENANAnj17ZQUObQ
48Please respect copyright.PENANAMbpmq1Lkgi
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAodxn4hJfSX
48Please respect copyright.PENANALW7l0FFYF0
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAwNUyjbcyWh
48Please respect copyright.PENANAXFUv7hSpkB
"--!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAM4tqeHHwg4
48Please respect copyright.PENANA0DAnt45PfT
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.48Please respect copyright.PENANACDa0B3KUyC
48Please respect copyright.PENANAPOnadhDRg3
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."48Please respect copyright.PENANAskIq7dsJ3B
48Please respect copyright.PENANAQWSYMCirO4
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAf22Ybm1dEA
48Please respect copyright.PENANAEkq59zSS5o
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAyiwN53HAuC
48Please respect copyright.PENANAnArJQjComV
She had hit a wall.48Please respect copyright.PENANAH2E5ZeV91r
48Please respect copyright.PENANAAjvAygO6Dg
"--!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAW6ZYcQFM4d
48Please respect copyright.PENANA16daYRtHxk
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–48Please respect copyright.PENANAsKUOm6KHQn
48Please respect copyright.PENANA3s5AwSobia
**CLING**48Please respect copyright.PENANAUK6qDZI498
48Please respect copyright.PENANAWT1z4tm0eQ
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAbYwlgIsMn9
48Please respect copyright.PENANA2hW5BTcmxX
"Huh. I can't break free."48Please respect copyright.PENANAlJcnPxLdde
48Please respect copyright.PENANACuuSvqjk0h
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANARlUhl5vrFT
48Please respect copyright.PENANA0hwOjWWoEg
"--Huh?"48Please respect copyright.PENANACxv0z3ebAo
48Please respect copyright.PENANAkPOQa4ZWjM
"Caught you!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAqbrddzlqKe
48Please respect copyright.PENANAJEoMDxvDwN
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANABIlpgi3Rq5
48Please respect copyright.PENANA4WDL1fT3dF
"You!"48Please respect copyright.PENANATRBdg3eihw
48Please respect copyright.PENANALMHvFJL3HQ
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANACPAeQwxe17
48Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2uqicCVEo
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAb4BX702WCI
48Please respect copyright.PENANAN2Rap98qig
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAZ42AEgaG6c
48Please respect copyright.PENANAWAGI7RcX3o
"Hrk!"48Please respect copyright.PENANATSZTisZzgU
48Please respect copyright.PENANAxwIUzhSTUZ
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAYplIzDWoQ2
48Please respect copyright.PENANAy87SDdHntg
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAsQK4Nw5SYc
48Please respect copyright.PENANAd7if6NIGei
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAPhnz90qx3t
48Please respect copyright.PENANAVl9VmvPovz
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAoAMd4LYH4o
48Please respect copyright.PENANASSy5FOlcvP
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA8OI7yH08kI
48Please respect copyright.PENANAXuo3bEgbj5
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAeRUkeR8QSQ
48Please respect copyright.PENANAi1t56hxImI
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAEFh51z0vzc
48Please respect copyright.PENANAOMH2C0Jim4
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.48Please respect copyright.PENANAH3YfnqN2qg
48Please respect copyright.PENANAqH8sfQEp1X
"...This is irritating."48Please respect copyright.PENANAjE3uIp50Br
48Please respect copyright.PENANAHEXxmmUdpt
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAacwCR82wuW
48Please respect copyright.PENANAErSOND9If8
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAXeIkyGrOGH
48Please respect copyright.PENANAH8xIK16U54
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAKPEAcz1TQH
48Please respect copyright.PENANAUSZXh6cEbA
Giving up became more and more alluring.48Please respect copyright.PENANAfJY4jLlA5I
48Please respect copyright.PENANAjzD6nNXglw
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."48Please respect copyright.PENANAPLDjLYuleT
48Please respect copyright.PENANAiaTPkzA70H
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."48Please respect copyright.PENANA0XH0IoMyT2
48Please respect copyright.PENANAWSDllDwdDB
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.48Please respect copyright.PENANAogSZIZfDGS
48Please respect copyright.PENANAEOiP3SrOiV
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA8AK3yVkwha
48Please respect copyright.PENANANcpkQz7u2L
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA3llEEuFuId
48Please respect copyright.PENANA6KAMDuQx9O
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA4A8tEw9FJe
48Please respect copyright.PENANAebwc3WxBJy
"...Unless, of course."48Please respect copyright.PENANAHqd2VMvdXP
48Please respect copyright.PENANAc3HNUjKYbG
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAmZe9TiW1Ll
48Please respect copyright.PENANAbeqA81z2Q0
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.48Please respect copyright.PENANAeB9bFuMM7h
48Please respect copyright.PENANAGdQpWSAp38
"I don't like what you're planning!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAoP0eEkKq1h
48Please respect copyright.PENANAycPObDIgk7
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANATgahn1XATq
48Please respect copyright.PENANATTtva9nsY7
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA2KAkEwGiFE
48Please respect copyright.PENANABz16QzPRKA
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA48GDfDf9QT
48Please respect copyright.PENANAzRad67qgWF
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA0ikEvxo5jA
48Please respect copyright.PENANACnQ8x9zr9G
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAERxpLeHEq0
48Please respect copyright.PENANANLJmFAvJu0
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–48Please respect copyright.PENANAiXwIVwJFW9
48Please respect copyright.PENANAFqZqVd4b9M
**THUD**48Please respect copyright.PENANAKMil8B9NAR
48Please respect copyright.PENANAxWWYxoXPkl
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA6q3UCcZZUX
48Please respect copyright.PENANAdIYg8RpiXg
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–48Please respect copyright.PENANAkkC2rI7Li3
48Please respect copyright.PENANAkOD9oKnryV
"--Hrk!"48Please respect copyright.PENANACPfZHQqADG
48Please respect copyright.PENANAFGj9FE9NiD
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.48Please respect copyright.PENANAtbZebU7buS
48Please respect copyright.PENANAbmmChGG21p
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAkszW2HgGZj
48Please respect copyright.PENANAwuChrbbMO5
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAQEunN4tvIA
48Please respect copyright.PENANAzJqkXwIo9b
"This..."48Please respect copyright.PENANAUJaxLOw04E
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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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAnLBW6PsWY6
48Please respect copyright.PENANA88IazQiWyB
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAVsd8wmG0Ck
48Please respect copyright.PENANA2DMR2W6VTg
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAeSNxnvi4nB
48Please respect copyright.PENANAfPCrHwrvF5
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAUmo1aFG8Pv
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.48Please respect copyright.PENANA2hV5ZQanjh
48Please respect copyright.PENANASuv667CH6u
"--sneaky!"48Please respect copyright.PENANAavHS72XCld
48Please respect copyright.PENANAvWrnYD05IP
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAqhQmNm8aII
48Please respect copyright.PENANALxunl1xgiA
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA40lh9Y80ZY
48Please respect copyright.PENANAk69Lmb1IR2
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.48Please respect copyright.PENANAuN6BGlDIMP
48Please respect copyright.PENANAU99Cs59jQG
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAbaCmPN75nu
48Please respect copyright.PENANAK5VdaTKhJZ
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAIJSUUT9Tzy
48Please respect copyright.PENANA47cPQOgDva
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.48Please respect copyright.PENANAForgrxo3Bn
48Please respect copyright.PENANAMDIg2Lsx4q
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...48Please respect copyright.PENANAPOykNXP9Qg
48Please respect copyright.PENANAI759h3Hk0w
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAfBALY0rcFf
48Please respect copyright.PENANArSGosSITbQ
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.48Please respect copyright.PENANA72hFSeIM1h
48Please respect copyright.PENANAGzoRVnljtd
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAiUpAnbYxPP
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–48Please respect copyright.PENANAgcHNFY7jOk
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."48Please respect copyright.PENANACjWARr9LjJ
48Please respect copyright.PENANAgoOeRFN7cM
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.48Please respect copyright.PENANA9yrp45lHli
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"I win, though–"48Please respect copyright.PENANA0tetDvrsLR
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.48Please respect copyright.PENANAylED43ZqKi
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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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA5HBVt8XPwM
48Please respect copyright.PENANAr74CSiM9YU
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA81fskIL65d
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"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAVGxAEk5uZE
48Please respect copyright.PENANAvSpqlSDCTN
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANApBUtirvESh
48Please respect copyright.PENANAOnh9zjhJPh
"Can't move your legs?"48Please respect copyright.PENANA49XHXeaPf0
48Please respect copyright.PENANABVNbIZBVoQ
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."48Please respect copyright.PENANAbCuJ7DmgqF
48Please respect copyright.PENANAnt5wX30K1o
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAb9PmLHApXa
48Please respect copyright.PENANAWvFuc7keR9
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA3Xji1gNl2x
48Please respect copyright.PENANAwTdrbqBiL7
"Aren't you going to do something?"48Please respect copyright.PENANA9K9j8ZGpHu
48Please respect copyright.PENANABCJFVxk5jl
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."48Please respect copyright.PENANAZL69fZbdmC
48Please respect copyright.PENANADpXYQyxUcH
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAgg6VFnXOz8
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.48Please respect copyright.PENANAtwOAn9tAkd
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.48Please respect copyright.PENANAtlFIjAihIR
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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–48Please respect copyright.PENANAHFmVCBeE5H
48Please respect copyright.PENANAVefB06XiQ8
**BOOM**48Please respect copyright.PENANAwAZZqELRor
48Please respect copyright.PENANAXuJSiI5Cfv
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANA9TradlQ2ke
48Please respect copyright.PENANAWnjxLQR5Ly
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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAHiAx1qsNIc
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"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."48Please respect copyright.PENANAS14ftnwC0X
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"--?"48Please respect copyright.PENANAp888Jdd05Q
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."48Please respect copyright.PENANA49Ipipd7lW
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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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAP8j0PqVOj3
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"...Ehh."48Please respect copyright.PENANABhFlKHLGSN
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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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAPXKx4NLjmh
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.48Please respect copyright.PENANARnLJwLmE7u
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"..."48Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5OsmJmL32
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.48Please respect copyright.PENANATXhOKz2PpT
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."48Please respect copyright.PENANAztjpyoiBqg
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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.48Please respect copyright.PENANAWHTaOIHbuf
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
48Please respect copyright.PENANAI66roIEuR2