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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj1dLDWOuq
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswN3TA0UID
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ6T2BPTuP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9NtjPRsBw
"Kid! Over here!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XAPrnYYV0
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpW1aSGEjc
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp4XNcoCqt
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqL4BYDVir
"Ya ready!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60G1XKWxCb
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1b8zDZMww
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJJ5tUrrLb
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfbmHUeHWF
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuXX8amv3Q
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAAKu9SGpA
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 place93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KArQQBV11
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE54ZcXz57
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWIU1TKdTJ
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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!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMkiYewBlh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYOljMqSTb
YEAH!93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffS5EtQvyx
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kSUmirCak
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIihkyTreD
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchMMICB7fs
"Ack!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZcLXivAZo
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7kGa9FaEp
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyn1C8OA1N
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdrxotICt6
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbkBYkJIsS
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UTQn6Dd2Y
"R-Right!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzUGzepjnc
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP1KzYonV0
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ012U4K9gMj
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ020NuIxvvI
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9j0Yxc3sH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY04qtqq0y
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRhHzudYZi
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIDwKagiFK
"Crap!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu9xGI82si
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmzPRyha6q
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEN8fdhZ1b
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRSKMFqBXt
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNza4f4GdLh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGIcFfq0lT
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjX5hzokyY
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaDSZg91C0
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2rscPICbB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw0DfGG5o4
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP5cBMRJ79
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL68uIoRXrj
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DKGLZl34Y
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolDcLikAYm
"L-Lola!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMaUy6GNAi
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy0ORinOi0
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5CtvRFPcq
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1LjtpRF9M
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj60Bd4v5Xy
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXMHWvCvSG
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAzFLTWfGn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNftaj97Yy
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvN6oEmMNL
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9xM3voBDg
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDTLqoTFev
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWQwzCVQLl
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwbJ7smvbC
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUlreZSglo
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLnYGB2XBI
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–
–
–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKreyAfyk4N
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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?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2eNIqaRUF
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswlUPETH3p
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxqgq2AGaO
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSrA4TkYVP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM0JGtdBdB
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GwyQtR9ys
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIa0SMUrc9
"Do you have something you want to say?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvlYstg5JZ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLLU94nKsr
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yPihwXNwp
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqerta2kiC3
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n4owy3PHH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFx27fuL6X
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLiY0eSgyb
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZvtzgwAZt
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJsiFm9BuV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoQ7x4e3VQ
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z6MuXwTtJ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxkFvF7feX
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7pb6YjLWp
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVhopBFJBU
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrncPsOQrQ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkXlYcKqba
"Call me Anima."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cdZopRsAv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c8RPcrniB
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCsO987jkn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMofEzlHSjT
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVpQo9aUe5
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsz5dqfVsl
Then, the Harbinger dashed.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzUqnqe3Sg
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19P3fj8jPe
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJNauxuFsr
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn34qrVQx5x
"Ngh!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0USOqmlW9M
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4zOoHhFec
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGmfU21oFO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOyf3PdERw
**THUD**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21tmKzUIwJ
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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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMDdeuGiIH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCZ3yltGBe
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEVqgo0b8m
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"--!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjXJBeXkfV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbnOTf8dtp
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgtI2jCTdR
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGlokhaBXq
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTFnGvCOVd
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtNj4EDBol
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQorJasPNvo
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNwRxUxKzH
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0lF3jPzPG
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She had hit a wall.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3MYQdmRPF
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcFLdLc6Zm
"--!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2mxsjhOSd
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kPZRm7bPb
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlux05Iqmg
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA47zRqDGQa
**CLING**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y0sZOhx9N
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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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9oouLx8I5
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRit7C0BFIP
"Huh. I can't break free."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM4vmZhYdq
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVzT9kSFba
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3PIpED4kL
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkMG8ZX14w
"--Huh?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemB68A1CYv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFt0HeKlng
"Caught you!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhCHgM5gaU
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dQ5d85BHX
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBscFRl6HS
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EmOfCw8VZ
"You!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkWP3jU9Ii
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGvqdFrUxH
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGRYJOrg0r
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUlH4khOG7
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagonFIoJjV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgBTy1m3G9
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqQFdwFs6C
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaEPUmsCB6
"Hrk!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBUdfYGCi1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqEJpydbZS
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtFuqNQQ2c
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyDBNkzME3
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ScXua93E
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAexU1TzHor
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x3tlVkEaZ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZScNEGnKz
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdCgJ3dl3G
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXBFWTpfru
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqZaQxJvkO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzcC8tCSt3
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rbAkwB7DT
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqSZ7q7fnY
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmm7386qwS
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFBGBI5bWn
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69PAh97vT4
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"...This is irritating."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrJCwiXcGU
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6umM9Wn4z
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTN7Lm6zNE
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEifAZgR7BD
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWjE9EQ4Ik
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qHUlBhkSl
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EGDYlYa1z
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvV6Z9ViPW
Giving up became more and more alluring.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QILOAZQSQ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8Q4VZCpC6
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTaeirsLW5
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iDeSXEH2c
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVvQYBF3vo
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWHyXNT6Nr
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEACs0t6xL
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvGhJRN1wx
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioTtjcQma7
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAern2A97Z
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIpPsq5Rlb
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5cjsMIkI4
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9YRg7fDvK
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"...Unless, of course."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmbj8f5oOZ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz4MqLaWgG
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aCip5iJuV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0mE7dYL46
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrnfzfEau8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMqF7Ykj7S
"I don't like what you're planning!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJcjZNefeR
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoS0JDqcn7
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxPJiBQFya
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZSEougukt
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PbRBQnvc0
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gEwuSKh9t
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSQmuicENP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKvBHRBNut
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfYRYZdU8r
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLF42LvyjW
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENCsDCvkoK
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXP3rm0x8u
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEaDSHbhrB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VVpJ69nbV
**THUD**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4QasBYLdG
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTaLjSKwa6
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHlnSELZJm
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yeDQ0pEUX
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5pIk8qktH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd0ukOIZzn
"--Hrk!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUxek936jn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL08SFGB99
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeHQVoR6a9
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsx0noCf3x
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLcKMYUIvX
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZJumj4Wb9
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwvMIJkAfn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTa8eZUquM
"This..."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FCz6sdVCh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5onzaqFYQ6
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Br3UuQHTl
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMBX9jcINO
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nKpaN3Jul
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGAOI5FN43
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo1iFtDgKh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTSjOikPwk
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAOetMmrDY
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTI5c9d4VI
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCfN3Nl0FJ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBadaWL87pY
"--sneaky!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWiPF3Ta7E
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVCToshFW3
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALqh80UoKo
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMFpaOD6me
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLehfxssIu8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qeRO2N37n
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjvaEp5c1m
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WeuSxVXgh
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNb8KpJvAQ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlAxqev4rr
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv3mtMNOwh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLZH2R7J2l
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz1Nqsu5Pd
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxQXL5w9wu
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVivJ3Qvp3C
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eZxpM5NBm
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6QzOafjOH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz6EQIO3Rx
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzc8KkF0Qp
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyUQHg7FQ7
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TktUmXB9g
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDfcRHZHfG
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhtiKr1caa
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9tRCV6CF9
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGqW0IgQPx
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttlfaUGHPl
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgHupT94KR
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8gWI8nIZH
"I win, though–"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oHhcU5K9R
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2IZ0lBodp
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0UTZr0nES
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2RXe93V5Z
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnheS8VIz6
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGRI8PLty
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa4p9qXbBB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILbKAeh4Gj
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB8o99gpo1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1O52wT92x
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDp5UjOk2g
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYQykXFK6o
"Can't move your legs?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjSo5VJVSW
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDcvnplIuR
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiLazVMmrY
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqG08Z0k3z
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGBkQEFSnN
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGUW7Qq6Pf
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp6s6MQMGS
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKcPPMjPiZ
"Aren't you going to do something?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2amXVTrnrq
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyVsBQDLWh
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoMQSQuRaN
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AZUVC2z1q
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DiwCmuWvT
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVpStjTxLf
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9OluGbfUb
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6r1WUfyFg
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSWZzxKzHx
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerQoxquiKD
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuXjc2xqPj
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NZ8SkJwXL
**BOOM**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB6LdAWbnz
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJX6fwseAh
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KTDUBzIHd
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUVpOLrnZq
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfg8OuFcqe
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp6cywDJ5X
"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."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoauiiEFrLs
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgpMmPfQ7W
"--?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI0GrtacM4
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UnLqKSOo0
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdIq4Pb22T
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yexOFP0rr
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG7frvpRX0
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzay3xmfFQ
"...Ehh."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWHA3D06cA
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskCKakdbeN
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSNkB0l9yy
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXwtiyXb6u
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctlH199AdD
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxVkvNT696
"..."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqniwgba1t
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1rMvsgjeL
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDhsBQajMf
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWtxKk8Ny7
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9YhW4pEmZ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD64dmAr6K
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyVkFUWO3f
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGwvRX1wr0
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWv4OdpboU
