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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBg9G9Vlsq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmHBvshVG9
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xi0p0duHY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXY7EVS2Ev
"Kid! Over here!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJe5FiieNp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkY9VaUgVp
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnEEVPk9OI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftsA8AkQiS
"Ya ready!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dhB3U14Mh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM8moV6MKt
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG33mUwUAZ8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXdsZo0NIo
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ubxZGURvb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NDVTo5Zyv
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 place92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVNkt4mdLQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn1MdJSywn
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRCZA96jqY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSRVQCtjCo
"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!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0T5HJustS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K6vfSKloa
YEAH!92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2xlM5fKyT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegNOZmHvXx
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIr1vp3Ax7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfoa6P5bAT
"Ack!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38p61h1G34
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA0IfQnk9V
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMJhCqfLvV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ8TucydjB
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzrqkOB5eD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7SQWcdFi2
"R-Right!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nCTudSZjC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vunPUoVpd
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKcvJqm5QG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt3zJSWQJg
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafOha750PZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MPNzL4ZD8
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUAEFsglFn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMLC95OI0F
"Crap!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoBgnWzi9U
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgypdjKhI3o
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ8d0bMMAX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxoRUu3nub
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprrwQxsTe2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjZnZDSaIN
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojHPXiK7d0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVuHwRYu1A
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTouKfJZuqf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw78fGCjE9
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByR1aPYjK9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzramuZRMNF
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3HrvyJZrX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJs3p05Eg7
"L-Lola!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlpsVBoI9q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Hygw9V8o
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQJtszqULF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LG9dbJEnf
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYIXvpctJu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxPSbgjL7z
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGtvB0AAUn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchWEffIkyD
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXz2K9c8rr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1TB7auQ9Z
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJKXexnyVy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0jOsy0Pl6
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC8sEsZUrJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEUvH1N0Yk
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98WnWQsVIn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTkkNObQGy
–
–
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4M7PskYeQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8ETPNJFP7
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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CH1YQREBP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROT7xsNwNP
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxotwEhHiM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVzbqEtrNy
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yN7ILKYMS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPDW6MmmvN
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0EepguuA9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXd2c22e1k
"Do you have something you want to say?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqpB0C301L
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjK0MAChaR
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhddbtAGQu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXmIVnBeIG
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jixr2pdoO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1crdCMg79Z
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yZ7zIXp5D
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwgewJBjg6
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7MBE22rkT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2VVrs3zEO
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUciwu7Ln4g
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejeLAONsl2
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqsdC34LWw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wZHtolkkf
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtN3CfcO2j
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOR4KROa7S
"Call me Anima."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9cVdgEZGv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5X8vd9DlJ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkV1Tl8KgF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTFegeE4Mu
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jj0QXUMN1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuY4zrPfEI
Then, the Harbinger dashed.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxkvGeSzKL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi20umm2ruq
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpuk8KA1mW
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xWvfsciSO
"Ngh!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXcjaptlhQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xZrrbeYNX
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GGEpZ0vp8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqw5c4y7PT
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF1H012q1b
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDIAsX7dR
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjmqUZmzV2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN1v1QTjLU
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLEUrdlSkP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3roVAKBiPC
"--!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fr62p2LGB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8qOdXQLWc
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs58WkNijI5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDCkneYpdI
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOrqveJpLQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv0MecHXG5
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pFNcn2ccw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9LCMnMjtp
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqtCWDP7b3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCSgluxTAI
She had hit a wall.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXICu0mIwT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBA5KE4Ngf
"--!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIJdlIInZi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeQRHAmQdR
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI7l54wvDo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwyaaCWJ2A
**CLING**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXo2zDnuuF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreTHX1qXNB
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB8GYIpkYa
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMy90qV7z6
"Huh. I can't break free."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotomprC8PO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0O3Sfy4VZ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ALRqhnnG8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpci5QC0Np
"--Huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI4G0m59Yd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FezvStBll
"Caught you!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxAyJCJBwh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdLP8uKonc
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWjqE4m50Q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zQhf5rzua
"You!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2kD4CIDfk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN79WPkVO4
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdYMLYtRLd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IxYsIReRP
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxnQpSYkYC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcZVEIynG5
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBiYDJ5Nm2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0CeQuc9K0
"Hrk!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh72PvVR0jo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEFpbfSQlc
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0XEjYMwe2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrkk7L7vbL
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV25U7JT1zU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZh6Xr3mdd
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZLQGc7qrL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFrIayGtk4
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVADC8p1UKp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhymRubBY8l
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5j4T0CFz7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPu1ls1a0f
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BcgqgNmkX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegAbm473Po
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6XkmdZWgo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE00jTtSg1g
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh06ZCu2r6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcNkXgp1SL
"...This is irritating."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQJUSsO8H2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkgwuCvZBr
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOzDi53won
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw24nrBfkgE
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWaEMXUb9D
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTUaLdGTcs
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyze8NRr2e
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcP6aCNCt1
Giving up became more and more alluring.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4hG9EylfG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EKV8vb8to
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIayvkpqCl9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCGkO5FGRO
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BkYs4LfL7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L8PZN2dm4
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzJFEKBzvR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrGn4I2mcf
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKApr0AdoEs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrp9hKISRM
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIz7F8wTV1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTaGGxFuGB
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXRRaJ8n9G
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZLXFwAwNe
"...Unless, of course."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fipEWYTbC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNX1uCNiCf
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBPLebPVp8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe2xBoAJf1
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2jRYQ8J7J
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHYR4OqBKE
"I don't like what you're planning!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG8BPiAzb7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuJCC2vOFw
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQE0IcSfi9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp4GhdE6jN
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UqA6wESWi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL7RwJPpc6
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSHT5ykXQQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYZi5r7PTK
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva8AAvtfQM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLWchEl1pP
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpvfgGxDOt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DRuZn16Nr
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DXKJYreA5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M9hlfaasB
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzhPZSDU4y
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemtyO5SSAZ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Q9LuZz75
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2FUyoLmV8
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSHbWqxCNe
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYL19yfiBf
"--Hrk!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqWTQqDMef
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEHcZw67O8
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mZxysVJFf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAN6vsG68M
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtMYlBZpC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHuxgQfsDy
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIXOUMFasJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbZGFRQgIq
"This..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpqVY3SLeh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgDlD3xdHu
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBwNza9qkS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP5fuJRSJA
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMBXTfFrBY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F0yWmLQ9q
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKjB8ZEoEF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs26bR54xln
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv54dF4smK7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9udxc82SM
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW08zvRmgn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIzpQcPXqy
"--sneaky!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lpch0MNnl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOWds08WJE
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVYfpp0RnI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ec4w2SpgS
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP2TeKCNwL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBA3sKXqdM
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxFSpDrOcU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueXWSGTDCe
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3YEWcOUkE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPirtMLRlMY
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUcCaUhjuR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpVTdHQgqE
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pw7G0j8qy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIY7vCCA5i
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23SOq6dSpr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBfag9nYcq
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiYDPGst2N
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdisODno4BC
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvOiz2wP5b
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN7j2208Ul
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoRLbq8FTd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdmTm3O7HG
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg7D4ds0Bs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVMZyZTWA8
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSm26BOJTF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5ogSakTZN
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiOqmn83DZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1PpejG7n
"I win, though–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9CMjP7HD2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd3jWBJx5u
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHAkN2m7cL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbKA9Sm4CT
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocJPJN6BJq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO8qNAqFMs
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRgxyQKFfw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpZ3OZpWhv
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgQQAHIbH8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDorEJd9hvz
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk8o5WSa8e
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKlJDUGu3s
"Can't move your legs?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoHayHenlb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqASWtopwGy
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcckXjWUYh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9asJoCcy6t
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn7K0Dqwie
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkD1NgeQym
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZmPVrU2Qb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU7Oqnv7Y0
"Aren't you going to do something?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Pj9syYub
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd0NwDe9w0
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWpUOxFCUp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSfwDfAJta
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxWqVX6NVN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhXq37UQmZ
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmm1bjhEts
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjhESwilYh
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FspwEUERE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzAg2FTARB
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQibboLstHD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlFN3xHBM5
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm6Fk2QPtD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaPDPZTQrI
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuOCmoMZAM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS36rj38T9P
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyay5R9GgcA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92glCjTL92
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA8xvENIYB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTT4qIPZ8Q
"--?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoGC7j2xsA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sUQ0ZL7lX
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGdCmN1VT4
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFhySIqekQ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguFhVXzMhm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ077yZMDOK
"...Ehh."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgjvoF1QUn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXB3VMEPTo
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvs0y8BKlP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqKqvKFzHt
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoKvvhnvqK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskVGLmIRlW
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19TaALsNfy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhMkbYnc8B
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITdeNGQrC0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFJHkMkU9Y
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEwau22VGH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUJm5miXk2
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BWHio7LHk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKDyqbDbmR
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw8xjJP4Vs
