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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvzfVM6FJg
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxG6gwDMqr
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbDEZr0tWW
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg20OG1BSeH
"Kid! Over here!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVf7ncG4a6
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbXhgw7yGJ
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL6l5kFjyX
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz1xnrNzsP
"Ya ready!?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAz3SEwafa
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvqbcMAbqP
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgBgI7qCIj
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxXNB3z3x6
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh7wNpckSV
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroFhRMmEER
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 place473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlxyD3mt3c
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NTpOkWA9L
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlBMizcqKH
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeNAhhrrca
"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!?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfHJEFjUKe
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRk9miiwdr
YEAH!473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzehZ1ft7lX
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiLcdBNDlD
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qLLHGAzNR
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYaKcCTWci
"Ack!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSc6GyVPHG
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFyTh4Eqms
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmLszfYOFR
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKAEjvXRYI
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh5bdKydmn
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTwiYgwvmt
"R-Right!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnghITlXyra
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvL9xmDq8O
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxTF5wrP93
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9C3XJQxWz
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC9RBwUd3w
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOLArnMhVa
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1twRmDvmY
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJvJCiz7Ok
"Crap!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIAI6vHfM1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjPhcRa3it
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq66pOuWKy
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFAJdwwlm1
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwCoLEqTkd
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aj1o282nd
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ud5NzWSa0
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtEGEkwfd
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RMPJ4Qxqc
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiQbnYsj3R
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ1rDmEmgh
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0nNKSTPfA
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj7PReCvE7
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG2f2Rb46e
"L-Lola!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCleWCt1pv
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyvwWJQxnZ
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFhhXlkyty
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLT3uRoiwd
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdona5hDfo7
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJGzx8xeMM
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2lQNssD7a
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIKV6TDjbK
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8SDwm3VTP
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx1FXQn9gw
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8E7yQeXcd
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f5B8DXH0C
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1dKVpjydr
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11I5cPY8vN
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ612XAbQQr8
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuM92r3iDC
–
–
–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsfBJHm7NG
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzulvrxB3g
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?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOOhic5XsJ
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTL4WXQBMh
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiEjLuoIHw
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREYY5j3LGX
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnW4MDsFDV
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iI5UMk34K
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvqmvhupUk
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCYOPizfsh
"Do you have something you want to say?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Adq9A6o3
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirzmETXBgo
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1odI3NFap
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8V61JPv7a
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwlUer5YZO
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67barl4xFO
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQGQWEDqct
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUGyiWwV7Y
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp8RsLP03Q
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqJrde0YWc
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmo8TFoVqY
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHznMUp2jf9
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFcQ34GAW4
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeATlZ9nflh
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTsTApOHA2
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsHxIsf8Rn
"Call me Anima."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CwAIYGSIg
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJygpsMVBYE
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4t1YboVdx
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWJVGCkVMZ
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1uUzL8MKE
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhKU6yOTvO
Then, the Harbinger dashed.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JpTOMobUe
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWH1HMw4zv
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRiwNBVRUq
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprCCQRVLIY
"Ngh!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpXx60Oq26
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUjVyKEwrT
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–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvKRgkz3Z5
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX4NOWkUH7
**THUD**473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jRLZmQwAP
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn0HU1ihC1
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WKdG8peQM
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmfp3GG3OX
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSULHsXbOm
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPtlFZdopg
"--!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNxy74ryJo
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dOqr7lDj7
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiMB31CvrO
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4feWax0lU
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNkqdiTv24
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSVBWIz2jF
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm902S4KPMd
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtunpskQNNU
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY8oAaqiRQ
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77r3K1QU3F
She had hit a wall.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsNklLXc1r
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz65wrZQ31
"--!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmchrtWXY5n
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL22cPJyPJ
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–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhPXT9XyR6
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YfyOuwc3I
**CLING**473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LYoPfn5Qk
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDmYrkw8Rz
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL3s8WlDNH
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UX2fd2n0A
"Huh. I can't break free."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI0l7ftM1G
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFkxkRFXey
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj30RzqMgA
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwfnwBWlBO
"--Huh?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPH8wQ7vXb
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAnXLAXZZ6
"Caught you!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt48DlqX2m
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0drsqykTu
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrhxfHUKHD
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEDuyd6qo5
"You!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT6R8Otu57
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjnxnls0IC
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwTQsA9Sc9
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJlpqkNWJN
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkU2JrYbEZ
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYyCes6AD0
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOlaBBPgAE
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nSJhZgCyC
"Hrk!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkdafLxN6r
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61U8oXfIXv
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aOMOyg8dv
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VUY2VmKHJ
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1wKimcc1w
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfje2SbFvqb
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOMpIVA6cP
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnndMT4MEYA
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqubCzSpzwe
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotb3CqrElR
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmCHNPSP3k
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicRTNwrz4R
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEx1cYyWRD
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0RNFDRfPV
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7TCYirqWj
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDIwYp5PUj
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdOIwzvg2l
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LOADiX80P
"...This is irritating."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsWs9jZdHz
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcdePnXAJY
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFuoHAD3KX
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElK4DQf4hL
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8tiEFJAAH
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zMwrC7ZL3
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SV6RXvPBi
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzgdnooiQX
Giving up became more and more alluring.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxODu0a4JN
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2rlpWyAFI
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTPxmLTM8m
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokC0WXQFCJ
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzpkbVQrdc
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOXWBSvXUy
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMo6adYTAA
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NOu0UcQD6
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKd1oCe1LB
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWdUztO18K
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw3F3uzLux
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvKD1bmZfT
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc4olHK1cW
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vthl5xtl7
"...Unless, of course."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6qKMR9gte
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKv15IYYuh
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9u0VQvwNf
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIoZcT8Ufy
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCealSSchLu
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkOmibVWQt
"I don't like what you're planning!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHqiREWkII
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdtJUJj9ka
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTTBjhAnay
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeZoulUXEK
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPaFtTAPyu
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHED2gtinS
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4N5Q4Or7R
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTMMrDr184
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ypcTJ3Dw
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFyymfniSd
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfNwe2gXo0
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp7FMgpBwE
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–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1PwtPbBOb
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU8AiC4klB
**THUD**473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu8dU3dmrR
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85rPUKX99w
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz3VFvueAL
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OxlVkPsbc
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–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6tRnc5gBK
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mQukjJkCS
"--Hrk!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0aTYbrLyf
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl532HVBfhO
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNTkFYncgn
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkZFWY0Knr
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N7BuFg2y1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQABaPknHv
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBdtcSYxz1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz715uiZG0j
"This..."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqw5IDKkb1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQQBcS0vO4
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriEV6rRKYr
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKrLA5uaxF
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvlUvxStmT
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KykZRV3H7
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SpZCwSfx1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMUEMIL2rw
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReN3cPFLMZ
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEGgPf9yhb
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooC7zXqhPz
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmkvrosSze
"--sneaky!"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNRJz6YGRu
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRITfxzrj1
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNZoRXwHpw
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kH0BVFbNd
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVdVTtJQea
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoFp4J3YM3
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwYvNw7BEV
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwuuDrAVqz
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYMmDGeMs8
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e7MgR8jhY
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1O5b2t5oN
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qpOH66ar8
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MDe7Y917S
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEhPZMCl63
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck3eK9Yus1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS03PbN4xJC
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHtkl1QndX
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UZGFq7gAL
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZTy487m6T
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOVa11KVaL
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT735bLpLV
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TWN1qI4H0
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraGZI3HLvP
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRcZ5amGsi
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVJHKbvyBY
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm8FFoCMKu
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV8pigW5LI
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jIwici35J
"I win, though–"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASDN0XPa3b
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cRGgQpTyX
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAQRX3A6CA
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpUMsALOuT
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXyjjmkUlI
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJStpDxH8MT
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwQPgkVKqN
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fQQltukJr
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3fUrZ3R6P
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBMecucnlP
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpBhyzvAfO
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSJOVRNrNs
"Can't move your legs?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKhrEueKma
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFkHafaSvc
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITQWukB4iH
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEymp3Wtdox
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGyYiBqQjj
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs9TaxEjp9
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyyvUFOc82
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G1OhGYnDp
"Aren't you going to do something?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7wOLKAsfq
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYazdUXEtd
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zD1EGcSJE
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFnXpZhXk7
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqmI0ly0f3
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqtjaDRoaD
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoKnAFwT4m
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qL7EoLrp9
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxYkRoiGTk
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jeWE2Y7qU
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–473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW2aCOPT43
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsGLUAMGQP
**BOOM**473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqvgRtgRjq
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ0ppk4NVW
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ue8vt2nAk
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK7O6fO5AZ
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu6aFRb132
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsrQWoUJn8
"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."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJokgAm1ep
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpgNldKJ8j
"--?"473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u87haqBKl
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AeEwNPANO
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3YslcYWip
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojhJCkjhdW
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsv0QD6OiB
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b3zx2BG4x
"...Ehh."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueSqlQeIOU
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SsAxgZ5pd
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBy7qufXiC
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjhpgDT00L
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mHrrYIcv1
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SBAbP0983
"..."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLQjXu22lw
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5lDIfumtx
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe0OTTzCor
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpZo31kvmu
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ9UYe8L5i
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvozEbC79Hj
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.473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xclSe9fCa
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeqZTwlI8B
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
473Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25h81kFYbr
and then Add to home screen.