The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezYEAcr58V
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCJ7w74I0V
"Ow! Ahh..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiv7rpq9lz
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYZYYFelux
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc5eyysJWi
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrv6STojUP
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ys9McLCbt
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kKnNCMrsN
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdhOGtIODf
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AneNYvuRV
"...This place is giving me the creeps."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHkkvTBVma
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7FBwufaUX
"Huh? How so?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpzQbZvvGx
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO2dQlt2Wc
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1iUrCjdCZ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHofHCRfkU
"Couches and rich– wait a second."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsZdoyRThI
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECbwA2OwQB
Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqcUjWXtwM
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnZUChqouq
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyL0sy6BR1
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaIe1kKf5N
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Aqc0AVnU
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX0LwCJqKL
"Tch! This stinks!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39jeYSSSjz
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthlFpqeE4
Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeI2ItCtmb
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyBElM1guC
"What?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiu4tdNjpQ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWArGuRzyzz
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCafSP3zN1s
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVE5fnnEg
"What? Are you scared?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aEStEom2k
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTbWEVA9um
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKrjfdkvny
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZZUC633Xk
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcliDH8R1nP
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWGzCKENLY
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEsNa5jiWk
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesdKk7EAc9
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zQMZffmm3
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaYmfeyJR3
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuX3pku5xf
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9rv3JOwhH
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmaYf3cz38
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyUyk27RQN
"...Fine."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98ot8LdFcZ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqecd5n7Tef
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK0gondwyf
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74bX6oSTiq
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopwAVejJIv
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMC5rP596Q
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI73T7ospe1
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDCwTqSIVC
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lMOa5lwuW
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iAAk1Z43f
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0tYc9Clvi
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVUpwvmWQs
"...It's locked."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9NXmC4ues
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zSBbHornF
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAgObBjmjA
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IAXVmcELq
"Oh! This one's open!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkkfPUGVMD
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBbsnCKhsP
Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnbPju7Dxz
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGMoMRQ563
"This place is– cah! Ack!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWMnNJd4fP
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGnCscKnFp
Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCcTpm46Mo
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04nLgvySXM
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfphBkR8vF
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TVxix9Oq6
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzR589oD4y
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduDGK06GTI
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdxQ4lFcxC
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulSGa4Gnfz
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tmjRTwACS
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0D0nRxQpH
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngexWk0TwK
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOlS4CDb04
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC22unRZS2
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWkU2k3MAK
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DV7dz3nxg
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdBQCVfuH1
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5MZdUUuOR
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9iDzuSwSV
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRBKdUSlVA
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen396b6gRB
"Ow... what the hell was that?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WfyYLNimh
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdguyLEzQl
I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWkYkLTkPb
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGXAeqHz7e
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3JYDSHX9k
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrkMd6n4De
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xEjSNBwxA
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdWGGIHWj6
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Z1c0huTh
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9vwcAYAc2
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I6UqzW1ls
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWKqgR79s9
"What's this here...?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI0vVexQ5E
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlLnU9nyAJ
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlnK1PJmxu
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12ZGurQO0S
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv62UeC6Po3
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtEkfB5N1i
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDZwbP31NB
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIWbcSrKhV
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHDvVKVKDO
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ786xADF2Oh
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN9uW3JqU3
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmd2wcJaSd
"...Really?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgOVhAfdv1
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcLjfjKaBN
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGmvolmzJt
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWZdVN1pGu
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0PaAZagf4
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dm6byNH2c
"--Wait."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3zQbEfKKB
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0DY1OXDBE
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNjae7aXD9
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYjMcXzf9p
**SMASH**433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxBnIa4IQn
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpDO08jlqM
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT8ApRHftA
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMnMCyE7oT
"Earth magic."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7z76DOoyB
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6PAiQDIn0
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmalJlXNVtX
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHBWc36lfh
**THUD**433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4M81wZMgl
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEkUmT591w
I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOjUClmLg5
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52hs8wwORE
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfcvxkVc46
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQKWKooxfh
"...Tears?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlApehvw8yS
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQpWG6BlGc
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPJjzk52Ns
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa9AU1s1uK
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXs0xdfcQZ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLiNdx8ovO
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YmCBDntE4
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDzyGLRF5x
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWg7N1LsRo
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLbBfyEJAq
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLtx7LmjT6
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRdf16cDJC
"Ha, how interesting."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw4lJkxzdt
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlcs7LQ558
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQJhIAbDfV
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTeVCgao0K
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc0wetxRxP
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxbr1J3Rh2
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdi1AQvpLa
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkflNRgoaGV
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmnk6UIfmj
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2zBixp9Ys
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA81rKAZ4SI
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz62WFRBLpN
"Similar fields?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0cOm2X00q
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7L2r5ozgH
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QUmnghCM1
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuoNQ6WVaQ
"I-Is that so...?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYXUBhfC6B
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP7SZmO7oH
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xaNZj1niX
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zm794tXCw
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHrbQofNfx
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uuujIgBdH
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0izv9xyGMk
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAacGu0YbO
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDhzJTB1Fg
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPjqbemdQt
"What part didn't you understand?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMraBZCir5
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EYn7KXUW9
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK1sFp5okT
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tPbKxcgjg
"...Huh?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuyCjEv1Vx
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEa8KSiBEa
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaWmiBS10J
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFJ3nl1ExV
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxxZLfSQd7
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUQAnjEcek
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClF3uil8Th
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiOIkZecfY
"Huh?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8GYolQZTv
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90SG1juuer
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW7zgLjgX6
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DZoYJ9fJm
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdvwIHlQy3
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVY7P1XQEf
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoSjNaDUlg
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQF0kmzEJG
"..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8jnzDGeJu
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNuvSSfMhX
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqnBjfTBWP
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU15Onr5HWR
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn6687iXhq
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcmByFVuAj
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDKB4Wvx4J
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4ejfGblQ7
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxxpt2fWvx
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjTpOpiDAG
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLEfZR7Z0M
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP4cOI4cjX
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAADP6F4aKi
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6iLaWa7GC
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ixhjnKQMN
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PySOq3voe
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfLTB4S1Ee
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUuCPChKEN
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfb1hsl3Sx
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGRg2nOUMD
"What are you talking about!?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsuuagjCQi
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRnBJHtGBU
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85NI5KoqRG
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ63qsrEpwA
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHDgaqgaeU
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLcWIE3th2
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmrKi8qB9J
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJhdP1LEHL
"..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ6wVer004
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1R30hZ58W
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu6YoNRjAJ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWsZ9K8TqE
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhPzXlTO7Y
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisVPJCtMnw
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx22HNzJTBh
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxCwmzvN7v
"Fine, go ahead."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ShOPjONu
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLZemt6sLo
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UPQ7Pqx4c
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4WT8zzfnz
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPuQatzxR8
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb7PoD12Zk
I pointed at it and she nodded.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWcqVwBzf9
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUuACQiEqg
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ390lLoSW
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Dc2dqnKL
"Hm? But what again?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkphunWWBD9
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMZ93RlRVV
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ24ZOCOPW
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgluiARRx9x
"I see. That's disturbing."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWC3e0U7i6
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIDNMt6tYM
"It's... not so bad."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqwzlZRXeP
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gQR1PmLsV
She gently huffed at my response.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsqMzo25pt
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxDyyyCVyC
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWaxhVZSL4
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXfaVlLDLt
"Fight Mason?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOWtL7vVUO
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DesAtBPWd
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodnshZvLXg
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAttcGSV5P
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHE6cVuu8T
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5nxyxv673
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim3k8Qs1LU
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq6K6QBVRD
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadJrcqpMpf
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyVv0LxXve
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQnxxvjmY
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThkldvhlBn
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMe9IOl9Xq
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcRGc8JWEh
"Is something the matter?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7tbtiooly
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bMwRZy6l4
"...Where is your friend right now?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jkm4EuEiI
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfkXlcrZe7
"T-That's... why do you ask?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd83sxSaHXQ
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZbP9KGbnn
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMz52A5wJo
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVlltthBab
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbejji10QvB
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFau5tOSS9B
"Yes, she did."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPwksMmRr0
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzAurzGgYs
"Ah, I see now."433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz5KhQuoy6
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS8LBKEowX
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQXV7Ebq09
433Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkRGV1gJup
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
and then Add to home screen.