When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp4JkeUx8v
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznlTDthXcO
What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMCvZcBdPP
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpmOq7ggQy
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj6shh4ADA
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE8SRAkL1P
Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hALBneKuE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59NIsLmNKj
She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvc6zmKaMy
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePXy7VQPT1
It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HEAjRTW5L
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCUYnA3asH
She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9rwQ0QZrF
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfujdyz87mR
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0Evg4pDJ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUK7Qg0qNs
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEZgMEGFM3
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90MSoSw8hf
"Who's there?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREjwC7JFoL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7ZBgfiqGR
She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiODg9cRvuE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLDed7Erwf
Therefore–465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tUOTa1c1b
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6oPrYB3bz
**SHATTER**465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqv3A5ORsG
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4CxCnuJVB
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE4dV5vZEp
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvmTDzF2W9
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosy96vI4D0
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUrsBtAt9S
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42MXdUVTOb
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlatqUf4QlC
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnocYUIjpn
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrNbP1b6XW
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4aCh9Cdnr
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcF5dwWd3Q
"Powerful, too."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf2JVC3bFg
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3kGqPZiWm
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdxAVnUswj
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaNeejG0IY
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1CB9DxR5S
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKyuj9Um3l
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5PtIfh2Hs
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEcNbIfMTX
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L7xM2MaUh
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2GzslmrYc
She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzGIIUCgMa
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45o97rA2xg
"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03YV1ZOBgs
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvtGixhWGJ
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xO5iXk6zF
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUd2EUWGtt
"Crossbows!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42obG6S6Fp
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVjKbW9pZ6
Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uaexcHn2R
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJNl1Ndq7R
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnLaXZPbJH
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteLAE8UUof
"Ngh! How!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuW2gXYJG5
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJXtsjLUWe
She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3hWM5EavD
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwjFg8pRkT
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiOl3n8oeu
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlowZ4sp5Bh
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOQ7h2T16U
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXjkuKy0uA
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2NUlebD3w
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvmZ5Orzmt
"You ought to know the answer by now."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOmEN7Ycz6
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsLxKObLac
The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzDmubN4D6
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86H7OtdNrC
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft0BmDHkxR
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPX5ZIlWoj
"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPKIgPx0iN
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuixhAg26I4
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47jGH97szz
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRwOEOiW9n
The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAjsd15hiN
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki2fpCAWHP
"Phew. Give up now?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hELe8fXmz
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVBqyDB7SE
"'Course not, just thinking."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbQnOHZ7La
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGGkBmJM5q
Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFTG938Mk6
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dzwsQ5dMx
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9ktN3hl3p
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Mt3vE4C5
The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLqWBy5jzM
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42iQnvZT8X
"--Shit!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknR8F7YZfd
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi8DqT94oh
Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYaW3LUkeE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQMYRB4k8A
The man must have had a similar epiphany.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6DW4V6heq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI2aqjhc8e
It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5od2XO9J0
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzfiT2dGVr
"--Huh?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun59yZIWM7
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqNzTh1xLs
Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk8rdUVsBv
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffvAmQZjKF
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSGZbgP5tU
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYebXAnVlMX
The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEleBI21VH4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVucigCWts
"Ngh..."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HEwGedU48
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwOJjApS7
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrXK7INLTn
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNiv54ThJk
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA2ixulEvV
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsaGTNQw9Z
"--Rover!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQs0SLL5pj
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwV89xMG97
And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjnR8E2asw
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUusQyogsG
"K-Kenny!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad9uyeq5G4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwgQn73gEU
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw5yRcpdCe
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dvobSf7wS
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBhsd1pUsq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mkurp19Ue
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV0vwylP8Y
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6U8V0stQZ
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEn9iXfCCs
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ527EjNIUO
She turned her head to him, conflicted.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIugH3oKhT
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroDIrJGiR9
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ2L1fpH7c
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtUvVcyaMf
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy7d0nVXY4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCMr4anmC8
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkAqKSbiiq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BuROaqRmG
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1JBOpLwWD
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsxlQSafm9
"H-Huh?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b6EEEfs1U
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAMlp77ctB
The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmmQm4hqLt
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLQfm5JQl3
"You... you are so reckless!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRMe7PbKHU
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryeyuJYXFG
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHME3C5QJRl
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NMyzyAxzE
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYz7xliftp
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2tvOUEyZs
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W8N7A8qDK
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD85Q9gU4f
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawAYlYdyyP
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K7mnx8PmI
"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Gi7RBhW4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cOwfQO6am
"--!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT6Ah2SomX
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA27sm92fy0
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0EVMReApR
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzb7f2dwcT
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HKofSam9E
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eVfkmkreg
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YmTM2spQE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJPMe5f1g6
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetp0bjGQd9
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8z3H4tDvW
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cIemtBxPY
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3agklWooU
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwJgFSyWvW
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EWUyDszZP
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQcPmuy0Qv
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ0lNKUkH9
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWL8sjvHsx
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KaNsZXQdU
–
–
–465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMTab2lwH6
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02sS7rwu7T
Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCrKYAsX16
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN5Ky9Is6K
According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYqRcMtDKA
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUDYel1GM
Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw12UvA429k
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1bMMOwFE1
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTFPtFVMpE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVKiK7qOBa
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE56Ao9LGwP
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6syIVsrL7
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9WeEToUd6
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z52IXvVFg
I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMNXrQKvbO
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNB4aTqKKL
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt9yPJcrWZ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuulGgcIwvA
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mExJ31JdF
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ePmTP7R4t
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIBdB05q3B
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU803hMItF3
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve5WMJ8RTi
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfuV5Hheyr
"Of course."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCN0nODD3h
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiSI5PvV0E
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyksimB7tp
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX9oXfl2OB
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD6cplej9C
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE5D6Dmmzq
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS0roRQG07
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOcB9c1Wx0
"..."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3VfAV6tXJ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2sdgBLz5Z
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweMReKF7bS
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVqsHBPRN5
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp5RIy7F0Q
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq9hSUAgRB
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLONfjvayE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0KhYTiu2l
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNNN27Owz5
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq0NwjeMQ7
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaSXyH2Iap
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnZcVf53sC
"Then I suppose I have no choice."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpHnI43NLb
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3huQhv6lCz
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwYHFRX6gw
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIePY5bT1VK
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypM3BtkoUo
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe37Zx7w5BJ
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR5XAqCxwH
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUZ4vTkLd8
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtx438j8Iy
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDlnoZip75
"You are such a priss, Pars."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2Q02qbO53
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DGzh1jWpH
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXeFkowQL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyBuRE7IJt
"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0jyXmi1PZ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDErhAXT0gu
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5CndwdH0s
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTPuG5rdu1
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJqaFmHOK0
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUeYtPWUPK
"I'm going to tell them."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEem4TbcczW
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsJrYjT4Ph
"Don't you do it."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Er5SVOX4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylYrJKZR93
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjcrTZRVFg
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6hB6LFOmw
"Lola, I'm for real about this."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcTKnMhXcK
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIaPw4LjNs
"--is because of a series of assassinations."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cGQNC23NS
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OKsLdybfZ
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1MsiHEGXs
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJb4D4k98P
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k8Cs9WTGo
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pn6UqkGs7
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM5a0NCpOz
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnCdGJfYoe
Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Mu4PfZh3
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpDYq0QKxy
"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePusk24m1c
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1mTg4dHqZ
"Uh, well, who got killed?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenwnMXgngA
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2tL89xOe8
"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI6jOQgjfB
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qcnA4IEgc
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HkcH8F43U
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhvqbQwjUK
"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aMasJRzdm
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr01mLxkqW
"I-I see."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjUskWeWUR
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNx0bCkwzQ
The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYaNHMBhqH
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf3i11c921
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEWtayAi7c
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvRL8fxfXg
"...You have my condolences."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmg9ip5RjM
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdQOBvF94P
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE3gq2sCJy
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7yB6yvPQj
"Mmm."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEJz1ehoWH
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyLpxK7Sgg
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcrpCTPoGW
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK2RqJpSCF
"Alright, we've made it.'
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ015SkzXYjW
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9wGIGP3Of
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJdcVwXxe5
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeizlD7Ljx
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfjn7dOjyg
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AlUCs2tyK
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCqZpyCw9l
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeloVPnKG4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2YTxh5297
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcMKHalXAS
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQRFdT7E9K
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyWkXTulDV
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnOAGhXjmv
I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklcfP1lCsO
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLveKjUM7b
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5P7F0kdNl
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYIhCHIzQu
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG5spC0fqq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKPLTUprFC
She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCuPvA0lmU
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojeaNhPiWv
"..."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqM0v964lS
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWoTDJkQqt
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5eRZEkp2F
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnSkVIguLB
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIiiAQg0Y4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24PJTLXHGL
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgwhCK7rsL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThOIUuS41H
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjUdt1zMrI
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEUyRFwwd0
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0YGmBCEmq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI3QUQiL2j
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGHOVTic0D
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzNWFzaPVt
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgcZYX65nq
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuKuq2RWYd
We had completed the mission.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQFk5fBfxF
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNYLbuwxxv
–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8MJ8JuESe
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZvVj7mU6q
When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPfEicz13U
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIZyh0SzQq
"One last high-five, Kenny!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZHOGMMqrM
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz3oninRz6
"Alright alright, geez."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaVSPsSIjy
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5h8CHwMaf
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZA5lZFG9W
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmquJ40rXhH
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxTPYzk2Bs
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVKjgwlPJn
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo63pcnId5o
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovrpY82MFU
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBIdyov2B
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKdCy5n6Hk
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWQXCmXY6Q
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jaALAHHQo
"Huh? What are you talking about?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqHFmfh6u9
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbqeTFArcc
"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNG9f6jDQ2
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2FQ1Oen4y
She looked conflicted about my statement.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHJY9uVYsL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzy5j9C1it
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUHNNMeaNL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEHj6tPf1p
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX0cJtTqRu
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTUGESqYY6
"Dispositions...? What?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjPqrIbmdA
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct4rmePUrv
"Uh... our natures, basically."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXXxCeJaqZ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6G1aYl1Rf
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkJOg9vRZL
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeloztSUij
I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEWrHtbWBN
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZKCXIwdcK
I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeTeMKwUaE
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzdoVA9zaR
But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy7nOVPxeZ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOdwPDu9Gs
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MVmVcRDk9
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TxOOdaOq2
She pulled me out of my rumination.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8fQi1bs39
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"About what?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuVxGqljpj
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yYFRvClVj
"About what you said."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUFDlfCEC9
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQzuBg5Uun
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfTmWOBznc
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagOiX36r7O
"Well, what is it?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJMucKOqa1
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqUGRUTVBb
"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaMJUY5BwJ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPG5Kb03DQ
"Right."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQprG1OFNz
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWazwnRa55x
"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqSy9qEUsA
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPfG1mBFzU
"..."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIZAqTv2FQ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Sfc3TwoAz
Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VUvyZ4UAw
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlBgCDsM7p
"That's great."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl8baNM6g4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYI9qvTuu9
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79WTHl7iQP
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tT6vT8CyX
"Uh, what's the matter?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykIoOk63Io
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bAlv0SKML
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMuuASsgzc
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKCIdH3mGx
"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYatVsvyZT
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbuDX5ZFnV
"I can't say that I do."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wzgxtJsEW
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbJRV8kuLn
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5kVps58Zi
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDkuq8AmXU
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5CjyJgoHS
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6LKFnn2QV
"Just trust me here!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8uoEsCySw
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk9eE0r5Iw
Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqMNJsAh8G
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUryOkusWTs
It sounded like chatter.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCxL9dYx78
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HezsgMRji
Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOjOrhzZIe
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVlAZZcVBa
"Kenny, wait here."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug1yKgvl4K
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IbOABpJv3
"Huh? Why?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8It3JBC7Q
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRn4bOVIxm
She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC77hJXFRpg
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0AEPohSCo
"W-Wha–"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1pJUlg6MX
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRkvwllbDu
"Shhh! Shut up!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOuuWquiK
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ekWsi5mxv
I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn33DNQBXZ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGBVKwnLiU
"This is..."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr3qddF6WW
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"Something fishy is going on here."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oNzUuL2xP
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XVgTGMvs4
I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyxw3KYYrd
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJv9b0Pdvj
Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC6AvsQtmQ
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsvKDPinVY
"Alright, can you all hear me?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TYZLV8cN4
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMddhP4W2Fl
I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi78nXpMvv
465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhiGpxvZ8q
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
and then Add to home screen.