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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrBt8A6Sas
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"Ow! Ahh..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGS3bfqU51
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisLEFz0Oan
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZTO67c5cT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRRwVyv4S6
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV7hnYoYvK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsFu4DFCJI
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEXJgZCYJx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZDPEU8Nnl
"...This place is giving me the creeps."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5VE2YvDvN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCyNoMd2AL
"Huh? How so?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKNLHPMtAS
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIIQLDj7Gr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMQ3qrey1i
"Couches and rich– wait a second."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAxjMVpxcT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSv2XFZu3R
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?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioYT01K6Rx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8obuBUVty
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIRPJB4EWW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnxuXGhkhB
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObXFP3ndhL
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"Tch! This stinks!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4A6fjgVnh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wXGOvwMXA
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8Ymy8BxI2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevPrDPTnT8
"What?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrqRhviK4l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpTFwGS8XZ
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkOeOprb8u
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2Oy1a5zbD
"What? Are you scared?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpVLiKrGju
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qImgi1JFR
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLjPrsYSRx
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH6mx0LNFO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YYpOTyH4j
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡembS9L347J
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpITvla2xm
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33fPlwJm1Y
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyRN2Xxal2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6X4WjckT8
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3imkHTMIVw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K8ZYxpXIN
"...Fine."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrKR0isiUV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lW51ofdJN
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oo0ASIqmc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG0cVMAwnC
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNOEG5QgI8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZpjVzbM8P
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo6ROR1X4H
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhNXWqzQgy
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiyztlSTUv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctbQVUMC8r
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL0w0bmuCu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLT4YBVvKm
"...It's locked."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lA0BFuLoJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb72TGH0wE
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–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImvpPyY1Hx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyVGkDDFf0
"Oh! This one's open!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtckT7IvQwU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtciwPV8oU3
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANF6HKJ4AR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhcl8N0gUL
"This place is– cah! Ack!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw2Qlc6Xdi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15EcoP9j0W
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBDLxKdpb6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ytzYtfzzT
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?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE35rPfTJG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfxjM4RsmQ
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv2PfhuVGu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts4xERwP7o
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmlVObm1CD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSId6GMZqi
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGdKGZauYy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoTfQkoi1T
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0bev0aXYf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzdrX9aTCF
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzClucGGDcI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EPi5dIvby
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vUP7Up2Ma
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdcPQf8Ejx
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlAcaE1kZ7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc3fqDQqNU
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5fbTQU5Va
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YweAiZocT
"Ow... what the hell was that?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHJwovPfxi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n08Jj61hy
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5z1Y6dvLw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsCfoOafxW
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGBpf7l10S
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToOkHe0TiC
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98nG9m2RGk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnGWdzKkJQ
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEVHxOtmLb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusyYyT4MnO
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmN14Gz4KO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyJS2n6p5r
"What's this here...?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b8QFL2KW0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ICVOfxdV
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!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWJeoe8Elj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7o0FSKx8f
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGogJbHuCIi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xUgMnYYl7
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK8VGAUAlm
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7nDUAv3yy
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSvIE0G0KV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAyILXJo4x
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIgtv61SrK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7u2UMFb5Q
"...Really?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwiN2Ptkvr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAV3J3GyCS
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9jT1iaLVn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdr99OEBg0
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–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhkcj17jkI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V6vGO7CyX
"--Wait."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq6ceuuxlW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVxIrh5rWL
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7nZhywMr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a63QMmuzj
**SMASH**223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pvKb4ypTY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcelegzMDL
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduFXuW8bx6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3s1fBZw65
"Earth magic."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyYaPENooq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxCjf0xRXB
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qLRXptRwx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX06DFP0cb
**THUD**223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1H9h0wKbA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9DyVAleZY
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0nHtszEV0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9gee9ikJs
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gXwe0DxaW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG4y0Dwc7K
"...Tears?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVniYY4Jrbj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUdP13Am4N
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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExJfKGCh4a
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhbJqtFKno
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqkIaLAPCT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ3H4Oa2A7
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PjrerAvW2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Y5P1GBQA
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FAeni1gBG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2fwax2UKM
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5v0Kwd6B2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuO9joXcw5
"Ha, how interesting."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJwR8ngoo5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMixdugVgC
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4erxCimOWP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUURTpHTEMa
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6o8rH2swv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Rzl0KRVH
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeO9qZyh1z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLAD6sLbdP
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwnoJP4OHo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXAHRk3r2s
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CNVVSbE3X
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8MgaP3odq
"Similar fields?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yJ4v6uO8l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI0rjQvf2L
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03koN0yVuz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhg0dqwxl0
"I-Is that so...?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpOqooZzyo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduA0ihOxyp
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAvKoGHSRE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRAfdXKqKy
"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–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqX9ZOsZ7M
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80YJeLAJ4V
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0YzYOO00u
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInc2CA1NBv
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ06ACzoAyu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbE5cVGNlo
"What part didn't you understand?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqnjNi7bgr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzB9mHy4OQ
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmIvoZhMWF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UYSoFpuCw
"...Huh?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr407QArmD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk6NfopBG6
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg4QkN1IuD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqol4DVB2Ua
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCplTQ5Nbx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwpxspzGYN
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zzWf4kHib
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgtqcdbI9a
"Huh?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBDQCwplXE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMft82GqKA
"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!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rgb7fqeIS
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXBcWNkdFx
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd638qC3dG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXt7Th71Sr
"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!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PlOI7kVq4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ck7m3OdOU
"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXAXzGjfMG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxVelzQnNd
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgEVVf8Ktr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAToPTy8Yl
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7vh4aLgZx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4RO7nxHpv
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveaXxIhOOL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCWtIu7M2S
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xVLVr0M9W
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJIUx6636T
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRJu8g0CAc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJNUUvatXx
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMt6Es7uxB
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BUUSj8OlM
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAICRTIWun
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbxKmNCDel
"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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x9oG7xpb1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLLzwadU1i
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6upVm5Smpt
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1APCSyd0d
"What are you talking about!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWfmyodtJa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATWeDKXhAF
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpUGggVhS5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoGCKUJYcj
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAplVFm6AK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVxmatlrVG
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyEUeLQ8LK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe4loYye54
"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC0n223BDf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjKHY0rKXh
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–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5DNysJTCI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yAdyLRIVD
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7nTMAWxHx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lHWkujPcF
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmf8X7aUUl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4mXyqmXs2
"Fine, go ahead."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtlMKHo3jb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur4vF6zf4B
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDybrmNWMU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfIRsidV60
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEWI8TXmb3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWpDrAYMNk
I pointed at it and she nodded.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJpMjRfRFL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBSJcv0rDp
"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..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYh33B0cDS
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiKJazInh0
"Hm? But what again?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBZTTWiyzg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd25tpWOCP
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlW3Dg7BGW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZWSSUUBsL
"I see. That's disturbing."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfP7n6jLjI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5BATKqxTy
"It's... not so bad."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsPHKBq8IZ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFUjQIRKMc
She gently huffed at my response.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiGkPbeZcl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XR9nKvpwh
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5OtAOKd6l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8DtuKgVZ
"Fight Mason?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczs2beedqe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVFm3479oD
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAH4jk5817
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5kKrOFeyi
"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!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1L2MxMRRy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpYVmXvzpY
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIfHqGZzdR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh30ipLsey
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5ph2wI3cF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVrGrlNXlf
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEdamfn6k9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCEybYk3Dq
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgT3Fj8VzW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxZZLTJ1oZ
"Is something the matter?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbhqTaFmZ4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi84VU63l8M
"...Where is your friend right now?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqVWnv9MIu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsvDtAUths
"T-That's... why do you ask?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDpDBGnEJE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDKM5uyztW
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUeZfcBCj2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgdHg2FmPH
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRgeXKVn3l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbBWSzzcBY
"Yes, she did."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9uzazRQ4B
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBINzny1Br
"Ah, I see now."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaInXMaH9k
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGw0LSlbek
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39VwczvTHN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1B8iKEmvs
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
