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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtHzkCgclA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbwMOMPbJ8
"Ow! Ahh..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLRGrDHU5b
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeCCUQb1q3
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPgwNXDhdk
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ch6ef129M
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly7drkuTfJ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsIOimFdUm
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNKLPaY9Q6
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrT12nyj7Q
"...This place is giving me the creeps."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3yaFXFlTX
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIALjjcJWgr
"Huh? How so?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8GGp8doTG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRON4UEwk0L
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pGQLVVzVn
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeuMN9wBJK
"Couches and rich– wait a second."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQbHJIajcn
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKvS8duZJ8
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?262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqmErS4qHH
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC2GzqSUhO
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj3ThgJoZu
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2D2Xq2UjQ
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWm5rJsRIO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlzhIpd46m
"Tch! This stinks!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDseGQBxtU9
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjLKdwSYKs
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzmYpZbmQR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkvfpgswG0
"What?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7FnzJYmUI
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MCmBKXYxm
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUSXBnEfyC
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZDUSrGRBu
"What? Are you scared?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZIBnbnPc2
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3G6z4YjgF
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktT9uU5Foz
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrefX08vl9s
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0tlTFvVrL
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wwdu3cdoI
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVUc82FBZO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUqkDSMHCe
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaWsyuUN2F
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWmegQ9NOE
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKtZWk8z3B
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5PpvIoFwF
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP2Jt2EMZQ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4FsB0XsTS
"...Fine."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN58Sy4kcZ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCp6Ak2j3Z
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvBLjRnWVS
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIlPQaTEaH
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nKYIScB5Y
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo7v4kVBse
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2jCCt7z1V
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSzhHiVbAQ
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbIHPBJPQR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG1paR2FZd
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSfxvgc5CB
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaqQvLKT1H
"...It's locked."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lua3WxI7d
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUnpYkYWYQ
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–262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn7x1cisDS
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpfwQubGhC
"Oh! This one's open!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimUeHNKzlF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk7RPmUTmp
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSiGR0Ki2X
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhhLiiy0u6
"This place is– cah! Ack!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XlIEuTazo
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gO1s7h7Ul
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjMnMhthE9
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4yy7U9Npt
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?262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bhk5Kc2sk
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPmhJ7PJ5W
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZqceLarzF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNENcK65M4y
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNDIYyBnYx
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUo0VeuLIg
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQxpKVyRtb
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy8SiUC4Xp
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgpIU2D8IS
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeVzCdWAaE
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH39bgQDqk
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMxWvWPut1
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMCJKlA5My
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0a1GgBJsw
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRd4KMYRbY
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhnM7zWEZ7
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiiNTHxN7o
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xeRITZtvo
"Ow... what the hell was that?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcORgcV6gO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0RKnfEOzJ
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4RJENVafY
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAhN5HuYOD
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoaR8cUXn8
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KMg21y2FL
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Qz8Yky5h
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK61lMMKGk
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KewIyVl9s
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitOJZVjpOx
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZHTaKYJyF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKAU4XCbKs
"What's this here...?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy57ctptFup
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOgaEbrRwK
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!?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWrzKaR0cf
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RcoZwmmCJ
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyspE5K8pBZ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4U3MA5Aey
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiUeTEMOwN
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYiLQTf2CQ
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nWc3KqW6J
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgV6qrTTzE
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxbuBCOVYd
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdxhnmk5lE
"...Really?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlscEttmAw
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0xFCXnfhf
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLeIMuID5g
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlSQUcLREC
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–262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnL3KPwxFB
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkXF7cfzrY
"--Wait."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9kX7FGifW
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnuFLKBUdZ
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5Ki4Q66xQ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89OA5BTIkz
**SMASH**262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIE00chLwg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsqKgupanU
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoVUKzpsXy
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHOP4xtB4j
"Earth magic."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1s79wGXHM
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrO3RWnAUm
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aWsFGEsyc
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHnCzKufxl
**THUD**262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV2umtbZYl
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ77aTNmO7
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2VHfd1bjy
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjKp4W9OyC
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAiidut9Lm
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtDMfe4tnA
"...Tears?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFvMbIrBMp
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AfGTrbTL3
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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgZrEY81AG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnFm9oxW7n
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Qhy1fPfV
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnpC7iHJ5Z
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzAkk7kp73
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qemHwF3xC
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT52kulZYSu
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrNoMCm6FM
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh98m6lM1DF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZQwTqkSWK
"Ha, how interesting."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8XmHNK7fp
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WnEnLWazn
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJCnyeTtQo
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gy3lZlqG7
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiWsrxAOmF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8W33mqakP
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOV4lWjxJp
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrjxxjgr3H
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fceTFMBvs
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJlAyXQUN6
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD8CIu3QgU
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lboOki8Zx
"Similar fields?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKweIZ2rZA
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwnXFz1lVY
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIalfZi3EXR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuJkHtvgMq
"I-Is that so...?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjS92ixkX5
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza3FF5YGBP
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvbBQIcap2
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7l57up9W3
"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–"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f3cQguAKR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOHh0XvDMe
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKBPjkkH93
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGRZkbueex
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEMovFjXec
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zduhWqjH6
"What part didn't you understand?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVemmpUINj
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwXrPXpsh6
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPqfW8GQ4O
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy9sQyykKT
"...Huh?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToX34vDs3m
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79VoxINkTG
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub6MXHqxly
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugmZ7Jne5p
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKboLBFNHIe
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIrEbnoLOi
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtF8cchD1q
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMVMboBQem
"Huh?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2HD8P2G5Z
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSA7CCr6rT
"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!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZphGG3BJcX
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9rQuqNhlR
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGrsygMwRR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhbi5Fq7B
"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!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m71r56rLt
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEf4j2S0oI
"..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c4StpcuI3
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCp6QlwMG7
"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?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQhUe4ylrz
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWXNbKBfmP
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9uoXgOUw3
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TFVLOlHdU
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DKm8jlksc
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pdQGIGgLy
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPIl0m61fB
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwigtza0jaw
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE55fx7y81
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScaCdIKck9
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW5akX6Jpg
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHnzCA4p1b
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeG1shUWEz
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EjpC4QKfB
"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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IvUOMtrUl
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGx38UzJg3
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBB5fGnr3W
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5FBgoCj98
"What are you talking about!?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9tvdZXKBh
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon9mKMTcNO
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbI6lkJJ24
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5RKKxzIyn
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIydrTEDVrU
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQPhN6bEOk
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CxLhFsxkG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUEa8zXuVn
"..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gXaNfB8DN
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqcon58Uya
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–262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGPeCGfwYZ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Zn6VjM5R
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CauFK2BWB
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafrFAIqLLg
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IJmIXVQpF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwuDrV0rLz
"Fine, go ahead."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEy7kfuyil
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevmu0ae7cu
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vKoF8mgaX
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreyPLRrLZr
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWbYXj04M3
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8COCWyRHxL
I pointed at it and she nodded.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiIWi6m0YU
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZpaPdwGPs
"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..."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFx8bCueSV
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapeDmlDPK3
"Hm? But what again?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK24aN11za
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mtanGOMRO
"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."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOU7vhrqCO
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx69g6qTIa
"I see. That's disturbing."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSdZ9fJNoh
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvCbbIra0p
"It's... not so bad."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtHzAHLhjl
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPzSRL3CQq
She gently huffed at my response.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F8XtijE32
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UANtXxa1
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdSRzZvtFQ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFxkMjFD8Y
"Fight Mason?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCRovdVnIG
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVrsbMMHhY
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDtNxyxQBP
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bm5KNXVmL
"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!"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5EAP9NC1d
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP59QgdTfc
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk5Hv7hP51
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgujXw8yg64
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFQDAwv6un
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE91hJMfLMj
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPujOhvLf2
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt8HRGcBQD
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYqXx7w0WJ
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquWYsz3NFd
"Is something the matter?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkrmszZPYN
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkdzO97Q6u
"...Where is your friend right now?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKSdXlwCxN
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4iWeOwV7F
"T-That's... why do you ask?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooyxnga7nw
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFYItBJAnm
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eRG096VoT
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9YkYnx87o
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.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIodkIyWVF
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgrvMcIyXO
"Yes, she did."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDjJ7wqMFv
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWWLcrukR3
"Ah, I see now."262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDWuhoYOVR
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cqs89cT42
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrZ4gwJ5f8
262Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z4nBzgIx6
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
