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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79U6RIAfB1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSCmbKAtxo
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyWn7FlHC2
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4AA7clLfB
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXP09IEDb9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMvHQA730i
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQA524PVYU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kmZiqysth
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfoZ2Gsvws
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91I1ZwcdRy
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU9l2w48YX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEa9BTRmpZ
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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTUPPAv4Bu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGKWQEQlyd
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s9en8XrGE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT5qNVM4Oz
–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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpgTzm4RU4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoTZSDlEk1
"Who's there?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAlliIOr99
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSALHeeADwM
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq2oydDI9A
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh7I18CuoF
Therefore–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb54T7BXT1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj3wkB9Y9u
**SHATTER**213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkgRyHUbyf
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUvXtFGwqA
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl6lhvPB7U
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57gDPXWvhb
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpagJyahgdx
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaGoz3X2ZM
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t77WCYkr1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeLNQxz7fq
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYz6HJHkKa
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"Powerful, too."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpoMKN5iJN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCi46xRCJu
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj2h5hLvpO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH43ozyqPSC
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0IYmnqicY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfOfndK7od
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOAaUtZrow
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3aW9y8kgf
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoncn2g0CV
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j6RG0ip2N
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJoRUKFvbs
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjro7d47oAd
"...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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScf7LFowTX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP4MM78b7z
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMS08pJzMq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWN61hcnGs
"Crossbows!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9W0vr0NMD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQFY61DuNa
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmThGV8iUi
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7b0ymCOeW
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–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TuD2ODUkA
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToetmfYKnS
"Ngh! How!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikHd61mAJL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y7fxRtTmh
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AuAD4aHkL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BKSJzJsjF
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtujZgpe9cS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGAoyFJlVO
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP495tJ3kC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMUKVkCp6D
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWQqKGFUBl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZt2D1yNYh
"You ought to know the answer by now."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EVchj9Zcy
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a99S2YBpu
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuqvW9XFzO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j48WZg69w
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHuhI63cmi
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8ItyFQUir
"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA3Utinxl6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeZ3gmz6fL
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFXLv0aOdl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjipvW7MkQP
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZMtoeXQNh
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"Phew. Give up now?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfcHYjlhfS
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"'Course not, just thinking."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyDgUA4U6o
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDCHTu4BvW
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYYroxK5IT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkYTFWiVXg
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAGJHEjgJ4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tJcCcCrvd
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVbafGt5LA
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkRlx3fxJc
"--Shit!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1LGdEOEmm
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZWsIaKM28
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx9KVEzoSz
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZMpo1X0BC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjnC9Zi2IS
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WPVZCHGt6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaGK9Ab99T
"--Huh?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1wPbcCkUX
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXamN8UtrF7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH6loiQRHG
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFVtzHZIsu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQQ6ECOpHD
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGRXlA4n87
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"Ngh..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJm1AWeR1F
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWKEfKK1RB
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAwOl74emt
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm78evf4RKh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi4JJvzl9v
"--Rover!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgqau1VktO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBASObX3oH
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMpnwegn8L
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"K-Kenny!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCFjeRr15R
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ydqRlQQz
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokq1ZO3SwK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5CCGexLsu
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqPftuhU8s
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar9p7xafaB
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54QxsfrlRP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKI75oE25D
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyohOgZb2pY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB1c7U7jBI
She turned her head to him, conflicted.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5jiBkprj4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHCC8xMP2U
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDs4f1NTy7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvDoLe8dgr
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBAflNwzxn
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXpEu51aKe
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GoCZ7NSnF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdlcokCFeZ
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAu5ORowwF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tWT2nsjde
"H-Huh?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEgNJ9EeE1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqzxpukFtd
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCBMi2RUHx
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zy7GJp76R
"You... you are so reckless!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbIcWlHx8U
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Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5duLovlGGY
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2OSAw4d42
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His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzBrIdk2q7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb7vuiXluy
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5eYQJlRiG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrzOZarYBP
"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!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQUN4wAk94
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRlSMnfS78
"--!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxItR6zxDO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxcDKK5q2s
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYdHRlH2xU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwjcfqcovz
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSfwXpddkE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwbMK9RhHR
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPrFXBvMiD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q0S3Q2GzA
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqScZzYx5j
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExFZRTp3iF
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsltZDJ4YZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dKlcjtsRz
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBPIDn75rP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rDtGTbgrB
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjM48XUbPc
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcDtV4tM7d
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–
–
–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J4Nh13IML
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpftEFZHaN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRvmG5r8d9
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzx9INkMMp
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTw5LYegrv
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lRHb5ESbN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GRnabDH4W
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz7xxKoVnH
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfAJXSVAGq
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9qBV9VTPW
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq1VkKCJAx
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8DzIeniTU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMTS7HOOR2
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2VSqLOE3g
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwwu2zBtd4
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyOW1UuIhM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI8L8KCny1
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAA4Qsg4or
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"Of course."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkShjHjKpt5
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"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYVYgasBZa
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I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNHW9p2GwD
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B7jNGCv4I
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"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCyFwJFRTZ
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh5SRxULWB
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"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdzKoD0YDR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUK83Kg3Yh
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhzYaJw3bG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ74sjeJpl
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFZ9JgNHms
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"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAc5YD03BT
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMADp1tquS1
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcvaXFvGiP
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Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jPGqObfRV
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"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPXEbf480P
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"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Oql4c3ga
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"You are such a priss, Pars."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhw3DgsF6Q
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I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29dSYfAEdm
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"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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq3559p91S
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh0Z9WkcBV
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r4BiezgsJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuM0sf3ITd
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxjAAZrVVp
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"I'm going to tell them."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjDEpndp8O
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"Don't you do it."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAm4xnjaC9
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"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSJvR70Rup
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"Lola, I'm for real about this."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhkwAknHIv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj5BtPhPZB
"--is because of a series of assassinations."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXHY5B1g3Z
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Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDkA2HRwk0
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm3UNWyf6Y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wrrdhbi79
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lbNIuj9HV
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvFl8HITXW
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7cwlO4MJ8
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"Uh, well, who got killed?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO78Sf7PHR
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcGLifLZJM
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His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtThOkL23L
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41aiyYkDXp
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoCpb3N9w0
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"I-I see."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBtA1Wl5rG
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42PcuXbHBQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNMPbp62QG
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRO0MQJXf6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JySEQBi6W
"...You have my condolences."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5o4ciPsHq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPptoyFcbmV
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkkvoJLRg5
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"Mmm."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iZdC3eamx
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I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIMk6UNn2K
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"Alright, we've made it.'
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MrJUrMivG
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrKPK62vP7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd58JffQ0p
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oJDOsoH6a
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"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguwlPQ5M4X
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"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZIpDf88HV
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"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTfnZANpIs
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"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloWFBOLDB2
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNA3CKHfDQ
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"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3CnKhPxBF
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"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAy8QoH4nK
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJVIXLt39y
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"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Eyyw5duA
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54tuja3XTU
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"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUCI3Ig1Yc
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"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCOfslFMR1
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The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZEEiTHNQ
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"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTSDFe32aH
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiBHyu5yfu
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux6TRSbdWK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFHjOQl4vc
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm1D5IcM2k
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We had completed the mission.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2PeX5rKWb
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–
–
–
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOND2848IJ
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysHi2NH8HL
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnfXPEHFYL
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"Alright alright, geez."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgC4nM6P6e
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcfuqTgZzt
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"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJOp5gd07z
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"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjpd8rCFNJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVizdaj1sm
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOV8rF9ikY
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"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ03pxZ1UT
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"Huh? What are you talking about?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0MA05eCxA
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt46jTglJ2
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkLltfrBuf
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She looked conflicted about my statement.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcCNGH4CQJ
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"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFyIuzX4JU
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"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcuS4uLu0n
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"Dispositions...? What?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGVGXijLt
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilNi2zSYn4
"Uh... our natures, basically."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg7y8ySLta
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGHNPbHXbH
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8ZZFO9OPH
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z3aUc6RDh
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPXQS8s8Iq
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0SBxAjMRh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZUeFn9F9Z
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFzJaqtSse
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S7oYWRFbw
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO09jjPKKi
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She pulled me out of my rumination.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pOvhaLGxO
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"About what?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqokZo9EQp
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"About what you said."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrhPXyvJff
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRGoZxEgXC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPIR4stJTc
"Well, what is it?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzwMuZEiPu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi5A0UUnPi
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2yiNhNv30
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"Right."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8agahbw1Vt
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbHhFCvCrH
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ648O6KY9Be
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w3rrgPcBB
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdid1Lcr9rg
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3f7w4C7xx
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"That's great."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtov04XEAZR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcyPyOhIUS
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn40Do35JkT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KKau198W1
"Uh, what's the matter?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyw27pYqeN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4diqUbkOu2
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uwohivgNG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEUhQcL1qK
"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSxDr11nkA
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"I can't say that I do."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFBmCcZJlM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFQ9XnFbCS
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wb5QntmV7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKZ76XBKPU
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOcy37Ucd0
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuVZcaTnxD
"Just trust me here!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C8AW29nz8
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vq5XRJ6Lc
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tb3rKu1IZ
It sounded like chatter.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2HWDSFo6B
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnAbhyLELM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRqB8msCuU
"Kenny, wait here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1W2EzMIBh
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"Huh? Why?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7y12OlEK7
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqOOeIZ1gO
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"W-Wha–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTVilANULd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegHDi8hXX9
"Shhh! Shut up!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T0ijThHnW
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJdUbXQKNc
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOORB91cEUY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl1QAiIFGQ
"This is..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA54eIHGYn
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"Something fishy is going on here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrwFxYfEZ1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1mI4NTpGu
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONgXcqvG9v
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdkjO3K0U5
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRik8yNOqtZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9NU7aunKS
"Alright, can you all hear me?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38Ju4bEXUO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui2tqCIBBw
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!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazibvUMbSQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Q4A9Mv9V
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
