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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaoqJTUj0H
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NjlhVGjve
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAEDoyNdBk
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SLkNYS9J2
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LAFi31qGz
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLX3t5OBlZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUB9HKkcSr
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIATH9KYem
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazsUkdK255
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodErAZM6Ga
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM6reKgFrl
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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zSB5IcBe5
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ZYs8wXdX
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgOplRuMYR
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxJZUIbDg5
–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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbt70VYDuV
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDLA8C9Gyn
"Who's there?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCxtnngsHK
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vj4sKue2v
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp9GXkroBQ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRISw8Bc1S
Therefore–255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAsVIMRwtX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuh1P1HLLv
**SHATTER**255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8BbMmEuZY
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWLLgMr8uV
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP6gPRhivf
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPyzJgY6HY
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MtBnZeQWS
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev5tCNEZZM
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFkHTPkU52
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gHO2kVbPd
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQofHrKZbBu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmsc9PanLY
"Powerful, too."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUr1E0zNzS
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oBAB2xZqH
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CjvHwJQEp
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnreRpLQIb
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkVyuGqhjZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEUSp1qwun
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdc6CTMms7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS4rwwHIXG
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eXyip6sun
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPtsmHK4bq
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rwhVxI2PK
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"...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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyNZX0AwpD
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeOYyPAwLe
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4dJ7B6KOH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQlwOY7zZT
"Crossbows!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYdho04PKu
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG956szYuug
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W5oQsaFBf
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–255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7fCYKHzFe
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyyegNWLp3
"Ngh! How!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBi0LtHhoB
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfqoGHm8sr
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5giGWBm7a
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGS04bTK3u
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXCciPcg7a
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGeI7yFdwM
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FGqV71yvN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuzFxlEHBg
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltCGNMvHOo
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQmBfcmYyh
"You ought to know the answer by now."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID0xWlcVeZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DZjHL0RT5
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYQfUrWHCK
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPcczKIQCj
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFBROrbDkk
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWaUpRIEZD
"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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5sH2Zo0IU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxmqzq3Tu5
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7go0ACKku
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4ps4RRscZ
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEnj0CNA8z
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡextTTYigHN
"Phew. Give up now?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuXgP4cC1H
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"'Course not, just thinking."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq3I7oTio5
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUN3MGaEl9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiuGbvctcN
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMFmWAzqtC
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX6mlbbUo5
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKms2QmFSr
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpZQUyn0WD
"--Shit!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkz4Mm3jEk
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEQyDklIIY
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGshQYMyU2
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL34NyjjhOB
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRQgqsMdjA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEjiLIdN4m
"--Huh?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBJWSCnKqI
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeyfB8EQcz
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYNNOchH8b
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlKyjiphN4
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZQi4CedLt
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMPdCe9xqA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofr8dncIJr
"Ngh..."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRn8iYVHIg
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmsp79c3B5
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaTanXMZtA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3kmtOi9Kv
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvoYXCAuo3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Wp8iBaKn
"--Rover!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiZ4vgomtX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH2eThuQuQ
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30AZBN2fD6
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UjZLAc2Y9
"K-Kenny!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj95UcC35M
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHZIsHKFN8
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSQYh7zUjm
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiJgsPy7Qu
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBWR1hk2bR
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pjwDnUpvi
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycesc0TaiQ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaYouGttTH
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G1O5gjBBx
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfnq3o6YA
She turned her head to him, conflicted.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9hV3Klgh3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFlA9jRvk6
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNlKL92Qlc
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15SUUjIXeU
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8P4ko5aaq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHipq56uKk
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklRgbVI9ul
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVILW3O9fIq
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDYtFGau9D
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA8NmHKX9E
"H-Huh?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqizLkCgbUi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjcHXwzx4j
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoGbgaopgU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkEzioajQq
"You... you are so reckless!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPHHhL7D5L
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu6V6qtg6B
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDnxcHh4BI
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmoSe5CbgO
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg9L9LNgGk
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1FrthIJuz
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzttLxYveYr
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUErqr4b61D
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZirq79oXHr
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj23Ajhpup1
"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!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgymdmhTXc
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JY0qQambm
"--!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dcg43nm8D
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0bWtmgGnB
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7DMJ5L1pZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PUjR0BMz9
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKaNL51pbl
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElyXpkQbUR
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI5LRhy6OO
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nxCXTrgmD
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuD0V4PhQ1
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJGTRW0vvO
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhX7Qb6mLw
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoFVVQrQmB
"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ394SuukD2M
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40gZnKcutB
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgiirfht2d
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mYCeczwab
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRINq8rVU4
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–
–
–255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZe6dGrCYD
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesJEZ2ds3m
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgmcSiqhfk
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RhYqdoisc
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z5ECTCCtW
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhrRlSdXMp
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrxG4ETT3e
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXxTlYqrzg
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKl7u0bpv0
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuH8ylnbq0
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNTUzMfD5L
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvy6a5YAl4
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53eY5jw7vv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfkcFgK3hh
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1iAdg5RQU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qNMlQLlyu
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtsV97O9nv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNZ1gYm0A0
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqty8P0xaR
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoYKGHHTVT
"Of course."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOV53PU5yv
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"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xPS6hMGaa
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChivfJFDAm
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbatS1DWuo
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73PNxhHZ97
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"..."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoBMgVqlqr
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66ecibzbc9
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"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSihuZgVWF
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOuOd1gcYd
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGojHAylxxg
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf26A54AOKQ
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JNaex3HDg
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"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0JrOsh7OX
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuzDeLi23L
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW32Il28HQZ
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3mP5mIXXM
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qmdBwTTLk
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VL6PXCbfq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWSl3vbkMb
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGPbfMwrb0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR38qgTwwEG
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGdIx82BhY
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"You are such a priss, Pars."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkUone60Ve
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSA6mm5WI0
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMLnNgbm8J
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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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YLpg3GGH9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbED7uCMtZ
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr38Z948rKo
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQDcoPPp2l
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IIvVEX6QH
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"I'm going to tell them."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtStLUcu1j
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"Don't you do it."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGC7FS5HbG
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"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzgJ1HfiE3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB99veEzck
"Lola, I'm for real about this."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57GtyAEgHL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxdZU1QeFJ
"--is because of a series of assassinations."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsv6RyY8zI
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExRrCgNfCS
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCLzaTKhLH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5w6D2VgIR
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU1MJmaESm
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklwu9QF8An
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZwMAXv3Xm
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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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z46JJ3MbL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyY3NT5NIZ
"Uh, well, who got killed?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRDWPYwSmV
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEEqNSoiu2
"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1usaRLZ0J
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOERcZeJvzu
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1hLptL0bL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg44Y0Drcoy
"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLWMmd05bF
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"I-I see."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY57OGHyrCc
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37xpHVHrOu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhftKacrtdI
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOA9OFLWyS
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOGQqXXNJG
"...You have my condolences."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwuct9bPJY
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteE895sOXB
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8TR4pMckC
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDJNiBv2Iv
"Mmm."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CAQHGozb4
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKt9b2M67f
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMgpkhmzrl
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpLG4EGHbh
"Alright, we've made it.'
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdSiSKHdQp
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrEQt1FF9h
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAX12OfsPh
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJn9qPqdke
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoJ5Jnc5Eg
"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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDufBPpbxv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HB1T29K6e
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKUdWRWTGy
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2FtPfiwiG
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknBOrFVVS5
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepoJ4sR0Fl
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9mfLcLOGB
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe2eImJQTV
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVSKHSDTHN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3nJBBgnTe
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdcsqk2itP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOp3LrCpv8
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItGcxmKrA3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8qzhmVP2y
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJvW6S1SqD
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8noRQrAnTL
"..."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvyBU1kPIH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UWNgcajGK
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH5JNkbmm5
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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–"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwKOyqna7u
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xnlm3Togc
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIXmf5MTsS
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvGKvoV4rD
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT64S0KmrL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mfMAWKoRo
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLntviTv88
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGfGDkxRIU
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0luiAJjD1
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN999hjf7p6
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHSafwkp3l
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleign39zQc
We had completed the mission.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03KvYaZjd0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mqd5nDBud
–
–
–
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhisUb9kJoA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJSAwWltLP
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJANyYt2Zbr
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH4DFjwhfp
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"Alright alright, geez."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySgplrJFg
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdANeaOTc8
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"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm1FITOtpj
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Dbfn7iaf
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMCkoBfQkv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi1317SUj8
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO3K4oajA0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcn84X5IjM
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJsRzMs342
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"Huh? What are you talking about?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7wNh6s6HH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cmIzdaujh
"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWcIHfRfD5
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUbBJX4zcF
She looked conflicted about my statement.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqYVd9vRB7
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"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt1XNKc0np
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBk8qX4sRR
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAVgY29O1T
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"Dispositions...? What?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv2XJwessZ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ3nU0P3ZY
"Uh... our natures, basically."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkBugr9vcT
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fvvLjpR81
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zmoNKApFR
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Q2f0ZcMh
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcdyXXvzFh
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaWhHTGWII
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She pulled me out of my rumination.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGuuOlTSNG
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"About what?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCzhq7sUOT
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"About what you said."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANvddA47Hz
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ036q0e99CW
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"Well, what is it?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd8YrYjFjZ
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"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhkVnRSkPK
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"Right."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse2B7w1E3j
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"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFhrz0RzqR
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"..."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkh1NAlEDY
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ShcqnT5i
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"That's great."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0wacLUVei
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj4i1llzIj
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"Uh, what's the matter?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KFd8fL56g
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WwyQRZAQb
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"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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SF5lIcbIj
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"I can't say that I do."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrecr1nvY79
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepetha0BSr
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22hHdereWm
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"Just trust me here!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WmO628csH
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLshxy07EqI
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It sounded like chatter.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgftitI0xq0
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlvF3h05Gb
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"Kenny, wait here."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbkTxfIeeu
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"Huh? Why?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf3Sdam4Sm
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TZROtsrcK
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"W-Wha–"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4htFN4rfM
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"Shhh! Shut up!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX21V5gJxv
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0D5wicrEq
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"This is..."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKUT6Q2FvM
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"Something fishy is going on here."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQIlIpkZgT
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATMvPWVGXh
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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBDxsV0yWM
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3QRIQVrxO
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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!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0wAQAp3i8
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It was the same robe that Ng wore.
