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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jyuqb7nDE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCqxQzte0I
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvXEgNIwy6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWyx1ElOWM
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKgGdZfQF1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuHduv5elc
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRvyRiPqXz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcPgVhNnWD
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZTUtcRwQV
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9NLds7SQk
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKmdwFW9Q3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0nvWyR9nk
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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4wpZhGvur
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2uAG5UXPN
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C0CUtmaSP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut00wCGWGH
–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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeTb85VoHt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QH7MNEhDs
"Who's there?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmly63nc9K
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY5141ZXUY
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuqYqWhKLt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLZF2PS0bI
Therefore–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DOMnIT6hv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLNtZMz1SB
**SHATTER**159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtBjmhr5hC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tRiU0CAii
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb28PtRooL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIKTRoNBXj
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS7HdoQZzz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcgZmaAfl7
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa9Qaut07r
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW46abDpCzz
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUml7IUfcG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8O7wrFQmj
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5Fi7R2wIK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5NEASayCN
"Powerful, too."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbtKzH54tC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UmLL2Vyd9
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEay9l82Jm
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUKfxLD9PS
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfn0yW9YUy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFeveujNqF
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBCjoyziqc
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfl6WT4xP4
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHk73OoGsP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWPySBnBMZ
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NSfYAjr4u
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaRebjMmzb
"...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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU336QusoJx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyCmTwjVj7
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mg0UnKxxA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcKI0G94c5
"Crossbows!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n8YkSWM48
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2sMxsO96V
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi6Sqnw7hU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VfGBcSTNl
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78QKqeqKIA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHh0BoaQTR
"Ngh! How!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmlridNNBy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5J46boL0S
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8X1Hk6JHe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RIIYwfxO5
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUUHv2mn0m
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoT2mgg2lN
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJFLqcn2hv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSojpNsINnv
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciTbqabvHH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqnGWZCIB8
"You ought to know the answer by now."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiDu69gPg4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3KhA0ltc3
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wQ1eDm9ff
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nLt44F8tC
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05v8ofUj0a
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pKFG8pk7E
"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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jsR83DGl7
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYEOFyTOCr
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbZCFX9Fuy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOEBA7vrZI
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF4pnfJMai
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRze4CroQa
"Phew. Give up now?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCQkyIg6yt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpuZVIaGII
"'Course not, just thinking."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0qWMbAxpS
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouMN5QxvtO
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvVaM6UeID
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSj4YEwlOi
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNM5CI4gg4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI9LPnekKz
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0QBAXVMxF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMeutlbwJj
"--Shit!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OTctGfGqZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxykQIFP8h
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DHtRaEnSF
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA8Wsl1mKE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWGHPUuCBm
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3D6AcWdiX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cAbiFpIWT
"--Huh?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFyHt5vN2N
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzdQPQpk8J
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNIXQRfpL3
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4I7isKIlW
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gjz5EUUoZ
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHQrqIgztb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhRFrBHTnh
"Ngh..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnhPXmdgHF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgSBvzr70c
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SX95dugb8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWDHqCZJa0
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlgLL7FD0m
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dVnrw2zkO
"--Rover!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkx3sVVLWd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mbYSotaG9
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzHslVEaFl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ5RRXHTg3
"K-Kenny!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7WignGHSN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zwdRlmi1n
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qniTh3jP6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ7Xi4cXD4
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaR21cFXwJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlyGdjg5Ve
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdoG2prSng
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvaF695yKc
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Z6OjcKmq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡism1gOB6Zc
She turned her head to him, conflicted.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJZpaX0riq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYUHroLSie
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvTJ9obZOv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyTbFsRMhl
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmGQxLEWJn
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwJmXewr4H
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfriwgfmlM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpTmTObjce
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylD1LL0OnZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQELxPGXA
"H-Huh?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZXpNk2QXx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlTsBsII8Q
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkQjFmbT10
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli90kKVKTb
"You... you are so reckless!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPpVjcY4Ke
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYKIpWmqlA
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrSBJQVNuI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fYBJLO4sI
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu51CIdac1I
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZKm8RIAyG
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gp8jLtiCl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHQAmCNgjO
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ82cdKzC33
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YLkZpgEDM
"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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvKpVs2K3H
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ72wk4KCL
"--!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCjpmCuxP4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt8X4u83BV
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt7a1ekV7R
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC5ev6hP5v
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC2E7aG03Y
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeo6F0kgQ0
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHjClNfRmZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKffGBGbl0
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8k3mU9fL4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcICQEzE1q
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc52lFRABE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINB6MYDNv8
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmR2IbWT9i
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnnQcuq3Ji
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHQNNd95Ik
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhciDaCPT90
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6gdn52Hcz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2GBgtFBps
–
–
–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnf7ISuTRO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVcRsNOuGp
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV04jkbx4f3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZkhVNzOew
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jKrsJjgG2
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3galsxqPch
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIbVzmXqrZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoF4IvnbSn
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigl2SKD6J0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzmp4cNPWs
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVnZv2lEXB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCEoG2eS3b
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhmpK8V1b9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuY5JPIYzO
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg8EAaM1N5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJykFVNi9sJ
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesbUo4rPaH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zwZ5wfzKy
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMqGvIgdim
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwVDaDHVBA
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVtpfe6sv1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLjp0YdtMs
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O1hMA3qvy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LH6z2I9mG
"Of course."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidprsXnNW3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqQRduHv6L
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLb0LOuGbG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujO9zwGMZF
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS84b6z8F4o
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XFhVtklUV
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8CRowBipO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqyU0e5kX
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyvClMxUSX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yolgqTnkv
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4viQYDABAL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCyibwkbV3
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEEGZ6IjHP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCUylMA4JP
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsTvgadFMM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBdkX8QLZK
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpPx1KDVoZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxGdMehgZY
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdojUy673x
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqkAK6wIkV
"Then I suppose I have no choice."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG8sEWBDK6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCpmzNs6gK
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhZDA3VdTK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBQ0bLGjFq
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI172nSAL1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEyVDphUq7
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYRv3OIyZR
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReqk61fq7t
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkGEMFk9YA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXrD9FwFen
"You are such a priss, Pars."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNJhzFDTQM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiSWt2dnAf
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBIAiUVq2z
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJzBRrtG4O
"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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8VT0NVSvq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h75O3kz0C
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZUAT6dk9J
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CRi45sRUA
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ngb7SjKwP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN9xm5BQG7
"I'm going to tell them."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA83ivm3yL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgC78OfCjf
"Don't you do it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HpOOHp0Kv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd8yRdw38I
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVLxzkmIby
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFPUEqJ0RH
"Lola, I'm for real about this."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjf4YOiMKf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZHAYP12Cs
"--is because of a series of assassinations."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzNGwJgqp2
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF2I59sHg3
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYpICilYrf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDai3PddT
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWit2duuKE9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHR2pXBHHG
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd3SEHpI2g
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcnHpLLylF
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI4pK3xuSm
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRdSImnWdY
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEzt1rH8lZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbmR7kUZhJ
"Uh, well, who got killed?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v1PYN7puH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgLkYN2xsi
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM5ZEBSR2W
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL7jXm4se0
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHpe48PCMP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ml5SmCViw
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRPD2xN3HX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTSEhdj1VE
"I-I see."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiiyBdDDnd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCTXUwfONP
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrfPcHKqPM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JQMRBYvFX
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JlbGaTtEa
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd4U9n2TZ8
"...You have my condolences."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEJ5HcWRZe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrUN5Qd7hs
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkuicihiQ9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tLKJKhZt9
"Mmm."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAcCsu7OmF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1IQ2j2QDb
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsuORnCbS5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JF7srpRY0
"Alright, we've made it.'
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJZICRQWvm
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AoJDd84LM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJVgA1dQfg
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxicVnEgN6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kWd2yUaRn
"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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQCmC77ccD
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDz2IbaM9x
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIBUVx26hO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ1vmgC4Tu
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjNT3ONNtQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIltPdckflL
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOPkpdYNuA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kapBY9kHo
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnVpp4cCBY
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNfnXBiLvo
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kA5HnRuMb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3kzpv6kUw
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfiDqfvQli
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwrVRGxF07
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuq6Tv2NT3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bT0NkjaUX
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuXIHXAfzv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcecKq9jqW
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBvohewatJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKWeW9QzgL
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85ov54J5fi
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O81phOtiv
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9Fd6DZJj0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZbIVwG7xZ
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEBvpbiGH6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk91b4DVzS2
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheewM3ka5P
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKlh895nw6
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjPp1928dE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEp9VFc3k5
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq4y7jKkat
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyqDwyFeQP
We had completed the mission.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqRs6bBzya
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv8GSdoLPa
–
–
–
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYveLTQWoM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsG5SpnQXp
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkFgAdzlgA
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJDPA7lbFs
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V6vorIcxw
"Alright alright, geez."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6x8AO6yI8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcqiNK0Ufq
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh2SZylKU1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEnABuV0uF
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0IQqbRAFF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSj3AbJ9yM
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZnwSBSp4R
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYeqfMsOIv
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrAjFYSj2Y
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclsKS6mYc7
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRTbeb3lu6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvpEKxf92n
"Huh? What are you talking about?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrRPnAw9oC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52IOPYMvqz
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsLUt7bZPZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxc5uT4dLG
She looked conflicted about my statement.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT15cv5kTOI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AQKV1c7r3
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrK7cz39oq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYpw9bJOS9
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQJBc2FKIB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGykKmFt8v
"Dispositions...? What?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP53AyiK4u
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2EvfOZnvo
"Uh... our natures, basically."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz63YGp1IG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgjEUuhW9Y
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65zkGKzjli
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP5h0En1hf
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi5iYfTNQ9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF3JNlgqp7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyDxPbs0YN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdQM7CPq4v
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMUnNjRZza
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmCCOw1lZZ
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw1Q51YULy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgn8lNqZYE
She pulled me out of my rumination.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1IJ1KyfbI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalCKDvA374
"About what?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS8PmzEtvW
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"About what you said."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukdtLz9ptl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yOc5n5yWl
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCZjM13nGA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIyNIDnFcZ
"Well, what is it?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWDJKFfCIb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v8Q6B9Y6e
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyDx4Vm4Hf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmQwmtSH0h
"Right."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwNyWrCPlg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LFUFvK2wi
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rh83Y9XvH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMiUB2K5IU
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUfVecg2hN
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYB16UnXVr
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"That's great."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcVffVLuZt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1V4JRT7Sd
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo1kjmQAON
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKvmt2PsGc
"Uh, what's the matter?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyLFBrlgJ6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t4lEETjjW
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75XAaV96ud
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHaiGbwsVb
"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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QUrNSTO15
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"I can't say that I do."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Ag8sgjqR
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY8SNTnQWv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCeeM9T5jF
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UN2yu5LQ8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX1GhiGTqg
"Just trust me here!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdylTCfSmx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiDQhjSxyq
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJeU8LzO5P
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It sounded like chatter.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06J6S1HVBj
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPafJwzipNO
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d47OaPHot
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDiOkhIGNh
"Kenny, wait here."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEdDaYdjNM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXlKd6xCiX
"Huh? Why?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZWb1qfTJw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qbgCHFrRR
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCK5T3EiPd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvSlj9mkCy
"W-Wha–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSsX0vsfg8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X2lhuY82l
"Shhh! Shut up!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4k3fbtj8W
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AAC1d5JxS
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYKWkv1jJv
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"This is..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4wTjAeIPB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbq3QFgOiI
"Something fishy is going on here."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXAlZTpukd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kXzjeBdHy
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJhZOoDKGT
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXQoO0itsO
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoZ4w5QCvA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhZryXfIXl
"Alright, can you all hear me?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPuucSoJfr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymUAlahoCl
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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFvrwqJ8fi
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRaigU5Fim
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
