The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7SQ0zLxAt
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr3tPd6rRO
"Ow! Ahh..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTyg5oHH2S
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnWuYp9AzK
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt8KAamizN
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdbJcjOExC
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PpVgE0lGF
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbbgqqpOmU
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOPNxMCrUV
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsl74MhtrX
"...This place is giving me the creeps."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLd9sJzcCX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzhOMzrngB
"Huh? How so?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb7ToVbl5b
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKi1gqFMTo
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNGUl0iWxV
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpJQxhGtXK
"Couches and rich– wait a second."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs368l0VCm
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxBCMtoBye
Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1Jr9OLHyv
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryfAEHW6Xg
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJosoWjte2
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLChz40oNfI
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfahAuXz4Li
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf6Mg7N1MG
"Tch! This stinks!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrsXGrcST0
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MbFihWHxN
Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E70J8vzrS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk1fV8kQWg
"What?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjF3Yj6Sw6
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiKGJnXqR0
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmeUBewS7d
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWueZ3TcbSX
"What? Are you scared?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViJbQGvcor
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBzNcoEyJy
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xm7HocWge
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9tJzBJ917
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG0jFeJnXu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O02pYAdXL
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSMzYA1ZpF
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcxFFVNFuh
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWyTIuEvjn
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBrMk3w5yY
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQV0LbpFxM
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjFP6iFAkP
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUm62EZHXk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmJyHGtQD4
"...Fine."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBhSpj3XVU
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCyJjJTdMP
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rx32ET3d0
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL62lXUuuoR
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI8WTXTb6o
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjdAnExGDU
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OhBAuQqIH
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6SklqNhPX
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjcLOLagJv
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG2B021Sc4
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYPUNissL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY38bGo73X1
"...It's locked."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBgnDJQSmC
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAoaGlsp5J
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoAGGTmNBL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOMYPXcfYP
"Oh! This one's open!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb2ALPIkXo
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L82mbs5yt
Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZxqdUWwuE
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcNSlaMbPS
"This place is– cah! Ack!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNxowvOSWg
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LJFtFgFQ6
Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqv5fWy7ET
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtFoAE0EES
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FxuIBsFD5
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vqMUWGDYs
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrrl5GwUls
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8axFkaHhBb
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kd1xyXj8J
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2VeBsGvcn
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBPTUYB5ZX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXI7guEYCi
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmlkPo6rHo
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59GiHnyyEO
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CbNY8rEJI
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFJjfFKT1o
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nOIovl6ap
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oKNcgF4in
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dF2p4wihm
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbgrg9Rvdr
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8szJxQAGp
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P9BfjW1YP
"Ow... what the hell was that?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIDCYGSLAd
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhg4rFkqeT
I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8guBQgzQ8
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqAf7pZlV7
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLzpcGQzUM
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxntzwKB4v
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhVGzmD5w7
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAObB5rtI2w
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc5G40Mh6j
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk4xb4SWYp
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV2eGComYL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bh97E6Ui1
"What's this here...?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfneUbSrm6
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzepWE2xlOn
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMdbVUAn2m
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexGPl4xGfQ
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4fEtZHCUj
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIoXCndbwF
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb52yoF6D8
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY4T6osgf3
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BBSKDi4lU
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t0AJBhYEA
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyd32n3Gpt
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvpAxXPSW4
"...Really?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldqrwiEcRo
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOV7zHP0l0
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7el5tX8MSt
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHPgJpShoM
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFrXW2PpbZ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvTg2nSgiZ
"--Wait."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVZo2Nc1c8
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPt0e9CHjV
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHNzJ9HaKM
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYulcrpsyt
**SMASH**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZFLTGk014
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LFcZdJtHw
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCHhrH43uA
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJuwCV4AMl
"Earth magic."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoTnXEvs7z
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iAH85VmeI
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBYvABCc7m
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvfcERTjn4
**THUD**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0aylUCAhG
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEBbZUYh1F
I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cXgUm3zTY
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3AN2rAVe4
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPFdSHYPly
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Tk01y9ke
"...Tears?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdkPfZevIx
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b4dn8URwe
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwExhzvuaxC
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgxeEtbgPM
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhbA1Hw3EP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsUwqPMdjV
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT15fgUkGVi
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaeyYbVU95
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9rL2NrIAy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOgc9V7pgN
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6wmIC2gEN
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpsXwTznKz
"Ha, how interesting."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfVfer3SdZ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOeBgy50e1
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwXIUbPAs7
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8947iOhZ4K
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8cdDSpB7j
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcepW1Zfak
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSTgfIr2uu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI943c1DLC
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qMG9JSKNd
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze1NLeh5a9
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNlhIWDfww
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr7iL5QRFo
"Similar fields?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn3dOaGzBR
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDlMALYyH1
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡismaDwTwiT
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa1anBEExv
"I-Is that so...?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMFv7aliVq
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ybsBkTH1x
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl4V3WON2k
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegLSWEXuwv
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4a2ZvMeU2
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLUm2ippNi
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1afn53XJy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2JgJWY1VG
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv6aCjYcPJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YIXnxjjYp
"What part didn't you understand?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mRqYjI5Ci
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkVkL619Dx
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke5LoiEXdi
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1t7xTKbIl
"...Huh?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGgdvo6ot7
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq2Sco4A9a
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKYCzBpYzJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjwjvS0Kwz
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFANC7Nwrv
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb3kdtuuVp
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14dbv8RO7k
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusZSVXT6fp
"Huh?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbUOwYasRs
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjHQETYDHs
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY4iansCnq
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQixW866DPt
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzJsinZzPc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOlBE8oaLy
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiUo9szG8w
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCYnYXSrPE
"..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPmhqh0NIA
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBDvdDBWR6
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJenPKlh4K
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuj5by9lOz
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKzl67Bkgd
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMQCPJYs9p
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDjBOsAtT6
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBR1pF1aMK
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZDR6oFznK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN2g9ttTe5
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKieUorhBZ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O9gT6vDfD
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD34FC2fEx
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JTsxNGoGB
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLqmJfGUmt
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ945aMGxBb9
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6DudeRhZi
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFFUBPfgwn
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIOtbnGirS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQumjP8CdcZ
"What are you talking about!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9kWP6cO9Y
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGQGPZNEew
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rgpgj7eMD
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CtD80X7Jg
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR53CRPt9hf
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bOyuUQh7t
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyAZELIUkX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYfT01VvIP
"..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA9WCEsXRP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW5HUHFBxb
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoReC7TcEX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50u78MjAOw
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxftHZ9pJy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOsMWQD6PT
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2iNQkMFeq
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQFZRRlJeq
"Fine, go ahead."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjup9iuZRX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGJbhmGgt6
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrQBBVJgs1
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04hU7VSV0m
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I9Hr8D1mY
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhjX0ABQQG
I pointed at it and she nodded.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGMh5VaB3W
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqIz5tBLN4
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRA9mUO6j0
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCouJfQLvZ
"Hm? But what again?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqiSRLH1iZ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUGRfjNPHJ
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqfcmoIiZL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6nP2WVSJI
"I see. That's disturbing."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xlmjNbmQw
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZyOcFco6E
"It's... not so bad."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45dEHgkpUc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fWbZpYqGE
She gently huffed at my response.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkmP4jtwxr
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ub5AQzKzV
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaijShhsdy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBZu0sDrUD
"Fight Mason?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefAG4tah7i
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0bQ8o74hJ
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOCOlvL5OP
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViF7KdACXJ
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXJ4SdA9OK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJPiqoN6M5
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2sYY9TGwk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TcOPnaZ9r
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xIptoFpNG
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZklQ88byna
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof88TlGYww
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjukcIgkYaQ
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHNUSyOjcl
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C4NgtV3jr
"Is something the matter?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJHU0PGUI5
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbEC7XaSES
"...Where is your friend right now?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3gQYarl9M
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9jKh5zEL7
"T-That's... why do you ask?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceOu5R4ODf
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYBoHllZ1o
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qrrrshVS4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWf9hWDTaX
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LidVqAwNc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1Brzv55M7
"Yes, she did."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT0NYvHVrK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24i4640DXW
"Ah, I see now."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD3ohWsPFp
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMn3dCkUg6
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroTamBfZRQ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCe2IPZMGW
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
