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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BHqeXbJo5
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"Ow! Ahh..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxVwDglv0K
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLDIlrpCDB
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoEmsQWTec
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoIAsXKnl1
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O7XviRxgA
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"Huh? How so?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbnNDnNSLS
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkXS3Um9Vz
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJB15UYVKg
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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?140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooPRN3PVVM
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl82K9y4oxI
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4yBECfxho
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"Tch! This stinks!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUmCkR7Gf
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsU67CCgl7
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"What?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8tbAlnM2E
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NExbgchkq
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"What? Are you scared?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXocWc3Mjqf
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPfisa7Ros
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWpacvKCzK
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0YSBBd4j4
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozFsBlByjV
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuQPz3gEfP
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPHVpjeyN4
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"...Fine."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOOInpFYF2
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUxLX02f0r
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOo0UUvXA0
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO32wsSf3rc
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8z2HhqPa7
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LWiHkjVQf
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"...It's locked."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvd0thyR7y
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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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAoNyWUln6
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"Oh! This one's open!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZMd7xsAIU
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0hIajKRgz
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36o9zyjPkw
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNOgX1hCfx
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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?140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruriP8hrsA
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHfeIM9TcG
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeUZcGB3Ni
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fexvcfRVA
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdVI9i09Fo
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrgql5Hoy2
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNjGg26MVk
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r1bfKd71K
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnTfhVeyL9
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyflTVZk8vo
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOhPzVnQdq
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk90rlUZhP
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckVkZ1vnLJ
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBS5ZjUzpT
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjbJi8z6ze
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"What's this here...?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVbKjVpHzN
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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!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3IBByfU2Z
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKsyf36NMg
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBJaFB9eed
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2bl5eM84A
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJir01VCEIi
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"...Really?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu1WGMK4ji
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFinZfMB5J
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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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcPHZhbwXU
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"--Wait."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzAxro5XUb
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C8m02oUOw
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**SMASH**140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPKCh4H0yt
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQBy3JYKly
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"Earth magic."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF6ptt3NRn
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BM3vxY4pM
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**THUD**140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7BpjOttwN
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACbGYZ7LqU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiH0LQUCTx
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrFvN2pSHF
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"...Tears?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2drsy5UwZt
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxVk302RBV
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"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0s2ML75mi
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDcgvsj2NT
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FrgEq2qUN
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcp7Q5wzIO
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"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEkeBRntaX
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"Ha, how interesting."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInCs5gittt
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrx2WvibPl
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6fKBIYcRG
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaH0WZRYLI
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY6h4gNAop
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCmjaWf2RN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOzbxNwkAW
"Similar fields?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sbKQWBYB9
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYUEK0Tzb1
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VFEARjsPK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamqZhDWMEI
"I-Is that so...?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSslWcJQ0aG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBfPG0Eie7
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZP3j3L69v
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83jaz4IeUW
"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–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j8SF4BJpa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhba9nkho6
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv7sTHhhzn
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4vktrEcxP
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ43uQKFORf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdAAeCfGHV
"What part didn't you understand?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzjmwqHi1c
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewcQxSjW3I
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03t5RXHuZT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEsHC3iPUT
"...Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZd7BfsGMj
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFiNkLOIkv
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZEYywEFX0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgot20C79MP
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuOhGauehQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb64aUGwVhE
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M1JaoxhWy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCODdMYnya
"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4FrNPxEeB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTLVJTCTZv
"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!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV93vZQjJPM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKZ3ciUjPk
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokKhCBYiAS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJl566rtHv
"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!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAmO4YVSlL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrldTE7TxnT
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjnnDBe85e
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBFJBdAi0B
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwjXWweFmX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm752nLlSP
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SZ5hAipUQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfhE8aJQui
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58LvWGgnNj
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazhjF1JCB8
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKfPCcETzB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkDQuHh9L0
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6xs6Nu5Bu
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30yqZ9lYVj
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeYi55pxXT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwRn7D0vJK
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyKrymLwIh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSHw9ytuCo
"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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWwDC6j1Xa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2nJmGbiKb
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo2HvMTYg6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKgg8SjoMi
"What are you talking about!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoaHu8mCSM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNZoDEytAZ
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGlpGN7wmJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEunOlXXZLB
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmBczl0UOI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HUShNY2Sn
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEQ85zijZ0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5ZacsQnrx
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfzmMdZB1U
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzo16rZMJq
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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8bH7Ii6Ha
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxP30Na80E
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBV8W8matI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYABNhc3Q2
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu8JpYD9k1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DdzjSao7B
"Fine, go ahead."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivEl4r5rHl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7EL0bwRF0
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk8eG8b0C5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ084QliKl2V
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZjvhB8v4y
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHIhh873r0
I pointed at it and she nodded.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDbGBZ0Bty
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOY5eIYsJF
"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..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n7RsTTaNQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9LMOUDvts
"Hm? But what again?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQw6wZaAlO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIukGWqWFDV
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJlgc44wV5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEbuSLgy5X
"I see. That's disturbing."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj17XO0F1X5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJtbdIRcO5
"It's... not so bad."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKLQP99JnZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPAE459Kfw
She gently huffed at my response.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IT13fh3aC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqWAa3jJ0F
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2lF1R7NRx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPtPvBtHvf
"Fight Mason?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ExHdLvspG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuSYojbAEa
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNzqxlWMgD
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Yxh1pgYU
"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!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7a9M2XEEk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgqazE3oEn
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ54gLSStF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F576l09L2
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5EyjT3W99
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrjvXRCzZ1
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORGnkabrQc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBPbZc1ntU
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHndaPnaAK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjh3wUi9nz
"Is something the matter?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cSvtx7xLS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtUE2ofqQN
"...Where is your friend right now?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXZaBjQ1bp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlqVc2JnlT
"T-That's... why do you ask?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoB9Pqql0K
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ530Fa7Dcyn
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT49lzvKmW
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWul3qSJFu
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QBtgsxGZo
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARFDY10GBn
"Yes, she did."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD4GHhJccb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9E2396tlz
"Ah, I see now."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA3lZRzFpZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdETd9cFcSS
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpbnxBKUX9
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs0mqgBM0j
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
