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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAETFE3shYbm
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What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.22Please respect copyright.PENANAtqbwNmPcZV
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"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAJOdwdr9X39
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAd1SvUEPZZM
22Please respect copyright.PENANALmyaR13m2Q
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAmCSNSm9eqS
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAlkRpgNdW0E
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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?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAJQksIhDFse
22Please respect copyright.PENANAt8xHTbnyTk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAAD06F3aZfu
22Please respect copyright.PENANAIAlL3xnu1Z
–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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAwWawRNSlGf
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHMX1zPppBQ
"Who's there?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAt8yAijT2nZ
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4t6ndNqBDk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAx0cCyY1j4f
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPHfKRx0s77
Therefore–22Please respect copyright.PENANA5xjGPOXAFV
22Please respect copyright.PENANAn60jphQaP9
**SHATTER**22Please respect copyright.PENANAReut2Ob87U
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She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?22Please respect copyright.PENANA1lC4E6dvEp
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAmRS4dB9tVQ
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.22Please respect copyright.PENANAIgejAvXJ0D
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."22Please respect copyright.PENANA1eg49Y3tUk
22Please respect copyright.PENANATyCyMOko53
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA69Tw20cXvZ
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"Powerful, too."22Please respect copyright.PENANAib7zPBflpL
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Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.22Please respect copyright.PENANAe7k4Kx5YBE
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"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"22Please respect copyright.PENANATzQTKOjFnE
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"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."22Please respect copyright.PENANAF7if4XziLw
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkz7JGaVxo7
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANATo36scA3Rq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAgRq6SG3co3
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA8rPxc10h5d
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"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."22Please respect copyright.PENANAdhts4kLTRL
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The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–22Please respect copyright.PENANAMtGWkAWHyg
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"Crossbows!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAxOgRkd0WIv
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtSxOygDk56
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAknxfFAmBXk
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyNNMsyuE7z
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAdpSZPtw2cL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAmzBLf2eX7N
"Ngh! How!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAhLN4v6w9xX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAeu12cbAH1O
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAWTawBTTw8A
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkkwiyNzK0N
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAShKceTUQPm
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"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."22Please respect copyright.PENANAN9zWYrKszl
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"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAK5xcMSoz7N
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"You ought to know the answer by now."22Please respect copyright.PENANAAT9Lh9HANN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnJ9SUbfn7C
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAYNnKUZoONQ
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"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAKPpwhGSGqv
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"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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAdlywN8T6FH
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"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAJE1JpJ7TjG
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0FnXKmVgrl
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAdDPNHQxfhS
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"Phew. Give up now?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA6gPcV2xynk
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"'Course not, just thinking."22Please respect copyright.PENANAuQ5LzUPpA4
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Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.22Please respect copyright.PENANARr1m8heuiA
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAeWRYKQdXVJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcJYalmIaHq
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAEAfGgf8YNv
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"--Shit!"22Please respect copyright.PENANABaakjChIc3
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Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.22Please respect copyright.PENANACMc2beYCli
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.22Please respect copyright.PENANA3LkX0VYufM
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9uO56J5JkL
22Please respect copyright.PENANA5AnwENtJ7R
"--Huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAsmaWBAeEmJ
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Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.22Please respect copyright.PENANAJH54qfkL3o
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.22Please respect copyright.PENANAoOtN33R3e2
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAH7NTcv4tcw
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"Ngh..."22Please respect copyright.PENANArY4yM3yVLX
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.22Please respect copyright.PENANAzoF8p3OuKI
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"This just... isn't my day, damn it."22Please respect copyright.PENANAuTg7SzHu3K
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"--Rover!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAnqacXUZhTV
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAjupPZE0YRN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuYGIeFUNhl
"K-Kenny!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAaXV0eomBZd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAj9wOSckwZa
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAhHiharprQC
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"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."22Please respect copyright.PENANALZxDTf1DPn
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She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.22Please respect copyright.PENANA7oC0tnNKd9
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"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAdmCRQfXYm7
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She turned her head to him, conflicted.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1ghsurt9oD
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"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."22Please respect copyright.PENANALlBM9rsTdD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsNU36m3C1x
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.22Please respect copyright.PENANAEuWqjZjJ2B
22Please respect copyright.PENANACG4Q1HFZa7
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.22Please respect copyright.PENANADLbgMHnrIV
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"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."22Please respect copyright.PENANA0KjIydlgDW
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"H-Huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANALdJpQdEgRD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQfYK0W3E75
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAeQHUQ39EwS
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"You... you are so reckless!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAGY1iPlA22r
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Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKSoNrCVZFR
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAxSQMJOJmhy
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His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.22Please respect copyright.PENANABu9OOwp9ml
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"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAVe0rI9KLdQ
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"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!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAOzR7tFQEvb
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjNfB4xtlXQ
"--!"22Please respect copyright.PENANADMNZdWKCkU
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.22Please respect copyright.PENANAc6IBvdDMfW
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"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."22Please respect copyright.PENANA7kkbZ12iOv
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"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"22Please respect copyright.PENANA4Jx7jNle9K
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A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."22Please respect copyright.PENANAnjCWkedxxW
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Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.22Please respect copyright.PENANASrKDTxWM92
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"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAs2O6Ptgl07
22Please respect copyright.PENANAojEpQgsVEb
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXGL1T3nNLu
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAwReFW2EFEW
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–
–
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAdyp2kdJel4
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Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.22Please respect copyright.PENANASaX626vLkz
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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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAn0J2D9S7LC
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKmtl9PeWtA
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAts25woLTh2
22Please respect copyright.PENANA2XNrjLs8W4
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAvhJdbzFWrB
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9V3uLdZaOy
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."22Please respect copyright.PENANAhY4UV1jwoF
22Please respect copyright.PENANASq1uY7yKXj
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."22Please respect copyright.PENANAPMDetazp5L
22Please respect copyright.PENANAagHeEk8PPl
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAn72Ii8UErF
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQSYei3I6V4
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.22Please respect copyright.PENANAq4eIMDo1dx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAEmEdDdIhT7
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAc090unonjz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJJSB1S3YJx
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAuy1jWrVkkf
22Please respect copyright.PENANAacdFK88PUx
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAaGloQevmh1
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnlehHxYP98
"Of course."22Please respect copyright.PENANAGI2b2elT5h
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOlspLGWYKV
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."22Please respect copyright.PENANAxN22CVg1eR
22Please respect copyright.PENANANoiLivTfoY
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKLnDssEoWg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHjw3QqiXHi
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAPqrHP6AwAJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAM8ShNkuoqQ
"..."22Please respect copyright.PENANADsdR2Sfi2j
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKb0xK3gP3w
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.22Please respect copyright.PENANApxoAT14Pi0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAS2UlmygdOp
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"22Please respect copyright.PENANACawC8JQpGp
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQkUL6HroBR
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."22Please respect copyright.PENANATj2BZpwEsd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzlgylkHyfU
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1HsZQM09LH
22Please respect copyright.PENANAx1iYZHTMNz
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."22Please respect copyright.PENANA4MZvLMGWNa
22Please respect copyright.PENANABTADRTqJgT
"Then I suppose I have no choice."22Please respect copyright.PENANAEIzKXLMd0v
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvE9R96ZPu6
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAWfwsC8bo9p
22Please respect copyright.PENANANQGV8vseiU
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.22Please respect copyright.PENANAfv6ttsG8UX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKJ47bU9pON
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."22Please respect copyright.PENANAjSzDjwqyUZ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAD9Xfr69dAy
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAD0tkB25Neq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAytuw5AmmHx
"You are such a priss, Pars."22Please respect copyright.PENANAkayBmEZBEH
22Please respect copyright.PENANA20NqXzzoBc
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXb7i3UkInK
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvJcIRGqW8V
"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?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA8e41TAMXbR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdUMRrHBqYV
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."22Please respect copyright.PENANADT4alG6Azf
22Please respect copyright.PENANA624SUnHBJ5
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.22Please respect copyright.PENANAj670VNER2G
22Please respect copyright.PENANAf2lpYjrKri
"I'm going to tell them."22Please respect copyright.PENANAFSoC5Zgw6q
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjnlxlLt123
"Don't you do it."22Please respect copyright.PENANA5mcoG9mSLp
22Please respect copyright.PENANATUibaog1LF
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"22Please respect copyright.PENANARR2iGk72GY
22Please respect copyright.PENANARwzTFRisY3
"Lola, I'm for real about this."22Please respect copyright.PENANAO9KvjOEvnc
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUVuYutIgsu
"--is because of a series of assassinations."22Please respect copyright.PENANAuXgMcrQ3Z6
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOOTf0D6Do7
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.22Please respect copyright.PENANAqAAmgDxTL6
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJhcBJn83zZ
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."22Please respect copyright.PENANAZROgE9GtpR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiJpiW8a7ZN
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."22Please respect copyright.PENANAHa2GUesHMu
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0FmN0gHxQm
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAkEQ9sNHanz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUi3Fp3R8J3
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAHvVIiZ8E41
22Please respect copyright.PENANANYuDVKrbXB
"Uh, well, who got killed?"22Please respect copyright.PENANARzQBpff1Z8
22Please respect copyright.PENANALvFBuJIcv1
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAtViIBRTk9Q
22Please respect copyright.PENANAP8vWboKalQ
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.22Please respect copyright.PENANAmzQH3s2lzL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAC6bDpe07IO
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANATlSWHiJQts
22Please respect copyright.PENANAo5g0z2hL9s
"I-I see."22Please respect copyright.PENANAUCbKVU04PM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAIuqSyvA6Pi
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAOg5LjMp8Po
22Please respect copyright.PENANAH3dmsH4a7a
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."22Please respect copyright.PENANAc8g93awz3d
22Please respect copyright.PENANAV7rKaoeveh
"...You have my condolences."22Please respect copyright.PENANA2xTlW1JuLm
22Please respect copyright.PENANAoryX6dxQDP
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."22Please respect copyright.PENANAWyVXZr22Ht
22Please respect copyright.PENANA5SyPCgUrWF
"Mmm."22Please respect copyright.PENANA2LkhOVtyCq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyGR1wkAgS0
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.22Please respect copyright.PENANAY7fIsGrhjP
22Please respect copyright.PENANAZQZnqpUarA
"Alright, we've made it.'
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiV6TrEVUaG
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANARc3vg2OOdx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAmdS0mKgCx3
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."22Please respect copyright.PENANAG6SnZxTN17
22Please respect copyright.PENANAqi0TZuSnty
"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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAkfpOHbJcLO
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9XI5PxDro9
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.22Please respect copyright.PENANAZEMHyzKWGf
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOdSAYP7mgZ
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."22Please respect copyright.PENANAhEH7Tvymlx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAh90mmjzRDZ
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"22Please respect copyright.PENANAgPszToMtj3
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzBrlijIzCG
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANABs4Ii1KlFx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAioD3WjkFcQ
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA4wIEFbeoiF
22Please respect copyright.PENANAGMuRtHFi7p
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."22Please respect copyright.PENANAPn4QBZeZlg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvifIfedWCc
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAaVSUwcjxB7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnFDKX5cJcp
"..."22Please respect copyright.PENANAsFpBeisO2p
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfztmCwBhKi
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.22Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9iFtDxcKI
22Please respect copyright.PENANAowIM7ehm9B
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAlvF1YZs1IE
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPOB2758OWG
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."22Please respect copyright.PENANAGIdKL9COLg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAeg0jSNBI8y
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.22Please respect copyright.PENANAQdZQbhl8gx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAz78ucieK9A
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."22Please respect copyright.PENANAmM5pyiOdLT
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcoCpGI8v2J
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAyOgTyitcWh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwpRu17cPa8
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.22Please respect copyright.PENANAnXuYfbMKvM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAylXZsYbyeN
We had completed the mission.22Please respect copyright.PENANAOV7VZEbjxE
22Please respect copyright.PENANAb7czBJaLKe
–
–
–
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXL9BMjtOdq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAY1Ox2vJ1up
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA41OKiIW8ef
22Please respect copyright.PENANADpor1IqI7A
"One last high-five, Kenny!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAaPWmqcAuoe
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXurlqhKgwG
"Alright alright, geez."22Please respect copyright.PENANA3G5Euaz9pH
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7BJjMInQJC
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.22Please respect copyright.PENANApAQWEWNnMQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANA2rTlul3fAc
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."22Please respect copyright.PENANA0gt8lpIFsh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtK3h62rfXT
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."22Please respect copyright.PENANAXOsMkK4A36
22Please respect copyright.PENANASoFQGMzF10
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAhzIZGaLSDh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwA0LWFdSG8
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."22Please respect copyright.PENANAius83CV0i7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXAvlcesQiF
"Huh? What are you talking about?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAKf4VZDTAv1
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyFHHiRAqeK
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAQuq6YuLjpV
22Please respect copyright.PENANAGUZB2luH82
She looked conflicted about my statement.22Please respect copyright.PENANAGCBXBPrT17
22Please respect copyright.PENANABHKFUr28JB
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."22Please respect copyright.PENANAQKRUaelnYR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuO7Hcjxp6K
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."22Please respect copyright.PENANAUkUjUsjnMP
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9KJ0MQnDLM
"Dispositions...? What?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAhiBNmaghIp
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsIjC8yux7r
"Uh... our natures, basically."22Please respect copyright.PENANAaftIbePOc1
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAqPwRK3CZM
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAe4RMSN3JdX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkNSjlsSNMG
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAv9XOSY1vEC
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhxxBtPGeAB
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA3A0uunyQiw
22Please respect copyright.PENANAgQs5hiGujE
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAUkg4YHR6j0
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4nCijncSqj
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."22Please respect copyright.PENANAY4dfzlASyh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAGiCiP3hJNQ
She pulled me out of my rumination.22Please respect copyright.PENANA7iFjBEapbj
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsW5OJ25rrH
"About what?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAMMLFAQ7pWR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPLyCUIOuoK
"About what you said."22Please respect copyright.PENANAEVnvmO1QlB
22Please respect copyright.PENANAgXbqL0hO0z
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.22Please respect copyright.PENANAxni47W8Uky
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcEjb7bgTkN
"Well, what is it?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAGHWqACcN3U
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuLbsMYzH2N
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAkukdZjajTM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKvLe4Qhwfo
"Right."22Please respect copyright.PENANAqaN7QTegR4
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjPnFQd3YQQ
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAmOtFEywQl4
22Please respect copyright.PENANA1DhEuQj8e8
"..."22Please respect copyright.PENANAXVUwLOsxqH
22Please respect copyright.PENANAVN88MxO3qk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAiTlI1wc6jR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnUwJK8jxCK
"That's great."22Please respect copyright.PENANAiJsMiIrqqW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvaitrZG0Hi
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."22Please respect copyright.PENANAAEWh8j8ZHN
22Please respect copyright.PENANATtV9KtJl5I
"Uh, what's the matter?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAFeG4YBeI34
22Please respect copyright.PENANAmhjAK9bnCS
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.22Please respect copyright.PENANA6ltM9QDBJl
22Please respect copyright.PENANAq8kNMqG7Kz
"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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA92ksS33Mfj
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAPrmT0Dpw2
"I can't say that I do."22Please respect copyright.PENANAOzm6XnZfmJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAWCPPSn0imN
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.22Please respect copyright.PENANAVvnsUF6lmn
22Please respect copyright.PENANA3JWC1Nb1Nv
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAsQF3xrBYa7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdFFVY4L5Yc
"Just trust me here!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAcDou2stGIf
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhpu18lRv4H
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAY3L5HZH1qN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxIbC1bXjb9
It sounded like chatter.22Please respect copyright.PENANA751coKqK0A
22Please respect copyright.PENANA3n8ibsiCCk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAVpCjDByG0G
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtSi96nBoEm
"Kenny, wait here."22Please respect copyright.PENANAOjj3sFcJAc
22Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4eWpMDgvA
"Huh? Why?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAars9VKSZwd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHvu2Qd4Ru1
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAP71n5CZtbN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAr0S6FLhHZ7
"W-Wha–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAT1U8z10wLm
22Please respect copyright.PENANAqWnPscDQNJ
"Shhh! Shut up!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAqFjXPmUp5b
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuQ3RYjjqLt
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAY7eTGgNNlI
22Please respect copyright.PENANADBFHxm8hKw
"This is..."22Please respect copyright.PENANAjw81EgHRq3
22Please respect copyright.PENANALKCkYXYDRv
"Something fishy is going on here."22Please respect copyright.PENANAQdHI4HyTkQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwYcBC1da84
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAsju9h8yIox
22Please respect copyright.PENANAE3e3GlpvJI
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAzKINbbzOHl
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7QYa4umQfq
"Alright, can you all hear me?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAL7Y3KZ3SDC
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiXgG16eA27
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!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAESy25cA1Tz
22Please respect copyright.PENANA2tMdX2UddI
It was the same robe that Ng wore.