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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGEqcd7DcR
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"Ow! Ahh..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn9teNPKg4
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQMiWJchHT
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwOC8In4CN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE253HOH2o
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1yclF1nU6
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IMZ6y8C37
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"Huh? How so?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyaouFEnaa
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfiHu2DB32
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6yQvlEtRM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FC8n9EBYY
"Couches and rich– wait a second."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hjl7rUaj4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSgTxkQ6DH
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?261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WGhNaEAUz
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9XVBqlk7n
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7weGLYlW2g
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6KmcV3gsT
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv8zKb0xiz
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"Tch! This stinks!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEXiqWfj8K
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWUpbh7kvl
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG2cNYrWkw
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"What?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3a5EEU4LL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBeBEoJkQK
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLTPBfM0Lo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdMoYm3BJ7
"What? Are you scared?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSbmE8Is8E
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpViBG5CMhn
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZMZeCatCn
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYG4i26m4u
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmuKVDmTDE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZmeHvWKsc
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1padXZ2qi
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWkxymOjSN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bjsN9m9jZ
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0cPsYpzAM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QoxQWqG9j
"...Fine."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW8hGEudo3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEL71zVJWi
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdOrH88OEC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgW8yg8RFS
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKMT21mj3k
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHqOEVGHQK
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkhowPbRxZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30LaibwxXn
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NfdGv0yz5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3bGyDUOEU
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQHEEsdeSY
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqizxhkxGtO
"...It's locked."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz06W12EQzQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecn21Xs6TE
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwSAf0ATC7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyaF2urWeT
"Oh! This one's open!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEEsJyKyE4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrdMp5Yurz
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx6JMNbYnp
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdOsVSmg3R
"This place is– cah! Ack!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wC8ErplN1
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFexmD8xoHe
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjMm56wyIS
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?261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRZxsqK9xB
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclc2rhL3JM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKPGakdiVn
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2eSxCvQlt
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuoCqv5XML
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixPwiH1yjZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5iRCoG5o2
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCcWcnHQFe
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHd2BxJzWd
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJXeaB3k1Q
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mti3fw1sO
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEDuAVMzD7
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqAjdQTMRB
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5vK4cnGKB
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHtBor0tr8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbSl0Np0iK
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzReMQnWnJO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ221ArwCyKg
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zYts4itp1
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdpavbVwHs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYTiXddDOl
"What's this here...?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gMXfGGeB8
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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!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefsreXvR1a
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl4R4xGnTt
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pNNNkCGbY
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17NjTkrzVQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yx2HmS0HY
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4gXRT5Uu1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1yGLZAnyN
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf0bH7ans0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23uUdya8MR
"...Really?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEIsSuIGck
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4p6fC8WB9
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz9tQba2I3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkuzagQK4A
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwLwCLiQP3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIHX2nkhZT
"--Wait."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUjG0gDPyN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfYHDVMijB
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIuKVzEgk7
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**SMASH**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9ghuLPqYu
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9MjrZbr7u
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"Earth magic."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj0NT7sDPg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6sDqF1M9t
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoZPRqqIDB
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**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFaXuVoJX3
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxbuJbtO1v
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrWJAzaiQw
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA0y9rU1lK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti5eovnrqV
"...Tears?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXFVEsaadD
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko4VmQQxlf
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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZiUdjMeNI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U4VsiqXGr
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9jM2o0Qif
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntnpOYbpho
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBXc54hdst
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR54zFip7m8
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFBYQWUSCk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6TFJC7tCL
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoZpDG6lis
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJXQovj07H
"Ha, how interesting."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7UI5QYXgL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUKGDfVTC5
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvlmL0wNkc
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrVy5jmICc
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ainca5Hem
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIls6kpEFG
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNtRgSjqDx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfL7XdQxxR
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8uZvnYqtO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyoWPlqx9H
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoShebrYVzz
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zs4pSk9bS
"Similar fields?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGps7gIQCQV
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt23UpcwD04
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EDQlAqAYQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDuKNyYuKl
"I-Is that so...?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuTFYNnwUt
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUGlOcTfHE
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ua5xi7IEQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGnvzRNMGs
"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–"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqr9YtEgSM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVvlCVZRA2
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKT0g8D4mO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR1Y1oFygD
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktnc0sTQ4s
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4uODlCVw7
"What part didn't you understand?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qIORQznVu
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP4z7uaplq
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5MJrcQWG6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM6MxDXvFV
"...Huh?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UkKq2qNPd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnWLf6owyA
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSfZGHAbzu
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC63oMcbYhD
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f6pxYaHxS
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBycoIhiIWR
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxGsSUFhWf
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y70zIL8gS
"Huh?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOc5oZZF5V
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPRQR9HAjf
"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!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4cYLPJr51
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEvwxRTgmF
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6WoFa74RX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPp2jcDJk3
"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!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt8OLN8s5I
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUOqD0UZQW
"..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLZKGAAMKz
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDEijMIjhG
"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?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9qcPQITqi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmfMk9pCoM
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRg0MRXoMq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxOTAz1o2x
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtavPWNinyj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWhnggYZKT
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3quBqldeq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeJkecFMyh
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE0AsGgFBY
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ13kAi8c6
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqqGfXNVl9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZP7Or1Rbx
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwnT988jbA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqHpJUBvkV
"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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Z3qpGBMt
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQmJ7NlKoM
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLcgP47NGP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpO9TWMaza
"What are you talking about!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBUfQiyyaF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW2hQqGrW9
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSQEwD6DGO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoD7BPw5CW
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73LR1hZN71
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCnHS7Lcw5
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEin0BDu7y
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV6ymEkFex
"..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8xv93qVxc
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mjmp0DNvQ
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u9tRbaiIl
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoLBB3ur8U
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPXdW9vrLd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRZwB6O4CU
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7DCsW6vxM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlTCnZhyoK
"Fine, go ahead."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ioVvzq8PP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8tUkg6UdM
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiibfLuBrN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI47S8W4p5p
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wk5qychr8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqonyslD3BT
I pointed at it and she nodded.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDRMSAEKvq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWhGo8jDMP
"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..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGJewkFJzd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidWdpMAqDE
"Hm? But what again?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB3u6aZDBl
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgJHKHLpGq
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUULL1zzDLR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKXs0lK4FT
"I see. That's disturbing."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgpsKjDSme
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7Kzx0ig2F
"It's... not so bad."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKcHzQIH2i
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC4lla10Xr
She gently huffed at my response.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR58ufCNnrR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms6x8cPtDx
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aAJ3nojyg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu8yUxgOt3
"Fight Mason?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH9hV9J6vG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lyUMTbfMn
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jKi9UdzVI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sBwr77d94
"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!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqzwFA0mdx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHQT2nHRzh
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEGkC7zkjK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JuFv4dhaY
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlwR4MSiEF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnic4Q3iay
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWo7yktXtD
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdK5f9t8tI
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXtdxodHBO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzofBUrs2h
"Is something the matter?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTpEhAoUVF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvv7j3MJTs
"...Where is your friend right now?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJxJY6PTCq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFgIStZHi9
"T-That's... why do you ask?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd6myYhjjU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnhuecADui
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gIpV4nBuj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cAuCr0owD
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl0EvZgsx1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLohV5KSmLU
"Yes, she did."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS4aqB1y5B
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJirytFYES
"Ah, I see now."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeVvRooHWM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Nas6Rkgr
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJEIe8rAh6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJIZFc7Nw2
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
