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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumfjFiFk7M
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmuz8TdCs5
"Ow! Ahh..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPY18xepM7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHRL0p1OU8
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkMeL4FKuS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOys0ND2hP5
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtbKek1hRU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWqM9z4rIA
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec8Nl7LY31
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1PBt3s0F
"...This place is giving me the creeps."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebsgF42eSF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgstjtRFUg
"Huh? How so?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9EofUwJ2m
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDtub0ToaJ
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpRAynDRHb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsrAsTKLhA
"Couches and rich– wait a second."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfOYQSqCmM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKnz7mTD6c
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?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU8apIRYC5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJiKqBEJRy
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4BQSSXaTh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbUlgmN8b0
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz97wftnjuv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt32jWT7bkV
"Tch! This stinks!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLETbiFwvw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNsB6aJhyt
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNSfVUe3FR
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nWY1WxVTP
"What?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6QwQ2NXId
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOkxXceDSp
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88QlnvPSvp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCBxAyZHN
"What? Are you scared?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazzBnjvNmh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y7EjYxddN
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPGMQzMVp1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfLwGuNiUY
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPiDw6IURz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7iYvgNLHr
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFpFuxSIGf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kvhbYBgOJ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRND978Ddy1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhQq6xyDAj
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7V7g6r85U
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXt32hyE0T
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87FxjMEVhP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmX1mKUzOd
"...Fine."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IWjIeltsv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMhE1zwf2l
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmVChoA2uj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tgLD2AdBS
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sOrzAQURo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAFzn3rNcq
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJe7e8b35K
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcpiDGMopq
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZeVIuHwZh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28DeVU9ITE
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNvpNgGZ65
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr6Re6KaVx
"...It's locked."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVFeu3VrGf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvDDH9fhBY
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKdaFrd5xK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyekorDOAf
"Oh! This one's open!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjGurzNY4F
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mh2cxyKoN
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ580Oet5j3o
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaNK35mgca
"This place is– cah! Ack!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfesYFYpp40
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAjZwqE5kN
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHICerVI9X
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGROyb7fME8
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?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSNJZEs5Nu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua9eplwDf5
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMeXWepK3J
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFRfiSzZ6a
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv2tQhK3I9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSmeL2UKZC
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzEm9mjO1Y
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7ebjssRGn
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgK10s5aAy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoH4Miba9p
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUftAerrLPb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbINauFrvU
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKub2lA9AYK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlobxYKr42a
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg7aGJzNui
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB6SIa1o0z
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ft7ktoiXX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7ywfedtzc
"Ow... what the hell was that?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZG9zpyl6o
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6u3R8llV4
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0dQsFjFnu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UKGWe1I4n
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnSKpP0aFn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlE50p30fU
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SYwApiPlo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8fG2vvWKb
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglUBGE8ZAw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr8VfMaTfo
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPcIrG6bQr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mBc57FtKr
"What's this here...?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5jTVnyXpS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrruZShXqTo
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!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8NQXZ3uPc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTzlgQueWm
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PVTOY3wmP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUls0OFQvV
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzTjDGy2eU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot3YdwoJJf
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZpxsYnOGj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTjCexsVjA
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHFtfT0oux
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw72I5Bbh5
"...Really?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDPgj6RBt2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQe9SZyWyG
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GtDdjqTut
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Rco58zYQ
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvgQpDAZ2v
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyplwISMm1y
"--Wait."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmhKTgTdy6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3mmxaPcFy
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mggJCCthp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GwjQfEBhX
**SMASH**192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lZ9iN0V4E
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEfcUWEtT0
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF41VbZ7BR8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2XUUpPUkZ
"Earth magic."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM7KHXeOul
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqxzlAEPSw
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Yq2FWVJa2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO53LXjaZbz
**THUD**192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFfz7OsAkw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIiWNcq35O
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ04uHIx2cQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaLXTkHpgB
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55A1cSjgJA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhC6HAbS5a
"...Tears?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlMNUoKW9o
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx3m0FckWD
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeNkY32PeU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUpesRCTy2
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURZEzQVZDn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzFaiKaDLt
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVskEtPoZI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQpBEsyis7
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsws3qo7i5Y
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ2jSgOtqG
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9joUIk6PV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQodCd3qPYd
"Ha, how interesting."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLLJlSs0DX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUWM4d90jk
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxi1RAuBPr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzArPMpyVL
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmjjoD8Jtl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwfbDvML7g
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiYBqtg34S
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroRlYwkjDI
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nRhr5TQhy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M9Y1UL7UR
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCApTr2usau
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mDmMm8uYz
"Similar fields?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXLcJfyxno
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCmZcosBm4
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SbYrsmk0u
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe44ANg33P
"I-Is that so...?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mpUKY0Gz1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40hBueWY5k
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZn6q1QOj2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zrRQxFvUM
"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–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDO9q7nuB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvfUoH2B8M
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHZLYXygHF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqed5OecPGE
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbg5z5twL6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipqGLHQD71
"What part didn't you understand?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcROpKccLE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1f0AZLv6M
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ49TwwDwt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PiQyg9lxS
"...Huh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxvHxkHz4U
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OGK1043qG
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs9hW3xVX8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOZUoAbFu
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2i76qYV3Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07A05lRXUZ
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPlYksRYzt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkoIRbeUZB
"Huh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWsBdOlaM0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bQ9PvMhJS
"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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt9dQgvVPi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwvOkAZfmK
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLnIYBLkvs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD7fwvtGBq
"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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn8liXshuM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuTXeQ2aiE
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo0JmjNRQW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YtZGjZeFA
"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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlz9jNH1Jy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfBp4WgLbk
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4YGOte5B1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGJmwdHpG4
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdud6X3C7ol
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSalqdA5UBc
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1DGwBjUYb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4dwN9buVk
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRkvun9wbL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWUjDHxMrq
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNOLSOSTW8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3it8NwRIvo
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud6ntluk1Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwElOGrA9M
"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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPmUPDjzpi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqldWaTkq9
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jQ0czXImf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeekb5Btm1u
"What are you talking about!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFrSKNmbQq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEKM0FWjUS
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro3tjgW6zW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8DbkYQelu
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ9EuiSdfK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbzKH64JAu
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7jeAUVfuD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63YxPqfMBj
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhU4J7HgUC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12wEtrfUqr
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDR5Zawztq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZKLHC8ZzV
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWlwgcfAgo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOTuom2Co9
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLNaPFwjiV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EIc9y6cBG
"Fine, go ahead."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj4wenc6w1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIgNDgkTAM
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHiAAaNRQg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRxPs49ODn
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjGZoDqmG6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSfEaTXL7R
I pointed at it and she nodded.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5NHYm9VBq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdCRbHnVXR
"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..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdH8xZp7ry
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ts3ChqGi0
"Hm? But what again?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Czc6jtiVS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWwnEx0T4X
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aXs9GM3UC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQmFsVkWDw
"I see. That's disturbing."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva9RR6VYln
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBykw744IZ
"It's... not so bad."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCznifeThh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D0lGRNbUx
She gently huffed at my response.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWZ2embbDQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EJHciCNLa
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8er0vtt4T5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxYJeKrbwM
"Fight Mason?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy52KyiTmLl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdoZVSfyKl
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyP5BrQWYq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOP6c4vhWE
"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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLee8pkTT5r
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTcIqZ7Y9T
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R9Julo7sO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlZO8Axd50
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPFbL0FPhX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxL7BpPXb4
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1hD8HQd1l
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGkQWYHtXW
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmg7aK0Ckn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdKfEKJdyo
"Is something the matter?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFj3fKogXw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUKpyumJUu
"...Where is your friend right now?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqItY5moEGf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF0MhhHo6k
"T-That's... why do you ask?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jO1y6aI2V
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w91CALLbL
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOJQRTTuKM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJsaMxwSWi
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOZ9x99hk2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngjKtWBMkg
"Yes, she did."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8xg0Y34a6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d7bj0mUGq
"Ah, I see now."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23pmg3AiXP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8F87BSYd3
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab0aijuXNw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvPN4AflXY
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
