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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkQqyGKDhT
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"Ow! Ahh..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhRNuR7oAP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgq0wRVsKN
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhshSgAg1w
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QQNUVT3zf
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf3KBOCfJG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v6eNoQSvp
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlRZhXRxAE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbteLBwxWD8
"...This place is giving me the creeps."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAfa9uJqtq
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"Huh? How so?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8GaKjittq
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzyOD34aL8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HzmBf9azg
"Couches and rich– wait a second."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT0czAuBHX
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0KLw0G0zG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHNn85ERNH
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxQJeyurhJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2U8HIb88d
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ3ma1SHZp
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"Tch! This stinks!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGoVPCn7JT
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7igJAP9BS
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"What?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2XtjbUTCy
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNywsI5F7u
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGH1ZWIZXi
"What? Are you scared?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9qiIPrjne
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh6HhuEGAC
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X8jo0uxAO
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR01nsTflb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FWHx5kw5Q
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl0GX2hSgX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbVNLwV6H3
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uelUd5eqF
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzst2ZUTtv
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h4DQq3VtK
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oVuRg2Vyd
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"...Fine."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS1V6IIGzi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQHzNpLiMZ
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjzJKtV4Hr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lwte5XZlA
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT4kfK2cIQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T8KAKpv6l
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTkWlFysJX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwd8nMeUlW
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWggl3uYHV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxCLozRnR0
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAm7Gxj1Ka
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJGn1MeJMf
"...It's locked."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwe84Mx3tI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8NMRLhsbR
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–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl3JrJtXB5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC6B1Qe8jU
"Oh! This one's open!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxzMTICeuS
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCEuHBJwRF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNepqr1vWF
"This place is– cah! Ack!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBvD6IatXu
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRbq3WQBD3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVWNOQusLT
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?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xdf6s38ag
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s94pOvAqo
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUB90VV1Po
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dSqJZF7K3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKO82AjlMv
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKewxXBgVI
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM9UF5MrPT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuIWYzjS8e
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYbYTTg7t4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qEqDlg1tO
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihkOtV60XC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqF69fTw1h
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQx6v2vzCY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgBw3iUJmJ
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxWKa9D7Rk
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMsmX2eGbp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnPZKzwfMN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7TDHzvlB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2APQyHU5S1
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvqZnrhuEG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU2DoCrBLw
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCh10jxWyr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkKh9tUA2f
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZgEEam0er
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehpf480U0o
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx6NxBb9IV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbe0F12w27
"What's this here...?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV2sfbbV9u
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbqMyFelTS
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!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIFbRPrHvt
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EeHfNJz0d
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hEnWLYi1K
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpih7TnTwv
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnVbETHHoL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUEHrQyFjk
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKYDuNs2Eb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj77O9TKvx
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpDV45dTIU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXof5hFq9h
"...Really?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsb8QbZOQw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUtIy0tKTc
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnceUifJnhw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gq8tJnuGh
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–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fD1rXVSG8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlph3FTZEUu
"--Wait."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwcwswX4JY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WqJbDoQI8
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLEankDx8F
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTieFBcXaT
**SMASH**170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kvLdDV0nw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeXS5g9dPX
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99xeN03my3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUYb8J2Sa4
"Earth magic."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsOIyq0ETP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB7cznq1RE
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiWvgzO911
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQrKWsMvH8
**THUD**170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKx6DhyTkQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ975sdihbS4
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtkGhhrNPY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ55sDdwI9F
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8FFQX50d4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYupbpKFwg
"...Tears?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHXBYyRcdL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhjdyqrFOy
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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMV0wSoAwf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqXUspf9Db
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIh2i8YqVA
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5H83jROeN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARE0HATf8c
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwPqgRfATq
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrniKfG0DS
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zqt15Yvxo
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeguBS3G7P
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStto6Gz0tJ
"Ha, how interesting."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtky8HXMC64
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9hb6Yvn62
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfctfieMtLi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVnw1y4tUQ
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYi7udka4y
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzc9parDWY
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOO6u6keD5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDwhPdHaNV
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfsnu51xeX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsvcDbEeue
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpLN3dz879
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxc0bD1Adp
"Similar fields?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1aG0NXbrV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen5iU2AvsV
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NZwiWaO4a
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnCRLfbtl
"I-Is that so...?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu19cE2ROpT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2pLiJDKfN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU33lxmTbrU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX49OTdWcm
"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–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzneAPodE18
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mwY6238SI
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPPU1C5uRQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySTjbRv6vJ
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbawSQYuKmy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGMyqo1NyM
"What part didn't you understand?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUiw4tSzhy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLv63QU1IY
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoBP1aa6Ud
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wGmCQBPgx
"...Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcAv7WEAhY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxtKHKm87k
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKhT9MkuEX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfDMrl6MLa
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtVLEh81VQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNLWl8ANHE
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7CGn9ELYU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj0v2nxV6h
"Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVC4a5KnG6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoVzcxdudk
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ui4Qbq9Sh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPMLAlIMKv
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjYgehuMHE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBrzgIewAX
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptJNWCW4zi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9U763ewtH
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR2pd0oJER
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp6DbzhZRh
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fQbOh7EN9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOdxs8w8Oa
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOx2BA48nr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELx7BuBAee
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMjqSPrYHh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uF7KDT2pM
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk2dtMQ9rv
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dkqNf71o2
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP7ygAhhf9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvABN939Qhv
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DBdEaKZN3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVq4tuOslM
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQmBVTp8h3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCGwOfHCIA
"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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx9a8pR4Kl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFNokklO46
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYga69qcKW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEqLH5G71X
"What are you talking about!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU1yW7gJUC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrKU7j8n71
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOBs2LNF5a
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9ZGEQXtba
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsZ4Fih4Vq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf8D8yECWI
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsWbnVdInf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuFjybf6kQ
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY7L6ipHBy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwm3QZCwP6
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–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6qk9rmNjO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtLS4m3ZGk
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n3rajmwfD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdaNl07naq
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp5k3qnBjj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqjLr930lt
"Fine, go ahead."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HOMhRqnvE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl62x5rQMLM
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrHLZMeGlm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rMxT3KZZp
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEY8Ixweiw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGFPzOxpqG
I pointed at it and she nodded.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4S11HQUj9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbnx3XRP6Q
"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..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9sssgYbz3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUI6x2KPrs
"Hm? But what again?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s8ZLeH8RP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qlko3KtdN
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAMb6KBF0K
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47UgmOhfl8
"I see. That's disturbing."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXemYI0vExK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT1CfjZcIo
"It's... not so bad."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeqOpHrsBb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1C5B8mMHC
She gently huffed at my response.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsqeWlVtvG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxoeHTuWt6
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUpXSVUD5J
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVrGEfWtTn
"Fight Mason?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlydL8cRn1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirKu3heWkv
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Fi1nMibo
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3b3deKZmL
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtaepsYwhf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAxPWezr4g
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx33E83EMZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBfGsJt9ls
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk1B41ZXsr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS8qjLjHjq
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CqxQeMmC0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauPZBPwBKp
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88jdOA274q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthzRieoInL
"Is something the matter?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirYX196nca
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2evO2yC7xO
"...Where is your friend right now?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY2i0Dchj8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26V3CC7YKP
"T-That's... why do you ask?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DHgop4fAC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6u8aHMWL1
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUzjVfg5SU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq5cJHIN4n
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpqg8sjsis
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ397tI98x3
"Yes, she did."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cNBAgKyaH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF141TYVt0
"Ah, I see now."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcb4sDt8Su
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnvDk19UFd
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLiRFjcUaQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljae7oIv3j
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
