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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdFLhH2b3R
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmZk9t3nur
"Ow! Ahh..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrEEI1WK0C
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlh3XAJEOv
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWvQpMXj14
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosIF60sZNG
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvX5qQQzNT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6a7uPErRE
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5H1ARAW5A
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1aF7STEce
"...This place is giving me the creeps."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz10TvenTS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxwLhLGzDp
"Huh? How so?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuirNpY9sxY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9KlX6lpB8
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufypS50GwM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRfEGidXWb
"Couches and rich– wait a second."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaylsTapUx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoUdjNDcMj
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?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbML5stNLdE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81mXb4xzBz
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodgEwL7jFZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS41fFd2UEt
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbnf5KLqol
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ04yD9nXWI
"Tch! This stinks!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZkgbwffGb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0McjJSfKtd
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YBC2aTQuL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyqsSMG9Bg
"What?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaiRRXxFVC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHBqJbJdma
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqVmV8MTbM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdd1RJMaIr
"What? Are you scared?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm7FVpKiGF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwjcPQ444J
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Tk8emTNZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHeapqqqBP
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn6Yt0bJ5L
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITa39TsZTO
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QzeuVgdRU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIhzlKOwhv
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmlGwpKStM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHK5v4M4WB
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaDvek94ZO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw8FhsfvAy
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHch0UdEeGJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUfi4Yavcm
"...Fine."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7dnb9uh4h
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl5kBhEaA0
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyuA4PMVfw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgI5YtYXZ1
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWMbYJmuo5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjhrb595dd
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA96JofGOE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteWBb2jgvh
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYlmSpvUom
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIZgbQoK6s
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz7zD3509a
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3lTSaHLuT
"...It's locked."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC0P9XSCQZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40H42b87fl
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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAJCINjnFV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIOsTvZR7T
"Oh! This one's open!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYPdOMTiaK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO9MOACrTV
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhFugeNyir
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJICWS5sj0
"This place is– cah! Ack!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0sKGoeeNo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWiwvylTJK
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKqXhViegc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9WRtpmLGN
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?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe6Mx0Q1gA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWBziLSE3I
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aROLDbdro
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVbESTlwNT
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NvNr4aCxh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXvs5seRwF
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY8ixqt08A
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKGPDvT8Wc
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1kWQThmXB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19N4rdK1Tn
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhzKEIaioW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX9RsOmXKe
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJDl5au65t
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkcvpU5MXa
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXQ1iZnA09
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT6WlQtHb5
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QFsJGYQWP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gos3oz7Ao
"Ow... what the hell was that?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpu50DZM0T
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWesGvHgvW
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCFTnG92iu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntTVWjHYfs
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K7wsCMqQF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjU0wTQyVk
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjQkQHHT6D
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebD9VsNMAs
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE6iD17oIc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoow8mMZKAk
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAZpcUrZdT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Y9fYD9WD
"What's this here...?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7vuFltY1i
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6TJyspUmh
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!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgJV50xZhv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak6gEy7rZJ
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBODScNQfi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4tO6wVLz7
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv9Q3SZmxC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhQB0At71t
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBbdei91ql
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuO8n3JQ4O
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzSXWwFqiz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVREQVuO529
"...Really?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGRimhU1QR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe84U3cO8nV
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMJyyuO2RP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyphaXHWBaf
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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V5iFM9NFc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0HSk3d3Gc
"--Wait."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZOOATBXMg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl5NEvwZv1
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXWPE8JF1o
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSghz0dJop
**SMASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N73oqwuTI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5c2pjQ4Ph
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2kmsXF4yR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5hPZ2rQ2r
"Earth magic."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBNDZjzNc4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwHb6AwjqG
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyXh74EH9e
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDI06k1evj
**THUD**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuN2eCFyns
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIXPgIRNMP
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF4xooRIaO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxPvT50bAA
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJRMp1wITy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIQKFYPGxl
"...Tears?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioYPDISShs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOgRWKIDUO
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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEYfm390oM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjrMvebKrN
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuSgmxy106
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj8SsBGuBu
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwClDLSRH5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPDKlWoVvq
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o248KRXqC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHKBp5sT0I
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dlTqbkWP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI49rb8tJt9
"Ha, how interesting."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMoBVuc02S
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKmxoeSXi
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWShc37H8ac
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox1ivnmqZN
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBgX1u9edM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlgmxQrvWT
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTs3vK2OAt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOYcPBoQW8
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1CqYdCatV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzqYKCpoIw
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfyV5uzUB8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQEWm7Tp8r
"Similar fields?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv0Y5afb0v
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsTowSrj0R
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp3gVh1SFJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeCHjUamyw
"I-Is that so...?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhIhgU32xB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfvwjPSWJS
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QE45xtFsH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr40owVf6EU
"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–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO6J0LXrRP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63ptyQIRkP
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ202xYVglyQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtcMmkQSaA
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZzUtHDEpy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77877RAn0A
"What part didn't you understand?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLnEc6hHJQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhlaX6oxh5
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMMFlePpxp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3aWLKXMNa
"...Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PoHMMhRZg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr4tI9dzoC
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNM3YbIscO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPxqcwXKDI
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRF7krZI1O
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBudwvbkgg3
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfE8HHBmvk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7zdmaK13i
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfin46FnNbh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9IzYqWByq
"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!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyak71U3bS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjpSYVQuOC
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK1LFjfYTz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVPrvxh7Yy
"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!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuEBajtJmt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RjepBmePe
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB34iSWYFY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4zUG5GM1O
"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?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfORqbCTbL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnDehmbBHh
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZjKhN2GEU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTkdtPAAvc
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi9BbBRxDf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleOH9tTk7G
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LGyw5NJUv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOVE8klbXR
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTgfimpd5W
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsKGz9ndfR
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6dkxQOHj6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ237FULRF0X
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOll69DEzM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfubLRDeCIu
"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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCFLpkNy8u
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0i7jlcAL0
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx6SF8pazn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdF8FG5Yp
"What are you talking about!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5fFj6SJJW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCZhCvl5N5
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGHdQFhfOE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBL9v7hGMB
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGRxxI4QNd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHTU8aftVl
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvqlhTMua3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zrveci19p
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYaaAtqXtZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtZSiRpwWH
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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDzVcfKu9F
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsacRYDOd3
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeddCPZ3vVL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7T2RYFiIv
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Xlhe5n3M
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPChA2gQp6
"Fine, go ahead."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZDcFCHjIX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b6FM9PNO4
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFWvLuAdcp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vXNJoftal
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU46Xk8DHd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWbYPYzAIW
I pointed at it and she nodded.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrwbdMO0y3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK7x0mqdX2
"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..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YX6EDceqy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sQfhF0VGo
"Hm? But what again?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThSh4vy8uu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HWBNaKHuD
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua1MrGUmfr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0zO8flSSK
"I see. That's disturbing."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZOTE8mtYo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUJ3NoMuV2
"It's... not so bad."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUKbp7iaqM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN8wDAxkjo
She gently huffed at my response.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBfmPUD5E8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfljam24EVA
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxn9ruMdqm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzZuA3QJax
"Fight Mason?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFggh67v3q
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut0DOE795q
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF2hu8oUDI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu7kpZBONw
"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!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVDBJSNWC2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMdzr4mANQ
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf10wHrzTwE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgp7V6RPI1
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZND3u4FLM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMcbT98VqQ
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFF1NeoUBI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMSle2BbGq
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45x0r0prB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCDuRoXjqE
"Is something the matter?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe7ukUH5Cu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF19xLUSgrg
"...Where is your friend right now?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJQ8jKMX9F
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61NzkcmwPt
"T-That's... why do you ask?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh7d3ZtGDJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6QwWi2BMt
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q4WQwDygl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRIotCSt2v
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp6M8Etdv8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NScpnq3Li
"Yes, she did."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUmgrVE7TP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm7ZbhMtrU
"Ah, I see now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXpwHy3fgc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAFPw6WQSq
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrovAaK3FX3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFQgbEIhIx
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
