When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfFifJUDSS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXfK7MbpYB
What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZKsRW4uo9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl6IPBpnjj
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz81c6OLAMH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCiXhTQKrf
Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHhRbAGEdb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDT1RBLRCw
She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFlO3VvVq0
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F32YsME21
It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LxhkNWZJR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxf58oIUbx
She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n3F9iBeIf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknIbb42mq9
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOKAHXvYtI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nrKLA43bk
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPCQBM0bas
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4xjYuhS5s
"Who's there?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG0NSJE9NH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8o3llpJ8H
She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh83XJ4Nca
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVynnZH94AN
Therefore–136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L8A45regE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6cCHaASvW
**SHATTER**136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasyZBz8B9K
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDe2Jj7yjO
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVX3PNJXSH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlisalk0kFn
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdLYGmzdgM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6s6ISYnbi
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm4JnrCo97
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2ZVh3zjpd
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2agROL0jn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG3arbv1V4
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUmgTxGl9V
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNawhn6Pkki
"Powerful, too."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnaGGIQ6UD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSld80Uo5Q
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBFNl1qVSb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV02L5GhVP7
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK2VIUYUgJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIsbVK9z9N
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7W1p64L5w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9AXYRUALs
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yedv2E80C
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOvU1XuIRK
She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHyj97BB1b
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrsy9S0Ubm
"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7muZuSi4bb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgKiyk3qQK
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SkGTks2k4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMTvT2pRC0
"Crossbows!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLATwWw0Ww
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3TLdGGCnW
Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcL664ubev
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4mxMBfrUB
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMxnmeq2q8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLBW6Xjmze
"Ngh! How!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY6hDUaKZ1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtrQRJfmC6
She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsLjMV4TdX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjauR2GSnzL
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zSqPRQsH3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHig5CkNZnT
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI8R00PuC4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVEg0hIOr8
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4uUPSdp6G
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcCxq9L3eG
"You ought to know the answer by now."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAHX76iLdn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HoPMe4wSl
The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJApSqxmtl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqTuqEqZaG
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyrn2F1sK5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi9I8gvszB
"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ3IkxDCzE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU4Jxsu9Ml
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcUA0eniJF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqO0CoPlnX
The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXByQW82ur7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpIj0ZGsei
"Phew. Give up now?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqyCbrsM2Q
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qQGW0X3uB
"'Course not, just thinking."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooNxiIogIc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC92O7D0UoE
Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyZtRFacrB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvb98j7wca
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtNU0Ye0E2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNPzjtFQIU
The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xtN8VfMrM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCOQo0je2O
"--Shit!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zn9nGjEIK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7dHoGYosa
Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJI3AelSxY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHAKKLayL3
The man must have had a similar epiphany.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TIFWPwtqf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJslZV9xnBG
It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8quL7VzZgP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPk4n9XPQs
"--Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0TGn00g3u
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXuN3vQf3B
Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHuZ9UJOIJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UGuljHZK9
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiX68BBIIb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdQfd978ox
The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp8IeKn1RH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn55lj7acd
"Ngh..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipjMSq9qr3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77d75XuiSb
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbe5XKp5AP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPc4L60CL9
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpsbrVcXpU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBLiIM19Ow
"--Rover!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1ofL3ZplV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwzn9IxHI5
And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6heHhmkvc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywLWPA1kvd
"K-Kenny!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CgPRf3xrV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2n99Jzw2A
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaH3xh9Keg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVpVjEs0jh
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkhGqugp1O
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCsP8NhWoV
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oBBAgMF1j
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm8LJAEC7R
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSLa9zWBw2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8LhG8fPVm
She turned her head to him, conflicted.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7cnfzAqL9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmT2U1xB4T
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby8cV0dktE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBKkMIGpS5
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Hr4SYO6b
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6crjXnvufz
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkwy1y6US1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLMFtpgXNx
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN3Ujk6VK8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP2lBmM0Yo
"H-Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNw2Y4lKxS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmPhfj2ATr
The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bGWosteZM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb3qrMBK0t
"You... you are so reckless!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZiLMZUIDz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLSVjXuJqq
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIKyEVt4ma
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpF8TGHNju
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH6D9ElusF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPNBawRMeZ
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5zBjkSZpf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeSF89MAdz
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h82jhLiaC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHsHA4C6RL
"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrx6x3uitm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhwGfwnIMX
"--!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2xbw4IbmE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinsKnhZWSm
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLzQShIYyG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SHgG0kv74
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCsQC29V4q
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQawE0xFDv
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirtMEWnHxc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs3bzcUVo1
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwQZv3KumF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl3zQMyshu
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfnmV70vka
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyMBhNiKmi
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NLZ9FGAfT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB23wdkMOuw
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRPVdAy3j2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGt4yPxLnF
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqUMKHBATS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1jmO2AdhR
–
–
–136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAE6dkxx3H
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Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu3syjpA97
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldEfjwtzPT
According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQBjbx7NDe
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5q0LyJgRt
Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kUHnHKIIC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ULD6kJgT
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRbE4jVk57
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvs6fK0vwj
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghho8IpgUL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0lvwCMzz7
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p68nMYycy
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFGygPjqwu
I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkVaPfptbX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTKENJWwdL
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfabUork6Z
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4rogrUAz4
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iZt3HX2FR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92mfaVAmh7
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hl9WEJjAU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCpEza1NM4
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocoCoT4MZk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOalXzelPAx
"Of course."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6vtT0CyID
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kCuXSoVhg
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M0Jo5zsAG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8WTNPdybn
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNHhIdHUCz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8BUgn32Tm
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h6jrVQHV5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovf8qKdhnC
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmryN5XYyVJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcpqy2ZhfB
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuibug3L1fh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONeE8ejnJD
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6RaV1LuTG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zIiYpXqtg
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzeSL6q8LU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWuwH02PbI
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm9xR6rbf8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKDMwQqGX7
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HmxDi0H7l
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxNrkq0ePb
"Then I suppose I have no choice."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHza7nvOZv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU671gSBhz
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhNIzlten1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9oaMeJoa5
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH09osmGED
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1TT7Szt9g
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ4CAN7Fru
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsCkz5Tw4a
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj5pTWp2wX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv95pUAxctG
"You are such a priss, Pars."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBQ5CowfhY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd4Ly6bRzW
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCga8XGrF7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicMYlw0S89
"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAyG481ANY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTQkjtZmuq
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8NvbsqOPv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oqaLIqPVc
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB8lXIU9Q0
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUByml5udPk
"I'm going to tell them."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6sd2MxNyV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BizfxmVa6
"Don't you do it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgvbxr6q7D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTnSyHwaBo
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtawpWCcDTc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIAYYZEYId
"Lola, I'm for real about this."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG6NUW3qCQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3P7ZVB96K
"--is because of a series of assassinations."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdveaZ6jjl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Y4B5kKhL
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOcjEDVj0B
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ut31cqicg
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tfU1S39Kp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIt1lvgeeH
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWPpN7Ddzb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NjlDewqXM
Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhq6O7CgrQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegTA1YMhj9
"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTatvSNTrHH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhGNqjhw9M
"Uh, well, who got killed?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lznySnPGX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE4o9033fj
"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0zSbI7Rd4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkZc6RNONG
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLd4gS1mcA
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrSstMKsuy
"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWnzPvPqK0
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsCsZvxRfE
"I-I see."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3N2fd74wE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9yl4wvykk
The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD5eQGSIZa
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cFnAUMnJ1
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEzUEV7wpn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O6zFmVqhR
"...You have my condolences."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlnhPaVjyU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16bHIjfPjI
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFl62CA7DP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKvknfiTCj
"Mmm."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Wd9xvoWD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6keuWuXNAx
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6DqLWW81g
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGCFELxQjt
"Alright, we've made it.'
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVMyW0UjXB
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASqdg0hK52
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhAkj11QyZ
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8OP1BYvJT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7TGKHJ6VN
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFJGLNDNuY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT68A4rDzm
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVR7u5G8gx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKoyVgUdfo
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSQEEvGZOR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9LZvXE97J
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuG5PZU2yL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR69X0DDDqS
I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZVfWz1GeB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbk6Ushzp9
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA7GVY0jzp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NaFV0t7Qv
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5XjzSMYHv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8lNUKBrPM
She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NRzRkzYgz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuBzD7hYyE
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyUXqYCc1b
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kmNbaPbBq
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhkcgpLYTz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd6GbH12GQ
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5pvRUNH4B
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByDDYpUyCb
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAN63WC4m9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirMxFmEJWw
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRnOwZXs2q
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDgmxVhDv7
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLAq9NE7mp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3eRoDrrbe
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ04M42Jaqw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbHibh0L9D
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcUEmw8qUC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvKc994d2f
We had completed the mission.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M9EYBUXIa
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaxwdDhrrC
–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTF2qlmbP7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnGmV5oadU
When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOklzULZUG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMlcZVT6DQ
"One last high-five, Kenny!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o2DI0kCbS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX46W7vYzp
"Alright alright, geez."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlnaIYxwGU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CxmB2VqNS
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wSjp9F8Gf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k9FyYKSwz
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuMgtCsLN8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJwDMek8lL
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZkpjM9qLk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdCcV63C7N
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6HMtIBSTb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UgVJpjSwv
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCGs6rMYBW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv3Ut2lhTI
"Huh? What are you talking about?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwRGpV50EQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzaibbxEtt
"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOAjF9vg7e
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3x852PMPI
She looked conflicted about my statement.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBjbOnuGpq
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKsSClBk71
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJp8ac8inq
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPBQHwd11K
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ450YpIdoYl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2GAKyqdwC
"Dispositions...? What?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQGl6ARmEQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAmVTEgdvh
"Uh... our natures, basically."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTc8MFkxLg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6EXfYEb3u
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuRKfT0fKq
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKUTcrGRr9
I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiFyBVyhBn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA9GCSGj7c
I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpMTfPuXCo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ghlyx0aSx
But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dOp9dZ7gn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l0ZEcLQy9
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJbmuiKMta
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshDm0xCVQg
She pulled me out of my rumination.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx3bL5IPJr
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cohMRpD7G
"About what?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKpmdvfOV8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjtduLPit3
"About what you said."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt7PbOoKP6
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qOcVcxkh2
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxJhpH3Tpo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2rNa3IaTK
"Well, what is it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGftiUpuOFu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95DRAmaAcw
"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqyNJ4jZ6k
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoJUcNOhbq
"Right."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemBqG9rSxQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdSDTDJi3O
"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4cvtnOF20
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l0AnAAZKv
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCm589g593
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdt24IH8Yd
Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XljQ3pTOx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV7ZrkTn1b
"That's great."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW5FILTo2O
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JYXfzrCpR
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp51qBGj19j
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ZFij1n8H
"Uh, what's the matter?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt065e5Gp8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uMMmZb7VD
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhJxfgD2Qz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgyCg8nTHd
"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqurV8d9VNk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GowfiwpNF
"I can't say that I do."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Auz9kFt5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVSM6FzMKV
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyxsTTDrxp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uKiwoxQB7
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IoiCoVb5r
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0caYnncqm
"Just trust me here!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2gLGYJpdR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmM1iO7EKj
Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYvEBXtVsM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJSIcQFlvD
It sounded like chatter.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzChA9R7vwR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBjv9VKtoU
Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5PVmPsuNp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMNaJ6SqZe
"Kenny, wait here."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnHxDqY5Z3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdWPBvRBlh
"Huh? Why?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxrSRppoYa
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay2DhJk4iV
She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCgc26Mw5T
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ228LCtCzbq
"W-Wha–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohI9KJFZVE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHgYNbDGJl
"Shhh! Shut up!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnVXOMZ7wY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnRk03qWmt
I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIPvKmzW6r
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoLZr9Hb4k
"This is..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfFN6eXK1S
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf1LbKj1A3
"Something fishy is going on here."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6jdeentip
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A1JZ1kbui
I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wcFXBFXPT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqyg5Lx1LO
Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzoCBxJOZp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdPPlv6wst
"Alright, can you all hear me?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcjuHn6xYQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y4o1ilm8m
I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrbhGZJTQk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW2kJp615Y
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
