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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxVBDQIypD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3X5pxIR4o
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P9jECC0t0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCv38eYWic
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh25UfG3abf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBSmvtPs8k
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWIxDcwxwo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp995PV9Of
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80QTZAv1yI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTIbbOmDeE
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboEpE9zqex
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaiFYTHXVj
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?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK94Zxt4G4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemBpSLEAw4
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCPJ2ZKfTc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QM7vE13ul
–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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVPeOnZOTL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nN05RzsIc
"Who's there?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KGcSyFohq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCYFRIEbjN
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkPuhpHrK4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Docr3xixj
Therefore–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lxeuy9Z8y
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHIHJrj433
**SHATTER**171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qotsKt8FS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZROsSmJzWC
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Khn3uirw9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlHcMex0uz
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmuhOLKD6t
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYLb7fVtFe
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhAj8MWv1J
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXlBe81Ikz
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP2T2ESSJP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT7QR7VKII
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZDumQiUIV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj1VcyWQ7G
"Powerful, too."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzj3kVkoxO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgX2RJ08Ry
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBCCD6zAmx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkooHFISVNm
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoHQf9BWco
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5BdyMuXfI
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi3h5PV0v2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6BzrmGoKf
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgATC8zfq5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKaw3m8Kcw
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdHCiXOn0B
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlGeYNGrWX
"...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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglW1jAaniG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzAjOA5X8Z
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIId0Xp15g
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV10XP759Y6
"Crossbows!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOhXkZIwUD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXix4NfYIR
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFQ5OkV5vP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUR0hloTbl
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–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6EoJ7PJPi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgurt8ejEDq
"Ngh! How!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYhEeiwg9z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGydlzVuX1v
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn7BoNyI3r
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TyQR5GQwS
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1ts2O3ULj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowiJsFteDT
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvKqpB7PHc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE7tMlDfc6
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJJc1T0rsI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7I085jXr2
"You ought to know the answer by now."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3w7qHbjog
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLTKbGOVMy
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OFkgdO2UM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpNudM0ccX
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZVRRd8m7V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtoDnavxbV
"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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLxgt2XXZi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4YtHiGWcw
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE4KbgwxXY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8An0UkkbdB
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SHrBSIQhw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCc7ndjQCL
"Phew. Give up now?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3ffSWWpSj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XPNwS3zFn
"'Course not, just thinking."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZkhqcbsZq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DYaN2klSJ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiHB69h2PP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiLzYw927Y
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDqWJJ8Eo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhMkq2WwR6
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTKYFUmXy4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSYitMFZth
"--Shit!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs1eTLMQyE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDjazJvGJl
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgMAJ5KgN0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWKuGGOarx
The man must have had a similar epiphany.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUycva175z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfVembphT8
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmGDIUKsyv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1XFvUR8U9
"--Huh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG4s4MAngS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnLZQLDoro
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlVd9YXRTJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvnh4twyQM
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8K4BQJUhy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7RAIaDQzy
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosmP80szMW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKSR181mDO
"Ngh..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFGl1pqbdm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpOTp2icPf
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGirWy6zpK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAFzsKlfxl
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNSrVPW2zn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oigbVwkPT
"--Rover!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQXi6elvOT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorNDrOT7gP
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYYgUunsEx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CKuTbwAfj
"K-Kenny!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBUOxMo4Cf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JUVMRmvgs
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0SXVEoUgX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO6jBGSCuj
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMXt0a549R
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ0zAFIXym
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaFJdpvyOa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPINGSRAWJ
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTq00f3Hkc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguvu93F8rK
She turned her head to him, conflicted.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxbi5iS9g5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrhBa8LYTu
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEwiKTCLEB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUcv4NFtyI
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlvh5wObVg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKEz4NbK9g
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wiqFxANJ8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UNIA1xI4J
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbfYpR6wKG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj56w2Yjd3q
"H-Huh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHHs6BK1FH
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnElXk0Hqkc
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPHYhVjd9U
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6r3fibaSr
"You... you are so reckless!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Ys4SvUVa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4skHoa2yc
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4J9zsjGcG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLzkM8fVD
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjqSS83qKC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJlZqxftls
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmpz8wYaMP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU8upLpO7U
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6aSdDEGIu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQLlDhfU6v
"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!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CdQXoNkdT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFlPLflbw0
"--!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL0gVy0rhd
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf2vHQQPp4
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi5uSYrEcR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQJHTrugbY
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrmb3hIf6X
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU9dhuXbnp
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWeMeHkh5j
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrRAMCkEiN
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE53S3HlZA
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rGqfB453W
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36O7r9HNIq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU3ZMEGlyo
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM8YyU5DFa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqv6kZ3Zzk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjdKYmN1q9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyK2cATeho
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjQdNlbK4B
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pejp5w8gT
–
–
–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmgx6IP5sw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzZYA17VMS
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbLoM70v1W
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35wGItppta
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9gIHankzl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiYpKxGigj
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo9Akt1AYI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW3acooF5k
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNqxiancwY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PLXDtsTLo
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl1Kd2W1Q0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBt8ZBzrbE
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlJpz46orh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaUAJMnANR
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXjOuqzpaj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Joc2d5ag
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa77Eus5LY4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbgVggmoWq
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj03t3yQbq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGT9rlQges
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebZsKIHlMW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU8Zi031pv
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQH8kz9gr3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbNIa8Kdvk
"Of course."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Oj9AdIvgN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcsGualXVi
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE4D437Bmf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZIE6kghG4
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLOzln9kwj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pDoK90NCk
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2rkmnevlm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HpZmt31vC
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbzcylz3QE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiC6yuowZN
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhda2hn9hYm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBmJ4d7zHu
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSImPs67XR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4NFz6mCcX
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn4tQaXMxn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3rMxCnNIG
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8sMQev2OC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7lZ2tsRtb
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIiyEQ8cT6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7E0ATOcZw
"Then I suppose I have no choice."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIsfIRhh9Z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA41U110rP
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc1dJ59zls
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW3K6w4n4c
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ48NLXdA1v
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpxF0QQqZL
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xcHUjDrTX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUcn29uXdt
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUWK1H3IPO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkzojVmNTF
"You are such a priss, Pars."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws82MfCj7a
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOr3u77UNn
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXC13B5OUe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUP42RfF7u
"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?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUKy8tuGcq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqvpGtu2JO
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrrsZGgIGW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEvDefSMSf
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknbxGxTofS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchTkvxgd9Y
"I'm going to tell them."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgy0Jgdqz9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJBwZIAqyx
"Don't you do it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYhk8xw9OZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3VNRONWNb
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8hdJiipKj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFmGI5q6O2
"Lola, I'm for real about this."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEYAAiNBP0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdrNkNBN2N
"--is because of a series of assassinations."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPhwkuqV06
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjPD7uBrPS
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX3KIlCAoz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6xdXQXhk2
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv7yG1O2MR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndVwulKOet
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzWmljlfod
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFaDBVBa2t
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkHe8DA4fy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj6MK5Cjjs
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU0notV2IL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk8o8Vn36G
"Uh, well, who got killed?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6KUDnivLP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMoKxHtBbp
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQo6jpaBH9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4dQegdLiR
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6atF6vtpGQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB7Qu0L1u1
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnMhr2xmxT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgaMaGi70O
"I-I see."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguQR2bXWfB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvvmZsS1zo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ybs3NcVxO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7spFlSikc
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IM6w4rBX3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyBT7ADiwt
"...You have my condolences."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gItiF1KyO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgepr11aVp
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPWJcRM3Fm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tvf10unqF
"Mmm."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFud1qV6L76
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgLdEwxVUN
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PArOpiq3a
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTBhuoplk3
"Alright, we've made it.'
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrPeQgdDmR
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6EsAAIVNf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEeem0LCRa
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kVk9wGEPL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsQiWam3Mv
"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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2vlVgYoCu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Elkoi8FS
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1u693WsSg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGoh0PBevM
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqprzjriPQW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0RnwOzQb3
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBWBrZU3w3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIxZD2DALT
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMTNYGhi5m
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ180xL0IyA1
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPyEDTbt0C
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCW3yPhD4o
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndATOZXCmF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGp3h7Jsyh
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD4ooKhilA
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehNxvHCzTV
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowzaATrRxr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS5Z3eHnNZ
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BIwUPEB96
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv5KBF95Iz
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSOmI2XBwF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24awBtGsXC
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4A9bGJg8j
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq6H3Pmttp
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZQixaOTP1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqkltgU4I4
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N9LUnwSbn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy0vUxGtlh
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU8kZ23PqM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwtbvvPhEk
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4ezVZF4pG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOAtKruVEZ
We had completed the mission.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NmqwtVfUO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5f7LETa3w
–
–
–
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPgFbIsPdq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiqFv3e8Wk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyWv6VztZZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEHuYfCpdr
"One last high-five, Kenny!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9o8STS41g
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLYFBjYQRX
"Alright alright, geez."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn63XU1hkAQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO1am4twc1
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tjL0eFCix
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdieAbN0cz
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IsDRBQKbr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9lD0MHYTp
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrzFaQWPg2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdXmyoyrUo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNpd7Bygi0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQt4odu2P7
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb20Kgk8LE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5m6ciorYC
"Huh? What are you talking about?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAur1kglKx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9OQgJqagz
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi2P65zzJB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DkXS0rk8t
She looked conflicted about my statement.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2LeYolRXf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfukqQ7Xem
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Xop622B6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbmec9U0hz
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBJRlrbjPc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2eoTqi0y0
"Dispositions...? What?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKMyBEcsci
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM45uvGEfz
"Uh... our natures, basically."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnjUcv8kfp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FkSMQgjj5
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEFqHhxgkR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28WnJufdNg
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS4Qw0QflK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YsnYpiu4W
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0HOkeuru3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpZ4VZDEcP
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqssQDxZRO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFnmHdK9lX
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfP4AEkpOm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhyYVbaTiG
She pulled me out of my rumination.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V9alvZyNJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wngr62XHU
"About what?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLEEmr7YiH
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbs2x31qoR
"About what you said."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VPd2yR6L5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGebxRXU0C
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnoFlxcIwv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtfk1HBjba
"Well, what is it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPgxgcU4O7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lHX21R17T
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPaNJ9EB8M
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOEXm3L6vl
"Right."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4mb5xjFTO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITzEVuZ8rC
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BfkRV2xfP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS20DBQe86
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr9EQMD52N
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0zGLh0e8r
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON7VZN3GHw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa751kcNFz
"That's great."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySbWZsu65
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63EeKbUBbW
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMfdFeiLzh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4m9YT8xwF
"Uh, what's the matter?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR0GMM1W9h
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB8G2Tmrm6
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG3fxboJuv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1n50ft9Ch
"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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAivvGFQm5R
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AjWXpgIVU
"I can't say that I do."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa3ppQ2mxW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ86uYwXps5
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnlDUa2kld
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOJ2hrNKEY
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldsT3hg9wM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqBKree27W
"Just trust me here!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJwieyQEcv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajwnViUQkd
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGbWZik0AR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTijJikxuVL
It sounded like chatter.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx1aKFwRRz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuHwpqyUYa
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYskNUMrqN1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bHpxeQbvT
"Kenny, wait here."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa6zwuJT1Z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfAEuRns5V
"Huh? Why?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkMG3AzBqV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuyHFE4Wsl
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36KUdY7uFe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURvqdOTyvd
"W-Wha–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjJlYdIuMw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAvYg4lnLb
"Shhh! Shut up!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbSSU8Lxvo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFrVB3BGCu
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDwhfry4GY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpJ3zvX1TA
"This is..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve96T3ujeP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWibceThRo
"Something fishy is going on here."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3fHzu7Z9V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOQPjSsF2S
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0YWWhvaSN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoL8HNFoef
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIbo8llXo1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEXa3PvjQm
"Alright, can you all hear me?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zON0xpMiI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL1nmcD58t
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!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72RFI7fyAu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5uQGGm3Qp
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
