The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX4rLiYgjj
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"Ow! Ahh..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBJQAhZKoH
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZIoLfVG5p
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGqLHKA95V
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She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvhq8dRP3b
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL3PiI7qwj
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"Huh? How so?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeM3R3vohX
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW45fiEAwBV
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuKCs8ICpg
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfmFedfPnR
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN0LRLh4Ju
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOxYfUIWNn
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"Tch! This stinks!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGU0PfSK9s
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXHhPace75
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"What?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfodyJ6DOD
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTq0PQPN2w
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"What? Are you scared?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qj3qnAg9E
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrFHCR5iab
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw86FMG2Usu
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahXlMcCetH
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She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBaFjvA4dD
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc6aXgqftm
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGbRaFOXsL
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"...Fine."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcYxBcOAa6
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7XrkoXlrp
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Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhrh9j9ao4
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My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwirRRL0omz
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs07hQ2iLn
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Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi76sFMqbF
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"...It's locked."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYk3IjtoNB
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V7mrI5pCd
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"Oh! This one's open!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjbNAJ9p58
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsyfHsD08K
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrhMGVhh0e
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0YAqGlSF5
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iGF4ck5l9
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutBg47QLGI
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDsWPRxcoV
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This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebnqNaogUI
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC0zZZNaAe
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Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh3l5VBvGl
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It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqexcGQ9GdN
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlATyBhHS3t
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEq2kLXmK
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdJ0SuDElm
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iLFYF3n46
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eiiRLhcjf
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWmlWwhV3t
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I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuICR1Mo3Id
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It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxkGb0cOML
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"What's this here...?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWctj70ekoi
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Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4s09EPFVw
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My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg533kkSoU
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDmPLttXLH
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The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81exUXdQHm
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZeBUOHK8L
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"...Really?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiIcZFupFX
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmybOSKJAJG
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The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqt8ii025k
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt0ATlmIRN
"--Wait."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXafkiMde3R
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pciGgP1s9
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**SMASH**245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZcAqUBEr4
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Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr257ptwZLd
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"Earth magic."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8TMMu6vMu
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEArOkFUUDV
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**THUD**245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZUZ4v5oI0
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pGvXJtOuM
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jnuKhCBhG
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfG7it2aUD
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"...Tears?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2M4SaqhOv
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My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR2jtJsOVY
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UvhscrwVF
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yxtJHEcgf
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVNuoojtAf
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFa3VJLjWV
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DyrDkhoaV
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"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo4WMn2ot2
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"Ha, how interesting."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE8zzoxn8y
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj1wRW4R6B
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvUBPLMDSu
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpsMrEcV57
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYped8E1Ci
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZP6SItU2S
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"Similar fields?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLasYM8ral
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLq4Z8ufdA
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg85YLzqhM
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"I-Is that so...?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrOuFLc8hF
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByS9B1IOsL
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsQmG4pkEB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9J70iA4BE
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhTcWavuT0
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kxe2GqPFu
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUVPo5o55a
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CBXNc3oXj
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZshOoADfVy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5jagpvJkW
"What part didn't you understand?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdENj8xRUp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6itNXGm2Mv
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KUxBz4ZUl
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwmecu5cDT
"...Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHObOllONb
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzX4NhA0Kx
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6IBFRByQS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhE12Pwl7c
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mLm5Y2z6w
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FlfmpbbH
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejqoCyWp8A
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4AHxJVaah
"Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp51Rrmxxcg
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU9AdXmzX6
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQnL6n7GQA
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Br2VRgyS
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM3e5u08rE
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5eoIUWvYC
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNqpU5lvEp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80oA5w4S3y
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d84MxNrnK
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvzneOdOzS
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqg2hSOhDO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO3Xh6eL1i
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhJWZzHF2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcmugbtXd4
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv3SIICZ7i
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgkMz8dObT
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPBOdo0zkX
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8vsyxmWJZ
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg26pwaJQSD
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBgKMBoxB3
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44zQkBNjHR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpceIQYL3d8
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5HmfQSOqE
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkY4AZlRw9
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCdpbLlm2d
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRzl29MSpe
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PFNgEPlB1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f7QWhrEgb
"What are you talking about!?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0sYXYcjCJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xfoaUhB8w
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWIwfOyM90
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFkLfEdXVN
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0fMOhKOvh
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcr1KwI4iG
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxduDmBw14t
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOofLT9Q5k
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qSIuvcISB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI0XFBEFih
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMvjAiyAzS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak0gPKMoIF
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5EdknYKdp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjFMCgZ9VJ
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOomi9ONePu
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"Fine, go ahead."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfosRz5bWy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrBgHUPymX
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MI7mu1O0h
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYQb09r5bB
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTWyh0zFZf
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKzdbLPrax
I pointed at it and she nodded.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OAI3qZIWi
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajwh9IsZhA
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5i5FgZRn1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4QSXUkPGO
"Hm? But what again?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWcSFkRBkj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TKnY5B31I
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6gz3OHgbz
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCfdk3AUXE
"I see. That's disturbing."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDl9m6AbQt
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cmhxr5g3y
"It's... not so bad."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiifzqqXJmZ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsGqbgjK8F
She gently huffed at my response.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OjcRWYckH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXHftl6TMA
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI5JzTsMLu
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKXlOTQCB8
"Fight Mason?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDu55ownyq
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I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfRcRoKpEX
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvij6CNTB8g
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzeC0fl1N5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNEPlWWKoo
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0LEKrs89M
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxhu2P2SAZ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMny0mu7jVr
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D9oOUFm9c
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKjf6iTCDI
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd8KSXDabZ
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyd6NgS26a
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7gCr4olDE
"Is something the matter?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3LGolPEXO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz83A258ORK
"...Where is your friend right now?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyKDZYMcyF
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h379fvIUB
"T-That's... why do you ask?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuNJgpktR7
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzd5vBUyjC
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SSHNP5SLo
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwZiVaZBuR
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CpUpFFZ2v
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JZF7llB73
"Yes, she did."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS6BJTQZqc
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjAViKl9r4
"Ah, I see now."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbwDH3ubfs
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She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32Rj6ukL5m
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi0BFHDZn9
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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