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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBJsw5lYIb
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"Ow! Ahh..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvkLy1aDg9
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN9REgzNVg
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Dzty5VOQ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m01yrhXHn
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA1l56Cd7w
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbRPAyldKs
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIsSboyw7e
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVtWDvpCPa
"...This place is giving me the creeps."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6DVCfsc1A
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0ecMouY8S
"Huh? How so?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGA0UqTrbc
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO16HYRgi5
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnznAKBqg5
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy5SzzHMGk
"Couches and rich– wait a second."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wCG258ad2
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9UuVbhMzM
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?166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlEYpNWSRy
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9nJKf8ae6
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdluNGIb9iG
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTPo5cEoS3
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa3LSDy76X
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNzenBIRVc
"Tch! This stinks!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3JYyoOGFq
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXrc8qldmB
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftj6DfkQ1n
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd9CmSGVYr
"What?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxsEDiqYko
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjYpnfEXjD
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxH7GlCKAw
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5KXaw7ktC
"What? Are you scared?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7maSpdkFT
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza32hxQU52
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0oYZXokYy
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4NLqWFuJK
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGPq2yogia
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuVnBte42Z
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjNT3HQGFs
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY7ITKor1P
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dTgFAI2xH
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTkmzSKOuk
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3NVHemR2a
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsumkBIPyMQ
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hwRuSuHca
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd1mOHTWa5
"...Fine."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K18LNIuBy
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWFo82619M
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM68oMdRog
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODPrRDnnIe
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LMs3zTMAI
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq07KTr3ax
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ILvrT9DRI
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIAEbK2NQX
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXRjaV88vt
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAGuIMFkSx
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MdH5R73F9
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hToGC2NNj
"...It's locked."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKenS8pnBkk
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGQPCS3aW
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–166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuPcpAfCzJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5pgA1lvvm
"Oh! This one's open!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5zggaSS2A
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6i67be6wd
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q1nLdUZAn
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGzRZ4mwYz
"This place is– cah! Ack!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzYMuDZWux
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IlIimW9fO
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW1L8EXJsl
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYBBd3gObt
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?166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKhCMVHHSt
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSB7BsuC57
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTEtcghO6A
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlAGSGNzv2
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkx9q3Ermj
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvKuInMQbb
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN1ufsuuqR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO28U2wb74x
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcrxjJuRoo
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqXflWf47K
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsFtZxHxc6
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf45TNRBUa
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqVaCkvELJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsneaReyyvX
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBmYfefTnY
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ianYQSwel
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kkkr7EkwD
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrNOs468yk
"Ow... what the hell was that?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLN7U6Jxfd
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyGobKuzie
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDufbM9lvcy
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6GIzz182T
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FPJIypuQH
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzZ8XdxAHs
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRoJ7AssL6
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf8yx8oFIc
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqAN0Z44fY
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzae5ferwj
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3pyDy8jla
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88ob1tAmYX
"What's this here...?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUaYXo9Qsu
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI3oEpe48F
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!?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YHqRZV3YJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrjNbvrHgi
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Q3qpYuZz
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmrfwsRDW7
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ2cQGnKp0
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokiOl4yrlQ
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuORfLPTCSu
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfcymYs5KD
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8mdqSfUrR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP9FFNuQYo
"...Really?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsCMJ2ofBO
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWfCwaBSCZ
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiAgnkKlYD
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCGCtqiiMz
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–166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ohon2vcBZ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJExR4YNfSb
"--Wait."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ybsXy0KpU
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR2uHpgJHw
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgSQWjmCk0
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfl4ieTqrt
**SMASH**166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MQnY12pvz
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqHhYp9QC3
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOkVcjHNRX
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LBfHHV2C3
"Earth magic."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF9HZDVUag
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzmbRvfqsN
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFhPK7Okwv
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEQVSPJOon
**THUD**166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQzQuYUzUR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRDiszN1g4
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHGMDePJ74
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWWkTVRtJ4
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYFiYZbUkT
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQZ9SlFePc
"...Tears?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBpMxd6jQ3
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWHOLnWmUw
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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqfeCu4ZT2
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XYReNWwRj
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIsbhDRdj9
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDBNAhQCIf
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX5W1fuRvR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jMt6CEIUN
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOeTOd3PvT
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobmNDC8yjj
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zsf0anbHh
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW8wvx4kIP
"Ha, how interesting."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15n1GhSBkJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJm8dVql6R
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCI71jqBec
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbpEjmlOFt
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kw4hwKpxR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSsT6E1AWj
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlj2DepuYp
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zBGhcxv4M
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89CXy9Gf0S
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTlwRIcU3W
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rvFrpMgZm
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfIjzjZcSy
"Similar fields?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3RWTtlTHq
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0IyY6fJOF
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZPFS7sHSW
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIg7ZxXiqB
"I-Is that so...?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ963t4V9or7
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAEjLae7rQ
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9rvJd4e2P
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW0zuzV0Np
"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–"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylwJqKwcJd
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCSCTJN9Zo
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScJdSiylS2
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99nLcofG7g
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtEXIO4IGP
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvMmcmlFN
"What part didn't you understand?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuUuGLYm1L
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSnXLNi7pQ
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq251JD0Dng
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimqR7KPfS3
"...Huh?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tHrsx3omR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTUsJbXDpZ
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jE5yKwWHd
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsvZ6Smepj
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgjX8DgsnD
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeMFZ7jAU9
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkb5b3K1yV
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AhxRcUhjd
"Huh?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSmvd83U2t
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgoeE7y5Ri
"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!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDDtAp6B9b
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAizNwu8Ak
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnAnzbH3dG
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQRniXLVh7
"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!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBceNohfRWR
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5JsPDNMFK
"..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc0SeD6dSt
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sH4UekGlU
"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?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL1m0shanU
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmE4bNEfpt
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR84jeyd5e
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVGoAIwXpk
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO3LuTbiia
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgAFp6xRP7
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwmzMSr2m4
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr98HzmDei
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJJy5q4in8
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRysEr2FeKM
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5AIAmrDAx
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qdfC6VpU9
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxdyUQB5aJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFMB1Ptzw0
"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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstw7e2E4Or
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwj5fx7cVo
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OPc5Y4lGZ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNAcemxftU
"What are you talking about!?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF768bfNqZ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WjdlXk6Gt
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizp1UCAA3E
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFT7q32i4x
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Al29669iP
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGUHuVVd3H
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpDYMqQ1Oz
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqouzWni0uZ
"..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYC5d9m7c1
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZwIko0GFf
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–166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wZJz0LDAq
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLFjqtFOe3
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFferOGSqV
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9ZQCuApq6
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcCryCYO2L
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnQsNBjvmQ
"Fine, go ahead."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsBxhhXALC
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv0GLV5dk2
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQVWHQrv9o
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wkbD68K9V
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMY8JDwuiJ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2crOCJjJgA
I pointed at it and she nodded.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjokP9QJaw8
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxy81hyTlF
"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..."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2ybzFodiN
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTYtrWP6A9
"Hm? But what again?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFguLQ19A2
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ334q3cbCVj
"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."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxh0yRj4Uz
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD00ZFAIp3
"I see. That's disturbing."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidZvRxB6Hu
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Gvso7II1
"It's... not so bad."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsSH9AlDP8
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD9I9DjVCT
She gently huffed at my response.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbVQgRdpbT
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqHV1AUwUV
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw7D5b5z9A
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1SRDIZmAQ
"Fight Mason?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNBmzQ0YH8
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNanTmVx1Dz
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC5Pk5iHTK
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTz0zv2GQb
"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!"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lSUS4yMoD
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnLyjCffnh
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzbzm3au7d
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjnNwdyVth
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKz9nhSY79
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiIzj4tsTj
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRM740xysg
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSWS7wWgxw
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKNU46mb7D
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSxT3Er0EJ
"Is something the matter?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyrzMDXy5Y
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFSRFKzWLY
"...Where is your friend right now?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxahCIFKLe5
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqYX5J0Jpe
"T-That's... why do you ask?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj83E6ipW5
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXmKbohOdC
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fTLp5xv2F
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT653OCiBP
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.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj67RP3HxQ
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSLCKwGBts
"Yes, she did."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpKhmQ4BbN
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgQH1sk3uW
"Ah, I see now."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqRSJfQ0qw
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC9Ep8W5jz
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMAh4PZHOK
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6MfQC8L9i
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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