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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICNn9GzvJN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6umjNfMK9
"Ow! Ahh..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPmlgisbiH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR7hEhGSfl
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZEF4ZyV5Q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoCHIx1bWm
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2AdvpQm1G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uLS9ey6Pl
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4ToRoBNz8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWwdmtkyG3
"...This place is giving me the creeps."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd89Pf1JlY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIviNh4y9LE
"Huh? How so?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJFMG8ZK5l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7LKzKlXuq
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg7mpRcDHf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEnJDbZQvE
"Couches and rich– wait a second."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY2TsDf3M6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryUl11qas5
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?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL1IVaPRQJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2iMNbzbUQ
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FMqmUClzA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YvbAUexi9
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfIhwsKt47
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZVIoQDwnk
"Tch! This stinks!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRVbx3s1tu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45xeZt8uYn
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Cv2JYDxZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr8Xp1M2G2
"What?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnCDziXpAz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ99ci1KaDg
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoEWVebvAL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXKXi5yKGB
"What? Are you scared?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS42dRVn5V
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBAw6yesKv
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajGEL5UozM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7Xo2Ue2r4
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0vfjqkhby
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxne7cpM3b
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjvK80FwzA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUCaxSjpPB
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6EKcng32X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0POx4eKsYa
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwKvB5iHoZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcAOgLI0iO
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBAuM5f3JT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3anretlkV
"...Fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBF977hiyf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoItBKNw0BB
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Vsm2wwye
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUkCH5Wtwd
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ37EEyvQgt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nhkFRaqps
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23uIPotkDl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGI7Krie5N
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7fMAdGqQJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv1f4t1dgx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqqGlyp3tg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdxK9pau6y
"...It's locked."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRYuGdXWhO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoNFnUm7pP
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHIIomdRbg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgxhVKzw3
"Oh! This one's open!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtWEDL7kz9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1806ShbTw
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHt5GnALSJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL25sL6umk
"This place is– cah! Ack!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvuQ2N5KfP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUyGHihUMK
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IQXMJrI25
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwwd6M7nkV
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?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKxh8XMZVa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AvGeZZat3
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0KmuhfUoB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9em3U8S1vf
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zFJQSxjuY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUMcefb2bi
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTSVZJGU2e
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspISSgYg2A
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR3L81TCXH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFRKAMsTIi
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7jHWNovMd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkZ2FCsjak
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVa7zdrztT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlmnkv6TdB
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJKjvaYqIa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY26fm3LZb
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjdGJXKMHw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC0VlazYun
"Ow... what the hell was that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhXeDqjueU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE8bjVb8Xy
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z5r47Hggy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVeNKobuCX
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A6tplY85b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU8zHO4nP5
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpCPRV3QIk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeBivXlg9b
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK95Q3eBhai
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPuWC3DhGg
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyjYnocYzw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE0dKGxwj0
"What's this here...?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDVFBjr8Ni
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1juVB9Wxa
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!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GzaaG8hJ2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCfmC1FK7h
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyGJhHXGTa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4FkPFixiP
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBAuoTcrA9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSTKuryG8O
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuMQPKJdvB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrBSj9ZHBw
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRhuUFqGeR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfUCr21n86
"...Really?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpx10yev5l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitn9t95TEw
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2jj2NKzKA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8M3T2TQnY
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IsoizK1sM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI7Sf16RP8
"--Wait."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhtH7OQG3A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd30gQ5tPPR
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2c8z7nkY8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09zcz1NBPu
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1lE0yNrhC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp5oUye3wY
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKTtZV6ab
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdZ4ja1QZq
"Earth magic."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGVz8P1cqW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdio2BgkFW
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbNc8K8Lr9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVu55fkop4
**THUD**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡral19XfguC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlafztQaooQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QKzwExZN4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFq1S3kY1V
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUYNxv3cYw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccRGJT3sdh
"...Tears?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1RlihCLKj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4bB87NY4t
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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CUmgpBrOe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPftwolKp9
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2mLLr2fY0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT7ZXkZLYw
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7y5Mi8x50
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSgqVo3Xbz
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFdNm7Mlul
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fOoxhcUPe
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nfSUlWzBs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qFBaSwVGY
"Ha, how interesting."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNDxZPTNzf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEv8f2ostS
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29yiDKG5Or
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzuMTmsRbN
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5cVMQX5bs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWSj4JkEcf
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2GfVNhZGZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe195HJAWs
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScKmu0ADTx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUiN1iQjDN
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyxqwjBUu2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PgF8RjNd0
"Similar fields?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5whpZBbwn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCt50FP431
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnpQdiXQuI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceoro66PsO
"I-Is that so...?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1km6d8Cqdi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwA5dJZXeS
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1viy5ltNJX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvAOEZ7eSP
"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–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9XzdTRyTT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIAzgJ846B
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX1frezB0y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1KKrDEAQn
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9McfzSF6i9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpL2DikybO
"What part didn't you understand?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizeB59kQCO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM9n4cfY5o
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDBoRFENha
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h2YUs6zYG
"...Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps4QzBPqGW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOfDulGyg9
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gYab7xz26
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFONCI4yd0z
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq9wxmONx9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0xJ3yYjEs
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIyoXZRz2D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXBZP80BXP
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTbpRObb7E
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B9UvzVH9H
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFjV2BJnJQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMEmLfnn4y
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDifgXvrE5w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJMyQ1YAsp
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt3V8spIdh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDEzcV0gqz
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FyErVflCs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8YuxdImlj
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0LJ7O97QJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjoSsxCQR4
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo15CizCFAm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO8K560p1i
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYDOUrpwS5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01nH7LmbRC
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNqr5CfS9U
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp21SIT0pb
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7aikKRf2m
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEN515nR6W
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr0IxHAzqt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKZM1anBDV
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmr28i2xWh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OpD0PvXHn
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3SEeTOwCB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzzGY933EH
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnzUTy6urx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M0dkkQdR2
"What are you talking about!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcqZuMTFuC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnumvv5yhJu
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0p89uz90H
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM22AvCO7a
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhdIkVU1r7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfvjGFUE2W
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWwa4uPq4F
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejZOVpAMYW
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCArCiW4R7s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M8oNsw6n6
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2yhab0zz1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgQLslPm4i
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxicuG6ESLV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K3zuLhvl2
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnitRxgxUfr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqXtZBSuyv
"Fine, go ahead."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRJ871pKoi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCB4cXmcfA
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC2LS0F0aH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmypMi2Zm3
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlcFejHkOr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1YroX2mFA
I pointed at it and she nodded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaapidbHL5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuS1n8zyR9
"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..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqUBpLoP3i
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqEbPuXBUk
"Hm? But what again?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e7puKHkiX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSuYldwuJS
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso8yjtHKOr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHe0Rwte1s
"I see. That's disturbing."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyWO9VY2bL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktuM5LmvzC
"It's... not so bad."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuXOkrdD7V
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQcphRi5Rj
She gently huffed at my response.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGaFGWCPLe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrXNRf6t2S
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y596CGilv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkLQB5urfH
"Fight Mason?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE13wg9fP7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxff4Z5w12y
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7bm7utxqa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkuIxw0s6K
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1H1pS4pnO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsKuER0Lsq
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1I7WWlBeC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XxNFW6e3H
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1cZ7WSDR3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bmPwlRli0
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qzIikhSsn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYmS3o7nz7
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kmqqw5sEw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj469a8Dwm
"Is something the matter?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8J03xCztS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRoObC0Rw1
"...Where is your friend right now?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtepZdH85L
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFoClleLwj
"T-That's... why do you ask?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemsJ3UBiFx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgL6VM9Qkd
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XxoVyDDY4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XW6oxIvMt
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXfTTmUtEI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS6qBOhAO1
"Yes, she did."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEnjqJ4kWB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeOaGOrMOc
"Ah, I see now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VNinlQF4y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwjves8y5R
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXhqo4Zafc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWUttORo7L
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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