When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkRafNPQx3
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What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhYRhYdLOl
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"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhauSktmZsw
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Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuYRGNDpLw
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She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH2qnBTQHZ
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It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPuDCsQeTi
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She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lMRUo8h03
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksfrig4Xtw
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpClOdtuuM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDNs58mbxE
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOsDa0bquz
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"Who's there?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdhL2H1V3M
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She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWURMyGiuCI
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Therefore–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE19Lv65n3
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**SHATTER**215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7oPappKIR
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She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrkjbNqgOC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlbXtbnkys
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u3b6qouLT
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGONghCovuM
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35AS9YBAbk
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTv9aPFhvP
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqReGi9vDfD
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"Powerful, too."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs5aGg9fTE
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Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgkFWIEXy3
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"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN0F1M7o8a
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"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURCh46wWmr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg1sb2ptQx
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptsS5vLn7k
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She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXpFlHauHZ
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"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl9tVriYtp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLUOEDJmbQ
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD3qS8W4dj
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"Crossbows!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFrMnFSRdY
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Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgi6RH9T2k
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLWpvBuW3E
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2Bhan6KzF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFev9GdpdtL
"Ngh! How!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n6yysPznh
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She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlkYdKKVDU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0lSWgI9m1
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2DsReC9pH
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"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0zqFa6pDK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecKWSBRfh7
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PM2KuzLtx
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"You ought to know the answer by now."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTW8ygTs4S
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The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxbbAdlnG0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIbejhfNOv
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ0QvfALHD
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"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFYfFIBkTR
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"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX71lia6TeZ
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The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUjaGkTB05
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"Phew. Give up now?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPblm3fQD9s
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"'Course not, just thinking."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwUwhD53R5
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Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTcGXU1mt8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRplxsrsOX
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwTQD7c0ce
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The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TPbmubPzJ
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"--Shit!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPCKFWKbsQ
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Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRav5D0Hc2
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsunLKlDTd
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It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhvQrTrx69
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"--Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7BgEgRhH1
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Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kwwonfxW
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5rsDMs7WM
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The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAeA0CsyZJ
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"Ngh..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK6P4ugJEg
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nAlucjpkR
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"This just... isn't my day, damn it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLsOTO9BgE
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"--Rover!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpX8rUCDe8
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And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3nM4ZjDmR
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"K-Kenny!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheRaaDDYwU
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"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxMDtFZX8T
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaYcbKAZLi
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXN75F0zzE
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She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqERMosKVWG
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"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cE4gXBjXv
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She turned her head to him, conflicted.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFATwlD9MDa
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"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6Hp6TaO4K
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r3uiApKYZ
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FW39yB4sy
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"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz6R21P7dG
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"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO9VGwMsp6
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"H-Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVFbqmLmOy
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The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMEDLzH3nh
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"You... you are so reckless!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN1OVZcqIq
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Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ3uHMWiU2
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FbwLc44hk
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His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5kKEh8D7t
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"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsZrSwk980
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"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQgHeGPm4j
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"--!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVLAH95F4X
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8FrSYoxNo
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"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHDacOnpkY
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"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRfYt4dnUk
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A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuLlBU3qYH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL354McBZ7
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH0gP3Amck
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYEX9zqmaR
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9ADH8LRb2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsnME5gJwg
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VZbEZiv4B
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVN0k17zVV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrTrIZYz0H
–
–
–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfalNCXIUfc
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Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkBYoI1M4I
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC9qYtEMMG
According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5epfWVOCZ2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQzb6OlDn2
Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ395XAr8sp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxqWSeUe7u
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eq544Htm0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iPT93Zimb
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9RgOEENtL
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfxfNnCeXY
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I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs3ZlGsTBa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmwKsFOalx
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdXmvvJDKY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cXrAKkKVx
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ018UjzMr4t
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB6B2vL6h8
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsYHNFHfhe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4UxYQWGm3
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9giRRx35Zw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwlTfMN3zU
"Of course."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUHzXCeGsv
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLtsFzXhr7
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ph7ywjSxV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Rft2EzYe
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LI6fnnEdc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlTqAMkEyh
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzyFo7eQOg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ338tIfdf
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmdlBvPRLb
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dKkORPsSJ
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9TT3DpR5e
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52bfHZApb2
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBcXSPZsHo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxpn5zcD2q
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64bF3mvlCS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1xVvNsc3l
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEbozlWFCA
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT8VEudAO7
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qxYKnfQJ0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoxuAUZuIw
"Then I suppose I have no choice."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88sxpqIpMC
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQNDSbOPFw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapctQwYbEM
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZsbUG4i6s
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DsfxOhwNk
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I6yu8TQB3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknUDYmy6Ws
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNF6BhY6gE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4rJgraD5N
"You are such a priss, Pars."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnVbD8FYGr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH89inRaXx
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOS3apQrcn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUa2yh4MpP
"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHDKgKDJPS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM5WU5KRAB
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzL0EcNlQq
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR2YJBHN2r
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDke7dRqoLY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI9fSagq3q
"I'm going to tell them."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkKHIlkc4O
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1pR6L3sQu
"Don't you do it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3bUl3HFd3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IZxnMZzmO
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIoGacUdVf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMeOwqAdkW
"Lola, I'm for real about this."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUAgCjVm3O
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxETyjIbv9
"--is because of a series of assassinations."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnZKjiB6xm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUtHbUcRys
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pIj0cArho
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEasxRg8jZH
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35zu3mMgwA
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCrR8CZsCH
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI4F2F9uYc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlKqIQGhEy
Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVK8Gig6um
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx34lpbcq1q
"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM32f58U3z7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ656Z7kfdHV
"Uh, well, who got killed?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cGwFdectC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDDMh0m6e3
"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboJP6SQppb
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8oFxB8ygu
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ6X3JQb94
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYFKcjjsQz
"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmkHS20dM2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMfVvMNFNx
"I-I see."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaWGDqpXDn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUI5ohPVKh
The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsEUuEG5uY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyyGukzJTt
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Imp6FQm4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusfBVwquAG
"...You have my condolences."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYYHjJKAhD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRtVAJPNl5
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV1AH4ii00
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2q2h18ryM
"Mmm."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYC0vDI5tX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNzp3k445K
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfrpraCXur
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwDnAom5vv
"Alright, we've made it.'
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7xi4bysh8
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5hsAtf5fL
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ1n0tXuZ4
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hfxUSVDQr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy93zc1R9Iu
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh0hctRnfX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQJ6Ng9Wy6
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8IPzX77Vd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHV82jO4RX
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdpmTlim9G
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMxbdDk7lw
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwfUIwW6Xg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJNPn8qqgn
I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYJzl9umN9
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHHdTigAnz
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkNMHfTyjG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGlydnFZHb
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwdHRlfatR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT6WHwlr5X
She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANMlztlsE2
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrpRBPQ8xA
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ820IvjhAjq
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45smhuhJEY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghScq41L5v
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzkzw5TmU7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkhdGzUcpG
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbanfawupzh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwNG5WmkM6
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsZG1FtnCy
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eyy0UF1Y6
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S5ubqZpn2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgnsJdIVft
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pnImSZxU2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ncS1192Gh
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDoOIBCTWN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmw7HqPYBg
We had completed the mission.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tHPsRtOJM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOvGqEPzj9
–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZdWjtFBEW
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When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP22EHYYTd6
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPse36hobMr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfwqPnaREK
"Alright alright, geez."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS77ChNoWu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZIGNvzVqq
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG1Jq3sguh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHawOsD2Itj
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutR1IkyYhF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxSiaIHYdI
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJecXKlkuO
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnbtW497TC
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lLBKOjhOR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyBOCyovPk
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWS9sst43W
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoOHpmITch
"Huh? What are you talking about?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoGVsqgCmH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa7QK6uJUl
"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tYC4vyEr1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYLldxt3eo
She looked conflicted about my statement.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKIP9TVkIu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8rMxNaiPS
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL2rNfWjON
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k4H8nfhXs
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhArctgODYg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMlevWq0hV
"Dispositions...? What?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t1FCjuU1H
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTwbYyBHWO
"Uh... our natures, basically."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgg8bOPMfQ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPYUvxix04
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfzJ9wcc0F
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I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGST49xcyoC
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I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzW5lf1NXK
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But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOOOZpYKiU
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROabUwvlrZ
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She pulled me out of my rumination.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGvDKSiJm1
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"About what?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP5Pn0SKoi
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"About what you said."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLw4Xx97Ba
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQHo24KVzu
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"Well, what is it?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu8gXiHfNL
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"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUY1NyB6Yx
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"Right."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK5VhwZs89
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"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfkkWTS9fz
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMiC9GI6Ki
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Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4QzElRZ4m
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"That's great."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVDd71rgip
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uJs08Emnl
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"Uh, what's the matter?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n4tf2XCib
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmjvRq5z09
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"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKz4NpuBfz
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"I can't say that I do."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlMPGiRVPO
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqA8ikj0pF
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRgzH3Z9rm
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"Just trust me here!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VPwOxIuen
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Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaNQbB25rZ
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It sounded like chatter.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1FxWmzNKF
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Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZjpnpdcxL
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"Kenny, wait here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rqUAMOSIc
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"Huh? Why?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANJwxHi7AG
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She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKlvXrxMxg
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"W-Wha–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8ACZHd59L
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"Shhh! Shut up!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd601tZLYFc
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I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QHcGtxRC4
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"This is..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuaKRD3HKd
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"Something fishy is going on here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnfk6Jan0q
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I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jgwhROiQm
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Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlrjDmZhZ2
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXIeH97Beg
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I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKos8hxr1u2
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It was the same robe that Ng wore.
然後按「加至主畫面」