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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAZurA60HC
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASlemeBGzT
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fYQdo7vZ7
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMD6Cyr3hO
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnequFb8JAM
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFbH2amkuk
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVHciYcEb3
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9FF8eUlYg
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnf592QdOs
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdhbTWqfKd
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh0b9lAVFQ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjz32Xffiy
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?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGTEKv7WxA
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtmfLNRbS6
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKEqB13gFd
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DTtcBtRrn
–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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8itsOyiIs
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEewkCM8e5o
"Who's there?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi1e6YcOw4
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK0Zr60FWy
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpGVRb0QEk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKU688ErXc
Therefore–442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iU8MFb6Qx
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1jz2tPIFB
**SHATTER**442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCisp0f6TE4
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1iiiDOL8r
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQRy1qH291
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFhPsli74s
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMePrxpckr
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MBbccmSg8
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3UkMyvajn
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDUUCeeDR7
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgW2OosS80
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTACFu5z8E
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLIO3MfAhO
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCzOP8am0U
"Powerful, too."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVsILReQYk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVAkqKfHqB
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgCfaM5UUr
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vKM4B8xe9
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyvvLLNGO8
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCqrNxyrpi
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMufPiHuZnx
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtW0DndBAp
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeifoUwMJq
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T8pITlaCU
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL6Q7P94n9
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYats9W51H
"...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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooXPQCRC7f
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj1C75czqP
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ6cFk7r8o
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshOaObBf9G
"Crossbows!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhPpGztXFD
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkgG7SijNq
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IVnpTkJ9F
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ6Va1hK1W
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–442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ5CfWoIrj
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLR2KA499J
"Ngh! How!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuavu3ZaIWT
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4HTinV3DX
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq4KwbWoVP
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nGGSqYvnU
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf04nxBKpok
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxgsdtzeij
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8hhTalNwp
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2iOAfWbsd
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3cei2bYXW
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN33GKfktHU
"You ought to know the answer by now."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xZV5OXRB7
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOvVlXft9M
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ieKb2FDVA
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHICmKAZqs3
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoNxeP8mNd
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5uaEvbfnq
"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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR2NK0DjTV
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb405yrWCq
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26y2xtwQtG
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5FkafDgUz
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIWUxDKhza
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82wnLdBcrd
"Phew. Give up now?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFYcQVEiQS
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXviY93grNQ
"'Course not, just thinking."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruXJ1oIhdF
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLveYhx4mGt
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTPK2o6pSm
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qTJqm0zVs
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVfZlNzmOo
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdraJkR4F2
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKDmspJzoY
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpgbEPfqTR
"--Shit!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC5JF1Uf0f
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2rq5xMcuO
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyWk2E0fWe
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX55wP684L
The man must have had a similar epiphany.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv96GkBIFk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjhxWc0eG2
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2zNrv0Dxr
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvKiOadR11
"--Huh?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFDlPUMwKm
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLR5lfucpq
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCDTgvCzKD
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWmeJNyRmm
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iCnxsq5IW
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1BZfdb3xy
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShYl0vaCsH
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBH3YwoEPC
"Ngh..."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlp8wTuqEE
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtdTU9P7yj
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BzLsgnN7H
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdCm2uBkmP
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItIc2lQPy4
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hRkmv29LC
"--Rover!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdntXaFhUv
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q1cXnIraS
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE89zTMmol
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO3AkWECLF
"K-Kenny!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRxO6qV0AJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs15ij7Gxi
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLrUDCZ7AL
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXf73P9umj
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNaw7sGyip
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfMZcgOGeB
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjgKXFOdKY
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygHKdKSC2v
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanXflPRZkq
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ5l1Iv3aH
She turned her head to him, conflicted.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKTCZHpLYv
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpxX0TSf11
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFSp5yssg3
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oS2jqfFmp
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtjWWyzWHq
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriTSbWqTm3
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw7SKOiTOu
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxBjIVuY8c
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYDGF5V2H
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQFBc1wRtI
"H-Huh?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQah0gqR9R
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9GfM6Ok4I
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7WUaEb1lw
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE31FkWjwoo
"You... you are so reckless!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pewRlx6Cc
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mgrgXwyNP
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoxRbG74ZS
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSApRxPYfd
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Cumz688b
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bwftRTA46
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEZ74UbTIj
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kz0g8JQB8
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKEQlxFosx
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVdxFnMNgx
"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!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnbzcXTtyL
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2JuohfLyB
"--!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaic4j5kf10
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEmrkE84sg
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz5Z5oYnkr
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy43ZvcSjs
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh249T9EBaX
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5OrezXDQM
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttR5FC8lK9
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYfNXX69y0
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQgjaO9nDc
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINBGErs3wI
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26cyghzaJ0
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2y7jcLD7B
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaDCse77ou
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwxuxxncWY
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ90DQ7VD1
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWVdesbO0m
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVflbU6cZT
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy8Vi6t3Ga
–
–
–442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP91nSPJag
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzIhR7SOEU
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmmuEKx0W6
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBosaxGD4a
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93lEQZbUPK
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jzx3e0bpH
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ib8Q9rjqH
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZXkea9Fcu
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3YXMtt1eg
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9qF8z56by
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOI906d2yJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQl0BmHLUD
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xQN4WRVz9
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL54ZbXcmvS
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcyVn1xH7s
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VXZUNoRHm
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQWoxflx38
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJEdEABoL7
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtcnRWQjtP
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyhbIfb84i
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvnMZriqdJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdSBOBXfeI
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsFpQ3pNTC
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3DT43uPSo
"Of course."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn4jmw31Ko
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlBU1rzecl
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLJsBNOX2o
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiH7Cg9hlu
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGq9tGQKes
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnCxCk8poY
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6drMqnvyH
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyKdJ8iORe
"..."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLJCHhmbSp
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYN59utdWM
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnnmZWYKHc
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuiUDO5nGY
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx2xIembDp
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp18UtE6Iul
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPVsUpoDvo
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhIuphPL7j
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVgxx6kfCe
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wqRqOrpt
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53xSrqGlqi
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJakWtpL9s
"Then I suppose I have no choice."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTNQxMfL20
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1yasyN9Gz
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PCVoQOaV4
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RoepqJWzq
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyCCPSyqnO
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRyATvC87g
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2f7ioEFqV
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrpbtOZcZY
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRgS5aONZe
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkygZ0jYVkF
"You are such a priss, Pars."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeIYBtGGXP
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKyVUIJqpm
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo50pz3tAAZ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxk23TCTOO
"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?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A5IymPY9r
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cFngLhRLG
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5NeceJcmr
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwE5RnNK7N
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVTBpHlq4P
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKNkclzd9B
"I'm going to tell them."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT40GS42zD8
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByMCBoHh8l
"Don't you do it."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gfnARfBPW
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2dkpgOl6
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnnOtkI7XF
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45LagtOxxK
"Lola, I'm for real about this."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RkbYkFOnM
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyQYsf7E0p
"--is because of a series of assassinations."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfsbzuHFs1
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsFhCmsLAp
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrVKPI1QiH
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVy97VTZbw
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYOoJ0En4R
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTrgO5GiU2
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxv1DVZnNJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeZk89Sn1N
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OqSQCCq9D
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfpmPMsJcI
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKcw07awyl
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJPdX3u9h5
"Uh, well, who got killed?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoR4Gy9E37
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRQoMXMm6n
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdYTQxXUvU
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJshrZmCxRL
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dnIdAL4TU
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgsAaYTsI9
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f7nJ6YqPW
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AfhqIWs7Z
"I-I see."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73hEoiiqmR
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7yOGaZUpZ
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjyXd1cyBV
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwwGglIlZo
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89itj53fmX
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbOwb3ylxY
"...You have my condolences."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouxxQq0fxT
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5pZ7GPgZi
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOKxxN3JGV
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv0mshSlzb
"Mmm."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5WCsECrrQ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoGan1xPUu
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tWvwRtxq
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDXrei8Yxy
"Alright, we've made it.'
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomfGj32rzw
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPg8wNJRWl
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIPJS4KJiK
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBW0EBCRrC
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bSLjevBuf
"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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZDbMkScV4
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zxbKbMEnM
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15c4EpG1fl
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlGs2Whl2G
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDUaK81vWz
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuArD5tXqG
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NN5mAp6gj
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54btrHnIGY
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSQ9kZPtR7
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdWDHtwKok
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7aF4XTNAV
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBxlQ798Cc
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRTNA4KAou
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cBXKZdIWm
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yVVqWJKKQ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NhxSntnIw
"..."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmYmOimbnk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs1hlQev7W
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkUdZ9SSQ6
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6heFQbqIQ
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKUSAAWulB
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MwBNRlFfr
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JgRgpexvD
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nPMzu67sW
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM62Qdc5KM
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOHsHhFiNv
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiXGthmIK7
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRds57stco
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMC2Zk1NTk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdmBKeKICh
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNX5xyx3Zp
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfBiWw96ts
We had completed the mission.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITI0emJaC0
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmWkN5zYdH
–
–
–
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43pwgy9lLQ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZATslTFAXd
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FcI8RK3rf
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIWZtWtVwI
"One last high-five, Kenny!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq1h7a9v8R
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy3ShkcMIi
"Alright alright, geez."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJowb9oR20k
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cEmpqNNWy
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdsy58UrtR
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuz1ehRIS1
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfoSYCz2BJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIQLxOEKWd
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89NZtADNoy
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjVuQy4jbj
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDfxp4AEJm
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jqamHcar4
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h94VWZZ4u
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCBJemM3h3
"Huh? What are you talking about?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jQddc5kAJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iT8OnYDz2
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QJJtoCAJg
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNsq2JhZYX
She looked conflicted about my statement.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyzBsjes55
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8YXiZsnj5
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuupeccFbu3
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHMeR9tWgE
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZKE4H9ml1
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC3YgNna7m
"Dispositions...? What?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U9RphCDMD
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x3Lnbui9p
"Uh... our natures, basically."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHsIYir3kk
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH6PJui46p
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmekGeEcspG
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7XdDHDPDW
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf0SRVQu3B
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Ji2z4yGX
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ39KFUK0N
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0wtBCegBB
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT9j2Xf8Jo
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6UhXPjypE
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMIKc93hTw
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfiQq0wPM7
She pulled me out of my rumination.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDNcFC0gAX
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcDyW6uSOC
"About what?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYBPQ68zTM
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iG93PBkZZ
"About what you said."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGMpP5O7dU
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtYIREtyMM
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD788oIVug
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjyj5zKmvK
"Well, what is it?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV1Lj88pFF
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wy95hf5Nt
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6oZTshwtf
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroB20X6Ysi
"Right."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMT2QCDFsT
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXorUlfZvC
"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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hA2ZVZLIh
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyGPMEWowE
"..."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSDCYyfFqD
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaSk0PdoIi
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMW1eD721Y
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwUPSwNdvZ
"That's great."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFRV1UY7EX
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt96sjmLKfs
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoqIIvQNex
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf1wMobLqu
"Uh, what's the matter?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dzZF2nkRE
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJvy7l5yuz
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbVRmGywzR
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYjVagqP1h
"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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr3iHtQBPt
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQObhoEDo3k
"I can't say that I do."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsREMvqdZe
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3MbAQBLRd
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZswdECUYJ
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcFmw2o6JR
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWcc88U0IH
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHnLPpv96n
"Just trust me here!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhuiwYLc4y
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjLwps6QtZ
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbMBHoKohO
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKu6sh9wDO
It sounded like chatter.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lGFoUN8Rz
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLufHz7lq1P
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67e11fKH9r
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m3PzCZSlL
"Kenny, wait here."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRwRScdOF2
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wJKJnCgTP
"Huh? Why?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoW56tqzeK
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyJOngFGgw
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRJJukVsKq
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwtRdA9qKB
"W-Wha–"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQeEAuRtqU
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgYUCWUy3w
"Shhh! Shut up!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMouFjqCkR
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7pYBftXUB
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd48Vb1vhMR
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9kZHy8m8z
"This is..."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DHTsEQzFN
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01Fmaefn8z
"Something fishy is going on here."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9QptjIVNm
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeI1kTyDSC
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQtSiwMsER
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ykg4jW3wo
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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tObwp0En
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudeub1XRjK
"Alright, can you all hear me?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S2BAFplwS
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES5tvSIXiC
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!"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzFG9m3TJ9
442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KeAtbJaAP
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
and then Add to home screen.