The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82iXVLcCus
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"Ow! Ahh..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbHwilkaEk
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj6la6faiO
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvVdMODe1S
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She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz4abStguP
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUbHnCPFzb
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"Huh? How so?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHo4gjp22q
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCSwKQYI5E
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgstEzbL5Dw
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloFeKZV9yn
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdZ1TgRvB5
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbHb94gdI1
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"Tch! This stinks!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatj1aXFPkP
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBSTCjeQnr
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"What?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWMQi8Hkao
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptf9NwBQMI
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnaIb0HNPY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWtwgjXoOp
"What? Are you scared?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ONxldkxtd
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37uWB4oOOy
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkba31vWDvL
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws2uIR86qn
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubCM0xCBCn
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNQEF7JlUy
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmaEvYzEn0
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTcDqDeY2I
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"...Fine."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib2IqKTyhS
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ7XCDpAdR
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Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAtTVfkpMv
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ6ps37K5v
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6cn1KlLgj
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyuDAL8uIP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOk7h2BS9U
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO2EuBEBWq
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"...It's locked."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsde7Klu0X
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6ElDakP1C
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"Oh! This one's open!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0Gf2Eax7b
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lp0hIOSiV
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWAwhaJTq6
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCqGLFqyLY
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu9QtqMMky
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygh6uTml3g
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm7Ya0fY7M
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This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDNGU1qDXX
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxubxZJe2vT
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Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2j31ASEx4
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It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUYoneuusI
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVDqR0KWnw
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXWud3Kd3B
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKRqVMZDKJ
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xhGVZAkSM
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu7nzGQsYJ
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0AxZjxGuk
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I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmEZIwoJLE
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It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0oAaAXMPJ
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"What's this here...?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThgn2au1EK
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Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqPN5by0zn
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbxwjyO4zz
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp55F8kV2G
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkMfippRpG
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2JY4wNHOF
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gQOJjll7t
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotbrJE8CYm
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTpDIVTPLb
"...Really?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOtdkBmzrc
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzrYbtubxi
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The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz3zpEvcsn
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"--Wait."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pwMzrEXJj
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DdcC2LD0P
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**SMASH**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ9ht2rbRg
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Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nOR3Dw0TG
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"Earth magic."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2APMtzUzwI
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxs4C1Yl9l
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**THUD**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc5A821mC8
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9procoGU9
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Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasWqFBybB6
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"...Tears?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL2zo6Uvf5
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My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3eA4XFY9O
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAagi4fyfox
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFZhXEnwvw
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygUNbZ1V7I
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHPSJ72su4
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkkYdhbIlu
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"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETamUAc5Zm
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"Ha, how interesting."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bxnx8CMG2
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQNDdfTyWt
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6MNyXbfBa
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMMAfUQHYr
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV5DdpC2j4
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pNBImi3RS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2efYKOB6t8
"Similar fields?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlrP1rX7yc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmZqyhy7xD
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81lcRDfI4o
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS3qxsaDcN
"I-Is that so...?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Arjkxi7KC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCrFrP2IRM
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3nDaeX1Sa
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBV6jIUOVl
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zo9V0B06A
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz9z5w1wsX
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM0KWc8L6u
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDNHMBmvcp
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hFgH1ZDF6
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtrdN1RwRF
"What part didn't you understand?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnwoelWOoM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkbSbYNK3q
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8uMyl4nv9
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8KjRmdqBm
"...Huh?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoHuBEhaLZ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ7mQ5HJnm
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q8ySRycqP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5qWV0uJyH
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr81SqEkct
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW0JjLLxE2
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxwdR8hR60
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtc79cQHjF
"Huh?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3K5bSZEzA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRWyAMoiy6
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YQ6ieJh2A
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuPLxQqJsY
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1rZtB2x9E
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizmzq3JgH4
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOxKd95txC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70TzL5BiIQ
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRHoKpSUJS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitG6PfHaOV
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KyQArv2bg
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1esPT2Jzwe
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59BZnMp12m
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46f1K1tTTH
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6I3O0gQIq
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNXxgJPXPo
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSJrbJWc40
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz92G9tm7s
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WwyiHDV6s
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3tahjGGzE
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rMRS2qvjD
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWuJxeFzJJ
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdjzjaOhBS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz7ajZ7kKU
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnElXrq88A
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxugVrFNyM
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSlyvPXh4B
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrjVVZirTp
"What are you talking about!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDJCNhlKCQ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqzGlIVvak
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC803WeNWxJ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpy9TOx2gm
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBfFo0axmO
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwcAGT8MtL
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9hSlzpBdN
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49HP1KHsJF
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsyfsmKRAe
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJOulpEA7h
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDZ3E50AxL
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2opFevaAyr
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32JlTyYwKg
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f2zIyomvD
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtLRc7WYon
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVo2Dg22na
"Fine, go ahead."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJQUQ60Yof
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIwLsDdmFg
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlRbV84Wy1
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkvzu7Fk8U
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUClyVW0M9b
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuMjjK2RIP
I pointed at it and she nodded.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvX2X9IovC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk8MOcywhk
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocjpaajt3F
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHivqQhNnDM
"Hm? But what again?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fYoUXFb6t
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbztDGby9rw
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEByyxdLBd
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpbAvqJATJ
"I see. That's disturbing."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheh6XzBR4Q
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcERPI2XjQ
"It's... not so bad."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvnGFh7leu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS5R5b3uSl
She gently huffed at my response.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVtSMfmvCa
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W07IVZB55
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkDlk9xVSf
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsZdOYNTiS
"Fight Mason?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41KcwnrG6i
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppHgr6ortb
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVXLnP54ta
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuz37wSby9
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0CQooCoKA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcyXc6TuoT
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IoRxgPhsL
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMLigNcXXZ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxQeXje3zx
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lDTAtnVVj
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclNIXFEGjt
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzVTFKMaK8
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJcJAdyZtW
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgrOwLbaiD
"Is something the matter?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqkSx8Ae0J
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmTtPNdcDa
"...Where is your friend right now?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNSKjkj1vh
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QrBSERFFW
"T-That's... why do you ask?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYWHY3oKcu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTvcfRgfXK
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1usDemglWj
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttxhwHa9NM
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlwNd4piNe
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx4HD1Kivz
"Yes, she did."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLhc1D0oAI
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhutYvSKDhe
"Ah, I see now."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvN9vA1xBc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52iK7UQ93i
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf9sXdbRwo
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiVM855v65
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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