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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSPrPJiJv0
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"Ow! Ahh..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmAM2OnUUs
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRFaF8Jc4d
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6D3ZPFeN0
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHKZ9mOhFx
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BYnl7b5MT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEJMrQ6pnC
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqHq5dFFP9
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn6mYsceJZ
"...This place is giving me the creeps."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPUKlkB59Z
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtTMFu4LFj
"Huh? How so?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll9kwD0wh0
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vsEAMAblX
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jq1Ln5zpq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcZFKueuDL
"Couches and rich– wait a second."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpGKAc56OF
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvlwiHhcpU
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?268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM5HCYbTUq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDYOegBw96
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYqWYhILNm
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys1rtPMDnN
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxUZSrkVVN
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw6xlFVxKd
"Tch! This stinks!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mWrGVHbFm
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq2foHIF5t
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohHjVIAl2M
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYz06X3XxL
"What?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jqAc5Foly
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDYOrj0SAb
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmo14Hf2SY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0AhX0oYQO
"What? Are you scared?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N2o71VJzl
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYM5wV65BG
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd1WEK4Ezu
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMefIxoPmE2
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf3ZogOQWy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo5wyt7AJI
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR47NZ0jveq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhP2kykwA3
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4H9SbPE3O
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBReD9B2rb
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw2HCB3ZQB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3MOhmfSGd
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JWkp581v6
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2QrCS9IjD
"...Fine."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1M9gvhzHO
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrvTOLkr3C
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHHrBk1kYq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKDjwZQjnu
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wGENKsAUm
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSn7Jy0wMU
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e1P9JKsrK
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLZEy3Otjz
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5L0xVDDk0
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mRw3AlY2T
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYM4Ed4Syb
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEyhzPfmYL
"...It's locked."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmtvai6Y8o
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOsXIeQgm7
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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAgZuUGyEQ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjKLWWoUa5
"Oh! This one's open!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9GlvqKOuI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2biDpWbenB
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1l9wTsvMa
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0csWHMKA9L
"This place is– cah! Ack!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkXQiJdaef
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpFMYgCOHp
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxFNdBCB8H
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscycPB98Xx
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?268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLJarBZtRP
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76HofsmF0I
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLxIqu0i4f
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWANG3D9yU5
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mqtBI0NDQ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO4XynKS8U
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDvgte3owm
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvkhXG02YN
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHQdIdWtbD
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcfnXmpgHd
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdyeQ5MuMW
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEGgmRgCXJ
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG5SpFNDm9
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuJMaJylXo
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxrEK1Uj7P
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zT1s4Zxpc
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEFGHZYWfT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXiHkrFJeh
"Ow... what the hell was that?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgP9SJZ67Z
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP73gv5vu2I
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MKRiEZc0u
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tlXuQCs3u
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13SP8mhzrd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxw1J7cHTX
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCnKCP0Dnu
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx6WYA3cpz
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZUZL0NGz0
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7ZDnZMBYA
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK0hXakmbL
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnw7RwX1Sc
"What's this here...?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZLczzWuaR
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkiRJ448Ln
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!?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUGdD6RnEk
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNcxN6OMOK
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W9OvXcRHR
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQicOqd27w
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZmMLXiMFN
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGJH46Yfp8
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhswY0rPH9
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1YeQLlexp
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83oDiKMlzY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JHJWLA363
"...Really?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJao0RU4NX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPR1I9qASW
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7coDM8oJq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIrGN0xDFl
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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby5DGS06Vv
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWzwm0etko
"--Wait."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDtF1z6QSk
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QOB4GAs8t
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnJXWlQXTU
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ewQ93wwji
**SMASH**268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY1tTUZaNT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3BcY3wzHO
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIivu6SSbjO
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgrqdFEfxM
"Earth magic."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWhHYgKYFL
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDfpqP72fe
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuRetGlLUy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WBgDgCq0M
**THUD**268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rIq3GWNkJ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmHWASQejI
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pyl19wZXx
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM01ubMVbS0
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAYjTgWuJI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw4v7dtFyI
"...Tears?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoKQUmgJKp
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zDbpCMCEj
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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalgqjSpONY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBGaH0IMlM
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVFt5ukYqz
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR5xAoQcE3
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ959t8NeqHE
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf3ccOCn8V
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLgc40UfeY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHXzPHW2Fw
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMnoaB3XFy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa4GRsf9Ye
"Ha, how interesting."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS90fQXMvfs
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjwRkJkYP7
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchiyvw5PL
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjLMSbUluO
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3pJus0pWQ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT1bYh2WBk
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqj9rrIKkp
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMvBS0DSEs
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0DaWbBvQ9
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1BIdNDyPw
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6khv3o5sb
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvU68IZGQC
"Similar fields?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRM0zE6Tit
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBQluhMt0y
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsb8AQpcvg
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupRFaWiS8d
"I-Is that so...?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl52V5UjWl
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWBs8W0RDy
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSwXV7unnM
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYwI41ykS7
"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–"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDBxt0kWAV
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWJQJsj9Bl
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6oNqOve2s
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjG18PaxgH
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo0K5bRm4J
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OAp2ccYyq
"What part didn't you understand?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDJJ8kteZ0
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcWv8jmktJ
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwrD4pwOQC
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV4SIBlx8p
"...Huh?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE5prT0yYS
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoxp1FiHKI
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QqeNt9XYR
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8hhAkicup
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLW32KAlS5
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN0KmqpyHM
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MOLhb0rai
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjZvJKIQR3
"Huh?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHC4dkUG3m
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPgSGssyzt
"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!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh236duF0F
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooYnQwArvB
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyalcFmNwhg
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcyPeGOYnM
"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!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSoHRpqFcD
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmvStvyOEf
"..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWShVptLZh
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MgUDEin6D
"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?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg3wnNufUp
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxeqtf8P7E
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh31ArWqoB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK8miikqZF
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNWSHPYfh4
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhegwJaf0PZ
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxav9w1niv
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1alD2jYly
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2e0UEpu3P
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDtohgnYxJ
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIalKFP8hKq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtgRRQ9hz9
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PYCTmqQzv
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oO3Nn8yie
"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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK43Kw7nW2r
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D96A8bDWo
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExOIVSTRwM
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5o84pvFjG
"What are you talking about!?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1j6df6p7y
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWn498Qhvm
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmjzQycvjy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuRTypU39m
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXjeIDeLep
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllj1mJqz0T
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCegQK9nIK1
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoH7jD8d7w
"..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqoycgTWYt
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEp5Iu2xqW
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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2wZoVMwKw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBopT1Mpzd
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRCfTQPkon
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qWGwuf3FY
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3ue6vGFTK
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJTGm1Euhs
"Fine, go ahead."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvGqBjzDaX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWSdtvm1f
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf084CRxavp
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpsPwIJyE5
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMoJ6AGDNI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrnW7b9R2Q
I pointed at it and she nodded.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG1SWBuk07
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0NHhBVi3s
"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..."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfo80wpdWR
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThVSM8s6GN
"Hm? But what again?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW8nBFcneB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9MxTQZJxn
"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."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8nPOrPGA4
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh6Edk7JYi
"I see. That's disturbing."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDXLYDslyo
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr3YQfnZGg
"It's... not so bad."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeiD03nKH3
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcosPYcNcaJ
She gently huffed at my response.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ApKupdmkI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHyyDoWcHD
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxscLxfl9X
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDpObyzQ0E
"Fight Mason?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwr5cS3W1p
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTKlTTHkDQ
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoeKKhfGUx
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLTajJepG2
"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!"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bvyS8tzEv
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArl4ltNpna
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5GleXeQst
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanVa85i2KY
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelVvYYojYD
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopiJMzkVqp
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNZ0BVilKc
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiSPCR6jz6
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CFBJAbqAo
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ik9Fgu6j
"Is something the matter?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJZTIVd6KT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nQsYTgzgQ
"...Where is your friend right now?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkw0D5RU6U
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78SKBg4WAR
"T-That's... why do you ask?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUysBQbbX3F
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk8HE8866D
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Q5sCI1LS
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0lgkTTzy1
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ePYD3WCUM
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PgMRmeFSa
"Yes, she did."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaug5qqrQHl
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAlvMbtueg
"Ah, I see now."268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0iQvNOc0u
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbT60OaKxb
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrs20IEVwa
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJoSdtMEZa
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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