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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZjYg5PhVC
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetUrcthBbk
"Ow! Ahh..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqfqouI2BQ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IyNzLp3aD
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtT2EFENq7
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lyPUyMtfe
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7pfAe77eD
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRUmtm5J5g
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygkCniE5ob
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoi6q17TdH
"...This place is giving me the creeps."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdprlcNJDVu
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECajMK7X1Z
"Huh? How so?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVZK4nwtif
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBSOly2cu9
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBP8j5iF0E
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguiXBgsZFF
"Couches and rich– wait a second."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMp3D69yiw
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL7md3BSSm
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?420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZRr7ujZgh
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTBtwMxDZn
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujmiBuGQHO
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEve65xjQV
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxY33wwxpJ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGG4dqk5hY
"Tch! This stinks!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsvGOISpfS
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCGpiX1oDf
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGWqjFTqXm
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vxt4yMaSn
"What?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWumx25ErdW
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LHdMlVJBY
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphmPQqyBae
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzaFTfKxv6
"What? Are you scared?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXld45O4Ue
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7gQlIN6DZ
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZy6pFLREf
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mhgOWdgsd
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMkWLs2IOP
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMYz5BQxUO
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUFePTu6bW
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZUYzDIcUr
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi16cRUCy1b
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N3ddfWNxw
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgMjmKrZKg
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEzabNBE1U
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2c2Lwq6x
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGArbd3CHux
"...Fine."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKefzpP6Ab
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsULzGpCnIu
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthSX1sPMWy
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaES8EnlGRh
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cJa5iJmwv
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHjEB7sHhG
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LvcbFaHXF
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQTx2GNYQP
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXkYLmxgWP
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0P8FgFBrN
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtYK1oYYpV
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu4SSugwPg
"...It's locked."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xwIFjKOTy
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIdCowZfKC
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–420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVw9MyITCb
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCkBp9HjNn
"Oh! This one's open!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay8OYUnPS1
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzP1k1WuKx
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZZVx2YfLx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3maYRvda6
"This place is– cah! Ack!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQvKbFwgzs
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVBZnpeso5
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb3jYtoJpZ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2Se81dYun
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?420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡockAtlLoCO
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4aX6BCsmZ
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxwse56gUd
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH0fHIeyvb
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwPQSYVhuK
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuniVqZdgo
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQFktKnN3a
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULcYbudPWO
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Ts3TZrDE
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvtweN0s26
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZA4tGPKEI
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab23KnyEVB
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQH8EcNR89
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj7EaxW8Po
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdUZs6hGAG
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2FGeuN0lp
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GtOV5rs0Z
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAUFRmW7qI
"Ow... what the hell was that?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer2ZUIuEhy
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFsjm4X7ET
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTK8W83M3e
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhRKwC4GSe
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o4R1wKAVP
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvt5Yg8F8Q
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vugopwrvl
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAQIfspSpC
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapGmslgP4r
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsQTACafbz
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjxt5T5DmT
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRfKJLRF0k
"What's this here...?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxOy64hDQr
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7oECzr3uA
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!?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHLvGpKy4c
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJUviZrkJk
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQUDYf7PI
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWi1cSJGAl
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ15O2XPZ5
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcESf3Xhu7
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkdk1VPwyr
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKHkWTMqI1
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMRbhRdCie
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNc1Suatln
"...Really?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qBfs7i10g
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kJ4ZErL0M
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP518FjbBL
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJRC7yCV0R
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–420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKSengqtFj
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAgebnLH4a
"--Wait."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTtXnstzuD
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpxt1I4Gga
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lon6MbqQY
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxx1iDdRlV
**SMASH**420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRD3gAgvd4
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj93nQJLUe
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaqxIXcHeo
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wFT4IqQtk
"Earth magic."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3PHWPrF3C
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaIpja5mQR
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMz2HbMWhq
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNay08VzUE
**THUD**420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhtpNJqLEI
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtVQS4nkWK
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx8LWsHOi6
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsH4WXIM9Y
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdyAeTycx0
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJBRQ6BW6x
"...Tears?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uUGJOx5WL
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gvg7YHQR1
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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoiJtxLZGD
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9AUp730iQ
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquNT2JYWAL
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhexxXqQIs
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCYNLshleR
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlucyRKq81k
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzenR5XsCo
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRTp3JfhqL
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyLedCybgx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rR2puPe7H
"Ha, how interesting."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIlMgFOf9M
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjVYBB2v6p
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP6eVPowmW
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNiqDTwB9M
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LbngGP50u
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU8PGOOtzK
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVT7nC0Hfe
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49VEe9PNQk
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdizwa60aoH
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbw2ZIiT6q
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8UwtFN78m
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vq06K694B
"Similar fields?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zA5xRA9UH
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksOOpohG4j
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpPaiyJ1YK
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJhbLaZ8EC
"I-Is that so...?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBv4GtD36j
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbXkid9qtL
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBzn0d5Zkn
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFSO8ITqdY
"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–"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFc3oxvujv
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphFKB3U5V4
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZrFrmRMwm
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ1oDiQDdA
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX5DMjOnjG
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f5ULSFlZ5
"What part didn't you understand?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnkhyYW0dS
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZQVTOgsMu
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tpz5AFupf
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme7PPYpsNP
"...Huh?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpaeU5H80k
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspAuwqmcSE
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7zXrH89rE
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNWyAL5OmT
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9aJ2ctAeU
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ908T0i2vZa
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd91dWjNRQ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xh1yQ70lN
"Huh?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LsoRldpKU
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnUxATSYnO
"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!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjD7Ttz3HS
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf9cpgeRGi
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlRaHJbxwC
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XrQMJutEt
"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!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkK0neUEpx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWJughLIms
"..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyRNwvr9qN
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayPikwrnjC
"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?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK26HSdwH4k
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKqNKHYqVT
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP03JXGCim
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEGCsawVRG
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLI48D1fbq
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ5AL8HynZ
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHMj1Kctbr
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReRpkWSkTl
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrVpI6orwQ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFodXlq5pk
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvqxb8w2lr
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO1LCnMJ5A
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnzXnlcp8q
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90YwmtkRoj
"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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYERDhyKo
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNUQTJtRmK
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7mwyYQf1C
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy4zzfSnHD
"What are you talking about!?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAicVJCOdA3
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDvAc0Z9zS
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84KVjqaGqU
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl45sr7Cyho
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0x1zQ5Ftv
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHJnK5HSAF
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp1clns2rp
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHDApfACoD
"..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfthiBN6Xq
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9o3Abvsaz
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–420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXrhCyXXqL
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSy7LVq6z0
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lcgY64yl4
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTsrMkSnlD
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv42l1s7Uhu
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvVxOQ82wG
"Fine, go ahead."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXhi9SEcWZ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHxCauQ37m
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBVWjcRxG6
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh4sx1CyTb
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RC7MRSNRB
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIRPjgswwV
I pointed at it and she nodded.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4mqcmqQSG
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n08LEKsxD
"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..."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdyPwyggwf
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur5gTGzqym
"Hm? But what again?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjOQAC8aWH
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl3s6NCHcw
"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."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKVrFO1RM8
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctLZSYk1KF
"I see. That's disturbing."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruHP7Zktzx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PNIpV3qeX
"It's... not so bad."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5PwiOnrAP
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7kGlI6zK8
She gently huffed at my response.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJW3IL8l3H
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1xZaYbpuk
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAkaMMHJ8
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkWej7YazI
"Fight Mason?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOWfYnSJbx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LYGj9ysGR
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOo4w1LpLZ
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU246ZmOACk
"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!"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSowYGqybzr
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWb0tzC9hg
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5T3QBaW7x
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjZfPL1Dzv
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAVt4YAo0b
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvf5IW74u2
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6LpaUtALk
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcAQupj4kC
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ17CzGGJH
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrx1AvQv25
"Is something the matter?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVX5GwhXNx
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELdL0En4Nq
"...Where is your friend right now?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnm9cBKfVS
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4AfZ5CoPg
"T-That's... why do you ask?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed91bW8g0G
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAt6Q8prV9
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY2uT3Ayq6
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKA4lpkL3V
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.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXv0aJpQPU
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQQom3fHqZ
"Yes, she did."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz0WIp9G8I
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG4I1mc9JX
"Ah, I see now."420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4rr8zRFXC
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArT6vwDgAY
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHlmkMg1V0
420Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi677IaH4t
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
and then Add to home screen.