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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hXfbDMRG7
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu2BBdf5ai
"Ow! Ahh..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZV4C9vFhO
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nePA1fKeY
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5VwThWPLt
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII9LS0UtjY
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8g5Kd1IrD
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqQ0Ql95CK
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BvBAO8ufV
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDAFmN7qHB
"...This place is giving me the creeps."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwVSwIA2rA
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iwNL3M2Ry
"Huh? How so?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCkoe6nyGx
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fCSeVQvyI
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUsvmy6Qn3
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgn15f1xOe
"Couches and rich– wait a second."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aASw6JBMl
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxek2ndMXP
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?392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVJ8xOMYrN
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWf9BLPEbj
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3CzjGtDLQ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLyq0rWca6
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lcxfw8mKj
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQtWdmS8If
"Tch! This stinks!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6SW02LQdD
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t8ko5jX7H
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp6xWlUFxf
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc52jy4JMQ
"What?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZBL1OdRbZ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U5wfEuKP2
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDcpWBJh2u
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrXVJO4QZI
"What? Are you scared?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1SNya0jFm
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVEdAEmZBk
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxA4OCOHqH
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXNZF3Tlh0
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA4djm8SMG
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNHXsKDDY5
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1W1atGq2Y
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrF9YJ56UL
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGEKa1YEQF
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwv6oRebNO
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuxKdiARbd
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLOXWHA3Vn
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJAQ2bBmwm
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvIvnv8b2J
"...Fine."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wzfdrkUtL
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13hMv6MuqV
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcFy6zEr1c
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXAGQp6nFb
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL6J65hZDq
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdoS2KALee
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RessQmgPe
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS1YTVVToM
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoObFicum9N
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGaELry2Qt
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBZnR4y6w
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5whEQF2kWC
"...It's locked."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnULlj5Hvu
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATDYj6s8wf
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–392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrIrzYCUWf
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zcmF5Zmqw
"Oh! This one's open!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC3wANhXal
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp677gM1Hdr
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqNgqXpSne
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ3K8obyoS
"This place is– cah! Ack!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMXxPWSEsf
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxB6SDZNnp
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Uerwki9d
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchHFvxe93u
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?392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOgjcffJno
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiTOh1deTv
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT92WnJ1vb
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwHZ9CP2Pa
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrnvGYZuQ1
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFluOwVlPf
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ePlPOiNIw
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeb5O6z2lt
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlYpHqv6nS
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUS1MqskKw
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveuT5g2bkI
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0TITEmV2t
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDp3g6yPDi
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmDyszIuev
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Sj820sMi
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkADSaIN8Z
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlLIdzKZRH
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJFY7PgYqT
"Ow... what the hell was that?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU1JGzOcxH
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3pxwbB0iO
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5bMKsLXlr
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKKEEv0bUF
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6erbqspGlf
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKxRrJWwIt
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeceAbFgYvy
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRMgQXBeJj
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6no0MZ8ec
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O3RDOIvTl
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iKl5P8FgV
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7BT6PeTtL
"What's this here...?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKAb52RmCs
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHwVq0zw4y
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!?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx50czd0hU
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGB43on0lb
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8SL04AnbP
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVkl4EaKwm
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fiNeBw06s
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI3oprnItM
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj0o6ku7UA
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJruQCJroBR
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gMjBPN8i3
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rPrgnFRwR
"...Really?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DNPrsTYJE
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRilnf7c2DQ
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH86NdaH3W
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLD03yUBpr
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–392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZBP7XXZ9N
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9LyV8aO2Z
"--Wait."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsHVO62ZHQ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwfmVQPHBQ
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPiebTvzHG
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU2VcWCQlT
**SMASH**392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi1AOC6tNp
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjFPHBgqFw
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFofAObp8j
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxUZnNo0fd
"Earth magic."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOktKS948B
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lq3QS3vsl
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiiVjM44Jy
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XhTPhwFkR
**THUD**392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBQsJOWG8Q
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jkesWGwax
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWfQJPIdAj
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHDzlm3MFj
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxZLpULvi6
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5rSW5xZIE
"...Tears?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XlFgPdWEd
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTAMf4ECDc
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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlsXmgZLR6
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9h8UZ8cDi
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXWfdXmGFR
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqAbrnsUKp
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IXM1wIKsP
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1O4wkUmLl
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacidWyjA0m
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG2ZW5IX6c
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84t1Z65yKq
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LDKTAhfXT
"Ha, how interesting."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SAB48Q1Do
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDnpk3PIpG
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4RjPqWuow
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtny0QzGD86
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNvryTK2MR
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtm9OljQ1F
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdln108T2K
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LuN6zOiiI
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfu3wE80hH
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NxGiIpuJz
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnrKxIaPXV
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiKZJctnkz
"Similar fields?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQoJPi8Rxl
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR39L7Qgh1g
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lCvKiY2kO
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlall4VcHHJ
"I-Is that so...?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzvxLjrzyJ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4REV5tnREQ
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4cCd8UUqN
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f3LwK7BAH
"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–"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT4EHRHR6b
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoWDTDzWIX
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlqMu5YWpq
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1EEMFC5c8
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3ZzwSaNj5
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNyOmGWYeM
"What part didn't you understand?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyfFkcqixK
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMSIaVnLeg
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIgmrFwICb
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWlCqXBNAl
"...Huh?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSstLposy5G
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QOR41uNrq
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnld3FkNcyF
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREG4x9HUWE
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1I3HdewBK
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e2xGyLhr2
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2AKRrgacu
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SguboEOqj
"Huh?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn35g1lv37y
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9TM9T5dME
"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!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqkR3ZtYEe
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukx3EtvQIi
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvJsglxnK6
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRANL3m829
"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!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL46U2H4za
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MoSSdXOCT
"..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOKVyw7zW2
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt40cZoN1b
"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?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRj48WNhAW
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPqvjfgioP
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4lp4bqRwN
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI83Z7wmkn
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7wjIDeFZL
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1LslQvC9y
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsRWeHNFBe
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ71tzZu1jz
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvR4v4kABI
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaBWiFVJkc
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypGZ5QY8pQ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0NIsFFf74
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf95tziS90
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdelaqpTcyo
"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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A25NQLzFU
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NRFOFAvwy
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HnRvnE9x9
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLyVQ2JSvu
"What are you talking about!?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIOJ2Ybchv
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhFqm5TSEK
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6VIx9Bs6R
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxleuuO1JCl
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxWR3LSkAZ
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz5ZehmDEL
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhWRlnCwyn
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqdPO6PTFF
"..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cXK4o8JQq
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14qE6wWa5e
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–392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQw8uRLEld
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz30YerE8oY
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgQOOb3rXn
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKKT6SlYS4
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZCFDOuf7H
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yMIaTKtec
"Fine, go ahead."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe8TIErJyH
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaetLOvjy5r
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A3944jjpi
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVgF1DCuvj
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5jUhBKr7j
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurSf2EuQG8
I pointed at it and she nodded.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlWBopAnsL
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvlFiX9Nwc
"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..."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cixnLwV39
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4cZPDN7pw
"Hm? But what again?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vYXaOsmYS
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHMi12T0dV
"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."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkLO3CdgzW
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE64rEw3Vwp
"I see. That's disturbing."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSAgEOB1zW
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ531oVG0R4n
"It's... not so bad."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvssg9MKS8
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCZScBLkfT
She gently huffed at my response.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFBs3X08Wi
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuyDdYW0aD
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd0lfiSNdA
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVWDusClgn
"Fight Mason?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKWAta6IsL
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucF5r3qkzG
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP7ks35Zz8
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6F7gQFX5T
"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!"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBKQbx8pM1
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwBQp2dJ1C
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH7NkaXL9o
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRoJoUuJvl
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowOWIavMh1
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlhuZs6nO6
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6pg8If8Dt
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d4vOhRdzN
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9sx8hkGWG
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtXrOH2y6y
"Is something the matter?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AacbUy0IO
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw02t6AGLW
"...Where is your friend right now?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzylHXR2n4
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYoPz0TCmg
"T-That's... why do you ask?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDkjCtzUR8
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgvEPzl5i1
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCxuwYMQ9k
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pQT5U2uGV
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.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0DPs7WrWc
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK5bFBvm9r
"Yes, she did."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28lqb9BcEs
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PFNUH99Jc
"Ah, I see now."392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4HHQt4Ieb
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXRNWtQDCM
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUUON1kTOD
392Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ9R21u1zD
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
and then Add to home screen.