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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwACG2orZq9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI4jpo7XaS
"Ow! Ahh..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblwlS3SDmI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUqpCqPnWt
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZpkG72kI5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO8lAOQWIx
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPhXB4DQzk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrse0xED8Ro
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOADSPahsMi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVcZ4OjS6n
"...This place is giving me the creeps."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzDuIKcx4D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MhPSqLUH3
"Huh? How so?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AT7hpRBk2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5FqqyTjQZ
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xL7IcuZ0m
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGNpSkikZ
"Couches and rich– wait a second."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ylVp1aEak
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWG66fOXKK
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?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JxBlnM4JJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBZjjVQdpj
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ480nrl4OJ4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmCOtxwVWW
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv81gLIQWt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom4QdaBfCW
"Tch! This stinks!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnicimEq60
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR0wLP40Wm
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqDrmjv9nN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2clpdr9KGU
"What?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjh4oIFsBe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVCS6NkfOY
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllhazibt6j
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJ8OApxWn
"What? Are you scared?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJgJZzE2TR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOmL8BxSjn
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KVvFB7G5D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp2E05kMMB
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePTyBfkv3I
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj1WBXTXtH
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSBhMwBybG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTGGftueLv
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNtgjsSE6p
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJSceRElTa
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92nGxgNJrE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPPueBLR3f
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9myiFvXcTB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9S0ZUkFOX
"...Fine."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXYXUuWBDx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8NaFxLoYV
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ4ajL31XH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Y4yiQZFA
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvx6cuyAgY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVM1Q8Vnk6
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaISk8jj8aZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVXQ0U70UW
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ikcI5Ib9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstFeh8RhwM
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijN7NRSbfi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdf0pbMQPz
"...It's locked."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3SasyD3ti
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReMj7ZW6Fk
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd3LKzY5IA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZjwLYFWh1
"Oh! This one's open!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaddNV9nl9a
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbuTr05oY7
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvH35UmFlf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaJQcfoWou
"This place is– cah! Ack!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL12q49B6UA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCxiOYO5mW
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ycs9KzcVd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjOD4OuoT5
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?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvLBSNyIU8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H2BBK2BKI
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGljrB22Ttl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd75uY3uQUb
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26zQUVr5YD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4j5e6J1b0
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI4335J3M1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluXBYUsm0r
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh60YccpiR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bihoPfIqH
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFmpGoc131
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KDLk4Ht2Y
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxMfsHyfNq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyAVZy2hDZ
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9LcnZqChA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9oiwYj7wA
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFjSnvcWN7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHd01X2p4i
"Ow... what the hell was that?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrltPqVQ5IR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZKJs0Dkzv
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVpYUh5CQf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTSDEr86zJ
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVD98gveUE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDwDTl5am8
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxERyX3WDir
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtOv5MiXrX
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3uyD5INfI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ687FGtSvZl
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMz6YDY2j3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOXmBLjg93
"What's this here...?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93QZINuK4u
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp15XOgdBA
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!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8KB0cE80T
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz0wCIuELf
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4IJh92ubd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcJRFr9WQ7
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDu4AERWmp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMAZpNJbN3
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4gr8zVpOa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOrIk2xL2y
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XWzX5GUXH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74o9SuJWD6
"...Really?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKmb3KruXe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYWPcg7K1A
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X9XrLydkK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1cy9OzO9E
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkN6n6lXSp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt6IN6smua
"--Wait."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pqCjSI1V9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigGUHT593w
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2I0aYnFB9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowPdX99uQa
**SMASH**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchyhY1V4wZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxjd8EmCX1
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jMEJMlVwi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8yKaEPK8H
"Earth magic."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERlrwm1CVr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy3Gm0iBLG
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjoMFIv2uC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SAFLw9PPX
**THUD**180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbjYohuOh3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTrAWPNtTv
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0jEIRF1ba
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp3eE3nFGu
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajFGiF8SkQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pvYfQzSUX
"...Tears?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybo16o2HUF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfLomZmswc
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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QRznqBYML
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWiK3fX7sG
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeU6pf0E2q
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgXcP3XDXg
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDAjTkO5tw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4kOsvLUwk
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k53W9kEOO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO3IqC2eln
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ioH76NdxS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1LkIOFMWR
"Ha, how interesting."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ422usd9IAK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx5qD8RdXA
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjWh7K56En
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOKWWez9LC
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOYZmeLK8y
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMLgcHmV5R
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYYQmq5Pzv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIDEnNyk8W
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG3pGap8XD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ugdNH0nqt
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV53BhOWUX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKzlyUC66a
"Similar fields?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFenl9TSrRy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyHgVx6LMM
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5DM8Aj0qX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0EnZU2ER6
"I-Is that so...?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KNLQr48Ho
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaQ9q2wDN1
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyNRRu6zC9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBGhizwhwx
"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–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFendUhug1L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NJ44VrORG
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX4x05KES2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi5kHCyEl5
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcL2dnHgIa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa6CDpxJvh
"What part didn't you understand?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonKC6L2iPr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWJgXRCJdE
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnNM0EMSK1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnOd1HWAUu
"...Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIXskVfD2A
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6aBcXGgvG
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXSW4xqxBq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFU7VPPfQr
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQrZ4Zl043
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtt1tCCFQ0
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCheBDJg2dO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweva6poa6F
"Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjouBpcpYX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm5Om2AdrF
"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!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqANUrzIewj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCKRKvN2VO
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl24Jx9Miul
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqaQ65g3TZ
"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!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pv98DPp9i
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24XdPJAlsS
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZqJ2NFijm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmgCllq8aW
"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?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWATPpYohK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqiU86dpeO
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6xfkBJn2z
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqbK1yRVKf
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt3GMCm6Kr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FopT5Dbtk
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC1Gk0Q0Po
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgQndabQBH
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNGIu3cTuE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0N9s6DB2u
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BSbp4qyMI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktB50clRIQ
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMf1SXXZLn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznpbxqsy1Y
"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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpeyx9VJ8U
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ684bxGSybM
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTfpxX17nJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO8Ry4IrnP
"What are you talking about!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwL3E2Wwk5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze9ztMbOdQ
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBIeGMWNir
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AXYE76LGp
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGvKA7ENeG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtH4DAtpjn
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzU0OEz4xO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iwCx4ohh2
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRViybmRnd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTHcfHmuoc
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMxAvQqg2X
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq93iidWvQC
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXiNTlFnsX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9bVLgVJ7p
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuc2g9PcUo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKSh9rYMng
"Fine, go ahead."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKInkCRpOmu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCM3uE3VJE
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7jILofWrz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7GdgoKAFp
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYQOkdBEvx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNniQO3pLAc
I pointed at it and she nodded.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinWj3mM4jW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFkkVQk7la
"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..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy3avpL1L9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6FGCrYATy
"Hm? But what again?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HcRD0d8UU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnS1Z3r3Sl
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrMSAjmXla
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vHDjd3Mlz
"I see. That's disturbing."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT0XasV2g8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NmN8IJrp7
"It's... not so bad."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPydxFmpER
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ61thHIlr
She gently huffed at my response.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCRgfMpMy7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y3ZFOXNqr
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3GCGB0LvB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5FVv7Taau
"Fight Mason?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElE1vlp6nq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauq59mzRlA
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3da7kbOqk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ8EY38y7k
"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!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukStBICtFC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMrXiyRGSt
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQq4JEzMnT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfgnf8kioc
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBYZZJeCJh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4tHwwXLOY
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2cnkX98TR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2KCS8Pd6l
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpLxlpxRBk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX5UWsOqx0
"Is something the matter?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hNLlDexM7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq4Wn8Q8bN
"...Where is your friend right now?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovfGBCLGeV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lUvDURR94
"T-That's... why do you ask?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzq0jJ2F5l
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipiZzGYdsD
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0pMS1oxww
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2SsM2xr5E
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR2uWSyth2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb8hokCtNJ
"Yes, she did."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRTtOS7AP4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8UWFivucX
"Ah, I see now."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX3mgGEm0z
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BmNYzvIj6
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ5cW39Byi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXBJjWNorf
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
and then Add to home screen.