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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21DaNgRrH5
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"Ow! Ahh..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsYHZrOhEG
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92oB4D3ErS
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7bwI4VTUZ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIXzdbRSXK
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR9XiGEagF
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3BP1di2OF
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRxVzcizRr
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwBV2fyh47
"...This place is giving me the creeps."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJCrtFvK3d
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYYC0Mw5QT
"Huh? How so?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5RRc8AY98
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbUiu2WNXz
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzoSjqsIKW
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQq2KLQawi
"Couches and rich– wait a second."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFdQnqU5Qh
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP89KZ1tPUA
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?421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpSoIpwxT4
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUOZOhvj32
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcozoTH0qz
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjgjzlqXfD
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxsANDzQLk
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VzjxSmiUI
"Tch! This stinks!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszoyUUBNts
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePpOpTGKgk
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31wPm4MoXc
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEmlF3EcmN
"What?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuACKB9loNf
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI0BwUOyBG
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh327ksSEB
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevsmblYcAC
"What? Are you scared?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGcsdjjZT7
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkyQMUGBzs
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNlTraEtzt
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QzeOAVE7i
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf27n8Xywnq
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJWb4qdSm2
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOltJZO9E5
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGkfBec8Np
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k27PtvE4R
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA0sHOWWYF
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvTPGETIyM
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuTcqYbcB5
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zIPvH59u9
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBl8JYPG1w
"...Fine."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo8ns8dcxD
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjh9YXucnz
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRxzcTe7NG
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7xhcBBhat
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjDvJ7cDfm
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasi64gYc74
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiXyv08eaW
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ192aaDqSxa
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCXTVoxlr4
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JfQxDFOu4
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CuL9K42Uj
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP91xUYlc6
"...It's locked."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpwVxB9ap9
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTdxCDZprv
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–421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUPxPpgPvp
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjbUMmp9Ut
"Oh! This one's open!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBTMSvMV5n
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVQMqOm0rQ
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnVVtKS9iP
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJxxqioA31
"This place is– cah! Ack!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvRjxhglPv
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga73AdumAF
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfp216YRAj
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YGSZsbxFm
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?421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVKjoYhJ6s
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHXFG02hg8
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm3ccnmOXg
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRua3Lve2q
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSUQyqZYh3
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZV7lgG3Hx
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY7eNpwdG1
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7qlaOL16n
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvBh4OrnCF
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEIoPWgzE7
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5XIrdMPsH
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdApd2YtH2K
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2zhQnuvKC
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3G4k6CSwn
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TrdT5jQCX
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzGREbHhds
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1xOSzjwK
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSXHzi8ZTi
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39voR45JGy
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe3bYwpAqC
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmcDppQxjA
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F1N38Qm28
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRwv2eTzFE
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5BBsLYElx
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdox0C9stAg
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQmbuqZFq
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj79gsPMohX
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT0iY0ap9A
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT0LiBtcLf
"What's this here...?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdWrKT0BXW
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd31vLBPsY
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!?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCwwZ8LxRI
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHyODjM84a
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn2OTkPRGn
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1TClVVxdC
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ymoMAlt5B
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Zk21xTxu
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RffkDB4SN
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZljI6cs3n
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ4RxQsuwr
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U5twAs9NY
"...Really?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMrmiFv4ZF
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K1UPXsidR
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5jXPorx3P
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAMmOqUxYR
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–421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeHaoDdRkl
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQADqcJxv
"--Wait."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK2VfAvdP7
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fknsQKWpv
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtScBg3D1pB
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9KOzGwmHJ
**SMASH**421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1WysvozSG
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BKTk3HuuM
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l0JaWWN9s
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO24dgGOQ0W
"Earth magic."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAArThtIMFw
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakigmTh70T
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L0fuyVvJq
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT18b5uh6DO
**THUD**421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQzfPTEkEQ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmapzoFfDaN
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2njMJDtHG
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC57NHVmTm
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1vEqnS4rb
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0MnPi9V5K
"...Tears?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhrWqsmLq
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJcxxlrc9E
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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtOggbEhuj
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgw0TnFbf4
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTn2UgsBaO
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrHQE23HEt
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbZ1ERhtEH
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1KTAy1KWB
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNoJndQ6eS
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQJDZr6IJP
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpricr6CWVO
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqF836WBwg
"Ha, how interesting."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNtQOFBtMp
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxntXaMdeld
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBIrAlDpC8
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE976fq9PHm
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcflpwrL8ML
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNPCOOJUR8
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrxOXe9HGW
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULNxefFxn6
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqCNDsAE7M
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4YjEZI2R9
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVX2lza2dP
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKFBl7L6Jl
"Similar fields?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr41K44FoGs
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vrPjb54ad
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx2koMvUxe
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmC9J5RhQc
"I-Is that so...?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm1vSMcoM7
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShimPGTu5I
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZTKvK7RP9
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU8WI2ZvWb
"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–"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b09MRXSIA
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L4irYRiAR
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7QB3jRdzg
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ix3Axt3tc
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5GONhI9EA
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynKQ092cRp
"What part didn't you understand?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD18mOpDNf
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO1gbhln60
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9nsSViBXN
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8wWvK4Fqc
"...Huh?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJfzZ2neC3
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3VoVLlSBK
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvdA7c4suV
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEichVh7xIR
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9YxUlFjWU
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f1wplXIam
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgQBwags42
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZTuVyZpCY
"Huh?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizFYQfrSxU
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcsLMG4Ygl
"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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7faTrYN0lF
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOyjbw0e0H
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHfX5RXEfh
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82e9Mts27V
"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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMSxGWy1zU
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15vO7JPg7s
"..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSuEZTHFyZ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOoXvjFMZs
"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?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV13gqZvTJM
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JXS0b4X0X
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsqAm2xKfY
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCj7zXD74Q
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58UAq2E3Nt
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD22ARQo3GU
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2nJhGxCZk
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ0icoY8WH
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH5GBhsdf8
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y1h91tdQD
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpDa5NHo8Z
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlPcmdsEDW
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrp5D9DpQ0
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4soZZxwnaP
"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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKfSHxKVAo
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5XkNnTGj4
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoRdfqWRdJ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmxdr0rPSc
"What are you talking about!?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKHz2mQoxi
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLbeSxKRx8
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTLUINKnAl
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuclYjDP2G
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmHWyaPrwi
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ0UTUIxs2
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGamc5htEo
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXpocd3ll4
"..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThAbch4yU4
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan5j53DM7p
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–421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeq1lCizEZ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIESEuNCmaR
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx9yb86dlM
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEYx4OUEGo
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8tFns5rq2
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGBzceDLcX
"Fine, go ahead."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi2Oh8NIzY
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkFfhpXAHn
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLjvPpmS3T
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Elwr2zDwZ
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M8BjXHFTT
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaL3oL5V5K
I pointed at it and she nodded.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ7XjOYpKO
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9euCTRiEn
"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..."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4BZuKJGjH
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFwdMpe3x6
"Hm? But what again?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPaRLkbOgP
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl15TLmLWVS
"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."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsfnhMDYhT
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoKws0qRuB
"I see. That's disturbing."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rS3O8w4Pu
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD6Esq57az
"It's... not so bad."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTps2h8gJbn
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviTLqaWvEC
She gently huffed at my response.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm9NWGcQCZ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb6sFnxLrn
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORnPfgladI
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVetdtUwwj2
"Fight Mason?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdLHey6yvZ
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI2LAsvM1j
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBhNzgr419
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8Rg701HSK
"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!"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX26Uxh2Zis
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk9DwLwui6
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfIZuAiksW
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sYOeGfYrJ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeoFKyo6yM
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRz4uvDNQM
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV5YHXlEcT
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt4XzUs24i
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp941ucwIuL
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24QGvHbvSB
"Is something the matter?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVe5dxMnJp
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36voPYEaZd
"...Where is your friend right now?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1TG2CzWBs
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo9gTwzH0p
"T-That's... why do you ask?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz0QoTpVfj
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30lBAUYPI0
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCvpHNIeXf
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XPihaNd1D
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.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNMyqjNs8g
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ48JlsHhIx
"Yes, she did."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6595wInXcR
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNXmSkr95
"Ah, I see now."421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyZ9yAdNw5
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqVTOWLsiE
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhmCUIHcIz
421Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwja7da1hch
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
and then Add to home screen.