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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYlHVTU18F
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"Ow! Ahh..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQCuUgv76m
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW9hCoCyfs
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjfatpkB6x
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4qld4gPVO
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJKN6qc3AP
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"Huh? How so?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv57MsUaKm5
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYgK3dfi7S
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NW5jkDuzJ
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizDXt4SlMI
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8TBaQRqk5
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UqZqBfkJX
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"Tch! This stinks!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fFo71au1r
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINR9mMrpdx
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"What?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlr0MNWK5x
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf55sGaYWI
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"What? Are you scared?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPP8U1UJXV
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECEDFrPrRH
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGtSrJkHyg
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChh2SV4Wk2
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsorFVMN6F0
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVwoacFBA4
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGSkPE4E21
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"...Fine."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnnxJLxnBW
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj9WyFna0m
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9GECUBKCZ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnYzXi8rsO
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMWBir1qVp
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85XQ6LlTdN
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"...It's locked."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJRbSv81KB
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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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZCA8SuUcQ
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"Oh! This one's open!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy6f8GbHU2
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatJkZPH6M7
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OBQN9zOPo
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC0a2OxYhU
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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?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBESS4E3GL1
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKqYmbMmel
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPZZ4W7ocF
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd9STAcN82
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr7RhNQovy
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4IB4N71ja
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ52qxPfyf
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5GMDovUWH
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPgcfGFbFn
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcu85ACflR
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM8Kvhk2ZM
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHr4HH5ouG
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVraXwksKCj
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLqrfRKYEy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt9CGGzyKA
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3onznecEe
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"What's this here...?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtcnGebHRJ
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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!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4UzuqMOFh
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KqNHt2Nsm
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsOKKmNsbR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADQvxnZYbr
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtLsVZJJ0g
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREthohWmh5
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"...Really?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8CRgwCljq
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Fi9xnmtt
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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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIL2sHpZTJ
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"--Wait."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mgXmLiNNC
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv1QdPX7bY
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**SMASH**228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSYZ1o6117
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHc4HirETR
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"Earth magic."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4oPnB4gfN
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrmIf5G5v5
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**THUD**228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb3eNpT9T8
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfFcfLnCh5
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rVODjPxAA
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"...Tears?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35cE3nIiS1
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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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xxWrsErL9
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yF1PqDAUO
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEAVX4tE2x
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzch5hY8fR
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgUkJhgQYk
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z7IDNWPQf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9NRWdAbFO
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqOSf17iJq
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"Ha, how interesting."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpFvcNfZCy
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKpWrzMI0T
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHuvtxW5mQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Rs4s659KS
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzzZqrUNfH
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PGiPx7RAx
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwMzRQGo73
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv4DHItSdK
"Similar fields?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsTxHfWT56
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnNlBfzPhC
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7xexIDvtc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJPHLw8Jb5
"I-Is that so...?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gKdYpmApo
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEFTvX9sfY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw8AkfsHFV
"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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2c69TwDLU
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn3FUYs43x
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1lfiNKln4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gkLX3mzow
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiuHSof8bI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHupm2rBUY4
"What part didn't you understand?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8XkuaJtJC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nir74FD6m
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKMmTAPwBa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAKeVYuxRQ
"...Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3O9PyUwFE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuUyL3VBK8
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Lq5D5VbQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJgD4IV0UU
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtShMn2z36
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHRoAzjvIY
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5IRqCNKwZ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi8AsXw5H8
"Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK3BOA1HHa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QWzlEYR0O
"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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxxxngRZ7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmJvUBO1Xg
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoScTr1efv5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr98wVEiuc
"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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeS8FRXhnF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEZdtRoW0l
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9blAqbHVj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeURp0BoXQU
"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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwJ9Brdgkv
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYcEfBbAYL
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIT3vcAzWQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtuxTJvLb6
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIIuirJJ19
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh6jdU0sKF
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhTCZl0WbF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAAtKhUVQx
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ006aKZKN0c
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SGSxoGDuC
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHLg4YXEYA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWJWHrRI6o
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7Z2G7EnrA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozY20CWmHt
"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz0KVcaTOQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wWffb0bUf
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UOwH0B5Jd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluSv6Wru1k
"What are you talking about!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLRzYQV9gi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzotitcMK5
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXchIZ5EVY3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfugGRbwkye
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPDlGRj9fA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RM95wdIIV
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW5kTjtaed
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm9cqLDVva
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys9BTMCqUr
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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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqYQKWFRQ5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GA7vZCtCu
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5s6iJL8Qe
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv2QeyKHJl
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PBDzH6Eqy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgTD5TGoYZ
"Fine, go ahead."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyNGbSIGrj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKmVUKjYCd
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFMF9E0Ln3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHt83JJuD2
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEey3fJ0Gx1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPcPN89ww9
I pointed at it and she nodded.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzwXfc9MQf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA83jxWtJ1I
"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..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGMmJ2JOCR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGGdYWIrty
"Hm? But what again?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrGmOIVlgz
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMnOajnZNJ
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG7szQsgMQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuw5mhDhfJ
"I see. That's disturbing."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaJnNIhQdr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Bb4G4YMY
"It's... not so bad."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr2yk0TIaW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MwymfIBh8
She gently huffed at my response.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwdYjAsubF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RAokXofQ0
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRXGpBrHnJ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zm6kxRZ1t
"Fight Mason?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr6lLpuxZ1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ydMR33KI
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPHYPWd06S
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5WWEy6riR
"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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hkghq6Ln0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5WubSXtv4
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKx9CggYcC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkH8ttAFHu
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpFA4yokvS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01yp7nTksb
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0pUdONz0R
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqeANppsp6
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVTa7ONGS7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS14jDngET
"Is something the matter?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzA8nd7Kwd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkExlwbWrho
"...Where is your friend right now?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AYg11yWfW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYRee0uKaO
"T-That's... why do you ask?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4VaTZ62De
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ80Xt00MH4
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JmoYzsw0p
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVlphCv3JX
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmxCJrmVHx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNJhUJxbNI
"Yes, she did."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBwlHT0WlT
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"Ah, I see now."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWM7HR4qPC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa3RAXwLHg
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA38xvJgNg2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSez26TiC3
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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