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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUj3uXkP6h
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"Ow! Ahh..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfO3AViC76
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc22slAsDNG
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ50SCaKsQ
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYSFyiBwyJ
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7YRYcbbGg
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"Huh? How so?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXylqiSZtWi
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWZXxwwEae
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRsBxW4xgU
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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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYIy8AaaY2
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72auQMcj3J
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAHjqUxdXa
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"Tch! This stinks!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKZawGyt0e
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJavFjtrYfw
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"What?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStPKmFy9R9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMThcU7mly
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLUwXXRy6A
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"What? Are you scared?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQkmmFK2pz
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHpqy7h1cs
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq79R9Mx6al
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY2rrcuuQD
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5Kt1JicEC
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUYSZgCXPW
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFWhH0Kq6I
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"...Fine."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkn1Ssz85w
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc0CsLK0XG
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6FipGaaDf
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QJLDEztHo
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G6zVbmUjL
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhkOAwz7BS
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"...It's locked."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAqWxceAaN
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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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8EQLC1dJE
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"Oh! This one's open!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynqwyruI1r
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvDwdcKHQV
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKorP6117yD
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrk3s4FDn2
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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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSC6hJciz4
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09pzJjreCb
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ox6v3IURb
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhjfyuChhm
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8CZgYIqOl
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipEYrfwHno
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00YnQtFSiK
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0qaKqlmHt
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CvfuLNbq4
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerN8cNK5b8
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wLasLDCaZ
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjLhBEo3RZ
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoE5cImsVp
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4tx3J4w8z
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7fER0UWap
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"What's this here...?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sDx9lGNBl
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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!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtainVbG0i
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HP2okQLTG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacHuViUV66
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m1HwR81lM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQqDXMGUP8
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdDYj5wAmA
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgXzyMDCkU
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"...Really?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRkGSV3lU6
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToe3cUEZPp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc9rFyg4Ho
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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwpUIm8x5q
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"--Wait."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjdcHMWaEt
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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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIncOIDRwZ
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**SMASH**235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6m7tbZMuz
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV662Z7WLn
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"Earth magic."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC0cnqGhaC
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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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ0lRJq4kJ
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**THUD**235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGODtfbKI8M
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXXAfPjVFt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohCk0kIW8L
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU78CHoMe1
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"...Tears?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAcGfqReNp
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRro47174Ra
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN54864u1Tl
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7X2zRVj2l
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpIQoOZ5pk
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbx2yhkBvH
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdlMe9TS1x
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"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lfaBMaT23
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"Ha, how interesting."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1KaG9mrmC
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYKFInPXoa
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe2leUlGoZ
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YN2xBdafu
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI1tjcGeTp
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9awvhgLwo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRSDdKaFFc
"Similar fields?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZXpRUmcHx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDsNtcpACq
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCDfvfAxeG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8LzhVp2Fi
"I-Is that so...?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfMiHsGVVf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkseFTOIor
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ipzCySpr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVTKaUBPUB
"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–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeM9cwdjX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLY21jlg8B
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwWLiJFwNG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj7BgCbCdW
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf1q5Ch8Yb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkloij6sQe6
"What part didn't you understand?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13IEFaRbqW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv3cTKkhxt
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B9TibNWX3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZie7nCKSUQ
"...Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvV9Y2nL4P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg99HoMukD
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyREFdLd8mr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUVcFE1ZXc
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNAd5rZChI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOpyyAbEUk
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PQuh8I8cN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAadYjolpN7
"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRYifOitHt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXod13KhPpI
"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!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWj2T2SlPx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIJgbSjAZB
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpYbmovEPn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWStzItKuy
"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!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiE4zEbHPN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4kcOGLZPL
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPWcaFd12c
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJggRY9saq
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXRJVHcu4M
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRDu6E5r1g
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip0Q5WBQBl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6wcx1fCAG
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWKVo0kzG1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d6pMaPJ6H
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM12NBaXxG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCwIeIP0b7
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp4jsF3V01
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2mCR6TiUP
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLXlCbDAx8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeB9J2Rxhw
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Nj6DcT3Y
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOCNVJqr6O
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisCcKzjPIJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAfgTHoFce
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8K6MEoy7p
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jg676tBPd
"What are you talking about!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOexghVqLNu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyLOFD14aN
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYNHqZWqAO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sv8iDBfXa
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN3I9F4bAI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3we6JY9I1z
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFEb4KqENR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK12iUMzSs1
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoIWfpLa7K
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx1NDZrTcG
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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55lNQ9WLW4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp2sKpLDEr
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9YXUCOw9y
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qVrWZus6w
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagEUcDqzG1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvLBw7xmYI
"Fine, go ahead."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhvggBY1zL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkEUhkWsEx
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb22gaKH9g8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxTq8isaZV
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2oIyGafjJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJmLY195R0
I pointed at it and she nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinHZcGQoT7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVIqeDwg5l
"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..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NfjX7obVm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbvaPd4sGu
"Hm? But what again?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDaL74Yp5J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDdeXjF6GF
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MPuZFCwws
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKDUSkriwf
"I see. That's disturbing."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqc1BiWSgZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVCKi4oT5L
"It's... not so bad."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72AFDtgYRm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBdz2GLiNH
She gently huffed at my response.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVggFcfltXL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTtDPZbv7q
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6fZg8SR4C
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRRgKKmBrC
"Fight Mason?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ863FqyYf3D
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJXOnSpNX
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kXb0jWOID
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQibBBZnd5o
"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!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEl55Hs3Kw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhTsov1WJX
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNLkqg5lvt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFeKmW87Yn
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7TS9e7gqf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFDl0yD7gY
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjkk1Ct2nf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSPDyI55wt
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T1pMIgNx0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfpvVbbkuj
"Is something the matter?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3tnlmAXCF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHobgaTIEL
"...Where is your friend right now?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHbKiMeyIA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLiC5TKiJi
"T-That's... why do you ask?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bkkOyxqEj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lo8EAxxEK
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp5npBXUeZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCxT2pOPNy
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndTGPi2qTm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ4yMxongs
"Yes, she did."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0AOeUuyK8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMwXtfmlTZ
"Ah, I see now."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrX7RC9i7P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg2mwuUaFi
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9PXrJuLu5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPKbP4NBmJ
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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