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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuanbu1kT49
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"Ow! Ahh..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6uSdxUDgQ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ386PMEu1WS
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT57MKxtZaW
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwkO7iKILw
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrHhBTZjmo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV878xcsvMQ
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ox9z0soJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yobQTDKLu
"...This place is giving me the creeps."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu4HjCCnI8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyadQ0BluI
"Huh? How so?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5lDtZQ1ks
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNYVSC7yLv
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQSt74F5NN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKcTZ2sAss
"Couches and rich– wait a second."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotApOXIfvV
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpotrTagcuY
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?178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDEnFVWS7V
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdOsG1Lack
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQuvsIRYoU
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArmQ1QG0kd
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ0Yo8Ooj5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLFkoB0PAL
"Tch! This stinks!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UA2rvWbT7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DYbSiQ8PM
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtfmUvlE9p
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpoKikPFkI
"What?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK70WcwCqBM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDNwtxGwXk
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFSyLMKTdq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmabdPDaa4e
"What? Are you scared?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HuXb6dD00
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzcToxwM0I
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirr27bIjqJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2894fnYaF
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0CKYBCVID
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOXQWPrXPD
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8HEe6HeR2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iSOcKcUdE
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DTEo39pcX
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi2XdgTCHK
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT16WR3afPK
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJVxJAfHEY
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocbzeKQI6l
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbj5HScVK0
"...Fine."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfaQvSilyZ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYWIhtzZTu
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGITOa6iG0j
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG5yOV6wvS
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3edHRTuByf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGy5hnCoA5
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fZKvmk5dK
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJcC4zvC9v
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEifXs3ivu
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDlSnbzko
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sKIlwzo3O
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGaBh9CD3V
"...It's locked."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSG9Yx4Qc8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSsogKrRK9
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–178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOGmOi8QHw
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJsDycobQR
"Oh! This one's open!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEtWebySuM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoisEW7f1wd
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyN2BvpVOA
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDJKIZvfrw
"This place is– cah! Ack!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHW9n51SlO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFZIHTHo21
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhgEW2txa4
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNjXCqFG3L
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?178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy9T6oY1BV
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98qOexxfxA
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE3gOQaOML
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyXGsOL8YF
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPI0Tkryy8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AE315OafR
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyh21ZG5Yd
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfNrS63nNB
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUqzYYBKoz
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo1pjTKVWu
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmg1ZEYcJ7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0k44FCx3p
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YJZDtiFzC
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGJo7fEUME
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxXo551ujM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtsNxFvCAq
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ2A6blV4v
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPuzMy6Yxg
"Ow... what the hell was that?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJEzMslhBY
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfEofJHSDZ
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImDjv1yjS9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjaBB26leP
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHt9McKmZO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhko0ShOSEp
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxsu9VnXtX
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsiTZg22H6
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA2SBNBo7U
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t6BrBeSNm
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0wN97y2uL
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkBDahghFj
"What's this here...?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTW68DIFcD
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHmp985dZe
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!?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMEXdPmdz
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8McFWevyt
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyS2hwbenE
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6neSjG8mtw
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AsuqkFDOg
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK3CGw8KCg
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKJhBjgjeO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNVp5Nay3F
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSUmlpYVf6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j8ExApJxi
"...Really?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHScMo5iOt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI37RIVnyCF
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YfQ9sKNeM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyQCqdClj2
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–178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69IAT2ksM0
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L48GZS9Dd
"--Wait."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zwdczCOws
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNnvchxo9Y
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoljLmpplCu
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Dlb4Btrc
**SMASH**178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpPJA5pVJg
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUYCX3JQwa
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5nCNFTtgm
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVh2w9xNL2
"Earth magic."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC34zG4W2Ph
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZqUHh46Bg
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvplyJuFPz
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**THUD**178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxudIbZgHU
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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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZpNzZ2kR0
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlgNTNK35Q
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7DH7M2od7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCuw6azkkd
"...Tears?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08BfX2PKPK
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAtQR2obTB
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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTfg52qwle
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwyd3mZtLJ
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTrmAqJskT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CytXrHPJo
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7umKb1S3sD
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHtHTyCbsh
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGSfuCxiC6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gozgqk5Gu
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevRusWKe33
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD9r1qdww5
"Ha, how interesting."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00MkfCwKcV
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT6T7ssLhR
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gu5PFTsoq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTox0TVTK20
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz9NB3o5oc
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRRT8mu3Dz
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcF1yoUoTc
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OfwlEo5kt
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrNYsRtpSH
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR1ny7XW4h
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcqsw5HlqQ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlWKTOpUJZ
"Similar fields?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9tDzd0CQZ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv31NSUHRiU
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUiLpoLFyL
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHDZQI5XvD
"I-Is that so...?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJugnbAuUWL
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0EDI311Gp
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBURJFLW4c
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLza2pGsnkm
"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–"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSQzWXoRil
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9QzlvqHEN
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB2r5xdZ4X
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ1e7UsAgf
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPm6uytxKb
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNWDCOFikI
"What part didn't you understand?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokgw95s1oN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3L5BojIaQ
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK6d0cKPtP
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO8gLW1sLG
"...Huh?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyz2mKqGgy
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLCHwVtzpA
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8AivvDCeT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMI7v3lJvS
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0ry3OYHNo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrwYcM1KX5
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq27ugsQ9a
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQZ7HBohSn
"Huh?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbKkr8nv3W
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhPGDBZ6V
"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!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEB4CGNCk1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGByQ860kX
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsRqFoA4FJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMHEh6aREs
"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!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiFER08rJY
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEEZefe1DK
"..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAxjHBnaWF
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YlsG3StTE
"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?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMDAuvzWM6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6FW4KBz5j
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dDFvYAXVd
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1Uw1UFAjW
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55Kjlxky1g
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeNBxM63Xl
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj82EPvAW8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHcGylK50Z
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrtj6fClUe
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS42iMNTJ1
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLiGtYPX31
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Ywq2f3ff
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn4b5hJQw1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPV1Qw6fQ6
"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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq8x4rgvEz
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCBVoz5m4L
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouL8jGTGX3
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPJeDayugi
"What are you talking about!?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3PO0Z84Ib
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3RIxe7P3R
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45FR8kPFOt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9bDBmmFVK
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WDwLoOC21
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EIXKX3yLI
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZQwh3N058
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zWtwiOUKc
"..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVIfM0UE2m
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiwokZQEyH
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–178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPrPp0SKev
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPtVDn5jGk
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34X98PcNjb
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg58DkeNw6D
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IuFSbZ4Ng
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgcwfO8uRF
"Fine, go ahead."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0cw9lUiFh
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPLKu365oZ
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmLgioZuRZ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLfYnneD5D
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0lYpYYedE
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiSEuwSina
I pointed at it and she nodded.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4vpAywpnX
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQUqXLdFAl
"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..."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQR5SaUgBb
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs36CoevUh
"Hm? But what again?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSkOmKdIaG
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY4a3LWwYR
"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."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fSj1cO7xo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3lzbldrbK
"I see. That's disturbing."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fW0IFqBXY
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgNfeeSXTC
"It's... not so bad."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGndrTi532
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqWgUI5EPx
She gently huffed at my response.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymjwvPC6eU
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IyPXdE0YO
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzANaUKkSQG
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisXRDzEYkq
"Fight Mason?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S6VtDXepq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZynRLMhrpy
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxAN7wBTv2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU6thZ6Nex
"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!"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3fXpiBc74
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUswkC5KAC
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gjueOes0D
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnQhkl4f6l
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUX1nrl6bd
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rPm7nOp3g
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcTDEpOKpy
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qCMpc8PKM
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvQjDhlkYU
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DNML9MPt1
"Is something the matter?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyqEnEtRwO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2SDuQQFHP
"...Where is your friend right now?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaLh3mBJFs
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYGgLSMgO6
"T-That's... why do you ask?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKIaGNnw8D
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2cpVJTcoO
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZNCvsjWEP
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWFfLrWB6Q
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.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D4PXYXs7i
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFcLfycXkj
"Yes, she did."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaELiMn28K
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6y4zS5aoH
"Ah, I see now."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gdUcwlcDo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQXX0Y4pMn
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhOkfuBehm
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6mHzM3vc4
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
然後按「加至主畫面」