When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1o6k58wTB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5tmVTRpfg
What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdqwyUCmZJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD5qztZuMz
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ISVvdUCo5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlRzmwVWhC
Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXri3Wo3HM8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFQuhbc7a8
She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uZXZXtfx8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNl60JzazE
It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bp7C92qTa
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZkXe4D1Io
She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAaBkAwHbP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHKlS1MYQR
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrbOtQ8HVs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkYLSwWJIT
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyyrsQ7yr7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBWzOATM2L
"Who's there?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZktK8l8olN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1OLY2nSnq
She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5bmRsdW9N
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOOJBFs87y
Therefore–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANkPzd22XP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD7tamRBWe
**SHATTER**219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnW8lIVTB6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HaG9mvfqu
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWVNkEdVbs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr78swUJT2
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JXXJNLwEj
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PvqqmPf7P
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkFNl2rcNW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BuKL4nsia
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTb62AjuLT
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"Powerful, too."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5EFjvFbw9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeOMGe1b2P
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLivLspuUUk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX52NIYRmjA
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z0aHsiUYv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LkoFmdzbG
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjylc1HeSM5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MMOq3d9CE
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL6GrmnjvN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmr0agTqKG
She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bbyCrCvLA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNN6vdklRW
"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fieaVkVEc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCHhRc4Wcz
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWS26oEgJ5
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"Crossbows!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOzTPhXp8h
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNpHWfDBkh
Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLwaIWpQ1i
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jqSiTCUFc
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTeaOjjsp3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOVl838Gkw
"Ngh! How!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWP8Sf9JRp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfLt4nKq7Y
She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgTgugoVuW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMDp7AXZKH
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL59a6dV4Tb
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG1C8TkVv9
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8jJinPHdQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2LFfPp3Vb
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcgoICOsl8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Sf4NH0Xy
"You ought to know the answer by now."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3r3RAt8z8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZRVi82Jx4
The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrQCG21aD3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFARw0vQ7wu
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvRwfT1yCm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnwDG9WloP
"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55VQEzqBB3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVVszrpCtc
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ABL2tvuZH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8CaK66LVt
The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW2D96CQzM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT70wtQPsSx
"Phew. Give up now?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRaellUYyg
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"'Course not, just thinking."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZm9xAMVXt
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Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuel6Gu5eq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynI21DNNJe
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpjSs1GJlL
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjGhdqrEXO
The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF01slmCfO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3t2pldR7P
"--Shit!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cfu8ojRQH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl189XHGH6
Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWcucD69et
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEwtaYwyRA
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It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxk9TrcQyu
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZQOedyWIz
"--Huh?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQleWzAmWs
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Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2VuSlVqdU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLahCauNG21
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZFItr8FWo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DnDM3w1Gz
The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuj3BKEqSB
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"Ngh..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7piR6aDuP
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfkFKNcdb0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLu5ROZZ13
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpGkKQqx1Z
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DQ3bqdsGJ
"--Rover!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjJjtEdXGH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZx7g6TTNh
And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerSqV5fmOS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh5SbcDHKc
"K-Kenny!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAymUiVwPC2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtfjG9dggK
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRY0h0ayXX
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf09Yn1ac7
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAv46P4mw3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBo1LZQPPz
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmXcNwuRvn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAb8HA0YwY
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonmJZnfACP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRokFQvEjd
She turned her head to him, conflicted.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmf0jbwa0b
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90UZsbfuCU
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFwfOeh3Ba
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSlL8YUqyH
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujNketPS6f
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHKdqFIxNa
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hhP7NXFUQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1Jmmd6fek
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCccVkDaup
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLZsQHbDlW
"H-Huh?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhpcfOnChV
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The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sljdclOFo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jk6WE5ghS
"You... you are so reckless!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHt07bqFGI
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Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLxSEnTbzK
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgdON4V96d
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK1xWQn9LS
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6A41Kc9P5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D8VPViogd
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ577PkTKfOQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmr682PTeI
"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9G7wGAkUI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclyyBtzSSX
"--!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC48sVVlMUp
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoZQyH232k
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWINxEj3mz
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp3F5GAMnl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxBb7V8EN7
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0F2WyAoni
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcrsI7sMha
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIDTSXbLj4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6VcjUGrg2
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQrgK5pWOV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0BY1GPDhO
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMOwyhIfs5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkbC45gD92
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu51usK2sN
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE6NhIcTcq
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–
–
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYdRGwY3rS
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Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqfF53qY73
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According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBTLaVODYz
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Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtggs4qNtF1
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTn0GDVjF6
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"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas7fzXDggJ
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDShC1AHCs
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I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9rguZMNSU
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So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBJWrpBT2M
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQrhSUWjvW
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwNrRhJHYX
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"Hmm? What are you referring to?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlkW8vCQ75
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2d0JSuKxx
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSVPfqzsgC
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"Of course."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfewKDPsyrp
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"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbL7kZYDBD
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I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeHHmaq14P
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbE2p6Qnsi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyRHlDAQzb
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5V8FZkLyQ
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8nBXkYxuZ
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"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeLqv2MzGk
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"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLt6gnHqFt
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Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw20IdR1DI1
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"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBROcGIq4P2
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbha82pV5Eo
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpnvRQx5nS
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Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxWMHx4znR
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"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXcjrJist8
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"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkucX457kaq
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"You are such a priss, Pars."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgb1WPj0sP
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I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lhRKIiosH
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"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqW7cqrNoW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TtHQLZCb9
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWxzRNPDqq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7HkUhqE19
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxInKJl802m
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"I'm going to tell them."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz1ncFVe7Z
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"Don't you do it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z803doRNF
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"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KqcYtrEDl
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"Lola, I'm for real about this."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjVDVrVDdn
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"--is because of a series of assassinations."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUeganTVgC
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Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zQSzMqisU
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkyXI5iZeq
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"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsfLsC0Kbg
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Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XjPABbprd
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"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1BEneQ0xt
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"Uh, well, who got killed?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF1PjApUsy
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"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYQvrhkFkZ
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His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk3IqO7pJH
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"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuaCKzAmY5
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"I-I see."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbho8jjU4pu
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The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPXhKZtsht
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWChaGA93OS
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26XrSz7fSf
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"...You have my condolences."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy19pt9wpKV
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"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCN8CaoZRU
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"Mmm."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVeyKq1oDu
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I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAzy8USIyG
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"Alright, we've made it.'
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0uYkkHktQ
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlcy8R8NOd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXBpRBms4B
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSrx9a0cO0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53eWKy71BJ
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZME6j98ajV
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"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUyiuDpMqw
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"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXhHCa0qeM
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"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKIptnnZj0
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I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxakB1f0lZ
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"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofpHXBUH0p
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"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z01gzXEnT
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She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3JtQQZYi
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"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmNKLonmIB
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVjwSM0Ozi
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"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTfN0RiJGx
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"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb5bYP3zsn
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The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnc05J0OH9
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"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXBskAWgvu
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72uDEuI1s1
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOC3PtEcWx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCde2QxlzxB
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX3qYaq2Oy
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We had completed the mission.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihMHDQfRu2
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–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44S3NeeA55
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When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv1jKTSgFX
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitBI4MUDD6
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"Alright alright, geez."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQkE0Uxh4B
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbBP4qdEo3
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"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFDA8EINSv
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"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZTiknv3r
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBd1wkoePb
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzpp1orGcf
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"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRixfECOyGe
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"Huh? What are you talking about?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FOw8Rk9qj
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"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWzVUpdywi
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She looked conflicted about my statement.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoiQZrCdxX
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"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j5F66kfiV
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"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7HXlUaiaC
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"Dispositions...? What?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh71n2qUpuz
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"Uh... our natures, basically."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WCYHVJKPB
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGPDp8mDW9
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I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G5HIVX0TL
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I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4n3f5ziDK
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But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCXBhO3qkA
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ7BbIw1Yd
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She pulled me out of my rumination.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsK1q7Do2k
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"About what?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIB6YEGKsr
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"About what you said."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncuCSC0lMy
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgbcHAluA1
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"Well, what is it?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSmOxRk1ks
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNDqkuYcCv
"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWWkkGM1Nu
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgRVfLOHDu
"Right."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4xNV2SoDf
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"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizh30FShgH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqkMN9MTuD
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T3C8QGPMB
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Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYlJO0tmWP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3da19FflYj
"That's great."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWasrRmbdJJ
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYUAqdsZmb
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"Uh, what's the matter?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95bg8Tz0tT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21Q7OV4VMx
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo11vcRvnw
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpRUOoyMha
"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtbk2oPwa5
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"I can't say that I do."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBSO0UqNSS
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCqkcjvkeL
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCzlm9SJno
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExzXCgeO79
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"Just trust me here!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9srtnwuzr
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Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlDi4CfltQ
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It sounded like chatter.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWAfNrnOr
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Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrABjESDQT7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17CuVI1p4p
"Kenny, wait here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39bCcLq6mS
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"Huh? Why?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nXjJINM4x
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She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8ay3FFvtJ
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"W-Wha–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjCAXb7HBf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ484zusnMgS
"Shhh! Shut up!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkO4T3QBz0
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I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SaSMEKTG4
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"This is..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXtD8LULMg
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"Something fishy is going on here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpTEHaNJkW
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I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP1hNNCRkq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvycDfc1fJX
Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IamaH9PF8
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrjGCFIOzE
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABJZzNQn6e
I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ0olHfCOi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF18vd29Yu
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
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