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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuImTNgJ7Q
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh6kDVWFOR
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MyDdD3OrE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoMGKTzMMx
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpaJe4UNcI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0CL9ITSiD
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrvfkMIiNg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ff0oK4qc
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58YhYuPBAB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy7JhSLECJ
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzXYw2ckgR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G7WnxgiVc
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?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzeShCPkeW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG97P3aU3x
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMpSMdGv4E
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssxcKk1QVU
–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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsHQC0ZtXb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4lQH9oTBV
"Who's there?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a5UpmAAQD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y1WNep1Uw
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr00VFHliCl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq5jxrJWfn
Therefore–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtmCw7vIpC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKM0x3Pl4J
**SHATTER**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLDCheQnwt
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjRc7FMUhx
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHILuOoJPzB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwrLN7o6UM
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbw5wzacc4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh2NoeYhue
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7WeS8NYVV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1JHjzxRJS
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl5ohnIIzw
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHaAFHu3np
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xINa4IiGI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMsVdmHb4h
"Powerful, too."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h4R7LfkIk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEBl1DXFM8
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc68cYhO8de
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37ufUUcnoL
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoOxPa0QQ7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnLJ8rBYa1
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1CzHt5cKI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oOXvWgf2P
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmqAWRPwgM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuUH3WqC6V
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8cTqUrRRq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbOlsx8QLY
"...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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXfnUdbFQF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRlKXUlWEQ
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEunUfnvET
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOnvuIniVV
"Crossbows!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGkkyckFbz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJahnfgj0GY
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluPIELjXWL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNPapF1oFO
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–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdixbaIJWn4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOy08ru5Pa
"Ngh! How!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpyH4QkeCC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ250Z4rKuAc
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtnOiHUJPn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc9K9X6hkQ
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrnkJ8Cmus
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOIMPJzmMi
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N03SwKqqz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJwvBeGS1y
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtDg0eB58V
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDsvZsy0PS
"You ought to know the answer by now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGEzSJ8BKW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaBG1Wsymh
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JjejDZiAD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffXy0j9zGd
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHO0MdBGhJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuetURyxIkm
"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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv8Z0HVAQT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XFr6ToZHd
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfTm8BBy24
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8ucJzgq1p
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeDnDIl4oZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJPsd4wACy
"Phew. Give up now?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Z3067nXi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfuIbfca06
"'Course not, just thinking."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWqXLm2vro
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFJvvRinnO
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtDVhVflWd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxIFdUUERi
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXaYTv8jWp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCko9KzCeZ
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1IldhU73K
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg01QjwcBB
"--Shit!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTie2iwIqO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo9Bwk4XGu
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T52uyhQPq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rm7TK2oyb
The man must have had a similar epiphany.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRllcFgmht0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz4rg08tof
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV2RyLPer2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJmuarf4hc
"--Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgWTT1ijBN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqJjpQtDfN
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UXGEKRwp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTRqDbkCwu
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEgvAUhIZL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvu0v0hsaM
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXjlUwJq1L
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHSUaj0pQX
"Ngh..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnUzZYuuWr
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRKazsZEKO
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQpksqVQzi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt9OdMCaMN
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy5sOC0jjT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacWiWLkhx6
"--Rover!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXuScs0BZg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRIxTKcSBD
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfy0ltJnfk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF5uIBfAxL
"K-Kenny!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqpVH1b5zW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSgbQexmnj
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAI9fzP9gF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwR5EzSj0Z
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHftHb3y8SA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nCYS4iHvJ
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjQtVA8OIj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYjQ9gbkob
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmTT5o8ngX
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyXiPxp4yl
She turned her head to him, conflicted.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVMZJ0bKpo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRkvCsTAHV
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXrUFwsBnV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOUbwZK3nU
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ySoN5oFo5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UXTgG5mUt
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUmHEXkE8f
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl51dz2JSO
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOuSrSNTCh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOTjPsOjjF
"H-Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoSXjucEfA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtridhpqiO
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32jsrPzjzP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuJl9aSpT8
"You... you are so reckless!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3S9eLP3eH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEDO0zYjxO
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoGiPD7a7s
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDwj5C9foF
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr66TrLPPh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViIuinADbb
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbENctPN0ur
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lnw5RGZfh
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWRbokIV1o
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V7NvDu2ku
"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!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSrPTNqXAY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p1EYS5bQA
"--!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2bms5lQmn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOANb9H7AS
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rwFykwkZU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0LfT2i3Jc
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MNpPGiIFq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzkLozphsw
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kK4tZkADd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck2WrqFK5o
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFnL23Idq6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnHs5COBgY
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Xs6mhWyk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrXRb8AXlk
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmfK7HGJiF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h08A0wqvq
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ945RQtJYhY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDB2oBZsyH
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF8dGvs4LN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbMkuM1Qpg
–
–
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzQZb9xocG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBw3yGlra2
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj1QWvz66J
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIytQIs9k1C
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPA0Vqh8JG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeZDOpKvRR
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuzKuwoBiv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh51X3rF6e
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok3CMK1yhd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TbV72ChE1
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuRsAUlK2l
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnFCZvAZG9
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiDlglHFO6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HCRZl5Z1J
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91z8lFwKd8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxh91P73Ms
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMSC4KEqlL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG0LRotjTi
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxA2odwq6y
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoODnyVO6Y
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQmZarxyBn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rxx2tY7nt
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4GIC34tNH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WVrQCwrVC
"Of course."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd8hsOw9Q5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdyLLvdG6z
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs5uCq1M6H
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFBKv0bVJD
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYekoGKT3N
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vr4C2OkIV
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr61AvX6lJ0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhmC7xSoVh
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXXyUQffcz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJccJ0od3YK
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCnGjTzYtJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVPluJiIv8
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmUS8eesZo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRIGmAABxr
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPdHEVmqkK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXZbzr0XGt
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5o53h08CH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLzDseRDJp
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86hcyhUqEN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXj7iGtfiF
"Then I suppose I have no choice."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLgsK14lIi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76oKi7xqwP
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKWaqCuJyb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclqh2aOLUD
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGoUmQWnul
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD353Xaztf
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MAY9kZwAs
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBksqqlzI7
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrzSsQm7ZY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Do9fSHE7z
"You are such a priss, Pars."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOU9vcO7D1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF3Cqk3Gcp
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5Fc1EoAxy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8c6ZXBxZf
"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?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYZCU2vLMV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3nGP8Xrdh
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkjSvb4bx7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotCXl4CnPj
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvdpPof9Py
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK2NntMHeW
"I'm going to tell them."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOCzMyoVyy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8tlV2i1nR
"Don't you do it."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzJhHf6E9A
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiylOS5Smj7
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyMcvCYF0I
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ941X0a5o8w
"Lola, I'm for real about this."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5MFtyqvzo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtutNUHpOjO
"--is because of a series of assassinations."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKdO4oOiz3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClRiHDlUyx
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUSIMpP0h6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWjrFROTI3
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntwBH20SO1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eoEX6zbDC
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsKpTk80ph
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOa3j1YEDx
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOXwVK5FrO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeKdLXf2DU
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr0AoH411G
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdXmXejL45
"Uh, well, who got killed?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaYKdSa2Tm
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMKsByXpza
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ8kxbbpjn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ZMEcOgar
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd2j4wIVG5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWokX9XXeB
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuahlduXnyf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqRhHyqG2W
"I-I see."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZb09lfud
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdJjEY3Hbf
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXm3ejuWLF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ9OtQBg3F
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgiBhGvcs0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w6mZzFDmA
"...You have my condolences."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYxrWIs3C9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe8ZUMFQ20
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB5CITiB85
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVpXUsA8gy
"Mmm."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Ua12OH7W
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNglU1ZTJt
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3BnddhqjL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb7pzxYIWG
"Alright, we've made it.'
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYkqbIbEig
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusaFT9YDVz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNFmWzdAVr
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbN3SONUZw
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CnQ5IA7Kz
"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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUrgxAX2JQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxk3Ci4nb0
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4m5KoheWW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwErsAxdOen
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTOC80CQ2h
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdEYPExpMR
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8pWlmOTar
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEngp0aAlhC
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwoVaCv1p1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgdkfQS04D
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN14h1ZWHU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP9hihTNiy
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKkTswmSZj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wq5eY9sQQ
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qvOYgIJu6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOorov5luOH
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hdo3rQ9CT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S57Ykk1rI
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz13qupK767
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn1X8tVlwE
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4d76PRUVl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EnHB4o0Uf
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWMSB99ogZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBihSQnEgf
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD58fqkxNO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFo2lhcxEp
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHGE1ROTWT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsLYp7ZQuj
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0fblWA7Wv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDVKwlP6oo
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CWzCcpNSl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y8T9X5Lna
We had completed the mission.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ruzl8PayV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yu3QRq7Ir
–
–
–
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ncChgpItN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVuqQxwytd
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTFtTSJQx3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS3qPP17Q7
"One last high-five, Kenny!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKgJL1nxk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaricl0TiA
"Alright alright, geez."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1HGuyIfHk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zJ7NPOlor
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSY0C9huSg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMxmbfeXsb
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOirhTGkTV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL3tFBQqCh
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCXjbXntFq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLljGNkKjqC
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVOQNtz56P
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFyglp1bO0
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9CDWsBjCS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV3R8jUUe0
"Huh? What are you talking about?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW0fw4T2IZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkBMUkFYY8
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YMpWtVYve
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwizessk3nr
She looked conflicted about my statement.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR9b57TRnh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizn0PJkUtI
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6WOCzqWXv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluUbW73Jgy
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ili2j4qhV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph4cBUwdsL
"Dispositions...? What?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrnA1ZyfXP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAgUvDEOm3
"Uh... our natures, basically."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CLqHXvCIi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4UvWjUsy0
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDVYWonuJh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtGA2pk8O7
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvhSN4Uxox
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh12Y9FiVD
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE82QmJQQxH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMop55TgL3
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBE26fYVAE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d2jfaiifX
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK7xKCdBox
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJN0V2k5QD
She pulled me out of my rumination.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqOnObrwAL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSO9RQcIuR
"About what?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2QCl0uES4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgOqhI0TFC
"About what you said."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeBGAtKnhd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwqcqbPtuq
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbV3DYCDjW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Yubuxn2W
"Well, what is it?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTDE41aAHd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Ihf2W9OJ
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1htwxVLVCF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzS3YT7xhK
"Right."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2Zcofdoev
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1xJkbpB0o
"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."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl8ZSbTprM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGdBAfrluy
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI98GMo4DU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGYuru4SPW
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiBvPnoW9N
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKNDujGwtF
"That's great."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVGiuCPdSx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSrKwP3uAM
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0hth06Ft5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGihp3YRTT
"Uh, what's the matter?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhDXS0i3ub
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIw3H4iNbq
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJpIZmn4J9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV1XwiZFdk
"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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoHompH8kz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrh8xFZhfJ
"I can't say that I do."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxHewgdPIW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddjpUKjQ0d
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf1LcXDMxj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwXnNGXGo1
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycY1GZrSxo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV3XIBdwQa
"Just trust me here!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP65OAFubHr
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyD8jBuYrV
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GJ7cLlnX8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoloTlgD1Uf
It sounded like chatter.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs2mlJgdfR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUdZqXnOLG
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0EPiVfi4b
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETKwM3ewnC
"Kenny, wait here."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLwz3RaaTL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3WwsgxTKI
"Huh? Why?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIfuz8FCs5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbT3cJi6L7
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs6Bt3tpxo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9liaONAqw
"W-Wha–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO89KZxQdWe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedj7rMevPP
"Shhh! Shut up!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzrGPj2l4Y
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvjT5RhOg0
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7l4hpbNNk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBftxoGzDoG
"This is..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCtHNIm8Fb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4qch2ADO4
"Something fishy is going on here."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GNmD1nSfj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRazkEAbsa1
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeAdtfWpAr
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY4XXcitwR
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.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgH3KKtKyU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgutITOCahT
"Alright, can you all hear me?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvsGByFh4V
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ifDu9766O
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!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pWr2xUjtZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuVu5b6Uvy
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
and then Add to home screen.