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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii8rNneYkw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq2vMP2In2
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCo5zFOBYq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDSTQD4V38
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2puqi96TrH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKU4d9Fhgq
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbw8PYbQld
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYh2dJz66D
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmhycxbmGS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiIXOHamxX
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIksdnNQ0J9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRf5r6nWAQ
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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZfBn5XyeA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMGRMN883F
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY8z7VhdkX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjFUQd3Puj
–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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct4a5iiUgN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxl9pdToif
"Who's there?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPbvXVheb2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz4Wl8J463
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsecEvvpfWO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3OtaSEnji
Therefore–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5RhS9MNuf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF52DbRRLEc
**SHATTER**172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0UqUyiaee
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT19NVDCY3e
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjMEPjVpXS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHmL9cPNgy
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKX3nY3UNO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4SlycOXWa
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0K2hDLCNI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqBBLcGhjQ
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpTX6qhNgd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cfIlCHXfj
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIV4J4cRcO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jt1gZEFQp
"Powerful, too."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUpL8hhnmp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlwvIhfY1g
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4d9Y1hP8k
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65qpBau5GC
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngbMVHZUVp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQo9BURC2o
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbL47zc526
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWE0YObpeH
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XxsZidSCX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQYRQnnif
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqSBNyBZaE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvr63xpPth
"...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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WNXtwpOZh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQswqggIW2
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcG0pgMSQT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRpcQZ21WB
"Crossbows!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmimZsI27ND
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOoxJFx7T4
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxQOlIBGZ9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGuI0XEA5S
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–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsKd3gxeUu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTOPLJcjYz
"Ngh! How!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56W4oWq0LI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7pHG8ybr0
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhKUOVU6mA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKm3LHCmz1
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzRfSMGTtc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHNMvCRfua
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOUv3nMBR6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78qzZ67ugA
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBubV6eCyK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysnJCs6vM0
"You ought to know the answer by now."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E03BOZYb8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkl7lLhv50
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3SDFrNV6c
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0NAs9HVuz
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1SVcIJSR9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i9e3eJQhx
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T6kxDF56Y
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC7cyNb17q
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmskK54GDSI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXO4gYHWAD
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXyR7APk8N
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUXwVw8O5k
"Phew. Give up now?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw6hzk1iCl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfKEEVgX06
"'Course not, just thinking."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0kHgF8WJo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjKEI1BshE
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bmGK9yZue
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX9kNKbVHG
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdgt7MfImL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr44tAhlMr
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnFg59pCCU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY2goykaFG
"--Shit!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ8j6ivu4Q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykEcTTHwZc
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfCF8bo9wl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPra1kAABQ
The man must have had a similar epiphany.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEZAIpr921
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLS1FyQSvY
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9tYCJszsM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PxK6VJpHi
"--Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27FM7jr06W
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycXGxHRTZG
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwwImngLJx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nIgUZnbzJ
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwth9Hwcas
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfZClVTDwg
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxrUzR4qIB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxUpKvbE7y
"Ngh..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7jeFUpaq1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOA1jaacgt
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP48j2S1NV8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR54la3jESa
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdVzVyrvaP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEKSC04837
"--Rover!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNX6hz3yTL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24E6HOQd33
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b2KtjZ20m
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMts0g3r83
"K-Kenny!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJiGipdOPf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH44V2aJMCr
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUa5dSN5br
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErzjaZ7OX6
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcvcWRZPzt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwxxgq2uxC
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAZeAApDQR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gma8Um8Rb
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpawtKlr4sd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HIr4UjZWe
She turned her head to him, conflicted.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22z8BcUyk4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UvkvN22GN
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63g2LCm4lC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia4MWBdXhC
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH7vM0bxnb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qrRBS1WKe
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuocfdCtApZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfqCYmNwTC
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGVYkGyqwJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdxk6wfuwV
"H-Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNmML916hd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MxHpHY7hO
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMq5nEwdjH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT95ImUGTF3
"You... you are so reckless!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMczlCtP8N
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXI7EwKTaR
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDnRyaEYDd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeAyoMXoRW
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy83b0Ocae
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkl9xJPL9L
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbmXouUylv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XNlaQzoXz
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVF2cckVXK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlWCz5Rsj3
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhlC3XCT8I
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsv1ihHQYL
"--!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrkIHk4LeG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsmsxNeKAY
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGRZAQkwEA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ7pEvBxnz
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lvc7x00wR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlyIanWAmG
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKwMAWLtlw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98L6LDM5k9
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S9vUKlgxG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsCJxk9nBB
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREzT3o8WBG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbjGkHlhSj
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1CRvDDfNd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp62DXvUaOD
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwSzcEydTv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXsIZ2LLl0
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfzeb3yJq0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYhQkBsiEu
–
–
–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCcfJyONeS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5DWR3zV3m
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvRyZrY4nf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcDEX0uZC9
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHoVYOcpzF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eqfMPx47E
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt5gTSR2Tq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmGoyCMa29
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdaraQHION
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1IkONDFSm
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NTtcZwgAY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DaqyHlZ9Z
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJaKAaw9s4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z3PbaLgni
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjjuMUxU1O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HRAImOmm5
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon32V0MDmI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsf0zxIQGy
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Je9Ba53Fw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7EcdoYYMZ
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl6qwO46UP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMitkweN0IL
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzSta5Hqx1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQalmBX7HI
"Of course."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDdRmv3a6J
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrjJpn6gMx
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXEdfsWfaw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMVwO1xMOK
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGFerlOOPh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtVeE2VfqZ
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel8r2NGlgt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSBFnLG4Ao
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEPOyjX62i
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdC0njocgK
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJosevD6z7Y
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSTX07N3jI
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJAwTtW0xn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX2YAALKKO
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6UADab55D
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQHF9ejW1S
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORwqhr8Arf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Xf6opoCC
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5fOUdgVx9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI52KbPf3I9
"Then I suppose I have no choice."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhhFE16zvN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkSf2jtPp4
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFuv6Vj3Wl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HnwIkJGBP
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUUvo6yldX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfUdElCfPg
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWNRfhwWQF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxUl2GMroZ
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccPMCgsh5K
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCEPzbkb7e
"You are such a priss, Pars."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5XFzxKnIO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjmMTHqVHH
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPXgiGOemg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfIe7XNfUG
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3nBLqIUZ0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDeJkCaC4d
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXUS3aDhZ7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY9THxQl78
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIZ2qsWJhl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABELZlTkwH
"I'm going to tell them."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8UOKEdjqe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BGZoW3b2G
"Don't you do it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQXJE4SQgg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSmk6bFAEs
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmROTIu9Ds
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX48Eu4hfCY
"Lola, I'm for real about this."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzOF5leHCc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDDZjWKS2q
"--is because of a series of assassinations."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbahDMy0GKj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEvqzao7tI
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawEvHyoHuz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pYSd2Jh4r
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jkP6buTvJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZmm80vg3x
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyR44z0xZB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBWXIkOaYr
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkJ9nRa5ba
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbmHT00lHn
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX5Say2vKL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlpUT66Ugh
"Uh, well, who got killed?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32y0XCDNxb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgrCPzxeSx
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiPDK6TTgQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe717WTXhs
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenofhmqUoX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv4a6PGZlF
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqNX9ZqIuy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63TaFdabYL
"I-I see."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA6L50TBt0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZzKkGbHzi
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTVUj4jFJm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsy8UmXIEP
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaf9pXpshK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jh53dqtgg
"...You have my condolences."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx4v38WjuL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw1IC26AxT
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc9vuaPrsu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUdjtAMobN
"Mmm."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvvIwLS1KA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb7aO3qPKF
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntOjxt1udw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PiuAD0Va9
"Alright, we've made it.'
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzZcTZhfC2
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjHtyrk3Mw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTHEobFQqm
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhDth9rOq9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMDU1yjPpL
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewJlyHEKWO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn0Jwjk8ZI
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv4K2Of5Nu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ5EriAJbZ
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXBm5rmvVf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FNo6mNmcZ
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUIbQmY6yp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikCGvzRDRm
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrniiqqISB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDqGE0k4LA
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYlzlZfoAs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AMrNhTfjs
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnozZ1vzGb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1756syXdk8
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVeETyo0cf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AekiiN4A8
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb2hN3T9Nf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT6qcZnHFm
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HdGTxFixD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvU7RqvjY6
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkp8qgdwip
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vs0ndlKtN
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmk9xFiBzq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG7fA3Ty2y
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZznNHdUBS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D9zGSrhZr
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWJ9DWEn57
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluJDN7QKz0
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI8OaOpp7g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHVCKXO9Q0
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x977aKJD8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4aj3I7Tvs
We had completed the mission.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0AMhu9dtl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjcIxhorYe
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSwbCX2KUv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9KVqKNebC
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ddT1n0Knn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpfCA6QH2o
"One last high-five, Kenny!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TE0N3AAK6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnr05FhGbQ
"Alright alright, geez."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMTVgzZSYq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5BLhZHiB0
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMHlxl7rJd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SmTag01o
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSRm1JVfVX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f832ZLzQp
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8NXFKYmZT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcDULqKxOW
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTe1DAF2j6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVIGQMxjp6
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15AosgETe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwu7nXORop
"Huh? What are you talking about?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z3gE2ureS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAlZuQBqF2
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogRY1GCsIS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAsfIJEFcx
She looked conflicted about my statement.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM9rRhbjWo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTna6MrrOJa
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKkmJ1vga2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbka4xiMww
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcB8Z5de8S
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntT4GjtkWA
"Dispositions...? What?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4YjaFhahG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoF6sMxM1E
"Uh... our natures, basically."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oZ660pgvh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5cyUzuSl8
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIuYrSzO5x
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB6JslvVhd
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6XsnypuSM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdlzp1wn1a
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpToGlNhGp5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYzVhqaJud
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWaV5ZVkdR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaakoiOmqGY
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzR76Urz8T
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu5HQHwBIt
She pulled me out of my rumination.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxMvYZhJxN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbvb7lkkHM
"About what?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd6NuuPOLD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvyHAMTSjJ
"About what you said."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xA7PxDQJE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpBmJjCDs8
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN3d9TVMM1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL0k5TooMS
"Well, what is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBSUezJDoY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKibRqqUqt
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiDRifaxdI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyZMFMsbMy
"Right."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcirBXfov1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM1TysfEcP
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSTfAzHNTq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd3v0qYYTP
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlATc0FqPw2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ5pQt10PO
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhZL0o5N6t
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejtjpeh8nw
"That's great."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM2V9SelEN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnI1cUpPDS
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLGhVtK72h
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf1IGz9T4G
"Uh, what's the matter?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QNawCnNcb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnkpC222LE
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMahooju8PG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1Hz5pgdfN
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeySp8xh8D
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv9EE1di0W
"I can't say that I do."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI6LFBdSPV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys8qGZ387l
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fZVG3NIRC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwATYB66bRh
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmq69Yb2gg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQKfel7qAV
"Just trust me here!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c4VzF6vci
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv89W85zSVd
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXmATAqTXC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlvfzMRNIS
It sounded like chatter.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U9rt3p0BT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRc9DmN5BS
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhXSTuzVdR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnV3PoYuZm
"Kenny, wait here."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbkiyyiB7m
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmw8tj5gDm
"Huh? Why?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf7E1rsGQg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7VAIpWmC9
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07DsUe1dGS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSCfTSZ4Dl
"W-Wha–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe169HW4obg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqaWnieGiK
"Shhh! Shut up!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLs9TB3gxn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zINfAgyQ8
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhnULLuJ7p
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLBWEmYMHp
"This is..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt5enY1M0u
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUeL3ZTGAI
"Something fishy is going on here."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDcfc9HjxV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshXyV2R44n
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnkfGJrSB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBN98KLubB
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeoZ8mgbM8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXF9oh9LdP
"Alright, can you all hear me?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpxN8qkHCZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1C8CveZ4x
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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7qdZ9ppML
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDezkDnXq2r
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
然後按「加至主畫面」