The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvRtlzZA6g
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"Ow! Ahh..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLOeeuXuNc
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuV7EfxWr2
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJUE5MZ00F
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuEpEUyT4m
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAOGwV0iNc
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNBzU7xYSV
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRkyRRsxiv
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjdZCUJ7XU
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONG7fQeEtY
"Huh? How so?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO7QTlTjZo
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0EYDh6HJD
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY235CgGJP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqsyZ2ZrXJ
"Couches and rich– wait a second."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgbX3Ab9XX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9TBZyhtLt
Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtGhDgefSv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAQ37m0U5K
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIVqTSTC8P
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIpfitMLU8
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSQuHirice
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"Tch! This stinks!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkvdUMTzQq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEA6MIWeOH
Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKA7HIktUm
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"What?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJj1gVAncw
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiobnKijz2M
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRaySaah4V
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgyA7TOZux
"What? Are you scared?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgcGCGgvuX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f4JgVOGnl
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaxv0UE9Qt
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hdVxFO1xG
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOAWNaCjxk
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZOlQKPr1g
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn005axCBru
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0pd1IjZdT
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfzKMmcy3q
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqefJ0BKiKq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddfewaI3dO
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK3yqtSyAj
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNDGxdJmor
"...Fine."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwiTwMjD7e
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3c7FoUTPf
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4fgFA5rK1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquFaf0L1It
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoffg5TnEiL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzwcy6Hi1F
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQqVFwChQe
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo4PvGNtZs
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs25gxfX6Qh
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug2gdfDjBI
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXemXTQJeds
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC30ufVGsp
"...It's locked."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLuxFXkuwy
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYW69jCewS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwVvOCWGI2
"Oh! This one's open!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuy3iV60Bf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc4rCsF7VW
Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJBJqjLWrT
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ssGaPlWJj
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmdL7OddG8
Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj2jbYHCIX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNqiBB9VbD
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T6oiSnx2u
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmYHQ10Zt7
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DPEznYxje
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwiu0KMKLS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR5bLswESJ
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuAMx0uHoF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeLQNSa3EZ
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYls7yHuQq9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEx8cODe6c
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNIFaRyMAW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDnsY3qabb
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoJEGv6bc2
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXuLa6PSxK
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7QIBOyLna
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xe8hgPHVT
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjDLUu5lv9
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIITDrT9Jgq
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURagMkdSue
I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD8xKGy515
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ175ELf4cOg
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ri7ubNSp9
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbhP7kN9Ze
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq2Osv5uo3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMekOG9pEe
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjnbhHKslJ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMESm58uRhT
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuA6UuWv1H
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ646jqMKDjW
"What's this here...?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqibhueGuOZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDmjQpCfao
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W4B7Oezrv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2esoWy0EnL
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GusXX1Mr3
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnquhphtnHK
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSwjNsAvIL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95ynQhCoD0
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuig6NKv1F
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXZ2qRTbob
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NXYOHSB5R
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnGrpXdRAE
"...Really?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzMm8lFxlC
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa16oxp96g
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIMj8lK1aP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiROkfTKerQ
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIkaFUKQlF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vRXCbEZ7d
"--Wait."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYEYlotQPp
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBUPiYPQc3
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlWVjHOaGR
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWGvpCXF3s
**SMASH**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uNq6pfCRp
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx7iQjqA2V
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiPf0ikWHW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69KUTYRmrY
"Earth magic."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB6goJY9By
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ7HJWHe53
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME6AvAYw3h
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**THUD**270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaD6xMTAYx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidOhcs8bt5
I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVbUoEsIQf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjKOoUYTRy
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcQjHOTmNu
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWaPHL3Ikp
"...Tears?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYaiaUwiTZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnaYbfrF34
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngM8GBQdEM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4fgTzYa7P
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9UWihGMyw
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqwMYIHyGc
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP5jSSat3c
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ002Mqa1X50
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4F4uKFTAG
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMMygZslFl
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP8QvmCYkN
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNGDYpB1xK
"Ha, how interesting."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsN8Hd0gHs
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb25tCxnmSX
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFovSqCMQ1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFVOeL0Jlz
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWQivjmdMA
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDb876ETT4
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl9az4dWbE
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlbSq8xRs0
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk1uKJDZzF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzngwE4vvbo
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELfb91JKkK
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xNSfkUYTq
"Similar fields?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmvLsxFHfZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7KPP1w7fH
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj55jIFNga
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Y8XULjAW
"I-Is that so...?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbiApnb5Wv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA59OcmdzaY
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JjEc1QUOx
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD3CCmPWWJ
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB0nTFK5sy
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8jzxJ5R1J
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o2LdzR8Ie
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdET7N7tutO
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPOpG7NfjY
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQUqmpA51d
"What part didn't you understand?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOsoeCF6ys
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj7Yda8Sz2
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnYyDKCgLd
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yiY4b7ESU
"...Huh?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil5OkDNiGf
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2IXALBVzH
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Cr9nTyTaA
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUvl2gv8KY
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUixTL4ZhA
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzoztGF1Ku
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pdMkYcPga
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCHopQwn9Y
"Huh?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrOlcOy2HW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG54gZZb1P
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuBEHjsAWZ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhrRPNCT5R
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4DNIT8b3B
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREj62LMDGL
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2COcfUuCWM
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjMNEuvjYO
"..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeu6rk2JYa
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhJZKaqtej
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JB5EPS2vi
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Gj2EJCAK
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltNdAQQVOc
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhyxFbSaA4
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasQwYZTQ66
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa4HYakmxK
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ014Gns3l60
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGXA0XZSKk
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzHrVbwwB8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrUdSEgN0J
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO8H33GgCS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uvCp96OHh
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7syxMMGjOS
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l7xT9PoO1
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobefCBwmUL
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN4xWKNy6t
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCgTW6QvpY
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm2KsfFznP
"What are you talking about!?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutnr2G87e8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMMFzvTxJb
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTOf3AuUEi
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs15YXK920f
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgunNkiH50
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjXMRXk401
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeDBErVDzo
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuTzjcF87Y
"..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgkpZ6zly0
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW8DhoYbql
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ePi12YcFO
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHTBBcEoBJ
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPYVgRh0Zv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQO54Q2ZtX
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2nnSURh7K
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4mICPZhno
"Fine, go ahead."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWv4VEDvU4
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKRb3CteBb
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrEOyDG9a6
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFVAIFMgYi
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkc2gwCkVE
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZITfEOrlD
I pointed at it and she nodded.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOdRoPmOqv
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI1rxUzdZI
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUBHebfGmI
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMJbu0w9Eb
"Hm? But what again?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW9ARrAmaF
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCu09A5GVb
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcKETsdUNa
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPnTPXWfHR
"I see. That's disturbing."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTolBrdnSDW
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaNsgk4c9b
"It's... not so bad."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY8077c1gJ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICmyQUTUZT
She gently huffed at my response.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJHn1eUf4p
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIQbQ77uQR
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6G85PDSRN
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKCYDKDDFP
"Fight Mason?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCDJFaDR3w
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70gvau4oY4
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzfleLgkPQ
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ38PBtWvSF
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ll2PAs2G
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGbvygfy9L
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDOGUfC7hX
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40kapGXiJQ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXPLGASmon
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXaaqhZInA
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq72xuh2jC
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8aB3g2If0
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDVfedUgoP
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu7DTD8ISf
"Is something the matter?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Ku0Lw4bd
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGoJP3zpTC
"...Where is your friend right now?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UPWIDbcN5
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqSG6Rx28h
"T-That's... why do you ask?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1mLWjncUr
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZNbng8B3a
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTk3yOBef1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykwHzklqy1
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HvKphWTJ8
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42c9ZB4m22
"Yes, she did."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf52JpSBg7r
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Cahdd7sLI
"Ah, I see now."270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8lZGMrKJj
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yvBVSF6Kr
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshEuWfEMc1
270Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl1COrG7Re
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
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