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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DdfzYAbpo
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMfWP3s3wr
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ2O2eCJDW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YPRvPSZ8X
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnpSmKxS5W
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjDlyKFMpj
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIHh0v7Fpq
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb8AWAHEn5
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoDn0pluQO
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBH4BTY3r1
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA00uMXHoSf
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6o6t5wCh6
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?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO9uktLUAP
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj6rFNBurQ
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzUHUH9WVi
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0UPWT2WWi
–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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uLn5TMU5j
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlBo3naQvd
"Who's there?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp7JJ9XEnq
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuF1NMPvqG
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjV84GB9cY
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkxRwQqYMS
Therefore–280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM2l5NEtqQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2454ZOL6y
**SHATTER**280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXQIg9NBhV
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWrW49OgQS
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9qpXwiFA6
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMqLwgpXXw
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2RRZIcw5Y
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTc0LQxsYI
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2ua9cVyAb
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge1C734Qnd
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8g0xS3Ouw
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zG44mWq5S
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1ieNHOBdZ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhHUkDfjMk
"Powerful, too."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvUEP2C2pM
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nos4I9Zll
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2PP0LrmGy
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NlmT75O8t
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE2kOu24ij
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRfEy4bQoz
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2X2tYxa3E
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNDI7JmVfz
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSewHuwSXC
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSY9ZZpgdD
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3S0HPIkuI
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoptD8QsEJf
"...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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCOe2jSIN8
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdIaSo4XLi
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQzvfkb4TG
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpuMsu4QYd
"Crossbows!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuczP64pgf3
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7wZ0499Ri
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvDAuS10Rc
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHhRk7CMFI
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–280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYcTUNkttQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnKizAPJls
"Ngh! How!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmyQ1CQJeG
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTJguYM0n8
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgzEu8i1Ng
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7n8WaRpqg
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXZfReobFN
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS6yBh6lGx
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDam3qq6wo
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKntvkJcYsr
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr2sou6ong
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnY1T1weSf
"You ought to know the answer by now."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiye4amnHgz
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJc48PjEgF
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pze1aJe0z
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuS5V49ZS1
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLToxKSOz
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtGLpPqEyl
"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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cp7zUUEwh
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2ttAdCcM9
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH6LjCP5F6
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3WvwWKLXf
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzyoNZ4Oas
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbHZLQI9D8
"Phew. Give up now?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAg35Amsrp
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS6nv8hUjt
"'Course not, just thinking."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQcWQu3WrK
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgQqqy6YfL
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR2lytCRtF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDEDQfb1hK
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkTgcvSSGc
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX0XP3wQXw
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVUatkWP0N
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDowsH9eCs
"--Shit!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GI3yYXMM9
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh28o3j96f
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbE3f73Q7H
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ4uzVoFqq
The man must have had a similar epiphany.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyiADBQDAQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DMRanZ9WN
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP81cmZz7Ei
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouZkUaJOMz
"--Huh?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2yf4jrvwN
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMb3xpCd1K
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcnkzYz1es
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXZnM5K1ZR
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAaQlYEwV9
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZeFPuZo9H
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo94d52bZx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioIoRvAQr1
"Ngh..."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Q2qruB4U
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxAXCJvjRR
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYdu77Rdan
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqQOLNp7Zh
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DQoP8lxMZ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMXYLyonH6
"--Rover!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6JjEwL9qu
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJKcJYiCkp
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1NEHwapIn
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP81ewxzJ0d
"K-Kenny!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AAUlMDodw
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcoOT9osQG
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJSoNewqQg
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3AA3Eb2tP
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKojeBUfYAI
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHfIyYtmff
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1R2rbKn7P
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzQvxMhpL5
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdgl0x8uwm
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpvH2DV5d4
She turned her head to him, conflicted.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Wzm26pJQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWf0TNTjiE
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa7iEzjnza
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVNvbpF897
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuTbVTI7da
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHCLEanbkB
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjZggkfjmW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqnXQNLI3R
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf47l4OF1TL
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8d7DBGiGv
"H-Huh?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9xM51BD8Q
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpXDSW2lwY
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifdWrOOwxR
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI8OMXRF8Z
"You... you are so reckless!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SF3j3ZK8l
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb54aZmK3z
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbzkYrHiEQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOeLRBPz75
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fA2FGUJuQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCoQ5gBVhO
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeAt6Nykfc
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NiWOCv3Gb
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdGdE0SWif
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16b3uCbvo2
"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!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3EUuoPZDG
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5x7dnQl3r
"--!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98tLJU7YwY
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTkvDmgYBR
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz3bQRyMfk
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpw7jRXhCv
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyQ0Y7jDRa
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fyt7zMAdg
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sk0x9KzMd
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY5AxVzEJR
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6SgZYQpOu
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ9WOfuPeF
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5aem4VMQF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjAiSlyRdS
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBryrNL2Txy
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d1m4fvGTn
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpbq0PAOCH
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPLGgyRG7W
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCDlDYUAk9
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uA5xfVW5p
–
–
–280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkTN2X9mOC
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02EcrwGX5V
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR1b6F1Zv5
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYHXPr8EiK
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvYkPmKkLX
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHYqgff6gx
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWWSzBd8fY
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAprVoIGXZp
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LoRMBhwrO
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyGSOL80Ez
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTIhl4I0Ew
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJHrcDd8as
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18lVruCHRm
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfZd25elxs
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqfuljHYQS
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqhKF4of66
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVTaJ9Qmm4
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxusF1plCBU
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj6FmO9GZF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42yeoGJZ3T
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIM2MLLP0Q
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw8Rr8ZjeH
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqbTD1UzMP
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYV0deslr0
"Of course."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSwxTYltpN
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTRoTiQeCK
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCHWyoVWBG
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkleZtO8cZ
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wlryWynxw
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUbzLgcJRX
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAyRYm1fMn
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZJ2VNI4FH
"..."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRENmjlZNlF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdpmdrNFDC
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaRHk1iHyX
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULHrll65Cl
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqnM4oU7L4
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02lqYoIkJk
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0uyvZ1OX8
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk2m2WlpSK
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9swWHJPNaF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgYmUHnuw2
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZOO4IwGNe
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjeT7HbR88
"Then I suppose I have no choice."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCJqER8XjY
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzbCDXZUas
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7fwZvoDu6
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYTDcQcvmy
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV5w6PZmQx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6WWRiNm7s
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p7UCxGAlm
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5jReG9eCv
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCX7HpmP7u
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUI25kWvgJ
"You are such a priss, Pars."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjihmknHqfC
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyD7wF9gay
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHHiZx0w1e
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrxk5wDJHc
"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?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kVleIqzVA
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNwGsbEL6p
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXhbPBYD5Y
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklJ2kEbjcU
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRSLeBysmd
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWseaonb8qX
"I'm going to tell them."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mQ1AegO6M
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Pvqx9EDI
"Don't you do it."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVbIg2F2F7
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLRGNgUugH
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4hqGDbGcK
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIn8e33d7A
"Lola, I'm for real about this."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bn4U3yKLY
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KDbrsTFaJ
"--is because of a series of assassinations."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ837OhjzbCs
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdkutyz8yj
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXprRrr2ANy
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKE4EM4RbH
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPWmV4ninF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo2m9jPeC2
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6jM2Eg6k0
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YRYOUO2Hr
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6ncdixdQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjetjQQ9xgc
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgVpCJfYHp
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvWCvnjccK
"Uh, well, who got killed?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvlEXRAn9d
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaofHUMxndr
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWBx84jo4s
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC9LZIdoPB
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoznnbN5Dx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRKIJQsAsl
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62zObdxGWC
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQcS7AyqS4
"I-I see."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeA70f4FhX
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMjsOG9qE2
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfSKsa184x
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuiKkwvw3D
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpjOLe1JTx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHcSMSVqZh
"...You have my condolences."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk8Se9xRUS
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhFwlT4jZf
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcUiu8qkeJ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq3wUFHd1E
"Mmm."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInZ9InJ7Jb
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutgzM0fNMy
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtnItQp4C0
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoCiUcFP28
"Alright, we've made it.'
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7BghVe3Tn
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPQljSoGjL
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZNskSQf20
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYj7vcwCtx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONDlKkggB0
"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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAVMSUMjuv
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI93CkfFO7N
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydevR4kwI7
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW43EjP0SvQ
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2xDDjXJb3
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR6YMrB2Tj
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0ID7Pixbu
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0FeGK9MZT
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzFeAXvZYy
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvtpUdQsDx
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJJQoj9TXC
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tmpcfrd8k
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02SZtSEuNh
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsoJBuRcpl
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8IrkheOfz
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH5DRqAO2C
"..."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbHWyPaQDW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlroLOdyhPz
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesEnnf2tTL
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Kmpi8Xjx
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLBJPVLsqF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIGdpz7aAv
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc9ne723L1
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4mCIAOOR9
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbcEGMiUnl
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfTMuGUOtI
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkikhUiiwtl
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CLT7zngdb
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFaJS1p1jQ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcbYdjwtjM
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJFbz47dXa
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyHn0lT947
We had completed the mission.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaaaMvLAdw
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHkTHKCqkg
–
–
–
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcNDnF0NXc
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPOhpxkFiA
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxNhOs4796
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73xZrrAB0T
"One last high-five, Kenny!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFKWu7oIJM
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnoxcD5I13
"Alright alright, geez."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoxuJ6kVbT
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8y0nHg1tU
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4pkMsMba0
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUueLGHroBm
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVssLdATXEl
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH16D1DnWow
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZjnTsRxz2
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQthQdpPxz
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qRz2At0EW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsygIWmWndq
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcBacj0kVB
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIEKh3qEIV
"Huh? What are you talking about?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjISIoyRf9
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuByKV20yxN
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKbiVlCeqe
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9IRHIkIU5
She looked conflicted about my statement.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhIZMeTG1R
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcweZAE2PuP
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIrJ1HjZbe
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbFE890jqW
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapgw52bGwl
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnatEZHjhwF
"Dispositions...? What?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKTxGFrUn2
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIJ5X5VPsl
"Uh... our natures, basically."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY00bLPm6N
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG0od0Ucex
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0atZsEKiT
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8kNT0AH1V
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqSS69mEWM
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwdV0tQPAl
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Q5twOdBB
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmgL5RcHor
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBJfmKVNuM
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2DqaxK6rp
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9aM8RyeFJ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7F7OoqzC4
She pulled me out of my rumination.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYVN2veLkF
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM2CmY3fQm
"About what?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLVeXmduzW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJHEus2WTT
"About what you said."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2AGuiTySx
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmQaHzQb6o
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ijsitYlSs
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJwJHGRTdv
"Well, what is it?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8LbZXEw0A
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlunBVBNr8n
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvelj3wXEh9
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmREpaUvNZ
"Right."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHcnaXt2pM
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP18NA6b4ps
"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."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSpColwCDw
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQbMQ8hl2j
"..."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx6fbpBiWI
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPKdsJ6vg4
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFv0LfxDeT
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8i86NIhxT
"That's great."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWIz14VvQv
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHKUDCHMg7
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUkintjEU4
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvOga8lhdm
"Uh, what's the matter?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJlk0Sv6iJ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5klPd4hBrg
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bq2e7mzxW
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkAxPEDPHu
"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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1MWwkrfS
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpPS8qSknb
"I can't say that I do."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBnxr79TqT
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34esmdqHu8
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoGZXgoUeD
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjOTNdpQHY
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS54mrcyoqJ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaxVz9thUd
"Just trust me here!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj9BzUllRX
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAeeKQta4r
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKJp8IIhGZ
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhYuXlHpSZ
It sounded like chatter.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZztlfUTc8
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRe50gqIGd
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiwqjfk3aS
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSgdBDuw4A
"Kenny, wait here."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBcTL97VYh
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn95x8huz84
"Huh? Why?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtu3M9IVWG
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWJ4GDpXQW
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70UqqYJWZ4
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsgSJwF3HU
"W-Wha–"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXISRgu9zU4
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6rBCqa7k
"Shhh! Shut up!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYWpV1opun
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEShqcN9vtw
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLVB3DEMWS
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPDraYjN7W
"This is..."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvML0VmgCP
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41jU6bRVag
"Something fishy is going on here."280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEsj7fWFiz
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXyZoLhzgm
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPGPyopUye
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzHLmRyP9o
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.280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTPqaQSpqe
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnbBB6Ti6N
"Alright, can you all hear me?"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ3EQ15aiL
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeTnJOnNmM
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!"280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmzasinJwP
280Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mD5EaqaIy
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
然後按「加至主畫面」