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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULVgOFEjdu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZFHGww9Tw
"Ow! Ahh..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkpQFjKgG1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GwsWAvmMR
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkwzJfGsJP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQcuLphwuD
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoU2at2uim
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgzIf4gTlA
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AinME8KHQ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwggSVafLGt
"...This place is giving me the creeps."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZsfZqS9AV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDq6YmGwSQ
"Huh? How so?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsGIjyQXkx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCouPAuEaFm
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp40VLaEcjb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxrWYIZDcj
"Couches and rich– wait a second."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsE5X54vIH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4udwPYVgs
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?242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fQGIpFs4q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8YZlxIygR
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwHCd4zBQ1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb87zFNexf
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u74LdVM6N
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl0qdCaIpJ
"Tch! This stinks!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6is8xBbnmK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFq6LCctiL
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CJzJ4GoBE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UCohsIXKc
"What?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTgKd2OffO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuATEUOBXd
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4swngzan0i
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky2uNFGeQ1
"What? Are you scared?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDK28Md4Rk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdZK9dma4d
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrockssB23H
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv03CaGInkq
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIigcvrCkb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf2ruwYQg4
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYD3EktskC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELphmhgx11
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihGUKmV8yi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfRj2HcvSo
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhDmcvxIrT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWpInawvQg
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IUPGv6po4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt69aBc2Rz
"...Fine."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZsFEKpXki
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Yqc4BW3W
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e7aT6Xdxj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn8f1lxEc8
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0l1s1h3C8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe2zIPMrTh
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlcXrdQeS7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeVL3nPjcN
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NhOgqfORf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD9Usm1dgt
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4faje6lIO2
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDcJVaVYj5
"...It's locked."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcDhHeIBRy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0iaFIdVOg
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–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAAOwgmJU4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLHzHs3Lpn
"Oh! This one's open!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZho5b80846
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkfCeN2tvn
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic2otX2jEp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsStpy2dBd
"This place is– cah! Ack!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUCjQpWDUN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnhUe8w07p
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vs3dfL9aj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY2BczoQKV
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?242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUnnl5Lt4k
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSybv65NQkA
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh7tGI2doW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpIU3Uu25A
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm8KlixYMW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexpdUJvBHK
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mfpbe4tSI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBHGt60zGN
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mXSx1hcck
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU68s2TvJbv
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5xVzPBVCO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjLVa1rDgU
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ5wWwsUkB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iDM8Uoa9V
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzk8nBDAXT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGRfiwPX1Q
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YIDY6fH4o
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMMnezM1Ju
"Ow... what the hell was that?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7pj4fZ0HN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ObAMZaOZ
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDjcmEULSq
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1AodOZJ7l
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBoUA3zpSx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxla4UIs2qK
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsXOKtQ7Ec
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMJwdiIQqc
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFLEoRfFIB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf6MCE3NJp
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynJeFSk4Hk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuMCsninb1
"What's this here...?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRe5YzUfQx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb35opz3oI
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!?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0VE9WkN1b
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ9NHc0UIE
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4ESrmkgyb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyuGPiPGU2
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYz2o3j4t4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x8IE7gqWX
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfJ37Vu8Wt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70goi8RKF4
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJClwtfSfnB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iFPavlrON
"...Really?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGcRBz3RmV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqYo70LaTJ
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EFnp3dHka
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHQ61uuKKI
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–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1aEUsPfDl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYB6PvnFoN
"--Wait."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrorn9pOVgM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzHJYbYeN4
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs484BeQJVK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M2GCl3HYz
**SMASH**242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSIusUHAaf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoMV7YTQOG
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa4taYoe23
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oUdZW4mqH
"Earth magic."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWU7cZda9M
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNH1EDFd77
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKmEtRtXsN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmJZc8ZZon
**THUD**242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOhyjO2S3B
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeF97oLD8a
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M2Tee9sMX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8blEMnlEEJ
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQyMc9HvAD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2jm2P11xL
"...Tears?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkygWcJEYO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN6CWGtIoO
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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztdNfY6pwZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhllfKZBp3
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnQQ0CesoU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe0C7lbkki
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9P96UE3dw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhem9j9ppqX
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReU0UXXaau
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvblyQcc0J2
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcIQT4MqZe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzwAYYnBVL
"Ha, how interesting."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAEsQE7nbW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrd9rrB8f4
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacB5QaItpx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov9d9RxiUo
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrByXov8HGo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJhp0HaDeL
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZg61epW1t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt13305pFhA
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFWfY0MHxT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU6qNEkMdC
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha3BrHAHll
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrRePYGcPX
"Similar fields?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgSXa54WiJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjOvmqSdj0
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxYe2wxISR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTupMY1Pg7b
"I-Is that so...?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXD88ATr3B
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi1y5rbxb2
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rxtx14M82
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKKv2830zt
"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–"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdyXTV8Rna
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKdTRY1MNm
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzPdwVvbkt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BlKU7Y1yQ
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAykY0u6bv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2lqaYBRFj
"What part didn't you understand?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jZzc8suCf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJZl2j2Tnv
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN7irZIcgO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIUcfAa2xS
"...Huh?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX0nJZJNjK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdylI4EOom
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSTzQLeZ2i
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjXwDQs22J
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRL0zHeKyz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPfNJFkmw4
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuItckbR2N5
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyMolNMsrx
"Huh?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmggL2ErmC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bqWrBYcSI
"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!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHOnMPAiJB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAGwzt9mKB
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdEpQJeWEv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVa7Ggmfkc
"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!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpOT3opA8V
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpp4dJkiud
"..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEGGnF9G6b
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSft2t391T
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gRDHB0pzO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAF7p2du3I
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecxCVlN2Xn
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIS51KeoAj
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMDObBHb77
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDc3ZeS24
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHierdyLE1Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR6CdFVLxt
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsISmMJC87D
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRKAXEnLOC
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPxVILZKAH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOSGg0Frlc
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeWZrVsHQ2
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7WwhyYjBk
"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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj1ZCyUA2G
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fvGn1Mqda
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpMLgkWLay
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp9m3fh9gl
"What are you talking about!?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM5dxB9bhw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU05No9BSz0
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3c5Hx3VZV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjw7GpIzTu
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA2aA3ypgG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwFSMaIYVs
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXnHXyXrrT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJwjqi3WqE
"..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nr1sikLG7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UCJAzojJI
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–242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv9t6k1tqR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpwJeQUP7d
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAyXgvykd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9Qh6IURHM
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4deFRxWBGY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52TrBwzqq5
"Fine, go ahead."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E9TnLf0X3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lTEE7PXAg
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdzHkj6Mi8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPmcQeT9vr
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBulz7HmYFz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz398VKLloS
I pointed at it and she nodded.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDuxaVVH7L
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLPKBwq8N4
"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..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTztumxbNx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qY1UmFWIL
"Hm? But what again?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiatkLvdxvo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSirdVOlvY
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSGrt3kLQn
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCt75zoC1C
"I see. That's disturbing."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbihJd5Ghk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjengRjUZt
"It's... not so bad."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWi2yJLmSj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdINg7C7NfQ
She gently huffed at my response.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG33Tfvm4K
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y4M5DILX7
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYCEMYlOAR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjepmYgqHw
"Fight Mason?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTOYDf78MS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyapufoKzle
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJqXuyf3uL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLFwq65MfP
"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!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6tsMC6T4s
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAybMc7DHh
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoiadQerF7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumlXzvXSMP
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4KU4pHnWd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelcpE8ZqeE
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpniJt71kt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde3lNMnRhL
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6odJib4oM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJA5hD2rfz
"Is something the matter?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeCuZbxBDM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrvwvwm7dv
"...Where is your friend right now?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5dcagIyJw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9HVwC2bqd
"T-That's... why do you ask?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ5gBjJoIo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW7i1dKQXS
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcJgxZtBgu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvfVUW0uJh
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO6tt4GQAe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwcyorulE6
"Yes, she did."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw76CcUaCmX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfsh4svtSC
"Ah, I see now."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxEpBjaKV5
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV48w2u1sr
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG8e6o76Rf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMu4b5J9cs
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
