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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf3pBRuPOS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Ky77RmFZ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6cvVXykrg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB2yWlChDB
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLKCGEIGuC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxC2PVY0r8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKKV2ieqBg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f3WipTAUV
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3cz1PaEGF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvleY6RNfls
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzCIwEtVFu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW5YoZrNGY
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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE402O16M43
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzthRqjuOz
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSbaMFIffa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MjwHLglDK
–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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYvj8Ql0kv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZL7msvtgZ
"Who's there?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCjS24dXFS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKP4LofQSS
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MKYRyMip4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgVqRE2usU
Therefore–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmEGUVrhF4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi7tRUXyS3
**SHATTER**184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7zxTd83l5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp6VvEiLO8
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuahkaai1Ps
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmHxI9a5wH
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhiRlkMEZp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZohR8xCfB
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO4abR3te1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1IIVPRg9u
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb4CXC7F5g
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rbgukW76N
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWwXRmGzs8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Jw31KnRn
"Powerful, too."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKdUF8z0rO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ75IZAQ0a
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojbF5IJ2se
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjJ0WHxwx6
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFeAWtqRgO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhJmrMZOia
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHnnMdf5BJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq79OlrNBX
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9s7kvK9jt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyAhv3lL1n
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5YuMpQ09X
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAnAFAqPjW
"...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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaitgrWB8X
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdKvl44QEC
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDiqpswUzB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBM9CYbToO
"Crossbows!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs80KKMknS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ7R37yLz1
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKf8ECt96E
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwT8TIFoCs
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ml84RPaK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuLrysTsDJ
"Ngh! How!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBcIRKIuXX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLaTt4mY8Z
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHaMVDVZMz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZjUTt6mfs
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusQeRbsWFA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncGV3t3Mui
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm0LYpgLXo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQnbtMQqax
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnlywC0g05
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnMXVBRX9b
"You ought to know the answer by now."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvUtV3p8Gk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dWcZQe7yi
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVcgYkzOkd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZrSv2ykE3
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVqJysJA82
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA52SLyBUxA
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQliy5et3F
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9zPcg5xdT
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUGkD8dXiz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWazKZFMaQ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ480BvTzGJ2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxIAQnre9B
"Phew. Give up now?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EXRD9Ghc7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9keFRb8Wt
"'Course not, just thinking."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAInOSf8lI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyhlsBtuBt
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Gof5lGaGD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxOU8vdvlP
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ483nusMIv2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlf8Sw3Evx
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6rtX5WKxH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl0bGCTsfA
"--Shit!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cJKjDPpPw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OuZcgDKAm
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYMeahO0HS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1z03Iya1z
The man must have had a similar epiphany.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ezer6SZvr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXVcoebVNW
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIViQVUMHUx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASeVaqDDUW
"--Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EjhuacGth
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr27plclo0F
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf7VLkyxIs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwYrY2Uzke
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguhNux7R1U
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeikcXAsu
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInxoLHPpJF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l7Vir3scw
"Ngh..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGroqVkciA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceRzyGVtYv
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6jZLcZU2C
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0CvVvRPnZ
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq59tT0uuD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxxsy8wfBn
"--Rover!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3OA9mmoom
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1a0vdlxeB
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadJOxSrC2N
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3do2bMo6TJ
"K-Kenny!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs34xu21ux
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5fyBot3iZ
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU6xtRuSh0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkqdDdaOKt
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja1Pe7ZtD7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSqZ8QudKX
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tED2erTzH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU7KrBZHc7
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDVNdmd7kh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNEYWwzBoh
She turned her head to him, conflicted.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHScB2Ez5FY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bI7fbr3Ke
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoB94v8RsC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOpUltqwZS
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HIaHNUYlI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLisuE27OU
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D0PQap3nI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wnfjh7mZY
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUA1uHhC3s
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW49bSQhtv
"H-Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQaU9YHFAw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmedEGedYG
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHtli8040g
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NdxySBDSb
"You... you are so reckless!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVRrc654sv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlIPGurYdC
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iLiz2fMs7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvomK5yMEU
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhRZgfgRAx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqHsrHaWqf
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBgs1kSRlX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC7w7ruIB7
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIQm4B9NWc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTf0M273Rj
"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!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIr2ttxIOm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkT9eD1bBr
"--!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12cx50hWFy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1rKhp1An6
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjtDXWui26
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J581AUPCV
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpfFnb3xeE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchn9h6dyNd
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXTghmdq7y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44GnpRtHQK
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJMgxoFVkE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNKNGM1Vje
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2wbfBTMKM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX948Eu383
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsBQD24sNI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfK8yLJkIc
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjTL5uxYH5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeZaaT8kXP
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BWFFYTHPI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7g0VfCjGS
–
–
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqdlF5JW9g
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbxIIwINyE
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGrTo19OLI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF8Z2fNw9p
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhce9QHc4WR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgixPbqbS3a
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt3qtNGkZg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTteJBlL8XS
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfbDZ4ojbA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxAfSxEcRK
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaZ9J9UUBd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkfTtl8azm
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VaEi5wY3S
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMR9ar56YD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9bKTom6Z4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQQbW1grHh
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWmt1ex7Gh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc3fdRAc7U
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTt9wPyrP3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0rL4p6x3o
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS8kh5Lle4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRfEDV8jQA
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD7jGnu6yh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBYugVElRL
"Of course."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CnzWWWWzt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3bpOSTDEA
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCmCzbs7d
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9KcZ49uq5
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqJxevBzjp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQoJq88gWt
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJWPIheWmS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeDGevDd5x
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI337ZunST
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2dIuXtJUp
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P8nIG7UqX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvB9ewqvM
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2OqUMETWT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JAEVs2ZpS
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5LgzkbwVN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWveBA9u3P
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifBgt52y5V
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaQxbqF78C
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpLgVLDixq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP3T8F6b4r
"Then I suppose I have no choice."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBB6JBgPpi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUirRbYqQG
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK3C97WG2z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdyOG3Dy66
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolT6CpRQ93
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUG2ure4b
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtddXhHM7tT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVQmhN8moj
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIxrMTQZig
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8rux1X64q
"You are such a priss, Pars."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjiNofMrv2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhzEhqdguv
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzg73kgxGh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Avylf4jwV
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaknelpGMK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB84uT6p3n
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LIjNycPF4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ2TcK6aVl
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NMmPTewNA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Vc3WYolc
"I'm going to tell them."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcMg5QWyza
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLg26SbOKk
"Don't you do it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2gmb8U7os
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSioFc9mOsD
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtA9t5NgNc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnzHR3nXWq
"Lola, I'm for real about this."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cIhWgByhl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eD3qv8czO
"--is because of a series of assassinations."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iYtjfj5MD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygexzj6vdY
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdsh6oM3Xl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYqdCF1Glf
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLV4jdy91B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLTTWIwtWJ
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRs7HeNOTD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfvjmrirkE
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe8CSYbmym
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWa8NmYZiG
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSQ2Rhvf81
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFO0WVaQIX
"Uh, well, who got killed?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sunIqiupJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s9wRl1hGv
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmwSJcL0i3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9mBTmp0AH
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU9WSbeT45
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3VJZW5OP4
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzYwsxNuHn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH07vkoQhX
"I-I see."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4sV5VptPc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrfVCOwIoY
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vvB4aHk4z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQu0yxo93C
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGMvoWH2Tz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9fZIi0het
"...You have my condolences."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EwGJOXsnb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68YVDR0mu0
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lTSoa71xM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6XAsZAtKX
"Mmm."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOG2TCdjfm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbT5maDx2J
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEsj8gAzFH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHw9M2UtLH
"Alright, we've made it.'
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOFooDIMov
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxmGpBcAIg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBYfHmnvNc
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t2A5F198j
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgm0WaDY1B
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h1xcgSxQx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsnoW6cpvD
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGiwdpwMcq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclG0IcFdn7
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C2Ufj086y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPhdNEkwMq
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwfBtaVFgU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf8mmXhu8z
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbGYsuLILU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxGXiUVVaJ
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJfmfZ2qDo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZyybXg88E
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJPoNLrBFD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbULANdyiqt
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zxPc24tGu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsRbIeYmwH
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF2NX8xoeJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBKWkpid4x
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz5maC8HJ4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfMv6UfTvp
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm7r3GMJh2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFguPVuKsk
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGIRY2tjbd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT0EgJduJs
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5TEY5m57x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVNh5zpvA5
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNYfezwAcg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUgRFBJbDb
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlFrmRDfyl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6MG709vOl
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x0IsY8lUT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a744vkdZi
We had completed the mission.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NO7Mc7jzb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd0C0C0ni3
–
–
–
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv43LD8ZaF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ivigZhylw
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeKLaTFwis
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3iT3bkQ89
"One last high-five, Kenny!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cnOsoxj7x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9bigPIY8O
"Alright alright, geez."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nP8hZyxiJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwXIdj18G4
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVPYEKGpC7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LwDY9ciTR
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZWKgGaWCC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqlSUeIqNQ
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tn8wgQTBE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLbOpp2T5Z
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh57ZQnppcC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ3BcNh2vO
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1tRV1dOPZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm482TvHnhq
"Huh? What are you talking about?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFHgbQtIGG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyh0beYCcA
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiiNHOtcIH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI2n714Lms
She looked conflicted about my statement.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVSir28Pcg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkY4o7zoKQ
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1DKbXsRHo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3LQ4MTAoX
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeXeWyhWeD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hzpnrTlSU
"Dispositions...? What?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxVLqt3jg5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7kbCLdFeF
"Uh... our natures, basically."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsZisKtaWZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LBbD3i1FX
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTPFpHAulT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VGItMJk5z
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyerHap2Pf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldSxZxbDyC
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp7h4JWv5R
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTkQF9EXbo
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdYWBkMHHp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7tzYgmdsw
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeboDpeMaL1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv45PKo4M3z
She pulled me out of my rumination.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemjAjgFXcy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgSRvE9y32
"About what?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDDtlQmLlb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS6Y56OCL2
"About what you said."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GNKGdGOao
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMK1rKyR5t
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YemMk7HXx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYu6J0cSed
"Well, what is it?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOiR1pABTd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbqhjAmh55
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFvx600HSW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qipsmcEm2
"Right."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMnAV2yZTW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsaYZDqyNt
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShWJ5eGTtP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJLiPb1Ag9
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbQzxWaEU9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzhPrAURXW
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw49b742JU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JiOhpQvgn
"That's great."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFfdjmD2wV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSjRzWrZQ6
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7AXhF6DFi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOY2ZeJ5nG
"Uh, what's the matter?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6w3XiTwiy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAJRMGAVaA
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1BlmBPUhz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6zFyibUbo
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ811Zd8cxgn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmztVNGMfjc
"I can't say that I do."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR781FLdM9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtPi3hoFqS
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEDGxm6D6x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlorQzVHUF
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3WBP21nr3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZxB22CS5e
"Just trust me here!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDkECzzux7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUEB6LwSBs
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Mr4Tk6xo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbIZse8m2m
It sounded like chatter.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa2ZlpXcgq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ49NzWHPp
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03AyFh7xfg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFSwT6fcZ8
"Kenny, wait here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzLukeom9H
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjjm2cTBw8
"Huh? Why?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIL7w9KlZl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI71N2HORpL
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAZ94GJ2NK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqQQKyNyNr
"W-Wha–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTumqpqgXLU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNugSLujQn
"Shhh! Shut up!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNGplvjQMa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUYjgFkMEA
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFp2UO33zl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXYyk7vWqF
"This is..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeeuMycto3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DT2pRisiK
"Something fishy is going on here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzftZ7ow7v
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb39pifA3G2
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA1fOfquyH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8RWZGnnSh
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyGRQG4Oex
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKmsn1R8WP
"Alright, can you all hear me?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGZGAqfxhC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx3UmPXtta
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!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAwCTup2ov
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pQhOMMZ26
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
