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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwuhzdZwWg
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQbf6hZPcW
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyQRyfTe7r
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxH5rnA2GE
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfWXJV9um8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbWUR4Js4n
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGwIvM5RU2
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ7SAj42kT
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ8IYQf6wi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGtn4qSlmV
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA6c1bQo4C
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAY1hB4FbV
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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaOjw7Ic0b
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDU0ppVDKu
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDFo3l0Msq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIAT6x94Oc
–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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi3XIoKFpd
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUZJkmLp8s
"Who's there?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIafChNOwiK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgREl2A2n5
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeyJi0Em3o
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeykk7d7tWo
Therefore–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwMA4G1YoQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfuo1wBLwU
**SHATTER**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVSrA2dU4B
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqPjRoFdMD
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkVXxsL0vb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnryD39oNF
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZl0Z9Wwaj
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZgLgxEyS3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp69KyqcNT
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj3GWxm0y3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQivn8AviAU
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2vFIVWoFy
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"Powerful, too."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3h7ejFQb3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDHcIgDWGE
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjo8uj40nQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX6hQQU9bj
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd7ERNHPZS
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3edTkjvh
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OP7hInhbO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvgfgiE44M
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcjJsEBteu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyJfxYSjEI
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SUlvZ22rM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy0quMpQp2
"...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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W9rn5jWTc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kKhVjeeay
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7a5nUv6eC
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"Crossbows!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRhUGyvoXH
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ6DiuMaAu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEwwbTwhpV
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–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuFh9GY6vM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtYfY8ODtO
"Ngh! How!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi5HJ7Nme9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW78AWBMBG0
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdQrVkFKKo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3suP9s0BZe
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK0By8epnJ
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"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo0uPichy3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWHTBybeYl
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UsCmdMPpL
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvWLXwzuXT
"You ought to know the answer by now."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D3XlvqjxX
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYMlFipldP
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5QEW65pOS
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HuwzXlm8h
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQlohn0XSK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgc46BUmAQ
"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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQSnWJ3JKY
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHSPX3FiD0
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1EzwjQVoc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz6KJKchgo
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsva85meiqs
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWLkOMQCF3
"Phew. Give up now?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByu8h5yDWw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz44BQoJf9
"'Course not, just thinking."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRl7nd2uD0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmt5UrhcJZ
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwHc4QqCtd
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkqiSAmgIV
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl8tbthuFg
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3cTujjhbj
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6GqBUIsHM
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"--Shit!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7tr83PzmQ
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AWJjNJuaN
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The man must have had a similar epiphany.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRpA5GflG3
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNUc5sVQTH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyrcPs3RB7
"--Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEt6JlzOuW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ckPl7NLhy
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFL3C7lcFI
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8497YUWrw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnmkRTow4F
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV8NEEYzmZ
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"Ngh..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGDYhU11cQ
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WIBgA6xN4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc44UnV0yFI
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SzDIIxOdp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYeENSEvua
"--Rover!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuh00DSM7c
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDVTaGlSJi
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6e0gxCLQW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMiNx2pl2V
"K-Kenny!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0NzvSsK6s
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjZwwOYmoM
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLues39w5O
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBapJbU6l2
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ecVWxRdRG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqDUFMzFV6
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCYp6JvTaH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AknAn95bG
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Few9pdxOO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi4sR9BO69
She turned her head to him, conflicted.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31BGBd4Lje
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYub1ZotB1
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZddBQNLH6
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjcra5ZT2w
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT22UceVthr
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyuWQtxhqy
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtYKbXd8BK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E4NQ7lJ8E
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhISrttAsJi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cGO5DyyVd
"H-Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2uDXOia41
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ969Zt8f0rL
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfWphYRCbe
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtv8uJyfsq
"You... you are so reckless!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSfCaRqH9n
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnYOo0SYnj
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdihaW8EjET
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MOjqK6jd9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9a5ec8QjQ
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2OP6xp90d
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cOvZ3wIFH
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQX4NZWab8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaHxGXs78a
"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!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcjbPspFoH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWPnKVm5jf
"--!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTc5e5hNiY
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5nQGQKrlO
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc21Ivcb2T4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRriInk1j7
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDSQ0uVgC8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOAFHJv3BD
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJIaES4TAr
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYE3hSLE7K
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoflT24XCgo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zFbiejZjQ
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM9ERAPp02
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpfVPtao7C
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxwl87BaTt
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw6a65R9Sc
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7gzeFggS1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjacUg4QcA8
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvDCudHLGA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlrUvei2AJ
–
–
–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah60hdTaPI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw9965LLOy
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18LsvN8dIc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqBXgkBa1
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iUtw6xFxm
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGubfTo5ra
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSoB6FnMn8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpDN0vlMPf
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyMTWWdPcx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs01DpWH2Sa
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ963R2BSGz2
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ockfwvObN
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUpnR447l0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCghN0ftMLd
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oL1WvTdHB
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnfRvnU1F2
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvI6a7w6Ic
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY8t2v7So6
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR7d25I8u1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n8FrSoyao
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRnKMW88LI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NYTwb5Eew
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPh83HNjhv
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE8Bvi4NgU
"Of course."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlbsKHEZQO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0AY0MVA7j
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Odhr67Ke
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NCiQ29gWO
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16MjVs9b8J
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzevER3buo
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKRMpcEu75
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt0ykTdhdj
"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2L3d8YLHi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2FUybTqAE
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1mW21DGo0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv66UTx1u7K
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLMDa567Yp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOC2vn8oE0
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSnKAnbk89
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZiCoGfkjw
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGrURcb9rE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2rgd9Je0d
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKun0fBgZf
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFzPizl53j
"Then I suppose I have no choice."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4vgUPHqup
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkx3LgXW8Q
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1twDfRFOxL
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4VNi06fE7
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPIKik76hM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gwZEOHekB
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MIcDzsmEl
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttP7SIhVj1
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5o3etGkCX
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlONwSHvjl1
"You are such a priss, Pars."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6JkfWXxk3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYQ2URxOzp
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL9f0n7S6H
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5H4y4XsBj
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R2TVepErE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhTrCUw9HD
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzxUeWinnt
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUai3S7GUk
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4icuF3HOT
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF3TWZnway
"I'm going to tell them."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhuU83XtVb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYLYIYmFxp
"Don't you do it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wGkNzsfTa
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IDuJIAVmV
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWNSmIBe05
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xBaJQjgLQ
"Lola, I'm for real about this."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNmV4eYwMc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PXiU7pEcR
"--is because of a series of assassinations."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTS0J21Uav
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerq0k3f7ya
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADtR5MGZsp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksHozlYkTD
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNSNcyLqVk
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6U0WNzPoP
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9UE0xwbtw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39aBw5g0Yr
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rBLIuUtEn
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRBchd28Db
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaCePhyfOX
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh8FL8XKt2
"Uh, well, who got killed?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbq9zO6skm
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V7z4M3vBq
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFc8GlKB8Q
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs4lSoaoXm
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdYqCqK1wP
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJzrA1lUgz
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul1qzJLBdo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF0yzeIlVR
"I-I see."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95a9Hwjksi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TdR4yvVSZ
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bQjzTXzWL
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hzGQLEJtz
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSqSdPD71C
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvxRF1fQec
"...You have my condolences."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5nET7KdDB
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN20HZuTfT
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2apkaMfRM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEzZau4o57
"Mmm."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9yVSOR53k
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLntLWufJSU
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjV5Aquonw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKocQOry45s
"Alright, we've made it.'
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJLHIp2JE
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSTs1Oeyoz
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLQsvVOAPT
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo8oZZKGp5
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMPJysiMzd
"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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLhKxJSEJ0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS3yCFC4y4
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad0jaihxnI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQTfAQ5aAb
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gwojI2U3i
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5N7g7xanc
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM756L7LyAv
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhHRv26ePR
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8BPDGXPe7
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYvoC3zyhM
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXgNJ7BUm0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonAxBiJyVF
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEPmwJIYtR
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatdqyclPlw
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIqkzGLnbY
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHdwuLciqj
"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqIE1TRFx0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstUTbXia7W
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XH0FAOoC
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg20QhQA0g8
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGxnFGUuI7
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScmdICiwRr
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UAX6cWBV1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5tLaiLrmT
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp9M3nSmae
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWTvJulywR
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ7opUu5ot
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv1kj5pYPb
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH3R96hO4g
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxDhOftrmq
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1lFhaTl10
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEefp7xaFWx
We had completed the mission.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1pN0jb9IE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4rueq1xwV
–
–
–
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXCJ4PI2sO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthHovCHLAE
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP71kcjLm8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JScZZyaMh
"One last high-five, Kenny!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjlfedeBUj
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKAxG9gfbN
"Alright alright, geez."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiTHtvHZ2G
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5MK4ku6z2
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrjys19SyM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCQgbUF4vY
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2m52uDbXJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HuU4AWB5z
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPdlfatCWj
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dcjqsWFuo
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs1ntU53TG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCDUCrkmKM
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyU6VaO36y
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AGQ2426Gz
"Huh? What are you talking about?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUauwPTB7u
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswrUUr2Mir
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNpZXgq5gj
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru9aEV0w3w
She looked conflicted about my statement.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Nc9E7WhQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAETMcFubIo
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5i3IstumM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2b6yEkKgL
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzMQgmUgs3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzhh63ZINJ
"Dispositions...? What?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5qUtbSQ1A
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYNpSpfIzR
"Uh... our natures, basically."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwhsYn3HFM
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw4DwBTO3o
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0DMhvf3ir
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0RAVgF0Xu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNldtNvQvj
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ3HyVu8fz
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZOPriRcka
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA2jzJSK8g
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She pulled me out of my rumination.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqHHGybu7c
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"About what?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEud0NU8WPI
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"About what you said."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sUbjDUeWH
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kEeO8FaSL
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"Well, what is it?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jrlXwrPiM
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"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuUT9pOYaL
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"Right."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHVOhKj9wi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu8FdLdcPa
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT5TcnjId0
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"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NOzvCNl2a
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxkBiqv63I
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"That's great."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlXMbabwye
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqJsRDveP
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTcKydNr7O
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"Uh, what's the matter?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH44jxnwcPi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslAeH3euPP
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sv2qXbybH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdc3oLYKXT
"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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9JWxotYfF
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"I can't say that I do."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgVL5z4wPv
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiDmCI2dHZ
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vFLf6WAGK
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"Just trust me here!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AExYzADcq
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9KRXTKqu1
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It sounded like chatter.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf1S3hlYcl
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsD98kAogp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc2wswWn5w
"Kenny, wait here."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB5GcKzoBH
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"Huh? Why?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5LljbYiyE
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05h1CoqKv9
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"W-Wha–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcZ4mgKu6X
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"Shhh! Shut up!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnghP4XLZ8
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPILLIlvw1h
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"This is..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Wqh8LNmq
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"Something fishy is going on here."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrlaAgLhLM
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9drd2MKvX
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cECt1HkMM
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqKCBdOF2L
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ITPMG8nBh
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!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAMyYjKQfp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUdbL7lsZM
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
