The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSwiaRZz7N
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"Ow! Ahh..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLXlPcKvRr
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLl1LWyNQX
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1qeW7qpVv
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmxN2PXcA0
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh32Wla1he
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAubcsFlXsx
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFlKv2KI5T
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlR6bncHzw
"...This place is giving me the creeps."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKylwYIQhI
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG5ISfy8jD
"Huh? How so?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWhKLVciaV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq8gNlJCfb
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyber1Jl4B
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83LE7fc41h
"Couches and rich– wait a second."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrY5IIm0j9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEPnDFkkYZ
Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRrm1gWMyr
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUpyvMzmJK
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ843FciXJLF
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkaMCHNd59
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb59HKxIwhC
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu32CqjcD1
"Tch! This stinks!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOo4MTUNmG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdiqq8O5uU
Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUpzHU4Uyc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjDIdBGVxx
"What?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXDO65fNBM
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPUMn4SyMI
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV7jSXZn2g
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CX5O43jZm
"What? Are you scared?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkNErzubNF
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrN156czl7
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9vaIoLTms
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsv5jki4v3
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhhQCzJGPU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVPbgl6YHa
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyO14el3nV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhpAi1XoVR
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2mTJaCPWx
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot99DFBBfE
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISJJ2BmwXb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowQ0IYs31k
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAydZyfKlei
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXOExWKNEp
"...Fine."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx76n5XnHH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pzMnvk8YU
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aiVMS2bAu
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1sWOs8mEb
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX4qe9kgGi
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA8OJJTorz
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BLCCRKnpa
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuYMJsxS1
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggfHHX8h7l
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaNjE14fDc
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnedeheOI5
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4IsOSHIif
"...It's locked."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHXdkngoz
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrnzMEyK5A
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0e7eznOi2
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZul3Js5ru
"Oh! This one's open!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWB38Q48ee
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gOz154lZu
Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq2F5tOO4j
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6G4ikZSqF
"This place is– cah! Ack!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCzzj0JYUg
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO5xZvcOim
Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpi9E0vkp6
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqCybQ5tZR
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j8IQoXR77
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5RCIziOBr
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZSSSyaEIp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf0aKbxI7v
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfoph1zXkj
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y3LXNxKz3
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3teknKxeBK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yg1sqCxrG
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtixgeCUD5h
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfthibNCgj
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmK864tr5m
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wRKcoHCYc
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwsSTw9G41
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwUd2RLe48
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq9aqhbqGB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoLZDN2y2J
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTmOYA303I
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzG3MpjGJY
"Ow... what the hell was that?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGuNsMHNE7
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEkdU4qH5R
I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH7tgqLJRN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzlnRENNQJ
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfhjDDyClU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfXtQB2Hcq
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuttDkAMsp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXXukjGC4m
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX8ZD5xSs2
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPSeIcBunn
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBaJV4xTUn
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPYxf56AcP
"What's this here...?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05uAzBPRh9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeZl1Ya8Qb
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqYzsqBLQU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMegIYdQ8dR
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCz7BOjCKS
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlug6vWIDu
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrbRG2AFWG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ9vxIPhF9
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zowG7RqYQ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8KXayKK6E
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefn7fDbiny
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JACGlKjl0
"...Really?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ftMXGHVOk
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VsaUf6xyR
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KqPHyaPNX
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzdvr4DEKr
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoup0GxD3uQ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXyj2xIpZD
"--Wait."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2e3X9lt5I
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgqt3wAz07
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgW6AgooPN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR2kougP9z
**SMASH**237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkkcU7Wm1B
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bn0f4ZVSf
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTEUoGNQkG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyuUmLCanD
"Earth magic."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGMnpXswOp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlJRMm5WFU
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ldYuOlU0
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91CJKOizMM
**THUD**237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OPUDP2BvP
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYepxSixXh
I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU4XcktgYc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lr6dF27FQ
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3oya9wwIh
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4oaL6uLxU
"...Tears?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnpw0Etd9U
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD3mwzMNkc
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gfF5QyM0Y
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLxZWKRXRB
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOBcc5l4cV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq939WbHrpI
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASvh0LyhwY
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvoYR1FfKp
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Gjaa0zFV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SUw6DLlpf
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Y0GWzBlx
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z6ewrftGs
"Ha, how interesting."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJDMEOa3aH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB4SLfVKQh
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjClidr3l5
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTFxdz7JWQ
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQoT9HkhNa
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp6biGpDy0
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HmfcNc43f
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnE7NXFjsw
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFbDO9Q6nA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNBJUPlbLs
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOKu8kAxPl
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0pA9kWVJE
"Similar fields?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNfGncrFbQ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw11tmURGhn
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiv8FrL9QC
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZO3qj4tfo
"I-Is that so...?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtCgkxeSMy
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhvdFd4qTp
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTjzU1FIst
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRRJKqTOCE
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlG7Pxhsfv
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJNre9IC2S
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywCDDeswvk
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphNT35dOU1
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFXQWasXXH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lRgfWdLJq
"What part didn't you understand?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLEBfFg1VN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue4wxHyFc6
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0xrnLX5Zh
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXEdQFiQrc
"...Huh?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAGwLKrTVD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhCgY3sNof
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG17M6edmJ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpBTcAc5RH
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshk9SezkJk
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAldvS2UK5
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C41ZpYIMO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpOoP43mkd
"Huh?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWmVaVHaLu
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj9myXMeXq
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXBze3CxtZ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAuxki7poZ
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ESZ9Fmbx
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl5f5IOqDr
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFsJVcMi0t
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1BiCXtMw6
"..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8aGRadTYL
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrswOiTH9c0
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5cUiCnZth
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtaJ8bXRLI
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLis6FiNP73
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwyCGgfcr8
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAd65ujvcI
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PS1IAZjne
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd4tItg4xr
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhNvfNmwQG
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmVJsls6vO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERnMQSqGcq
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSKuyarJ7J
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgpnWG9UCv
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kcrSD5zQl
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXoM4zpzTQ
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn2cTbGhRK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUzY3vSupp
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYttUQwrBa4
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnvqVRL20w
"What are you talking about!?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRperRo8NR
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9LJFJr22V
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAMweJarnD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVWYLSihb0
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RDmpOg2Tc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy922hGPGH
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3GB0LkPAM
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EvaKtkaDh
"..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TFeSBZ8Fe
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtijPdpPwi
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRtKhB7C53
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HyKHJnFCW
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDmu4svtvq
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLSz4bwT7k
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYOD7wt8ge
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHlciZLU9d
"Fine, go ahead."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD6aHxnqeB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3cO8V4ITH
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjk7bZZrUp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrCTKNX67t
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkQ7y3YRo2
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBaTS55r71
I pointed at it and she nodded.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpp3MrvzXI
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYGx74DRqr
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUBrGcHqki
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUPbfLP7tr
"Hm? But what again?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0I4PIMrOf
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJskWPK7NLw
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkZRnydztA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMO8JMsZTB
"I see. That's disturbing."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhj69d5YWv
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVNgHoWZzx
"It's... not so bad."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygQxU5II5M
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68nD74gC9O
She gently huffed at my response.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7fifnjiKp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZaaLM4nvt
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF55jyZFw9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPNNGITeS5
"Fight Mason?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQoDpc0sSb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ077Qgt5GU4
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4wJZNfjQv
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5TWspzgMB
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jjZOxJpYn
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yW1H2cBc0
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwgczvWMUZ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fdoHBTw5j
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR6USB5w5T
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qnMaeuyFH
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1rWkPofRU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RmKUhsqtp
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetkwyI2tkM
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe3vNk81Dd
"Is something the matter?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvsvlSZvgf
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY0v82zlyR
"...Where is your friend right now?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSwqMrLyVY
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAD8WnJnD3
"T-That's... why do you ask?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJoHUBMe2h
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3ldxwlz3M
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb6PxXAHkD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0gJUOOFPr
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWlqVOv2oR
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX2mV4gwEH
"Yes, she did."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51BvMAGaa
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1jER6ey48
"Ah, I see now."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisfWan8hlO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0msLnTlWd
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7HMTSDXAZ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxEh5k6jhW
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
