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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K4iffx799
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAGk8SHtAN
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIBS0S3LPH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmWR7HaOel
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0h8RjsMvv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTldvHVQwL
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAKbzz2JLe
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrVb0U7MlX
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLISEGZohJc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBQGOzafRK
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztlQfvrCRK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOZpy0Fg93
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?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyARkKRv9m
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTR4BVzDSx
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kkY26Cp1g
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtoq0BgcJo
–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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ah4nGRp7
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyKcsIL2Ay
"Who's there?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUTBWa4H4l
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqoxFQZzra
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK6t0GtyAQ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJxwUNxx6O
Therefore–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6SVJdlfdg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Us64MpWqC
**SHATTER**267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGhiBXNNwA
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn8TfAggUn
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEDWXmj9oU
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim516UWphy
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWrdDsyBeM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRcH8HW6It
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqlwBLXcvg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEhs6aXAri
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mhHFapdO3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jtrJwZewv
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuJae4bEfx
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufQ1tajuTs
"Powerful, too."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkSL4BxbJG
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UppMjQfXi
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1AR18Wv8K
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5U2jwFocZ
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dUA1BL1hv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV1JPvTkyq
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFxgRedN9V
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7UVRYJHcq
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCi03ZClKs
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUN2f184RH
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWXyONK1DM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xiLma3MJf
"...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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFNZrRlWxQ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J43wTEyfu
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAiahqdgih
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaA7864wqa
"Crossbows!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8vBOiOni2
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfmUrWnN5o
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tu509nGDW
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgRtPeIlyq
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOcUz0SN1l
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrx27frKWM
"Ngh! How!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibavsI0LLj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsjBf09UnR
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx1pKMJYJM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwov0c6fnP
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB90o3hsT7y
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXF8FBCynY
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqTahniJV8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwwXEvDs91
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XdZnLE1aa
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOrVHj6Buu
"You ought to know the answer by now."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7sfG9BqvM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPe6lpy0GO
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlBoXqVlUl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0kiEf4qCr
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsMLPDiybo
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS3XonV6fP
"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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvH0miZVcR
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6akHU6zR6
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEpgtmnWBm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpwuysACes
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdRs9Gd3e0
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsPGP57HXH
"Phew. Give up now?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbhjVEvZHc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObbj7BKiKI
"'Course not, just thinking."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsXXnSfS0g
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11XMNBgtZU
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kQkXgeMXB
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFFL12cbFL
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLOMqoZp6L
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtydSwqJGY
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7oB8suIEH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlGSpSZavH
"--Shit!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNVKSK8DmU
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRIeZGJZ9A
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXefUbOqFlp
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpxvIdQLe8
The man must have had a similar epiphany.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNQi1thC8R
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB9qM5U5vS
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRxUSSb88y
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrghKr7mjDl
"--Huh?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ1OdKOwYO
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h8Z0qoRZk
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3EqW51p4n
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUMQZvoi0l
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtLAhzJic9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXuRIj5KXc
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS85sYAAWO
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7on4UthJJ
"Ngh..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wgLVlZXWm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z4hpukIKN
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiaOhuq5bW
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx4P4X9fbQ
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkcm7ajVCK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM6xkD18HZ
"--Rover!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvBAOpfJM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv206ACUbOR
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNKpYymsYU
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHH7PeIebS
"K-Kenny!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwR1eMqMRz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhAn5fBsbh
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroC6w4km3W
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytJorvuijS
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPQz2SpJP7
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooCqk0v0hP
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANBktXSkNl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIleAN81OxM
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5YQQgxMMY
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ130yoPx3by
She turned her head to him, conflicted.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCdjw5bIAI
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhSbMHLYxT
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqSHNETre4
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79zjPHghmO
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwHODLqubD
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC831dsvDE
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9tJmwgjc4
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheV60WnW4r
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HuYiY0WWf
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiz5DOhEfa
"H-Huh?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKdPMoQNiF
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc9oJFk6rL
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgFLfhP0bI
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViVrUwiEPl
"You... you are so reckless!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWETtiLdgI3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ262fJ1nHG1
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJitoCbMvIM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrBbjqc0aG
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxJVt659dk
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SpovtO9vP
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFvrxBjrPT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXdn8JTYzz
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm4pYIxnJv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ngzhjQxaG
"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!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JR8OwwcpC
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDst9g2lwR
"--!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqzFuobiC0
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTRAVtld87
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrR88gshyg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzuF7gCVP4
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbwGXLdl84
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf8QDnOzhX
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlLyLQe13A
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86j4rjljwS
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDk5NkOX5q
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo9KSxYg7w
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxi5bjHpre
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nohvszXYd
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPJbtD4G05
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF6o0q6zZI
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfwRnvt2SY
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3Dj1u4hVr
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbqC1zZjvK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaqwiqqUFq
–
–
–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwj11dRFEY
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHAff03WKU
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKD1sInUHM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlivjjpfrl
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MmkM9hkLE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfnKR8IS4F
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlFVG6aE6u
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RSwn8YAo2
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrv40ko4JD
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbDtDNK1JQ
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVPNzikrdw
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJZ1c5mpx2
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbbfxGNnX3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ieXxvkW6B
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaOcscU3sK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHux2yzuKwp
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ2SMvkpSN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4HrbRJpMM
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVgBxvtRTn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnK7CEsxH6
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvjMoKmSx5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NoFSA8olm
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOlVPmdtJp
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGVlGpIGN4
"Of course."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO2tMb43zv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx6YGMyHoM
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJaeLd2Sbu
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXCxYSGYUp
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC4BsTOHd3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6VeOBJIiz
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIIKdOcC4h
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeITeUoMOIN
"..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO3e4Vz3GG
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqzuaela4m
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8hwUUL2El
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlzStj4K84
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCcu0eYgJH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FxcOBRE8p
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISMgIpCY29
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQgkXqkN6l
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuLDQN3WIN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZH38A8T36
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaU6I57u0O
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oUTSHIc0C
"Then I suppose I have no choice."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRfBfKWHUF
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJICXLa54jM
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gk2DkG8RS
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5x9iRawAH
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hHjtBFB0t
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zaPcvyV31
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkJyU9ZGp9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8txBNEb4fd
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqSyjl5nsQ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4v6dK1oer
"You are such a priss, Pars."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kQiVPstRo
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSGFbtexQg
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH1aU9DZvN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLBCGXeVm9
"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?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4iVHoTrxk
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3K9AzrvBM
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArCwFsNsOT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM70dCoJvb
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDERd9oki2
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESpkUuqKbv
"I'm going to tell them."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBJST9OCHF
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz8a5v4pkS
"Don't you do it."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqRHCkj7Zc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FBspnccAa
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ouprA9Qp
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD6qsFEcQ1
"Lola, I'm for real about this."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rnclGqrZ9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxGGJ1fonD
"--is because of a series of assassinations."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBWewXFll6
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKiHAc6R2n
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFmInBeAxT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoXu2YbAHB
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ec9wUTgAi
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUQ9Qrsj9f
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuKQmYi98I
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtpb1sFXMQ
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei5No75Vyj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjJTJ3FO09
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2LNXc0USK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DQBJ5Dp0g
"Uh, well, who got killed?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gXs6sbGKw
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLX4dborEN
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxihJxvdgx
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ2eMSD1ST
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc3sJsqcr9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUF2zPtc2H
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcJGaCIOLc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRmqvvePSn
"I-I see."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsM1apCOuZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MzMuquxWS
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt9adP0IT6
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw1Sm5AkEJ
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQHTxDKdwx
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTRPiL4nNi
"...You have my condolences."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGAYqIljIP
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn5sELMKHG
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbhmR1M0i7
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR7ZGv6qrB
"Mmm."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBBY2LbFRv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IF133oH0d
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2bTdaQ873
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3arPVvpRWQ
"Alright, we've made it.'
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfGEVDBSjA
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYgVxH1sNI
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCcmSk6F4X
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt2oE1krR1
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmLExoNtlB
"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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV4Gs8pmA1
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6eaj2SAEC
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4HlesLV0d
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKS2XING0v
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYNv1nhMoY
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFSKsWSKg0
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8EGuUrcKH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc04sXw75q4
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb299v8YDy
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNpz2tBoaI
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubyQzSczPa
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfv00jPP9q
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3bl7DymJU
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16RKx0D4jj
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCVmpn9TSD
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnrtVATbwQ
"..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwBIgraWiz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDi4kbWOYd
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD6EOtoWMy
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs4yVOqu3M
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QnxTuoR2k
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsZ1SinvVH
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eU6SH1j7i
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvj3yeksO
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Ofri7xBT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVMNGGKlti
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Eiv4Ifcg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nVasHDdje
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUrNGPk0Hq
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPDjxGRm0k
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1YyMdL4U6
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fa3r1bg4J
We had completed the mission.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7fVVotf3L
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSTEuKNz7G
–
–
–
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaadKP4JrW
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL6lJGjZyW
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4BCaUN6jS
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyldi9vMAe
"One last high-five, Kenny!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2VIzKW2wT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQAFGktaJ5
"Alright alright, geez."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoBt4f4UKk
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GgLDwu8jh
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSlEnmcdJ3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1VDJRKQBN
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3FipfkGAV
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcH57RNEGZ
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMWgKwfvdt
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j1oeb0ApM
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHardmpnjg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvVSRn389s
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yCrX3VphL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKTXptWDOI
"Huh? What are you talking about?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnSMGBPKAH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1FMXC7WAG
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YdluTzKJ2
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGvcXY3dZK
She looked conflicted about my statement.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTK3t4gDBY
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi6DbFUB4Q
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6LoqrIWYh
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIAAJ5dTba
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP6rZ6kBNC
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uZyFqV8au
"Dispositions...? What?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUPCqEoYUv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNGlASKb6R
"Uh... our natures, basically."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UDdWZnyoS
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgojVWOA6l9
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDyJ1UBEno
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67JFjq4Au7
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxYqBbTnRF
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg22UtS7k3l
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDRfPUOEjE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDjFoO0EHS
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan44okXQFJ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDSYLxtBJN
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbhi8ZuzD8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMgCgSWVBu
She pulled me out of my rumination.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H6K8ivSBN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ8WlsINyP
"About what?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEONOzjTZt
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA76InZV7L
"About what you said."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE19jqhD2q8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTPYoKkVAn
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsETzy1NZPh
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdQ4UVDMnN
"Well, what is it?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzaxv928zA
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1elJ1qjR4
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKni5b8mXvj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWc8Slwj0l
"Right."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ocjB1WKxe
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3aRYwuOd3
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vRXLZYMbl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW2ncAa3X1
"..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbURrpGOJX
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV171Niu9n
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrxUN4pZqn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOzdCuEdGC
"That's great."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYwnBVUbDn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIu1pN9hxF
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscrU9gyqoL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnldseXhEr
"Uh, what's the matter?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ucsYZq7wf
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYPEtFnA3M
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSReIRIsU79
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2KN0BJBLq
"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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5AxaeOwlA
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrW4VaauNr
"I can't say that I do."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT5876uBoz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMni3gpeKw
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8d2FgHZ09
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui634yAZfJ
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy62yTL6mg3
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rtFT4wcQb
"Just trust me here!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcULfC1xWfL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkjuT3UdI6
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0Tlnd3eo0
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL2RtZLI9V
It sounded like chatter.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi092CFUYzJ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XlhohPlZK
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuHCTV68y8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZhSPUKf4z
"Kenny, wait here."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSskWDYSq3Q
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOh8icqcSQ
"Huh? Why?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPzOgle51j
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNyKUOQson
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyivlHFBx8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioTbkIgI9c
"W-Wha–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvME7SEppg
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDI9Jf3FuL
"Shhh! Shut up!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8fxSDMhrr
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLy89fN1ft
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GcMLKDXmR
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyedMD0Y23n
"This is..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXEFC6Zmid
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoNprXx9Np
"Something fishy is going on here."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACplGDPqFj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODrHPe6svB
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHHajeMtId
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfmPQ5kDZc
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNwzps8KQG
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmIPVrLFxO
"Alright, can you all hear me?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUJu8gmblt
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBkcrcwdA8
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!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHtTq1IbnD
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KC4f69KMp
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
