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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB6uTjUKEq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgSpthsQCs
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxbupoNI9C
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLgUKs7cmz
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugARckRyir
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmVHGBD8lV
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokO6HAtROL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV2KodpgHI
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvk9hirS47
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm7zNTaUeC
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszy9jY4d1Q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4tZ9t65j8
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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDEhWAtQUS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaJyj1w01M
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLZsH2LmsG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgqOLIYbPG
–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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ1VLTv1G5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YA5FH3qDN
"Who's there?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i6GTLDUJ9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOupVKBzRJj
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSaXqUzuFb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7qu7o8yCS
Therefore–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7wxhMtiby
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6AQSVemPE
**SHATTER**206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVcJ01UGWw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoKtnEYZ2M
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQFZCHbNIQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7jw5dil71
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1Odu0zqak
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFBaQx1AdJ
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHJMcOgOLa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDUElWevjD
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DfUg5gwSd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw6RNSRcp1
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIRt1kutlV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRCFICsTve
"Powerful, too."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV3nIu7QM4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiqJPf6a9X
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxVEBl5bmo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjJcAQTTeS
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMHnMyjHFP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvsrFAlSk1
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS7BbaZaq7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3naZbZ4uZ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrDbh5fYIO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIryZpl5EcA
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmKBaTx2X0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5P5iL4eSY
"...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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqu5z5qXqy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30XQ9aY4fZ
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkzJNMSKqn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuQUspJPX6
"Crossbows!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzjHQ2IE7R
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh4DslaPUj
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqV7PvQ4R8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEvkLnrggL
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZQky6dGxj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1mvQvVN0k
"Ngh! How!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmSSxvzV87
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtCg0mPX8o
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmmZlScXXw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsFFgq51QO
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYToVqQxRSk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCksaqWjcr
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtruDB66Xs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhX2CH38Ro
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB430Bxapsn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1Avr7Uj2l
"You ought to know the answer by now."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUte2Cxdcdu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFHsnaMY4E
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnteR9erYX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY564XSW5i
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXYgdFc3XY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALsZEfA3sS
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6em2s5wuO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY50ev7zeaV
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ougOXJMcB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0AZhrZ4Pz
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr04BdO69h
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mgMhLR1sf
"Phew. Give up now?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwloSdVVrmI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVfbbyWZQY
"'Course not, just thinking."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV8P9nWE2G
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cuuGH8LXF
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhLxEjFIut
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHZ6azHGYu
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKhnXBBitQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoTyZ44TP1
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMjRuRSBT7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL2iqvQD3v
"--Shit!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR0W8UsdsM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kBegNdfld
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxrZlrkda2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yAKZ9idsD
The man must have had a similar epiphany.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPeOOxBvNC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wjRudt1Vu
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaENImC2PEV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloi7JyXQwX
"--Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDZpCyVg5o
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLWZb6h8xH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6McsOColjK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGBwYmJTdW
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6djjP1E1EM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVGvh3KBOR
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK3fb6doiv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJMSzsL39J
"Ngh..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy45LjcMAuf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreuDq0MZjF
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtsqLdZTWB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu8oFhkBFg
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogxK7qvgJU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjfQ5IRt4T
"--Rover!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l2lKeBthJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgZMEuv7AJ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDsAmR1bR0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxZTrHvvQx
"K-Kenny!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJtIxY03Le
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDZCCkNoEy
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn1YdD93qo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn5qDZhW5J
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct3IT6GGIi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DpX3sojPS
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKSeJruLvO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkMSMbjYYU
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcc5jvy0Qp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv6Ow50N3j
She turned her head to him, conflicted.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPFUzNAuPs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUF8ljuLy3
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqKlyXCATa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIPyOLHaj3
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP5FYZSuHZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad4Z37abE0
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx8taWzqxv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gb5O5KKGA
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZZ6faTUBB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZfKUbojeY
"H-Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEs7Mfjon3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ukmOjQwLa
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgrmf6uiv6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxXgGlNnVb
"You... you are so reckless!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapoXxaEKnK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgJklVfXs9
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6hFLupc4u
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtctVhkIt5P
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYd1sl9kwD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ptdFLr9Jj
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoHjlZCLWo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSngrOynF5n
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR7KwxQidi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Jf1sl0ti
"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!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S06DF5E7g
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYupgLtTX5
"--!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tBRcGsIz5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLQFM6xtu6
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUJ0MhtxBZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknfAKq54LU
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3PxxYV1jm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjedQTo0i00
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJTixpkzRG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAuxP8nd1v
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzW5RaZKJg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0hfHH55MS
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cRqRw7zcd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK0FWs6xQ0
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD10cfumQ8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcR5bylXW9
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot1pbOjNdz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ItCCFII9d
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflrb77gKib
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7N1XrLtBU
–
–
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ306JLZ1myg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWlJ8fmcsw
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvDaj2E841
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU2K5tGTdt
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwxGzKavRx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8chNxeguqR
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLWuhiEYiN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gk2Xr5cvL
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHecRyN7kF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUfkRaBFql
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZluaNt0BX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYAZ4OGMIC
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBZaPyDV8A
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHu6fEl1wF
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC9GgINhPa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcJuravAYH
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPMWoL1o5z
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjXhXTtFB1
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTbK5LoVxE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtPxl1JhwU
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxy9Loyyak
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetDi1trd8s
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaYCp8I1D5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHYjuksf3x
"Of course."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PRfz4bJq8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83koJNsmP4
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeLs0bhVYS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lft08OpLO
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaeCOzPIJc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPfx1aeqqC
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYng92GjHIl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ3cbve4bG
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1CyUFFIKW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJS4LeIKxs
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNzUwfX2i8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPyeFL4SC7
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvolUOMczfg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJnPKqttwk
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhYoEAasbI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtinSthXHA
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs2G5PwiT9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVtu6DNhJc
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rquYSCdpn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwTfVD5cpm
"Then I suppose I have no choice."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsTCfBrjMk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15X3jP05hS
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02i8R9avAQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD4vdv4io5
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEt4zLrSYm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyM4lmcrAQ
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCuQD045UX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsSBmQZtUt
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloE8EUgfJq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJJUkvYSnG
"You are such a priss, Pars."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRhBa6SplM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSP9TPbvri
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpu6uFtZ4o
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWFqLEMkaj
"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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77QxGAhXQu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO5gFMFJhg
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZZF5BuzZT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzagIDMEBR
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RXtcfPY1o
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB4tDRtxH8
"I'm going to tell them."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sAmaDJode
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kiykkaTCJ
"Don't you do it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkeluYI81c
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YYExLMW1c
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUNmfYfssT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkhNP59gVW
"Lola, I'm for real about this."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsapeUajal
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3rQ8xwgxl
"--is because of a series of assassinations."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAKJzzQLHM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqLpUxZsps
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGnP9OhsFR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiQdx44rPl
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdYJ68r0GX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAnhgDb91B
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62kVcNVo3Q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQpbo78xUn
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYX4Cf6LQU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYLBggbtSN
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡathIXKic5e
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHS4TSEVRE
"Uh, well, who got killed?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfWHzHRMgN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ROKJ7ZLIn
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOnXbW221Q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUSUJUCWah
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7YU6AwOjg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpshgKigtmS
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrLnxarK4T
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB9A3moXlg
"I-I see."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMvgSzTbsv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAMh39Yp30
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV00xL4puj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE18UC7SXqI
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PngVIhi9D
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuzWqVws4v
"...You have my condolences."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtl9dA8wrd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwgE9O2NN4
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY1OhVBsXA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhMl2sdgRp
"Mmm."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDoQ7u9SRU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFQUa5t8Qh
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx1DRDG73Z
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5FW58Jh1w
"Alright, we've made it.'
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAYp5KYew2
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjJh3kMKsJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpGsxEfyU8
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pY3qwsL8p
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iZ5TT1voy
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yGBhBMXgE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cF5ditKM
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZZcShhUjZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37FubkKvIm
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbjsQnu9Zt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReWAkV0bom
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS6pxNhyFm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHRd6OEXgn
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRp4WDg9hN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO4M5CRwA8
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyTHnTthl4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlBsgDRly6
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHh7vKqB07
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKmv7dVWMA
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjqRCE3Ub6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wZWQKIIIY
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZvk8MFu60
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2CWTd9h31
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIRi48z7Bl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyKTemm9SN
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsukmzn1Hq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dvwU68ADS
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi9Kaolrfc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25HJJZ4CPO
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfbptWPPuT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer3ofRxqGv
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfdLicNKMc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpyyvSa0wo
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJaGz4KtlM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTvtM37ZnL
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZU7j1fRYz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOsL7Lrfyl
We had completed the mission.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIN66Jv3gp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqf7VKvNiy
–
–
–
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI72C4g3QB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKlqkwDA1b
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAsGLeW4PH
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlAru51dee
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVYiMwqjnd
"Alright alright, geez."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmn5fqLKG1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvlAsLPRDP
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Uy1YCVWE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvwe2rLHxu
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2KQxNogbx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82K10mPQtu
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGa0Y2h1cv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawzd4q3UJm
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclR6WPVkyH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLp7TrQGdN
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv1bSbze8J
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ9bVFf6ru
"Huh? What are you talking about?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYVotN4LNk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQcKxCPsU3
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkiwAkDiC1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJMr8dmpkU
She looked conflicted about my statement.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPj8b99Y8j
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTayj3U5nhJ
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQtIClJBLh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLF8D4SKZx
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq6Z0gbLuP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjzHWDM4IQ
"Dispositions...? What?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUED8iewkIs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24DkSuBdi6
"Uh... our natures, basically."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwghvDaj94u
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GXHyYeBGa
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBZndGdZbk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1b960sI0g
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGjMO0CmKd
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnrP655PEp
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkKXCnKHVi
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINk0R8XbU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB07sZmLBK
She pulled me out of my rumination.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFdYP7h6S8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m7iCB2cuw
"About what?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OiR34tBhs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf22u1aQx8h
"About what you said."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYItyzTbeJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfEy3DGz7j
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfPwaiKPX5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvuZOsJkdc
"Well, what is it?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOimZeyJZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQHwWT5ly0
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL2MEDlduv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdgZwi1v8K
"Right."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8QJeAvluQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgon0T82Lt
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fs3dNlkot
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhknVsYprcE
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXFHH1TaVT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB4D103oJo
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFdyPcFTrT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqoHeHBZVK
"That's great."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOt7u5BvHK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGEwSKqRFA
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepCNgbt68x
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSqk5IrWHi
"Uh, what's the matter?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsuFjTc5X7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63hzAtMc2p
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZpZhBDPGs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFto7074xT4
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2cJwfWde2
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"I can't say that I do."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvdmxNVdoz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TlZv78Fil
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGvfwEVGk6
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkyVTHprKU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMYyl3xTFV
"Just trust me here!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH4VcVoJRN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM1LmDnmIC
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoNkWcxpzN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWGYbpOPez
It sounded like chatter.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk0CLmKgtR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQuaXiGdAu
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2gdJdKMdi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7omvYsVDkr
"Kenny, wait here."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh0GHjP4ju
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"Huh? Why?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgySsdZRCf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak9M36W79u
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ErcdsEKV
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"W-Wha–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwaLYZUC3G
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5KHuJ5BoU
"Shhh! Shut up!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06cjBknRi2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqeLGHed5P
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93devHniVv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLqa23l7d
"This is..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir69d1xUB8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWYXgl1dO2
"Something fishy is going on here."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGHtOzOnv9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgBTBU6knD
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqy6ankjid
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5HkKgJmM3
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySHqrUVuS9
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokdXNibT95
"Alright, can you all hear me?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjoOKsVBhJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRELwkoBle
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!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakN1AfRkiP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hInIZnub5
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
