The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk4qaB2yGs
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"Ow! Ahh..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyrEXYHsQp
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61DbIdt6vI
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu3eL2sYCT
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCkUzTcyOd
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z2HZOvvXd
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgplXC2YQcN
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"Huh? How so?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoBlwMYr6V
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR6Fx2hVbx
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUQ4XVlUnz
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgwQumuq3E
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsnyRDNXnd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3NepbVZuf
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7qRW48JVp
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"Tch! This stinks!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yEd8gfRmL
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucUBfZPwvw
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"What?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRCf7BPSxv
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV7tYkYKrO
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TkkRKM2R1
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLAR6Ei7Nb
"What? Are you scared?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ue9CXHjfT
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9zJLRS92A
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJNHyiNVb9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI8QaxGub1
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf96i8YjfZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZzESYeVwa
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dwGuR6mLu
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qi7sferoR
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNQKOeGAGZ
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02390wbn1r
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK0LYaAQJJ
"...Fine."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RMoPDbP6H
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36A6E1Mx1D
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOHqz9j93V
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVsFlA5IJw
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpxwBxoS0D
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg9geZRVGq
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqIcAcRzU4
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKYRa7trrK
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwGNd1CRQM
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5BNpK727V
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHdNzP8ApT
"...It's locked."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57YSoXxBxI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjuiAwivqV
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K2aoLpyBS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tbHJpr1vl
"Oh! This one's open!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehzlC1UX9X
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9tpOCYWXG
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVuKewMJf6
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMyqMl4TuG
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTevFV9XCun
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBdFh8tVBe
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivV19qPgdu
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PNUSwI0MD
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5decMBxH5
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUloI3OP1M
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDErKe9xHgw
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAPtnLFlSv
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBMML63bHi
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaVkEa9QRx
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfl9422SAp
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiD66owSPf
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFWkaD8cqr
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJVHoC2t6B
"Ow... what the hell was that?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA18PpClJ1f
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49rfgoKsY5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8uWy19c9U
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod134hLAiQ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKWJtWdEin
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00v2Y4Ihlr
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJNsyhLydL
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVMycwgKZu
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbO0NP2MOi
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv0SOrF510
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufx10Y1DEy
"What's this here...?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QedZl0RTr
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBuGBayheh
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmzVRpayfv
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP8xMMC8z6
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFY0V10t0m
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK37TcXFur0
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UDM8Tvf72
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt8504MEDS
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVtnNQnXiI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUVmCEHnBL
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPowRKWofVz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUb6Ffq9xh
"...Really?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡricMxvWOpl
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEJ047hrE0
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uHcpAEdV9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4qXKVes8N
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0QI7P9E9S
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ElIQv1lUu
"--Wait."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsglj3NQPv
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMcLv847IF
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3j0JTGmHs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHQek3nhPZ
**SMASH**236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHfT7Zp3pi
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcOmCzOA14
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06U68t2RdM
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"Earth magic."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtQ3jUuHI1
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPfgzbUqdV
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV8KVqyn4e
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**THUD**236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrtbVSItni
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOymZOpmrd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8rJOJcmoH
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2HeFSM1u3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZSYFxKXEm
"...Tears?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WbVmYmjpj
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5QMVuJNwp
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4jMUP4W9K
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth3wVUj8Uf
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFVQxGiSjE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyczAfmr0M
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1LiTux3w
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntHYPDLehm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUxWgMFjs5
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuppy4jPt9O
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oXHCHFPxY
"Ha, how interesting."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rK9xZXoF9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tD0mC3eHr
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBgsO0nrJd
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vTUSk3MIE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSsMEG94bg
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JmwSkcvzp
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58IyuW7GU1
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m74DOE9uM
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CCNTZrvxY
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U9fysUVSm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID219wMq0a
"Similar fields?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcUNIEGMk6
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedV3LPds12
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEurlrVRaK
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuqIDwTOJw
"I-Is that so...?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj5rFXY1Nt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyFuc4DcXY
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu0awGLcFE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamZdfF6gsd
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0YbQNM9rd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNQ0AcpXNl
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMulKibMQ9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjTxkhV4fS
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9l57Sv1EZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYvOUC7viV
"What part didn't you understand?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7z7ju7s2Y
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpB3a2JXwy
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu9xkDZT1R
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb6UClVswL
"...Huh?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNXU3t02n7
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcnFiFWtET
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn1v2scLEp
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbNW7f5cxF
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoX0Mo1fWB
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb9zGW9dTn
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiTobOLBoe
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEk0plew9n
"Huh?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqZtbblNVG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArO19qWVsX
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbzBCnuggx
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofTzt3meVz
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFGc8vYQxy
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiIY0kcRkP
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2GWa7u0qV
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO5f8RWiyH
"..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh0bCf3gm9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxiwx5aC2l
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhA6e6VeNh
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3k8LyJvQA
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSghMYID4uk
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt88rwo2Tpy
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahmqaXKXRt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXTYEj7Vyl
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNpM5hQUKc
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BOIxOG7DC
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PFigBq8wo
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvGOsog1qQ
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPftYb1BGE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6enodZtgk
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdEQ18naQD
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJPVkhhtxp
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy74s6V1mg
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmAc1YTvgr
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHYLLD8qh
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KWoCewVhI
"What are you talking about!?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcDDqiuXVt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DYmk6fxJf
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJnh1dH36m
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRpmRKPOL3
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6SW1Iacu3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcxCxEHWYw
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6r8qeuWRk
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDLZpNf9dN
"..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6WsYKFtgc
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XNOVUFs4H
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs56yY5D69y
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0HMOOrQcY
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz3wcTx8Jt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiQCendEf9
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZMo8DoCVQ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gNG5GQQRV
"Fine, go ahead."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWDAxAz2iL
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGcVUMMs7h
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nQnWbzG69
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08h31qvJpB
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56X9Pc2Bjh
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Pis7CSlw
I pointed at it and she nodded.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw86GgD6oa
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrJPbbtGVa
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zmkOL5xIX
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI1lPLSmUm
"Hm? But what again?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyEbiAeKgE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZySqCThjs
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBycEk2aZg
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7xrMWyYxv
"I see. That's disturbing."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqvYnbBkpw
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyPFCXXKye
"It's... not so bad."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HK9ZmL3NI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUPyvUjfj6
She gently huffed at my response.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17z6ISOKul
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv7qBCGHHG
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZA93gOL8U
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaunCuE58fD
"Fight Mason?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGzh4B575e
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPGpVTWfoq
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8DziB9Rtm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpoLHV9RBa
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtViPey83Qw
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5dL4TA3GE
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7qxOZcp4s
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65e19DE92Q
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Cb8oqwle
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuB9dRbA90
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPk06flzCe
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62fbN4a9Ax
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu2i25ycrp
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX2lxdOQrs
"Is something the matter?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xszuar0to
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfONb2ZBhn
"...Where is your friend right now?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18nhsH400P
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm663wdYXQ6
"T-That's... why do you ask?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6RK4Q9jni
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCixvkgPaz
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQmQ7EAwh3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oph8SCh6I
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhefBUGb2VI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86BENZhBSe
"Yes, she did."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtGdpo9AmS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUTEfBW68D
"Ah, I see now."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmTTXgpxaG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG5Xy2W4OL
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56pZ4MQy68
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY20i6RfnaD
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
