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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiLt8VYu8e
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxC1c3KKdE
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmfqhbnIxL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zqptmXF70
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgKfdw4tTy
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYVV8WbddQ
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwRJuPdxzJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOU5fvxJiq
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8lRm4UBhZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkr1py9WI5
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvUR6y4VBO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DguyY8y5s
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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPvAPQm8ES
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XZKhDTuTP
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFDJZ7Mb8s
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlomJ0atQF
–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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvvNM07qlJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhqLzBUVKj
"Who's there?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySMObeKXNw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM72xw5DzGO
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw8rVH4lxt
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIx07nTnmH
Therefore–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctDo6RWN98
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxvdhZdl7L
**SHATTER**213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIY7LTzOXl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOeUfFeZk6
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvE6soDgKe
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvdVDzk6Ar
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF73MmvH22
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fAMXKaXhB
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCs06XoM2p
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3K2AJXB92
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IACmzCyu1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvTewT4Xb9
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHtZuJJ95z
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"Powerful, too."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDkbVKg9C2
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UMKMC4REx
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtz1mpk7Ep
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7MGchd0Zw
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTEe2urvnS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4QjK6PE4D
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1QuKcWzIU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6O8i7iaBe
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8UJH6mARD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBOIpWcxd9
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnswCsPwgNm
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKCZKNltfC
"...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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQS28Yyst
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvfdLxBrcY
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsMzFIPH2s
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3qf48M6op
"Crossbows!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMLJQe3x39
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE5PpvfSnm
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSfF56pR6S
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND3HnDTtwj
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–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TedPR3Xs6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvWh2WvqN1
"Ngh! How!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dldXnoBsY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHJQ4RkcNY
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR6TwkApEd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVDrgPkvN4
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC649cWBDnF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKArKQR6AUL
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCbHz0bqSi
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB27H3ByjQp
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjihmUnsRbu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiQpKiI05w
"You ought to know the answer by now."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8ZXNlIsZn
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLNOfbgVhX
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4esRijiSbx
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpz2V8KGWU
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9XnS1Q54x
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrlh06a5mf
"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZp8Fensts
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU6aKi03bn
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk56HC8HBm
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLyJAsL1M6
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUJEcyPdTS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UAZVqgqTZ
"Phew. Give up now?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3KoSQDqfw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzesHt5Oqvr
"'Course not, just thinking."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaHh0QTXic
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogRRAFZ3Zo
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovHYJabIwu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsliAKgdsEA
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6RYW6Jd03
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdAUE94X9S
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXmrLgCIwT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85g8ss3pgQ
"--Shit!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxn9QYFWrJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvZ0HmsW9u
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0oknuwX45
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKTQAn6x0k
The man must have had a similar epiphany.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrpJKqh1V9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK0rcf5U5n
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOoX0d5Sm6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY8V9hsq65
"--Huh?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUS1dKJCIu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQHDKsqFtu
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s7BWdC0vE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjMcluRGMU
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolCIrgCL6L
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZjDQNm3We
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZevGhOv9r
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"Ngh..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMkn5axH1c
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM0aqi2h7S
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Iua10l3Y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxZwwmsfzm
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUDtL9Wd0L
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR0eiZnowW
"--Rover!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jFBohCeis
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWY44mRQNz
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkuM3DEFcd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAmJQcjKnM
"K-Kenny!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuiMbgeoLL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ATVLnDtxP
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEWEaq1gIg
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFI3Fa2c8o
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAau07n1yK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS74nL4DFcT
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3tJM5Gnp4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAuy6hjrPn
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxipdBdd5To
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa8uqjaAMY
She turned her head to him, conflicted.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb6g5XP6wU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nWcnJRcsp
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawUl8J8c4H
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVcZxs3Dy7
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUlJEYgJTw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1liPpR1sVo
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU8fOL8VUX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ8y53TTvx
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3r3QsuGWi
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FoET6TlGM
"H-Huh?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZKvKsHWYa
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4d4T4frgr
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitARIo5Bbp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEctNQFPkL
"You... you are so reckless!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ8HInheN8
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2voSkG5Bka
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGOqHUMFV7
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJwEpYjQSk
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SVCbeyQS1
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PmPGxoAah
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ2k1Ik43J
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCErq90BTUo
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcIr5LwriG
"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!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1eTXZEoCA
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3thihi5SM
"--!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOPVFZU1wO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrVtGHZm6
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsZMTSYjcM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceu0ZJv45A
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoVaY4AA4D
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0koNyTzPMT
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBytj6vZlU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTBnQ5lJMc
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32bGm5J9bL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8OYLqN3ue
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr4h0mKBQK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLKw0YA1ds
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd4IOPC7Rc
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEtrdJm8S9
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1isktNjwf5
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwboLfcRUJg
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–
–
–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOge3XInue
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6PUDy47je
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspFZRZOV6m
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubgUD53SzB
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD5HkicN5V
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6EUjsJ78t
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6M3NgBJi7
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG352Rr4g06
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCsNnSjBuN
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yim5dHTWE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS3PtfxVWY
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ZRrXtNKQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X45dj7bgu
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKDnFroZnI
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkHAlQgbid
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg9awIw89D
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wk9QtiWKV
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NYLfQgZDF
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"Of course."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtkVOU7mKO
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"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPhQOQKpMa
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I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XM6ooERUq
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUse5pjmCc
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"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCF3JnGaar
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhyrhptsQs
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkdBozBxCh
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMObfNDNmRL
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"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1yWoyG4cq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8UsfTMjop
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkLwwtWyHD
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"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAScugXUO14
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmYl1gRsvB
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchmP5ffELF
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Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdXPLWMlbp
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"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXCUNRhnVl
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"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3C9JzVha0
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"You are such a priss, Pars."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP8Zp4NLKL
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I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2AlODvwQu
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"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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwSFW1FY70
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"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNlh7j0HFF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTOT2zhMse
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrscVl7MVVN
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"I'm going to tell them."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKYxlZtDEs
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"Don't you do it."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK6qGa6UfU
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"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIitzm8oBNu
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"Lola, I'm for real about this."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I530mdUfR
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"--is because of a series of assassinations."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNTkrskBRn
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Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFMmscKvI2
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatQZIbSYxO
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"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeFeZFJDXZ
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSqJDWwC2x
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchnKmGeq0r
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtIkG1BAAA
"Uh, well, who got killed?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLOzPHmpU6
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFqxPcxaSJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbilYUKX4HE
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwFaCArJcz
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyHrY88yvV
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKDLe8LRkV
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"I-I see."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOQZRQJtbs
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi1yjOmLWd
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"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu5r7SgNxd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10TZfBKOC7
"...You have my condolences."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdihwvJpHD
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"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyNvER3wsj
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"Mmm."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qx7G6WPqt
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I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBvUlo4AyB
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"Alright, we've made it.'
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuJhJkwPZA
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalCmylslbT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oBD21scfg
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2SIpYEsZv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27tFBOWuu4
"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEj3BrKDFX
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"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJwZgKjOZE
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"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYcM1K2Hbc
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"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDsXr2lNCC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRorjLHgCdd
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH60qd1xqto
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"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2dwggjlgS
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"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbugttsAR7
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKxuEDSpqY
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"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2xBEZAvdA
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZQQReUHHn
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"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsa1K2upb3
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"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWcSNgbrTd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaISwhJL79
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPEnymgvJM
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"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75G9QyxzHl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPTLDB9HGt
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPqgQK9grw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDwtycplUi
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedLLn0hKQ9
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We had completed the mission.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7a2PinrlC
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–
–
–
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwF8Ul7vu5
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNEoWU0oz0
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqzwfzzYlX
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"Alright alright, geez."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYImJHACkp
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpSVQMoWkR
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"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B5y7RMicM
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"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JbUYcO2Vt
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3MwzjtqrP
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"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqGdwOVUm7
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"Huh? What are you talking about?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CFM8nowms
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjuJoO76G1
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She looked conflicted about my statement.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROqUz9jfLb
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"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zJb1kJc6P
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"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw5GErNTv1
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"Dispositions...? What?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh30aFU77Y
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"Uh... our natures, basically."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4WreJ3k7O
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKeFf9gugI
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqmPq4uBAd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgLnuoCHhK
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3khVNOfAHp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eJHYqY94v
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPqHt49mHw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTPaYDp6Nh
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvoKLefOJB
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEtTmCXMoe
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSacX0NqYKe
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She pulled me out of my rumination.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gV6010i3q
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"About what?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yb1N75sum
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"About what you said."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqEC9DLpwN
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukw5R0BNny
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zzP7OVv36
"Well, what is it?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzdPGuk3p6
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"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyI3QEeFI7
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"Right."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq6BTxo8Ur
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK7G9rUove
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2AAP4ps42
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvOBCiN2Ks
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaxjxoOMMd
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Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SNWdbnqS8
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEnRreiAtg
"That's great."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWig8imXe8b
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG09EN2bNsQ
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMlIW9js87
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rY6QGlEe1
"Uh, what's the matter?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2lAC7xmpl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKIATeFxXM
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JlpMfJecN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SsCXmmU4L
"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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj3HMGfJbN
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"I can't say that I do."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBA08fUFgL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGLA1Ov33B
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGcienhKNp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnZMWoGYfc
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kAmazcTQW
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gE9YYG1VR
"Just trust me here!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUgzH751OV
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Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWGbz5KU39
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV28axWD7Zu
It sounded like chatter.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQvq3x9Abn
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Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAzOuLriZc
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iIKWWwowe
"Kenny, wait here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTtd6V1YFK
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"Huh? Why?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUdgpLmlyI
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She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAYYbmqNT4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHjiPZF7fK
"W-Wha–"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02zWFOluP0
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDw5F8TRPn
"Shhh! Shut up!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbq2oBtppY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vL00FTz7Q
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2gSHx1sLa
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMImZn0wpi
"This is..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroTmMHgvjo
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"Something fishy is going on here."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqV02Uasd8
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYpD6kmuEB
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwczxkoYo6u
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX8LLV56nc
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nS78L6vaa
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrsd4Cdi3r
"Alright, can you all hear me?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPicl9WpvYp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkW6fhRmPf
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!"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fan4XWZB7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRaMR4WePZ
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
