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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyyQvBr1FQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKclJnCtwdy
"Ow! Ahh..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIIeIhdfm5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24wg1ZLamM
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeLckBgRHS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZDjWhXpul
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcTnzbuvGu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4p50bug7y
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacgvRxCZuh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNS1xlXcVt
"...This place is giving me the creeps."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIJ8oJ9RN3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfIHhSoBha
"Huh? How so?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2HSf82RzN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdwQzR8HEX
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyjb6QDetT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtEzuVvEro
"Couches and rich– wait a second."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvmicLWsht
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0mHo7SWJ4
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnE6gNcKfp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t6xBNkge5
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnOG141iFq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjFHm2nAZY
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssKHuZ2mLO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKNDLHxGlw
"Tch! This stinks!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2op3HdzrDk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7WeYaXBOQ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToOTj98u40
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO57TvQRTA
"What?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQBXyMLJoJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIaDKbK2dd
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgsQ60l6Yf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez7wgckvmV
"What? Are you scared?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj00AuzAsp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr10cc4omOT
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXWx9TU2JM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g1s8yQwi6
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7S4H7C2Ug
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqylVeFZIB
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLSj7U9RhA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZvAVlpv61
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTieATNSFJk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTUjIjknNQ
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJEzULNlaB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY8Yn2GNPx
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAJJtIzCLx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykt3jFuapF
"...Fine."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7ZEQrw7Rz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dwi9OYo9M
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuO1dJT6hD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmgS7i9hqf
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcqmO0PO51
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCJCW0WHc9
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIwrNS6Rmz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI5p3WkpRS
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAOz0z59Us
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqe0UNJVjN
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhas5P7Mci3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZHlYoYHvp
"...It's locked."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3e73iVj2k
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniuRms1pzh
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ362Jp7ahwt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeXarEdrI2
"Oh! This one's open!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLU5FbznTS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhgGoBNw9S
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva36C5k8Ca
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1QB5d0v8n
"This place is– cah! Ack!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcmu8A6HWN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI7WOV2B7Z
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHvlwtKv4E
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7bym0lOyJ
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n0QAu8NSs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNpopKeL2x
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GDE61AOuC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5puEQFEogR
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQlErTy3WZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9QmDTCwPy
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTYJ3DqSZT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpoZyv1nXG
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOkjWzLCBo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ2xa4I4Gm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mKUnfBC7k
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO71vFq4VjD
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jz3tYLfYe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQVhha95vt
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUFbJ3OiqY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlco5PqX3y
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWr8eLk6uE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNupqjeLIce
"Ow... what the hell was that?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce0Jz0S6es
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi6BORDCem
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQZOTMIyer
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ6fQu99Yw
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtFpkGllGy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliY1Mskq0U
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiGC9fN06I
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHitv4vyPNL
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZx2NTAlCX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDQFZJY1VF
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWEBmfVODx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg9aZTLv5z
"What's this here...?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg8c9k5FWV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6Upcwsdgk
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!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eX250vkPb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVKcXZzWY2
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlAlniVujv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgexWApreAI
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVarh6uLXB7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZS8nEOV9k
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL4UNK8SyW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZG6xAK8wu
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGHtrcTv04
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenOigL7WLq
"...Really?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wg2fSqlXo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8olbV5wjho
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8J41NsJJe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen97u0gR8J
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIFArG7zlF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsuzkhUBdk
"--Wait."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYONC9aEOYX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jkxh5f9Ys
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCR5hbeOqm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWQgph9iCH
**SMASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJCt7UxxgH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlDgHWuRSL
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA6ESfrvmb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoyP6YAPah
"Earth magic."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dOmkepcjl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb86BuJIGY
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplRAUCaCUa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSd6ILUtQ3
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49pK4mjZNB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFf4yg8Fcm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjFxF7Ndkx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqfHvkKo2n
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdIbYTHkKn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiYAnqn6gk
"...Tears?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsidR1ProE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iRGac0onP
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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kzaEnjPvj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMWjrBnCBr
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Mt2TsQma
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6UREMLNH5
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5WJofCdvs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1GiZtv2dz
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggQLy8ACDx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ynOcyoLQz
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcf0ky7uN8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGHW7Fko0s
"Ha, how interesting."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W387L0akD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuqCxlJB6H
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEUSmGoPGr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnypGrwAaYN
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dhAmtcPyN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRJybbOf9d
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaSH7mV1hM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniv06M9SPG
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5aLqjeAbK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeY247vd8o
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkIdDU8ey2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz5WV44yB5
"Similar fields?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwOyGyFcB9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAZtC46xWA
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSTF54FBNY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFbrzJ91tt
"I-Is that so...?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1kx4emUpD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kwkteryJn
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYG4HFTKA2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MYe5O6GKn
"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–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnk3hSdejd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7joD2Q0Qbv
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Iw02H4oix
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSatzGuBU2u
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhIC7C7pad
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtryOHLm6Y0
"What part didn't you understand?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrorQBHnxcH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA950c32ZIN
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxm3CVVlvE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZesj9jtR4h
"...Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwUXtxB5Od
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX0CVyszYf
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VOnWA3NzX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYpSkYGWuq
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHLXmQSFno
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtpNbbo1On
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv2WLb1nHR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuhs3lPPfZ
"Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3yqt5inhF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmbXElsIab
"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!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJESCmCMdv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDt4SbcniN
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtfDQ9STSb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoJN5FUY6E
"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!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE2rFlMCUA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZQYF8hJ51
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYErhYD59j8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEsFLr1jlg
"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?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaLlwVvX0D
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgCaaP9oEE
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAj2Wtfdam
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc7YWedfzp
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhoQdy1XCz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgMIgvmP0J
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwx2Duo0VQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwrSUK9DJS
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6yO0G9VwP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP194e5asg
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk9hFXhUil
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTaT7WxfQ7
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOxKzwuQ2a
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzqmujT3vb
"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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkv7Dukd1C
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZquVUISsm
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQJM6ZeHpc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjUriy0uVw
"What are you talking about!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5np2cVyZe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN5VKD3Dy8
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOcqdJOPui
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k1yk0kAB4
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl9Vu0lu2k
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7Vx6Ky3p7
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhThVsrzIz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVDPU54l2j
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqIG9xerrA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojt4FbWONP
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMvOfo2pWL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceEUoHPCEa
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy4zGhNIl1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ2c8bFuX1
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cfEI606g9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg4ZEytCl1
"Fine, go ahead."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUiwrE9sSe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuvvmNuuHY
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLrLNRqj5l
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdFnDoxWR2
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCFXiTA3q8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEk5fXcT9C
I pointed at it and she nodded.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyBwDk24yZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSdKLpOinA
"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..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCYrgbd8Ao
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1YlLi4R6H
"Hm? But what again?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7IqzKzCrw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ZOxVIvQ5
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3srP0kdb8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCF3nE8MwI
"I see. That's disturbing."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBusrBef0e
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F84Vodiih
"It's... not so bad."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtisldzTmYM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjowVzITvHQ
She gently huffed at my response.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkAQfF9zzn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQOrDFlW0K
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJam9ue2djt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMPlMerXJD
"Fight Mason?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTs7Oij7xm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL27TK2LoM
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fUiD62EYc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BouHUdfwf
"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!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9H1ylDw52
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HLDp8c5bj
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVPnIoTrPp
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILn2JCxWxi
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPeFwFvarn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGnOeUSQOQ
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMI4Ybt8bd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ApoxXjkAi
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg8Zab8O3x
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NKXDkWxYJ
"Is something the matter?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OgS5pcfWG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQBu8EmAIX
"...Where is your friend right now?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhJnW2gaba
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64N68a6hcd
"T-That's... why do you ask?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmx0NxJZjI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH7QWctYJZ
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV16dsDNuZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamHzIheGjp
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtARFNsWfWD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydfyE3cjiX
"Yes, she did."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAzjy9TMhw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFStWXAJ3Nr
"Ah, I see now."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY0wV16x6L
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2lLVt1wF6
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP9eBTH9Mi
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WkJTJyxcE
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
