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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6uDmGrxz
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"Ow! Ahh..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkESO9UDwG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVknl6jaRCI
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qg4KIrPAU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KkT7onuVI
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUBeAdn5Vo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v5v5HwCdF
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKYsBHkryi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJmQ5rstnN
"...This place is giving me the creeps."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1bn1JcDpo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYjajqQOGf
"Huh? How so?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nMnCol7Yz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHksg4qUuv
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ14fcB8hHU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd0oU42yHW
"Couches and rich– wait a second."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwYifKT6nA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo9BccoTC3
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?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUriePBPAXs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRXlMDIUWo
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SPyfRsjo6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLtUBgsIan
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVpB8HK8qb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dDPV9c00I
"Tch! This stinks!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVldInhkvGS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxDnAPS8Om
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJPi930d01
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCJuTNbi3b
"What?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z6b12Hsl6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPqljKpycB
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwdAQpMVqz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H5cCzWFkX
"What? Are you scared?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVJcHdD0Zl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetZ5IA5Ind
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhw6rGqZzP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8yxbNIHfj
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4LaP6sAPy
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsudKtYv9zS
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQrIwVmGhH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgAyL5iBrr
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ62jcBIgpQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsPODjlAxx
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjafs1j7Q52
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjr7kQSvnz
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25zdPteaPQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjStXLe1rC1
"...Fine."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlHwdHVF2m
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtgM4xD5F5
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqIGvujtPg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3mHn0UpTP
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1pGZb7KU7
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKc8so3GuL
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4tFNHZ4cZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVeA3vCHbT
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOvsRSD9ai
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUu7zWwFTw
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N3zb0CvEl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRX7CKjjB3
"...It's locked."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSKS41pMEn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8psObe1M2
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–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4lmqzoeKw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMfSz6NLsY
"Oh! This one's open!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKF1cAwdnk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8du1WruEZu
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCrVo1X8QB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlLJBciXU2
"This place is– cah! Ack!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSJI2WJ09F
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVgc3Ngt2k
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9x5UUFIQW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanbda7DE6y
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?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7EXjG0yC4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv36fMNE4N5
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR4fexqp2h
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d7aXhjLD3
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoo5SbLvKo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqh2vSe6ze
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg4M6hT7ii
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50W6ubWXz9
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJp2hG9JSg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpRYca8Nfv
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLTEdALZ05
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLepbKC0IBk
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPYExQvqVM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUZeF1eq49
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetByMaxARw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz6bNFaNae
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzwYSpA2Ad
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeJ5WCUnET
"Ow... what the hell was that?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEBMke1fBo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkgx6eSxfj
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r3s6AtUYs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9uFp5qdAW
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kvdsj9aPN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3xF53ESzI
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKyQMjmxhZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tGQPXgGG4
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9ozsRbtxL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcaDLcokYi
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTMYd3s0zw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjg52FpWXG
"What's this here...?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qyCiSkJTx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlVdLNG0yY
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!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsewxSHccR
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRniLP5Nl9
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc5SXw8EH6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEmsVetgWj
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLgjJUqeVl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6G3FQnydJ
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8fjSbZNpU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOylAZq5hjs
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0MKY4huIE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ762H32GyNa
"...Really?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3GYWkQDhU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2qRbte1If
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU7ok3Yn2f
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy637kyLj9X
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–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF98ndpQe6k
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe9UnjdzSE
"--Wait."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKa61TDj1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a567P4REu
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdbchk7Nqt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M2Gk4bKU3
**SMASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSvnSBGnsL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSC5lnxfhw
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2jiSTCLc2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDjOozo8CK
"Earth magic."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJRNjcb7dP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9opzdpaES
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOEnD0mSsS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsjzugg3pE
**THUD**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Irbqzsai
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0YwiVnqVw
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdIVPCk7Ry
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2RbAQtBZq
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QfQ3kxDEC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9fjrj8j16
"...Tears?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw7t0yMlEb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HB9o43Vwl
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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOphMYHv05
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZNWvEoYMu
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSRAjFS0FP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZM9nq8uQz
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqxPgUmZO9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIq3rgexEA
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UWqTSQ4ym
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4zK46iQdq
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL2bemzLVM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs3DJd8KTP
"Ha, how interesting."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM8MrCb9Xz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBotxA1MRHP
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjinmeKiws
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY6RB2Hom0
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyUKHMHRMY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2sVwWEcS9
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCnAHrlQTA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8sw1ux1Cp
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR87V96quWg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIjuh0b80S
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkODgz5OzB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk7On7xXxu
"Similar fields?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qAPJvRJZk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ5AUlpG2G
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PsJNmhvGV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3WO2EEJ9S
"I-Is that so...?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Ih2LkVf1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMDalVWSuZ
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeHpPlHs8s
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVMmscr0Uh
"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–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb81Uj8GEu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80VA8NHXb0
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDXNZPNStF
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Uv5IWDfm
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvhZhkJIBo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp6wkIGtFT
"What part didn't you understand?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBQ0aZiVrv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFl2jZTXJv
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWJSdeFKaR
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf0bXEnZWM
"...Huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xK9M7sRU4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1r4H1Jozi
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmwg8ztFrt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQDi8pVrOg
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEamUADnEUn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIBT11yJkZ
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFBG2k3BYY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV7rox2UNk
"Huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3urPAupuz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRpMeWr2J4
"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!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWUXREmUpV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6rMlN6dI8
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpHcSSZKwL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu8DDU3OQ3
"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!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsCD6NQYJi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfsnjzrahc
"..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujsUylj4kN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IvYFyLblE
"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?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAySPHpTaoF
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1aqLGfXq9
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRS0ObmMVU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzy5ruT5Fm
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGer1GVyTH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTDiks9QYw
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AUF6QrE26
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTJIbwWoG0
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwUqDwUVUi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwRVMWeRn8
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo3WuSsCYV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB789EEEVk9
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTU9HUjcpT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAZzfdEt06
"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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG4A960lgq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkReGhVSQe
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqKhishXLo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7hEGk2h0H
"What are you talking about!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed1ExSvygv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlal8d5lgj
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnS89qEb5M
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKsiiyv2JX
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOIM4xPx27
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPngKIE58o
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8qpeGfZmM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8w6DXvN8y
"..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ953zws9sQJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6RS2P1oiC
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–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD79wRRI8a9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwWOi5JymX
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyy6jHwtxE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AJkIJyNke
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXozJCtAi3x
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD2Uzr5FU2
"Fine, go ahead."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EvmmQxf8I
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICfN9Kllc2
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqz2MitLmx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4FNg3VUKe
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3gYm3KaQW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32mDgXO53
I pointed at it and she nodded.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRXLoERvqx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3TbLLmI2R
"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..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1cw6jbPer
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uky9zJc3u
"Hm? But what again?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2By97tats
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OLts9mw1S
"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."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRC71geQwN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvno19mmY44
"I see. That's disturbing."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEtN6wkeSn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KyBrTNiU0
"It's... not so bad."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHRSEYStj8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugbCHu7CJh
She gently huffed at my response.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vxQSjEPXw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ7UBCUNd9
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1rbg60qG4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIJ7yHTHGu
"Fight Mason?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeVHbHy64p
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLuZWR3M7Y
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gAIe6Sdjb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkwhtf4S4T
"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!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAZHg3qdTb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUKCyVbJpg
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVkMDEPPiC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFk0s7W7yQ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEJc6D8V4p
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Vb5HnCPu
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZccFd0nLK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbqe52Je1d
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6nu3v5Z62
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7tawAPx8T
"Is something the matter?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18PuwrWbHf
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYwWq6v4l2
"...Where is your friend right now?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwc6ljrcbA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXyDVQB6cw
"T-That's... why do you ask?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGL591yhw8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQS5TIaNIc
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleqYlkIAgy
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy42LSDl7VO
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.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE687edHJ9X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsiRFpZmcr
"Yes, she did."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwOKifTIwT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjyrDwRRzb
"Ah, I see now."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJhGBnricJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LYPTZuiEI
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6LKSZ6k8B
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I2MRl1Txi
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
