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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitMRKuatBJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd5oKwy5pn
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2jqEuwAr0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rgblD34BV
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5gk3rtF2s
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78LRoWr4Ew
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRrWld52hp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xBTrBf6GJ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UvDAwNgtH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5UsLHYEVK
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjS0GTD4qV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKdvoLicPn
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?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemTqRNjMuY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpINtFQPD2a
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL8r8mUYXF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIBJumQBMp
–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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1QO6m10uk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJSnQlYuq9
"Who's there?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtsyeibo71
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLHnOV4IrZ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaccPF9Ul08
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zbkErgw1u
Therefore–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK6bspLiMg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr9X3QjekS
**SHATTER**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsxmKfBgfE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgSxC6vqcG
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16lUAETctd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQaQNSmgrN
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhLN6334ys
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Her hasty action drew out her desired result.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5HScD2MtV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEL3RIxsWM
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14WgKek1br
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfSIT5cMe0
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqqiVQQfVY
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"Powerful, too."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiGkCeBkdN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA6RuyXyBd
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl81Fr9d8H
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ8NDaWz2p
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCveC7MfYKp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lz7VjVA9s
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nVZsmgWtC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aq3RfoDov
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1jjhwd3f3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97LnpPNHHA
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUddMS3dTO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DuG9SaPDn
"...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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWBetWokxB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w37ICEdQF
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNA7i0hSU6
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"Crossbows!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqapjReHpi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgku5GObF3
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFYgHQb1us
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FJK81Zg80
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ574E3SUOCG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCkdeIdTis
"Ngh! How!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTFiTXDpds
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOXXK7uANB
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ979wTOol0X
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ467VZe9m04
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHka1RslpC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDeUDvgN6a
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2tnAZm9Ct
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qcOniSJUG
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjS3fcaiLR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2oZa8IaJQ
"You ought to know the answer by now."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1r2xyUjwe
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDAIvToakB
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcYJNNGL95
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjkY3pvbvv
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4yriS4Ehi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOflBmj5eE
"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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwflN4Vivuq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrzcK0mZ5F
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdlyP14nsh
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8tmaxqkmD
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv28pgT719e
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwokc5c0Rs
"Phew. Give up now?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZqadwzltr
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"'Course not, just thinking."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaYOPjcT0H
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRukz119LO8
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIWk4dt0k9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4sh8nIGpC
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEQcfPCqWG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnph3acjEdJ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLwLfrCoyq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXaNe7YsRR
"--Shit!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmqqybKoEf
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzmAP01LmF
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd9OXQix0u
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWXi7G7LDT
The man must have had a similar epiphany.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwETLbQZpaB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T2CNb2wGv
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0UljO3aXT
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqd5oOd7Xd
"--Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXFwjAxVbg
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpS0wKorJu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiezej0jyDt
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf0uZaMggH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeayKicCaz7
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDi0PYNzLz
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"Ngh..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVJrPBKGsl
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDboSlrLTy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOznjAoOQXI
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTfGXGTLz5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBordMRWT3
"--Rover!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04mrsdDjSF
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DY3FGFnQr
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKGFeRJfWY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvihclrJyp
"K-Kenny!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtNW1CkehG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHmyV2yIIY
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCwJLnz3mr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHWDyF93mh
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40ZmlNz0rk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr86aoeWP4
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP71KXLt1C
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5JeJobnsD
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkPercKAMQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId8hJVRKSZ
She turned her head to him, conflicted.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhMd1Kwzrv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11pNXrmd72
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRInlAR9Uy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXqLSRQ86b
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFRQaxxlSa
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdilTYdCySz
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatFBK4EG3G
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1fjujSrnk
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCFAhW9EEE
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"H-Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21YhgHh0OR
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOD1beaNy7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8DqBoVcpE
"You... you are so reckless!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOifVlJJXM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur0eFBsd2z
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSD6hrhAJY
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Id9fwKLw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HJHrB8A9m
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDanY1B9Zn
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi6mXymJAI
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDbB4tswdP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn65uhITLP
"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!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaTzyBOXc5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuHKhk1upt
"--!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOBzhMWIPt
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuoPG0CXl3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPnz4nzaem
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4rBXPndIb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx1z9qgP3K
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY748tf7Lpn
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JAhRkjpeh
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFr9PnMpKM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah2VnKStKh
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYFaT7X4SY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm7UsHetyq
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopHf5xSgFv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCFruozedH
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vn2ldTgBj
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"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSpEmuegim
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–
–
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz1IFwkeUc
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3G6ATfEtw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMumyZdUVF
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz6SfFFowV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzFlDoZGOY
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJTO4RbIV6
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HsvuApQQA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGSIcRbHj5
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGAW64epp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6xHcSnJHZ
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfISlv1oWa0
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1vVQNY4SJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRBin4ITYJ
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYamJ5FDnE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U777hsUQt
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeuVRUB5JG
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"Hmm? What are you referring to?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULRwdOobVP
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LtKBWqejT
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtly7Z7gmU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVBEX45UuJ
"Of course."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGspMMyIFPz
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"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLx6t3fV4m
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhCzXkHJ2H
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol1eaHMCus
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzIKB14pVK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LlDahAJeg
"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KTmjvuEhu
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbUNCXNbrd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDowzIUnWh
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwINwyo2rm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0XQciMXwb
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGV74zZf3R
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBchHArAaG
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp5jjQYKXu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zwBs0GK3A
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfOdCkEmZV
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXvm35Gw6q
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqEh0mr9XT
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtneHgErC6C
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup27vGAjvZ
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81KHwC6n4E
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS575p0sSdn
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CYfwFBVRO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemyaui9GNL
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexfCINLayB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKF6sZLnKP
"You are such a priss, Pars."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYq2V8r6rO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnFxcAvOjb
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp6PndnYP1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtwnZAegPr
"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?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Xvi9F0mY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtycgu2jSy4
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamCpDHRdnb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPMJaTc6tp
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPuYGNpAZp
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"I'm going to tell them."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi0PAeicn5
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"Don't you do it."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjtvz7t5FB
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"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mbfPRUNMj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94SbBDuRxu
"Lola, I'm for real about this."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZdneZcFT7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ggz785chi
"--is because of a series of assassinations."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIPQVKENcu
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIucFU9gE7
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqD8hysCNY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYmXhTXbiw
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFn8eMLLRv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcthKVSBBC
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNpZ45T99N
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDNcrl3AkJ
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8abknoaR8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ6LRDsNIi
"Uh, well, who got killed?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNBy2bqV3n
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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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCf8XeqE1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQbH3dpbpY
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiS8ugE02c
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8uqklktOM
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGpAoArzzY
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"I-I see."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEcTteM3rg
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RNuoNOzjj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdaix25RRq
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl597tTrpY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8IW47pVdi
"...You have my condolences."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJW085BWx5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqupXQiChCo
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4F8clnFhn
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"Mmm."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG5l5SSB4n
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez68DtLypJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcdwszQIJs
"Alright, we've made it.'
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74z1xwvz7
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01JQWbpakU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGo9BZ0qKi
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6kIYMil8i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKjK9WtCbH
"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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xRPi4PXtj
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"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijzeiLSDlz
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTihvfgrtW
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyiOXAcwLu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56KPTTr9nu
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLVdMspibZ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSBsID59Bg
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEm9jkuvaN
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBHIhnSmPh
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcm5NcD950
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGa7CbxVmL
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zAC0Vmj6r
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknqP5iJWDC
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR9sKs9UVs
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLOgQJnhsX
"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIQostlmFY
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKSLqFG9wv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyRUmasEzb
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6gm5YM9d8
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"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxSc6jFfpq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NYA2GpSHF
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB7YgJ2Uvi
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuHWRhcI0N
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWBI1H6oVy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TdMpoPdnN
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqebNozJAi9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALGlLTSXcj
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCy52TClPY
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnGS7BcUYl
We had completed the mission.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJrVGh5oPr
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72bOAoOPBe
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8gHffn5Ob
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FbruMXcMr
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"Alright alright, geez."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5FeVEI2PM
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1M8L0ocIB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa4OBxVTko
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDFaysUkNe
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUObjZSLpXD
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXfAnQWw4a
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYvPyGgTSo
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn5N9Ean2F
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"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9iL6E27Tw
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"Huh? What are you talking about?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0MZEKiHgM
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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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdT13K6akT
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She looked conflicted about my statement.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlDQTAIbC4
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"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OmPFktlZj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFYmoqFu0x
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVdV4eZkpO
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"Dispositions...? What?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1QDWQjMqL
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"Uh... our natures, basically."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOMdRhf9fY
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISpZ66YOv0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxChtlkP6X
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6fliNY6Cb
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I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLsExpZtNX
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BcBUqq59r
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jtr901VHh
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaSq9bstkK
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She pulled me out of my rumination.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHwJ3aDbgu
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"About what?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaO1JETthc
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"About what you said."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztOURvGrMn
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QCMYxvGtz
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIKTs3QWMD
"Well, what is it?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqEd4Zdbex
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWpzUSFn4z
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6tQI3vLPl
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"Right."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcXiRbm4o0
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvcByCZD9Y
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2g1Q2M7UF
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"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Q68taCrS
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6LNWY7jyS
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"That's great."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUd4T348yp
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ4Rx1aZTx
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJnZPONtyS
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"Uh, what's the matter?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx4xUJECOd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3FNVckLf4
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdFo7jc7HQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD5m8BVo7y
"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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8WFQoosWH
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"I can't say that I do."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwSuiTuGYt
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA6bGNMRh3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77De04pkES
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z6H9bXHMQ
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"Just trust me here!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy10DuMu7g
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDoSgz7Hj3
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It sounded like chatter.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRKGQJi8UL
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkPYPQnEdL
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"Kenny, wait here."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsulpZQJzkn
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"Huh? Why?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSHrenEFH1
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9iKiJzQED
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"W-Wha–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO0shxsIq4
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"Shhh! Shut up!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDFyMJ44pl
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6htBIYVUI
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"This is..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYT2Wi8vDi
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"Something fishy is going on here."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB84nlMvCI
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIqgbHygg5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkgLJneLy6
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09U3DleKDF
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN6GFdv6PV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFTd5vxq6X
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!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt2alzed39
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesnRjY6R6w
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
