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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsvLU6MK4V
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"Ow! Ahh..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9961QA52B
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3t5q16Yxd
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEmUGTfOjw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JUVRgVDKw
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx7gsPlfib
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPK7O82Fge
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnGPGTmlAx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JuWDNosCh
"...This place is giving me the creeps."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAA1Ohc6DR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOytLhRzKd
"Huh? How so?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxDRAhAuVt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8bR2Zrox8
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHicltlox0A
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviWc9i83N3
"Couches and rich– wait a second."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jGJXv7Zv1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN6EaTXYSN
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?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kv5XNx3Ad
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGetNgC4j3O
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug7M72hvvu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvSQobQQSp
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5m2plyRpg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC5u5VBPR5
"Tch! This stinks!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjmNyo4IDL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPi1aTgvGl
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO2uxSLXKj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuQ1XUZqqL
"What?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmCcmBUfI3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe2hbb1NXL
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOwa0I3Z5w
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3mDWLk8e8
"What? Are you scared?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmM2PECiY4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfITwddtlBk
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobK411xdYb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKcKfhqpCs
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNSoyJwB4t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlwL7l2BIn
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCMxavEmlg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKygfwzFAH4
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl75dLzFwW
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlSNDU6MxP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZFWXGbIs0
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu47zkmoRh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbcc27DEM6
"...Fine."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5tGFlPiJE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYSAqdIZOc
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIIoXJAAbm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamvcJvZO8Z
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRCToO3tNP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOS4twZbHR
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51elG6FosZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy5SINab5T
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcmrh4cKHY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTbNDek9CD
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurk0rsoM2S
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnQOizMObk
"...It's locked."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R57vpfXLr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavAyW26CKM
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH0HQ84FmI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dPGoD53rI
"Oh! This one's open!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6AVPyrx5z
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0KAZzBSn7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlh2Y8Tcc8
"This place is– cah! Ack!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TS1he3IWV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesvf2EKmpm
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3qr0wFLPE
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CJnhMWcmO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1THc3REy7R
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabqMEn8PUs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLbpRLvEWB
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dGqAkmC32
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwv27Rw1OX
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9OvrOyaVy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8ZLMo4L2K
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40idiPDUJU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuXdWNsR7S
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGT3ZauICk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPsgIyi7U0
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvuXxmWOqf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc9L3LRJGQ
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXWk3t7ilA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFJj71yAs6
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJHAqlhMbK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJGdeE4GLX
"Ow... what the hell was that?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjWVQBwXjV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh3nppvI9f
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kySfSHymf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcyyhht89p
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZM8bpFIsD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Ib9plCiH
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphEhLljpeo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq9mtZa9CQ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmRndHvj46
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVNm163Qgo
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gzJkVEi59
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pgfFMPCic
"What's this here...?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPDNtlVbrS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWWqPMg7Mg
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!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYZcDo9GlW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0r6lhWgT0
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiQcEyDL6m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrmdfJmn4S
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72bzguTd5Y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHzfTjhVoq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQGCB0t6q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9GmTbbZPQ
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRlFp18mge
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokNVYlaBQh
"...Really?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCuBIsELSe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj1MK4ifVF
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT4ZJJnloV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp7xmerd0g
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkkJ4jmji5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsApw9Rq4yU
"--Wait."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv4IPFWKjR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOdQWKX7Xi
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd789otYJq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDaCTPjzVL
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwxWNA3dWo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnp41Zj262
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV3pkkC325
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83dXBgOKcf
"Earth magic."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8DSlX9ksB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiWC3Q2ft1
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgryIcnuIQ
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**THUD**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kD0ATnPD9
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOdMhrGo1e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzOatbKBWf
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpv2p1gVPj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrAntjC5bx
"...Tears?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUNkBD7yJX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYN6N4OBIb
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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYbOPqJjGZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYiOTo6SmZ
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCHBMbUW8f
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeSDieQLmp
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXIdg7Gwfi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiLVhKGnPe
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhIilLeRII
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQAGEDT6BC
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv4zxspT1c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxEncMfDA9
"Ha, how interesting."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuseLrnctz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j8LhevxJC
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp5EjrmUEB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH8kpEsJBm
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCGTveN5Zc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibGiP3iTsi
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jr9YkD8p4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wwzfauE6b
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfNZjilhWf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iOKQvOsMD
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA06joq1Ntl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSELijPR7
"Similar fields?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45VVIGdzi7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvZ5CZhhYO
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uZfFcSM7C
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVxsMNJnhZ
"I-Is that so...?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpOFeOGDoa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAQQFVlUiI
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0adsAl18B
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPne9hKhyT
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSBaKhFYhe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPG1TozGbR
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1362Ax2TP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya7NBiZ795
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82oO4moviJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQvnMELuuI
"What part didn't you understand?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqb69wJ1o
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKwlyoNWs
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1JzPxDQ3o
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaDsummTmZ
"...Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q5ACVdUOp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8kgB0SmqV
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbxmvEKFGC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSqUpfKDRI
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglwKCGquQ5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfe643dYdI
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESjukFvvLk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOTdirjjFF
"Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJxqfAzscL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBposVpgdh
"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!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilfVONYXhF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPPacv4Goa
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WqZsUyN3s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Weq9hVEP
"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!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQRg1sfh1u
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1QB3JQXJ7
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ587SQYGXFf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIwF8CSYdO
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpByAPfDqq9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT2dO2bUHC
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljDjMK1vNY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChkmQfXL7p
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwB1Oam427
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDdL2IsQey
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4GMUerpA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6JWsvh2jC
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiLj9zSF0o
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd3NC3Q8tQ
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMXau0AeRI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpSelM4GHb
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3MDPTNR33
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaKpuNoEs3
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmIopsX8uE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUdpgB9h9p
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eetoWHdTY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9yX592sIW
"What are you talking about!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ddLjfN4CD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3jphW5MGm
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNTDHkhTGV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXreziBSYN
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RV2Fc3jGp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllJ6lX1vcP
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXgLYEC4bw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sIANBOVLb
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVAsQ7xyW0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcsNDRdPcL
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqycCxFYiQX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYP4eHe9Kl
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKeHudZ7zD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB5ePty8uW
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuogGnOOKx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjOGiwq9jZ
"Fine, go ahead."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0nwCo3GLc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT1Aon7qQq
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXogLe4xeQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAU2fTINVL
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1JWsdqgt2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtlliOjSSz
I pointed at it and she nodded.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaorBDDs7m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPlpWylLBW
"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..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ikwskfzMJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhNcZp29U1
"Hm? But what again?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNvpjfYMmE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepbw8TvDvl
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqrYCwRIHD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx58lH0OVj
"I see. That's disturbing."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnPGLkjEfj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAOegWrWyv
"It's... not so bad."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23VrqSt9KR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiBbvFlqv5
She gently huffed at my response.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3X3MVIFjM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2mWmwMYp0
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIZWFxzzVf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTyEPyeoWM
"Fight Mason?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQyRMtEs2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMlQM7w6Fq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnqyPKZqLM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWCkDwjZ1N
"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!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2dReowHYf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTrG1uJiwn
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOQBldHkf5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgSQvvoNGw
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC386ISrbt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUplLCZjuza
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IR1zFJwmk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOLvd0kk4p
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaMSikjJ1c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG7HZy0wLl
"Is something the matter?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY3jF5xWRa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0YnxrfJlr
"...Where is your friend right now?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV0vjMZ73g
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvmqTlbdiK
"T-That's... why do you ask?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkEzTPFPj9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2HTo2kq6z
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQbfaCColK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcCSyHaNqv
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8IRjefXTQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsBehjyVO1
"Yes, she did."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwdD7pEhIs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kapbia9dQ
"Ah, I see now."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dtDbAwpJl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsWb16o216
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rc856L683
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gr4v834mV
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
