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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsFXLos1jZ
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"Ow! Ahh..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHmnIh62k6
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr2w9SiTHc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3fWhkK0lk
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJzGpjB5Pd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuVhTFShgZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh4FZqMph4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIaesSR49W
"...This place is giving me the creeps."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSFasfXCXi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7EqjRxPSE
"Huh? How so?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYRzOSfxLi
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR035akiiDc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhK1F2EnGf
"Couches and rich– wait a second."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt83xaK2AY
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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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDORrlI3iXQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMzNk09aAG
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC94Mp7DMS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyGd3HAL3M
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPCSBKmQyQ
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"Tch! This stinks!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9qWxcXEwC
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxgT75QtxM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YddRAvyJE
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls7VwpVBeO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb0OZuUyQC
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSu8y5ChPS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgaFQts9zh
"What? Are you scared?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVflToRLAc
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmzLEFekhM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2A9gmcqfB
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC1s5IxfuR
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIMLPGwjnw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecTXHSdp2I
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvuMqiwgVj
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE6OuWVbtL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJVL17nK4n
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymEE8RWQPz
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"...Fine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEa6B9YpoQ
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiFrwfRNrf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0krUFFkEY2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFkYrBNqKp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yqRGnFdC6
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX5Y0VqFqq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgcqcYsLC5
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJhLtxDCE3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWyizaZipe
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfgXBIM3iJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhwrJsk4AN
"...It's locked."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5ZKlQrAH2
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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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRinWr5TubO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9LkuNJQ3G
"Oh! This one's open!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7CRUtnlbl
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GpFQMwgmH
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxaPyLWlwU
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgFK5GlSpc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSxoZVCgM2
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7frj0xLIGY
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3WSLquOZ2
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8EJ4Zgvh1
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUSp3XCHiz
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtqmpBOjGk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH2iQ8VMYH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAMXWXak17
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj559kXWkDH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBwdMGiCM4
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneWNvUaLMo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnhRYQJ4zc
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RDgApBTYT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR44bYgPLKS
"Ow... what the hell was that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hOl09VOj8
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ1SVM2JCm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARgBcZ3cML
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ujCfOu6i
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cDOa6jc4I
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq71dftfAVE
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Jq0KpiZy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocVTdsPe52
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wM4zJUst4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJo0tUSKeT
"What's this here...?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4EPOzL8Y9
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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!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwttu9pFHds
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VUgw5dPZ2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRhd8Bq75j
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheEwqlZhuU
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa3BogplgK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnceNkUARJ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrxlMhdZBB
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF3XR6XK7f
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxGRCNESd8
"...Really?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6Ay8g4RUz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87n3c7kmcg
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeR6DHPDYs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwahgHqmGzj
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6MNs2HjYU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SmnjZD6kd
"--Wait."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEF2HgyybP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK3aXmc7I0
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchWCC2CfQz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINM3p5rhIE
**SMASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3uxePmqoR
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N0e1nSeeb
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"Earth magic."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNkw6amPGY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWnWO044va
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeEytP0vnW
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**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnxTgZjIGy
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1uZzYoyTH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbAeRyHcPQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuvhXl86cy
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"...Tears?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlHLf3Aq8B
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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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAydYu9HIJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BZ6nH8a19
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpo4rx9uch
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGwwmDXDsV
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD07LNCEqRJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLfSOLAfiu
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZEMtm7pcS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRNFpHVQC1
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZkB7asqVl
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"Ha, how interesting."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgEZSu0OxI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgULuK6eeyM
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyeLxbOw59
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtp8NsgjUY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pfVsNgIBa
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZrY5nAd22
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSSYFwrZnY
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotdJDshs0a
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWplkJkxv9
"Similar fields?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHebbz4OHO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEqyclejKZ
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIri8AJNGS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ833Mhpwp1
"I-Is that so...?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZDxeqbgEH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6cOr9KMFd
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrLI9wA8pL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpbRaGnyag
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPrHH07xJr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSDZGkwmLR
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFFbAVuDeC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdjpcBbUSI
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7fgxGZ9uF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwn067fM9o
"What part didn't you understand?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4dLh7JGKD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0VYpaZJWH
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hhWEgO3wI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL3wXSYz0k
"...Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx20GZH5pha
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6YSk5SJXo
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxvsi0ORs4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BkIocEvzx
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAEgtVFTW6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMJLDFZtfT
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuExLxWz5R
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUt38N2ZIq
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMictdjkqWh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCGdUgSvaI
"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!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQvI0aTyVT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hdWfpcHQN
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw18Lyn0BFT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7FfGAQaJu
"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!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gS86J6cxa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5CeFJpHEL
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZutcjCqYL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ776XJSzA71
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV206xXivt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqUrmjl5zw
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrLhGRtjMZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0q2t7QVmg
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThxaKh8ms3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCkPofEKUp
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL7TbPQZZo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nrL1DI1G6
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdQlgNgWpd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMigx7zWBe
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DEo38ExhD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXKRCyA3us
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rt8I1k04H
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf9pWxKlaF
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5mUtYccyt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7E6omtMGw
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvkHzgU7fb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn827iar9Tw
"What are you talking about!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTuyrWy2SA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc7Cslh2eM
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPzYD7OeCQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAOkU590Ua
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEU5NnQrYI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVawdSsYeGU
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApy7nN8czj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTEowLv0Cd
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA96LT63PMf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZUqrkriqR
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbAy8cMHvI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJR6dbDx3c
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgksMvbcQ6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FhPXTusbh
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mQwvQ3MKW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYleBS89re2
"Fine, go ahead."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHD8C9mSOI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloFjXOxzWX
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsReCC5YQES
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0R8kUx5fg
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TJYlJs1L7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DUsLiNmre
I pointed at it and she nodded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeyFZscZGQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNoz9Y7Six
"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..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpBfrsXIgA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPuG7N8226
"Hm? But what again?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaxgYxfF64
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3HuV8KrhM
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRRYMl4MpZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSblQvXZzCn
"I see. That's disturbing."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm2a9Cy52Z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFRlEJUc12
"It's... not so bad."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIBAZdBEWz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tUv8lUxYt
She gently huffed at my response.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sVu72sRlR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKuNc72M0j
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcZQHq54nv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgqHFH2gcf
"Fight Mason?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Np1QjjeV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrnhQzra9N
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c581Cd58U
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE53rrApfP
"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!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ4kiXG9y6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRPXEDYqRd
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim9oliYHt2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjf5DTv4OQ
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVhdHUuov
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qGZVYn3GW
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEfVgPC6gr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGGcvOeDfl
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELtpxYGzNK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ovZ8nHXgB
"Is something the matter?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnflqhyPyaF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXhXWHZFsq
"...Where is your friend right now?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPiVabHbcT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIZrxOpI4j
"T-That's... why do you ask?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5PHo66Ep5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVDUaEyGyX
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf3DsPr9xn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7PgsyB6hQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBwuY2fvcL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQanHTQAO8
"Yes, she did."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW7QuvMyZR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMHfHrRXMW
"Ah, I see now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuGlylBAqr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHlijIBFAF
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaagKg5rUy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRFhRIXOUO
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
