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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwwA3tykF5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkddgkVbIS
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3SF1myLid
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo6nbqM79j
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R84TSufkg
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC9v9AeoNO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi3yKnaquz
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89yE3x7tIX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Gg4Jc2cTe
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbzUDaZnm9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV82ympdlw
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?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvZT1GFLOv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03FgJfBfYp
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxn6G8Gq9N
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mEc1RkDBu
–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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj7JMkYAjw
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkynko64Gmr
"Who's there?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHJaxZld18
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnvHSBTDmG
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGyohm0krn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdad81EeQdq
Therefore–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtwpCXBZ2E
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBfM69AF0k
**SHATTER**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvJAiZ0Bbx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtaCfUJMdk
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTl1ypEHt7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMG8LGgWs9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXejX7b58KC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGzFCf2byj
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojGAn2jYig
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPwyPVzOZw
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsCxYuo8V5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUKmbbzmKP
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSKQARqSYa
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"Powerful, too."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsrFkxhVvs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2SbdPhCAK
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDClVYorZjV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0IrwafQ3R
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcJfFjq3ii
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKU8e92oHU
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9UqHUsSds
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9LHLatulP
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6k6spKtUo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm934XsRFo
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KmxJ6ekYK
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbnoqKWLYQ
"...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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tVX8YQ3vN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCcSdxY9wh
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlHbArZR2T
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dWuQdljo8
"Crossbows!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6URReyjT0
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM1OxdPk6O
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV7cOGaR4h
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZltKX2ARY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO2WzqdTe5
"Ngh! How!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdjbKbcL5b
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQLNkJBEdK
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqxk9rKlgy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T2GCGek1Z
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1QMCi3aOV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dV6po2OpO
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdRVHpqLjp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5E9039eps
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTXJ64kSr7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipLAtHfdRx
"You ought to know the answer by now."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7DjSRGxvp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Zo2vNajT
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hCDziFbLj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzM7snDz65
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKebXfUT59
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumKZhStn4h
"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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60rm3PasSH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNLZEhGc7p
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jtxeirdyg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KNiZirk5a
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIsyXtFnAP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfF07txCR
"Phew. Give up now?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HPiyt0C6O
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iZxXYo1Sl
"'Course not, just thinking."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TS41qqNtS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeD7Phz8oa
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSkIogJZvg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbVi0KfbA1
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaSc8WLFlP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB8jdKTWBr
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96RwUGSGKX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLz2VQpt8Y
"--Shit!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oCuDKzpLQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1wBcG30rZ
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytfGLaIaJV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B14Fw6ALO
The man must have had a similar epiphany.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcelYjG6WoQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea9AWzSaDP
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbHXN9Otbi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiIIgjDgZG
"--Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMFEWc6p8f
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NF5zWI0dk
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFUILEwjmU
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmjBJsStSd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxB7sVMguX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNq7WwISkM
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"Ngh..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoA0rIzWnV
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgNrBftLcm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxsqnuY2P2
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1TrfdnryQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv0PmOyuZb
"--Rover!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICNeR7Zcc6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyTAi2kPDe
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbU8BMf0vF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiJ18W3Azo
"K-Kenny!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMCElrmN6Z
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDgjXBke9H
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X5PsLfYK4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTmzO69jtp
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVvbfiKOIJ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLatn7Ug6uQ
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmGbOLLIKm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQYZtGYJJ
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV4ewkUBEq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal7oNGbzNe
She turned her head to him, conflicted.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDykhtsgtBr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQufYrxrIcF
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPdUeUJvIj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwFRIc1flk
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzDTvXRdFb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xZxKuz0eA
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7nivGFwSk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeqQ0eSBgw
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fRiJq8I8q
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF59jtdyOAq
"H-Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnSHr7O64N
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ndPdcAq9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjkK8jfctI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhKe39IlkW
"You... you are so reckless!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupG98AOSVx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzaRDbPqHK
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBLtuCaptr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwciakb7zNC
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtHHXBObGV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYO2N1TJ21
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk5hsJJiNm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjHj8tqHJd
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5GDkV6mpT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq038OWEfze
"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!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5im6vIayL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypUrP1tPhC
"--!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPF7nHjEMZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs4ohjh0PO
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEilqaiT2S
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DI1IbTo2l
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMGTrAMZv3
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrKjQsuSMu
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1Nx2pIkz6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAMMlp7KDC
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWmAUuCzLt
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUltCkMQP3a
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TrUp8vz1X
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTuW6Gdq49
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWgyEvKYPj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aHtldfHuf
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMqLidSbdd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbKvncebND
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIBjIXWGtb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfoku53Vue
–
–
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSPKHOLXu1
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZH5QLQY7x
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2b3nIDqe3
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhewdlpn0uC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya4Nt3EFMY
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL9axcmbAT
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17wKiFBHHz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDzwSrm2ii
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCikPfy7Zh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulr6kB8gE2
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Nwy8V7UL
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCABS0Z3kPf
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnbnaDVKSY
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kI1ET2nKI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZdGPqHGG0
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0krB4QAWN4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWOAmv1F8S
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK572GxPquG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5SmWQU2am
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wRTqhX9jP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOg3RBr5tj
"Of course."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr6k8vlBtm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF8x7m7RHS
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7AVJARonH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0xZFWXUw5
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGiRQwrMZd
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoeQbO7nax
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgcpn2x7m6
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Z8NOjemD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAhxjac7IW
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFHMwxayu2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fJ1aMqG3G
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6VgzgoiLx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFkVyNYnFz
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTSczb69dp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIOCxUf9s5
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqyg1WuSnn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZkexrBdDf
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKmdgKMiFm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJakDIIi1Nw
"Then I suppose I have no choice."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7a57C0VYs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCqxLSnw5c
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOP5HDmFBb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPQlh2y6U3
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpJxU7GZWV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZAqIyxWP8
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNMVVehE2P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpT6GWQjvC
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIod8m8TTc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx4Ly3nxWE
"You are such a priss, Pars."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIGg3Rwsqm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qfEP0XUKk
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW9Ipx2qoa
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbbgWAyTLE
"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?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGAeWjqb4G
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytEGmkeO54
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0dorxPurW
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYBFvZZpHd
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmphKCaL3fB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiklLW0eu7b
"I'm going to tell them."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzt5n0NJRY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7dcwnV9Ho
"Don't you do it."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QgTPWQKhN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTWg2LMAbx
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o14Yjg8Kl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkDzS3hW0u
"Lola, I'm for real about this."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftGo7cdEWv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cfO2ls6VI
"--is because of a series of assassinations."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ847FR8AL0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G80V1JlkG
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z34QAo3nU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dQcSCS4R0
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ336YanePK9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9noE7t96Wq
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrssRTc46N
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIOe1c7Dj7
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBeHQwf9pl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRisbWe4GDO
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P6z7Uks5c
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FEOovCiVM
"Uh, well, who got killed?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS67CBC6e6y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3B9dclccy
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS33IoTxYy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x7xIwZoyN
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVyS8qZmWI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhLaxfITFj
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v50YPdIMx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK6tmSVCqr
"I-I see."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPK4QleNvt
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqAxccbfGU
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoWFPOsOxt
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsBktacxjW
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ6lfibZmh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrmT3X8gZI
"...You have my condolences."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qZo1GAUqg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVqUYicLdd
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjWcZRWeNJ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNWnx6h9Yo
"Mmm."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeOOECBz7H
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Smm3NiQX
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSnR8UZ9rT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUinKVL4okG
"Alright, we've made it.'
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo0tyTwXla
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYelWhJiTWB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LHbf0QpSl
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq0cILbz19
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY7AJpOwoB
"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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmKHnlRI4z
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lfDmctSUW
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWiMrwgAFg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj4JFBUimI
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvFiNZ1n5L
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SrwXoIKxB
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WtfPKfORn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxn3CEgu4U
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDInHCpkmfF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qEzD3Y3xh
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7qwRKaKV2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F78qzIVZd
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWDw2cbmAB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCsrxHqVGZ
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnQNPNSGjI
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"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sqxzUYBnM
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VQTbU7mDg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwGb6yvtDX
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvvkrty7lQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvXCBaVOe
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAfp2itRta
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQcFmXmXOu
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcFSHua89R
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC1OxMESex
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSNrw07ZK9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3COU0k4yd
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NUb2POuva
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dWuCRxlPJ
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBrekuqt4X
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIQWGk0TKr
We had completed the mission.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SXQt5VmKI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE91mVd0GKq
–
–
–
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHmOwLZpk8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhMnmrEPV0
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKDUri0tzh
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvGsr0WApo
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"Alright alright, geez."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SpuBjBNTz
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Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWKnUH5j5G
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xuKgOaoPb
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j7xPd2dGT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDr4UWhB7v
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukNPAlUECc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ707jL4rtoa
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX8czEWdsj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmtzZbqIhg
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3haYcMAYf
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw4eQXMbX1
"Huh? What are you talking about?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVxivR8jD6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefQi11F84k
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YuD3wVo4T
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjn4xrms4p
She looked conflicted about my statement.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5WIybfvYg
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TP2TG8aDm
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKygxle32I
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LxFTc7BJg
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ai54xDOv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpwXTqt0MJ
"Dispositions...? What?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowht5aB6Py
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhJwJXNv1e
"Uh... our natures, basically."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PzyJQ7ltj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV7TU1ZJBO
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWw7xOcf18
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbAdx3flhz
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfhKfXav14
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBFkcewA4x
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfreybnayKa
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She pulled me out of my rumination.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpevRLdaMn
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"About what?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXfOKY95oQ
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"About what you said."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T2xdBGvDl
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68EeC4vvw2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H1ZMXIC9M
"Well, what is it?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡierBJt5Snd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87wY5qqdxQ
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuEG1yR3uN
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"Right."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7wGsI6XvN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z64Y2AgNb
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLyvHFOosL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TTnnmyUM6
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbxgj0VJMy
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTosQ2pdqjk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJQiMma12n
"That's great."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lbvIWSf25
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBzk0M0MGw
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"Uh, what's the matter?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN9HXAvX9U
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aPclCJtjp
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"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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQumCCKnvW
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"I can't say that I do."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZABSnXFttI
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapptys3rwX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPtanBLsqC
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ8R1AOa1P
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"Just trust me here!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUKeFYNddC
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbdSuAGQSn
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It sounded like chatter.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglVtcFDnhG
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGaDiovD7k
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnySCqEcxE
"Kenny, wait here."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRDPahfOG0
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"Huh? Why?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09WHLXcEzH
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR4PXMbgDV
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"W-Wha–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOQ84k5GPY
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"Shhh! Shut up!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj5VdRHV5l
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOCPqo5fju
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"This is..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLQv8mD8vX
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"Something fishy is going on here."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jc8DxMZoq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVppZgSEVb2
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT9x1RIV7t
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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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIISxUov54
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlYqMMhdGT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOphsWLlYer
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!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfnc4XiHvc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia8WTBCjX7
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
