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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCWJc0dZe7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDGKa7nJG5
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnfIx7G9AQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNLQwYZB0a
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcsxVtqPMz
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PS0MBMJfy
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdHqvc8aSJ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c5O6tVnPc
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fJJsKyFNf
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt04yZs4DBX
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UacSOtvGd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMxflAL4IT
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?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jkyo88HjQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQehuxgACP0
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4gjCjlmhe
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuhEvdw7Bv
–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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISzGpEZ0Z0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCpiX7jGDx
"Who's there?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1H5wbHGJM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL2ty4S3te
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAosAi5Rn6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoTiHrK7Vt
Therefore–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWwJWdwTw3
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr0rdja0a5
**SHATTER**191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaWSXl51g1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0bfjuQO3W
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Qvi0tjD9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR1bm95xki
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFJIGki9HY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTac2caYqS
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68LJyUqkNf
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdv6pB58vv
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMB0LLSKRa
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa96ylpezn
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H4dhqE7gH
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhvuvix0sB
"Powerful, too."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDQJVTvItU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGUJPoeOnw
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CUzt6SVC9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KFCwogoxe
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC1ly4JacJ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC24NiEPvhr
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzTkfibGSn
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26zwPvKyfj
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUge36ng1S
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIKJhMvST9
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2tEomf8zM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqnlRGG3Di
"...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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcq1cxAFrD
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnghyH2Wo3y
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sk537FkRl
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeANDeQZV8
"Crossbows!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3oAVu4y4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KCTu5QnZN
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQpn7sTUVK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfj1ifSgNg
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–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYWjc0TYR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpnR4gMOOi
"Ngh! How!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT9Zch9Gzd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qszcUzNIW
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEjHoPuHtk
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCOIr1Mr6M
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNUHSJmlJT
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTrNRmkfk0
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYisUjaXQUS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCyQFsXHV2
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyHmCqnpAY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D7hemzn8J
"You ought to know the answer by now."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpTMEnN3uW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGWsvkN5ze
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHKJU1LYSM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6RMFkBOWn
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJxAcS6I2k
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2rtIhHpDb
"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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lscBgew1O
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0ruFv0fS9
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8nH0cKCbE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCS1NAe571
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWHOR4rynm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW4OUDN453
"Phew. Give up now?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR244qIxWE4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV1Gs3k9DC
"'Course not, just thinking."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3VDhqHWLU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa4EG41FB5
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj71Q0Cr8un
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4xlZCBvOk
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgJNYcjsqj
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwV6FZJIc3
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiX6MrMuxQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ469hWaffCa
"--Shit!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1m1q4j66d
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0H7MZ4XJp
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMplMfyTNx2
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fO93N8BMU
The man must have had a similar epiphany.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrYwv0bmJm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsKlMnBfE9
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk5X7dzJBz
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9EzMgmiel
"--Huh?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqqTyVVVd9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8E0Dn4RDb
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7bu8iZkih
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHantgtOQpM
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLPslBsZi1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhOtMZSt7X
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAvpB1ixAP
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BMQ2QjfDf
"Ngh..."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr3lF5vtCx
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPD9sH2PFS
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgzeFJprZI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY67qBCkbXK
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyBVOYhgWu
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayBACnXIOL
"--Rover!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjn98NJUvd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12dzLYFP5f
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifJZ5LyzI7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfCkZPUaiT
"K-Kenny!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbBOeJCGIF
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxar5l80iwZ
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhryl2Xlfe
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNjMfzg1kF
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4fTnvBJps
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRry2p0OcZD
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPSRt1UVG
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSXOu8mwNY
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzS2IiRHdG
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvFQExQUCa
She turned her head to him, conflicted.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ9mHqBEbB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjUT7GTRgX
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ0WfLwKJ8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSXVY4jtOg
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0ZSjUOBFs
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMq9I5l5AW
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wy81lpYjR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK8FaBluEp
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2MoI8woyQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxiiEzIJPH
"H-Huh?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32ZGXoh46
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OQTnKOQvG
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsAiBZOEqn
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTY159gAkx
"You... you are so reckless!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmfmcn9K4L
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHPlXSQcGn
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejOvRivYOI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxna4h6Dcnd
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQi2wUC1L0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QQyVLA2te
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDOHJHVoyz
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmWW3oT5C3
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIo9Uqw765
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZWqUPWuBw
"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!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GtsyzdA5T
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2l6LfzMRx
"--!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCjqL5kS1B
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfMrx9ak8C
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b1jxjgkGb
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CN7EUvLVX
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4dFZSpCz9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeVAyLT4HE
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96fXWazB0N
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6RloBGIWT
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGAeNLhK15
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxmIDGHpMY
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lqJtK2k0b
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYajyBkBqb
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqMfGaaxfj
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaroRSAile
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYafzjBLuxH
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfmyDFNvqp
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwHm8jXwAx
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS0whWnw9C
–
–
–191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflMqVAnLVC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCjZ7FJLSp
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTKUpIu6hG
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlTx1sc3g8
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIupiJ5yIM
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoxcPDSX3G
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxDQAOuqzU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9N7MWXBaB
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VrSscdTgl
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXT1boksjV
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Vz3k2mEq
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFda4CXW9U
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVqsXZoFo5
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XIivDBItm
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94I1ugkSnS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DOLTghzfe
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRseZ3SEUS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtwW2LR2K7
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LBcuaYNun
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaBmDaeTZP
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIMXu37nGc
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETBVzSnmA4
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn33W3I091o
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvb17TgYXJ
"Of course."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2mOuj0PDT
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYZElO314J
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hcPZgFfbX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoKngbnAUN
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSVC4g6NOW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhfDHb56He
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29mKdOIQXo
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfbZxKufnJ
"..."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla7EjsIWf3
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmH0czSmHV
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCao3bQqMz
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEJHn3tnTt
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ICLaFhMdN
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHN5ptCo75
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHxQTj148u
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrffGHCdDky
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOUjUkzfF5
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bLBoMhB8I
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9eT5cnZE8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KOqfAmcpj
"Then I suppose I have no choice."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBcc2Vg93D
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbLK881NEs
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm6N4wo0Lg
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY8LFJtj75
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOotFHfUq4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRB06o8son
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHVhh8VVYu
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DhbJnmWVu
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp7MqGrhG8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGVJWDsoDB
"You are such a priss, Pars."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA90D3jbT11
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMC1uSXsEZ
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZhYgKgi7q
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA90b6TJ3K
"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?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0luws2T5r
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1PQghbvgt
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbitk0I69M
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS1gnWhKSF
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w6Z92Licr
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrexGenS0Z0
"I'm going to tell them."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0nDS36Bl8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4FaUEpncn
"Don't you do it."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGsqwHmOPq
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTaXnGf1f6
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPbE9r607t
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivp1WlNxSi
"Lola, I'm for real about this."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZbRCDNmOL
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw7AZOKH03
"--is because of a series of assassinations."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulOFCOI464
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1g7AITbum
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33nJAfCoMj
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1aZWgr5Do
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFDDwqCHq7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7epi7B48l
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qG0SehnBA
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnGP1whwKu
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczxp0Ulegi
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2k7H8edrT
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtNlG64qPs
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNfdLiCyBn
"Uh, well, who got killed?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2lQf8Crbq
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJQiU78Fk0
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5c0gefbfX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyiNZFNSIM
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHKuqFP1Qt
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAWtEqgsYL
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fYNTLIbmU
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMYffC7rjG
"I-I see."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKDnVFlPgp
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXRzJXuJEz
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6v70b2amC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TRsL1zjnd
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdFQlhjH02
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOt9sMkFAi
"...You have my condolences."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfw3GUzh8N
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvxbzOnbkc
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPcB2t5vmV
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLP9oE1oFD
"Mmm."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMKsEvfNnZ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVOxk94mtm
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GBOFu9O3S
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdka3QZRGj
"Alright, we've made it.'
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDJpNZTJ9l
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4DuIiNHpW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKBUAA46CI
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS61IVZOGda
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnDinE4jBi
"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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOuzoeXTdw
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb3aHEkbxl
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UU6BZ8QS6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH75nxNHSeB
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9INtJKShy
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuCp8rUmNk
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTz9Q6YU9O
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCbDDuTawk
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx3hdms2rs
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm29GUqPLU
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfcplC9iD9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuyMVK0nyx
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL9QNxRv0T
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJchoaJvae
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHkPXZBqp
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVkemEFY45
"..."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6IJQ28vs2
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt51NWOeEx2
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5a69myKnC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMOqBes9Mh
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1sx8iXTYZ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSEE9yrDiG
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d9A4m4geB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhfs3hAwmP
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJykRc9uVY4
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqplqwU1fT
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxt8SeqNdt
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6v21374rZ
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIxi8EHlco
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINFKkI0Bdb
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLv8DiZaWP
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQjPo3r4DB
We had completed the mission.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjixGuTFjmd
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliGMZAPlHq
–
–
–
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb4zosx5sm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HjdMBECEr
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjTMr1Tt5U
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp4DVFeAD7
"One last high-five, Kenny!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRpG0CDHOD
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsbaPflL0L
"Alright alright, geez."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdpa7k7WeR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVurFP9ozM
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqEq9Di0O3
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWyruox2Vu
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflgDeFgO0R
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5po4hV2XGH
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8C7msB3TK
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeXw1oy22k
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNudAeTfdi
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKWbz4jbUg
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKqjbwh1i3
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbbdruziA5
"Huh? What are you talking about?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02eOPekjFc
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlRowQe6G9
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69GHYALLCh
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZyX3ilYVc
She looked conflicted about my statement.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoN4np2GwI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ7N4XXf5X
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxivMWgegyf
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlV6Ws8rcT
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RRxwfmRsE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYZ9hwvHKk
"Dispositions...? What?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RKfUNMzfQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyZW3mTUIO
"Uh... our natures, basically."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b8SI3KMaO
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEVN8xHwge
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Dv8k6ptI5
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNZOzq1emw
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUpCj9VfKX
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYQOiPlUbs
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HwLB9DZS6
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP1o981fCh
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She pulled me out of my rumination.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L7rXtueLA
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"About what?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX9haa3y7H
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"About what you said."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOLKUHgEOe
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54GXSCutS9
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIUScYGMaC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBGAEHZ2GY
"Well, what is it?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEB9QOphg1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhkLTwOLg6
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JfvYCl0lO
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQhOE64Kio
"Right."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl1NKdZGnc
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FUwDWSEWR
"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."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z27LOYmKJ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhp2LvhCG8
"..."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakbu0BCv6E
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8suHrrQ6GM
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"That's great."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifdwOo3E8c
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8OcCzNGN7
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDsGkvmWX5
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"Uh, what's the matter?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SJJdsRTuv
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQo15kknux
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9EN48lcUj
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDXo2Xg5XA
"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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwZEJhyoTF
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"I can't say that I do."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcRg1GwI7z
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pBI2pA47z
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdTWPa6IZs
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ7syuhBff
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i106IaV4i
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5GFreDjkL
"Just trust me here!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenGSV42mf8
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPVnoRps7f
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It sounded like chatter.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsUqUAm05k
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZJhgL3l5p
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRRlweho1d
"Kenny, wait here."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCrqwcj0Iv
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"Huh? Why?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV0hZjs3lJ
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmYqYOoLiC
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"W-Wha–"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDq7vUEs0c
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0nipIXwdK
"Shhh! Shut up!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Op04vGp6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnJZqLLuwn
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08jwpFJLhN
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"This is..."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5mbI1SbHy
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"Something fishy is going on here."191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWLncyE1Gx
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOkkWP9yYI
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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe35BEnqwR
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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.191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe85zdYveZF
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyunMED67y
"Alright, can you all hear me?"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P0uzpcxSj
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFx4uueLF3
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!"191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZnVTWGYxX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBFPHh0SYU
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
