The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbqkerYXhW
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"Ow! Ahh..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqta8uBhJmV
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3MgY3XHam
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKutsyPm8v
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She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJK1hli1GH
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00v6kgYj1a
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"Huh? How so?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y33pUOOJY
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHq1KAk27J
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF0e02TT3v
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JeYOGWb7d
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctQVcaYYMK
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuRYNMIoEA
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"Tch! This stinks!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDIpYo4Q1f
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTqugP4qut
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"What?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyCEv13Se9
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWlo0ron5W
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"What? Are you scared?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Q015fiAJ
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOFsjjTGQs
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU4yKgH6Jt
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGLm6eVKOt
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She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgapjQtYE9
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuQbHnYOxk
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFezeh87Kif
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"...Fine."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRLhdkbdh
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPwnd8heJU
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Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksO8OWJmaj
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My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbHOFo1AGL
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjblGuzyTG
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Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rgYcAR6FC
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"...It's locked."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfz02OvmBZ
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEH7i3AaYz
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"Oh! This one's open!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGU81cOuW0
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IH0ACXoTw
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1pZnesyKg
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2IIgaVAs6
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cnfvIOwo9
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5lKhRD7Ti
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYslmP6rju
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This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H0SO15znW
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYwCiAUdJ2
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Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmReVQwR6j
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It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUcX50L8hV
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLjLVmmW7H
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wg9tEQg2J
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGu62Crdka
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiW7PmTxDW
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8xuTuoMuO
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6DTAVeuzS
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I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tVa3eBFGY
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It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F2s2daDOI
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"What's this here...?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCybxr8LCkn
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Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJugfJXRDF
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My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6Rz0NOupF
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIwQGkiMwD
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The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLhSMtgu2u
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9w6qFVWfR
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"...Really?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQklqmqxGUz
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9csx6bXwHZ
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruohWu7xml
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7jjBkMg8P
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"--Wait."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAcBXqcSCj
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaH2ZAF3Ns
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**SMASH**134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunqLZJtYD2
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Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x7MbF6gU0
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"Earth magic."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycdrxaAidX
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCddNWZ0FA
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**THUD**134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45RHD2z1VW
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbBwmSnrNi
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Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJueyYoOSO3
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"...Tears?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyrTtvbFCe
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My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs7kYnoBeQ
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"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDigX9qmSD
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My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchibcfL5iC
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqQOUPLXtL
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"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANK0Ea2G1S
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"Ha, how interesting."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdkE9E7wHH
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDmj2uQeuV
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfqiYI5Fqa
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHiUFyw9GM
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkPhzFVOEi
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvh3tSaQKu
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa2UzOnRsy
"Similar fields?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAILFgDiYH6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte8WQnReIW
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FeFOlupee
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pZ954s95n
"I-Is that so...?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kg001WYaW
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2f4m0k1JZ
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7xWFud8dC
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6tEhEQaCn
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsQdMzqIu8
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kGn8PQza3
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXCmOn3zEE
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq2UVMQLW7
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98b4vSxVNi
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0UcMqEljd
"What part didn't you understand?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4YjjARKH0
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZOhX7wrYy
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK8xlDbhYm
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NDtKrjWOe
"...Huh?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCf4LPoYyu
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRA96m3rty
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCBoCnTckW
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcgzwXh1bm
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMKObn6Ehs
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtrlBoogQk
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IgTzSlxco
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2q6W6Doy
"Huh?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt5i4HadbV
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdtgu7c8Qa
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67YWXtMmRp
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9LH4MUxMr
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBemB9VdYV
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasDOBGPidW
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3YswVinEr
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCXkzKNp78
"..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmo7VO35ct
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQak66A0UM
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7eHhkAwOA
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyf1ZZhZDr
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6X68vJfoM
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgOPepSlL8
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfz4WIzzTf
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4jhWnpi21
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0tcq6KNCS
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ZSFRAdo2
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16x8MAJx53
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao1I0SNyPp
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU9Y2gW3j8
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C81cZ81NH
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRDzb1VtXu
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4wz1h6HX5
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdIMfgcbPH
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2IVWEeEwT
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazjoHCft6Y
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa5nT2L96W
"What are you talking about!?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSNVhuHkQg
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Jbek11DK
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMVKbUFVsP
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy30Ibiu5DS
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm6AlWXJhc
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEPHdcF61R
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH9qABDFI3
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQQ1L6AreQ
"..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTznNChzonR
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WclqS5ouh
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRUhpovzsG
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLjqCyubYk
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8bS29pCr0
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATigRheLFY
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhFha3Ap8X
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQlucgDHso
"Fine, go ahead."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWPOy3YUR3
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1sTzsC3xS
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKSQLX93n6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOGGf7UTMO
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfEd0PwOGG
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwIY4nlVNC
I pointed at it and she nodded.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk95eXJSqy
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkwb8qFug9
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7cycqBG2D
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ983HsbZBpl
"Hm? But what again?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TCpJzFmR7
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU3G8e6UWD
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskIaiM9gh9
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX66rsmapJO
"I see. That's disturbing."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe57GlYQc0n
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrgbdX22qq
"It's... not so bad."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA6j1688Gh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC1wK9ljUW
She gently huffed at my response.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7bjsep9W8
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN83VfzYQY0
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUO7KD5xtF
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GprIoLEl9
"Fight Mason?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j44lrgTs6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi4NIqNY5H
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSd2WF0qFW
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQBL67cOyg
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhakkfMH7nz
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYT7Qnn0DF
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIltJ4jbVh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnoDyglgD3
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5L2cJZvuP
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbse2ysbH7
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztpQiBZyAX
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBHQUAJuIF
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboS8TAaA1V
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5dRz22oYK
"Is something the matter?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlb4Vxd0N8
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzvGaNk7v3
"...Where is your friend right now?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK6TtmjxLB
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZwRsoWPTA
"T-That's... why do you ask?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAvtaWPomb
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlL5tmPtGt
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGlzc6khzN
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx5TKSIM6P
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ObCwAIrcm
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCESryP043x
"Yes, she did."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPokgyR9E1
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnES2jKKC1
"Ah, I see now."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfa9WLxHmh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIokLdZ0Boa
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYD8yD62DO
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0si9XyoFv6
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
