The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv0g5Kgyid
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"Ow! Ahh..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5w6pcnYRP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CSBzcqEkp
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq6Bj14xUA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJy6YcmGq8
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcHZKBpBID
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oqBKsXBSV
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFIUpRjOKC
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1klYlt9A3A
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"Huh? How so?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdZOG3mpBQ
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyqotHxKIR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcdxHBQeDJ
"Couches and rich– wait a second."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3hhF0WPPw
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEZ0ibDSnp
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHs3COlQh0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCepWvw6vtT
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGMPEUb0te
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"Tch! This stinks!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tAO8vKf2I
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yc6tfE0zg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkvKXVYGig
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hcQnX6NTg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSScpgZzrgr
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHPJuhabbI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYpq4e36Hw
"What? Are you scared?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDL6feSUAg
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEL0s5K6RR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfwYbFQhg7
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8maAW8Vy6t
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwAgeJTgB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYEyUOe8Jm
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTvWV69odx
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4JxO07nCN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hTDx7AgKQ
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFvBzi3hi7
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"...Fine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpuunl83D6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8n87ecAi6
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON1R2Mjp9M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBuuKpDaOI
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Bc8yCRjC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNhr3ULiTF
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38FRTdjnPy
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8j7cYl5Zm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdOejORGZy
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7y3PliWor
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"...It's locked."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWPvHZ9oDJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuDIbo5pby
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK8DYmC1Ce
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn740Ct7TC
"Oh! This one's open!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1kI7wWggA
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp31D6rtf9v
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp72Ic70GWN
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8aBCwoLZw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXPYT7A2sy
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxD7pUi9D8
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNBgtVHDYI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NizOTwSit
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCidLMwUQr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAjLPM3VPv
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsktlcU1v0U
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAFEB2ACmq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUBIn3VcTw
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jT5XCpOVA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvnFFlsG61
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDqvO3kZSi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72WUnDZG66
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5TXaOeqYf
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHwd7fPOec
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRL43SuH9o
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl1jDEPb6F
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ueAt4SXv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipChqf89fl
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNB8c8f5WW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk09GUtZELG
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eMzLcPPHP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Nzsx1cOT
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7kXxE7Dw8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgnN5TTMCH
"What's this here...?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLAT8SNnl0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fZEhEvfq1
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm7sVLsa4F
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTUP7eXOBh
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKewmI8JFIX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ZbnXXPf7
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyHSfi2rTi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyCrjAFkoz
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdnz0OifW7
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp842CrbPG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDSakYF4F6
"...Really?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRnnH0Epko
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbygzE3Ti3J
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3fau50tJ9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR3OfGy4RE
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6vXMflZ0A
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vdQ0e7FjU
"--Wait."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCcu0sszf7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qGsIHHKny
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp12xkiDOW1
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**SMASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6d6ekSuut
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Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhIwC7AFrG
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"Earth magic."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUSoQglIOQ
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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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqLdIqRGNG
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**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJmcQ9I87P
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA92FG6FAh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg0A46muWv
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKY2YHxopn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQZb1eEXgy
"...Tears?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypYmfKPMt4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmh4PORnrT
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi7BI7eFPX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH8rNnvk7z
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuPkzhYyQ1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y7o0qHLak
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAylQIdeVF
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKZqruZ0ke
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehc3waaR3K
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr1PEl4kri
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"Ha, how interesting."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YylMquo53
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaLEaPp9TX
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum70iNdtMc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa5KQKbNeu
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygGRZGmWNJ
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmy2h57t5w
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceCcG86Pxi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzJbapBCqp
"Similar fields?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAib9GFJJY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9rni0pJNR
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpL89bm4be
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewOtKqh7eA
"I-Is that so...?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y8rsOmIvv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uVGciEDIu
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HDOdKpnbH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxkmZgbfCn
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDvPFhF4HP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtIfDWvGfQ
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4cY2FSSdc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1qZpp6ahA
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukBKmKKapJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyHWzAXDLY
"What part didn't you understand?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPXKRbyKrF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA8moRND2o
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQthUIXOMY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzShA02xS7m
"...Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsOXSEez9V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx20gGEjWmx
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ5XlDf0H9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK9Y0sdfqz
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lYFkAyNOr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1EYUUx0iW
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Ssn262cw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t0kbIayWo
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaLTTSgn1b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa92jOqzYM5
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo31i1YviV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtprnOztfw
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyZGE0l702
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4BepmfBUS
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ42vfqDCs9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc7NCpXBF3
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoZ28oBMp1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUvw05JhIY
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qWnbFAR2a
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7w89k8M7v
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkQ89O4j28
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjundp1b5o9
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6ZkE7uL0M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7QYhdxMZ3
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLod3EyRKgi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGNTbeUr1i
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAUzO1jwJ3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq1qUwh4a8
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc7evIAkpq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOlll2TstK
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVcmuSsnL9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BdvSt7mXc
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIQFsAWgcF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpw6qbjm9S
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHALjjuQFFv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3LFZDUct4
"What are you talking about!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm90Hd2bWS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlolrqlqBt
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8zi3qfhvE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hffJWtR5W
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQJ2GSUc79
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUFboEHwRR
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkISmNlR3ye
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DWtJlYH9L
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi01D2r2c70
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCaNFFiRYk
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DqNXHPcwt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd8ASZU78Z
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRKcuSHvYJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua1cXpxF1y
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28YygJ8zoh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQox68LYUc
"Fine, go ahead."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzVUFIXCkA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1djJPsuRHc
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxei9AiXfYd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab1CXj6v0p
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSCGqF8gIe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV9dSka1Bw
I pointed at it and she nodded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULrelDxPhY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70j0T2f8qf
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX2ehUC4My
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQIjQrx0LD
"Hm? But what again?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJjIUQpteM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZckNgefknV
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgp7qgTKDR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR1gJVy3FT
"I see. That's disturbing."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLkzjFhjbO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBWvv3KV9b
"It's... not so bad."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNW42p4Jbl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGaf2PNRFq
She gently huffed at my response.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO1d7ybPhC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXly63ISIB
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy8vJur2vC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgqiCqlUfs
"Fight Mason?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4mAB7BwuP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL64YjfLws2
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9FujGLhl2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdw9bi7XNF
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q2kLbR5c5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK6zJklADQ
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Aq8W7hGd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bgRCbYtst
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UWTRQalKW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rLqv5NGFd
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3da7L58Ae
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCibziA6WXp
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4JzB2Xnh6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvzQYfMEve
"Is something the matter?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJKmYcolrm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPXxG0GrYT
"...Where is your friend right now?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK6wFdjGZq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1SrhdCIgB
"T-That's... why do you ask?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwge5w99JR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdcUmEMknp
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe9KsFnI6u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjHymrofgl
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ8SnRqKim
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2tCPJOl9y
"Yes, she did."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl7P5PJV0P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtwkcPNen6
"Ah, I see now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCDeIomQVm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEZdQg2Uf3
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tBYuTrbOV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzdPT4Ujrv
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
