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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBAiJBqcl2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ntGMuthUR
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa76kcI5QA7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQovL8ki3j5
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX7Fr7kON9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ShthhYWRS
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN99wVZ9Aqw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtYqnRb5kZ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbJAIrb3KJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uRSnX8IGC
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4POnqr9lS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDysfdPcSbo
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?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW7JZJSGbq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gj6mslXaJ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGscAHzYJSG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMGhACw5mc
–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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm0JMRrEwE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZF8he6i9b
"Who's there?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwu6wzzkHg
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNp27xkMgm
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMCZ2HRsSC
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggIyFBAVvU
Therefore–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22j2PbXRJv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk3JoWHO82
**SHATTER**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOC6B9dHQq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKbsZJWQuC
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm76bPp1dS
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9IGrxwBhm
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwhsz1a8Lh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbdBEcb8HU
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpFT57VtvK
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSTQ3bHIXn
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4iQl8IN6u
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kri8wct72
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"Powerful, too."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9LgwWd1iN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0DqBov3qV
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYJBLOll6K
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwRgU8UlFU
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9df3hSqf0j
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9SVV3VH67
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNkqpCibRH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx9EXmLG61
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BALYyE4Cv
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF49jteyuKd
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLoLlKoBV7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksorhGP0Ls
"...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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR41Pz1sY4
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRP2q16f1q
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QqpgagReH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHmfymIsH2
"Crossbows!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW4QlA3myp
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Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB2uF8ARg2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSQKZj2jJj
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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOau223Lwec
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCYx2Dt1WF
"Ngh! How!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFejqBnovK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh8Yj2bEwl
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgNpFmHdj3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoxqY4zD9O
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHsT1FQP1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQWvywjtkt
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm9WUUGKNf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyJnEWhxnf
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn2IuH5oxT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiSAwYCR9k
"You ought to know the answer by now."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhPTug8o65
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qPtLHXFva
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAnQLIL4QX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAzyd95PXX
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAATp21a0s
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSvxcvdbA7
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvJZ5Q9TAI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql96Ing2Cq
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjvDKSFmvA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqrZ1qZjhd
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T6K4MXYWz
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ccfwJn3OG
"Phew. Give up now?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSeClQqPbX
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"'Course not, just thinking."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhuRlczgQ7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaYzQHSqqj
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICEJDlQyc2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZAsZuYU0k
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKvbd3otm9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGzcG6PJiK
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxFXPnxycw
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"--Shit!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudNSGbRv9d
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWTneDQwz9
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPEkcKqjlZ
The man must have had a similar epiphany.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWfQXtzCbo
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O2NZHVEQ2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvnnEET8nN
"--Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvjKcexcVG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2MBbiMjih
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbsKOvmQTA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUR2GESl59
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R5Zmbdg9b
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN64wQWlubZ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC16racArzn
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"Ngh..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR0TPk3WQn
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWWYvJxh3t
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuCIJ7oK96
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QJpMNmH7S
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBGbm8l6ee
"--Rover!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8uqqVQ5YX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBebMsQjEvV
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6t2Zhg6se
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSTDEmpUPM
"K-Kenny!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzj5Y93zyD
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cd6NCxWob
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tcL9hhTuh
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiiBkH9kTa
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mXGV8AXOK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFs1nRv3I6
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64N1IPwGLV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4IdnjdtFm
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTod5NFZC0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFJSNFMO1k
She turned her head to him, conflicted.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NnAZsmaEk
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2A00EvRr3
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodZfUB9Duk
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vfH4oycE4
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP1eVOtbsY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRgSRW1ZKK
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99EyD8uBYA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAFdSs7AwJ
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGI8TblwO2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUwdXpQEGm
"H-Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdWEJzGsoH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1aOcTOTXw
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OXStqZ1r6
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"You... you are so reckless!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcvmDOhHiF
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Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BkifsCMeK
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRY3ga0ynM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWdT2cgeZf
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OD0cFgcxL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtigg3qpNuT
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAyjN46bhI
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45f6UiZ9Gk
"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!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIK9HFLyo1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhtg6Jo55x
"--!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVc4L3vyj5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeHD8EvVTY
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI3CYcpGPH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hg8tbpubS
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyW5eKjk67
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDi66692sL
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxxDs6TeNc
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhJ5j8O5oX
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvySbNMCKMw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhBOSM1sBc
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u864fzigq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6CZc589nc
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDExTjw7xkl
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAhtmVv8G7
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90XAk8ksiW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmW8R0rrFf
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Orr4eK2j
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–
–
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7budzCDkp
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Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vj57McKJe
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpmNTJd23N
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Rhz5CIO2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1DgZRIDva
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWCCUomtre
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrR1PkRnht
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzUF2rs6h2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXZDodFU3Q
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDCD3xSu3E
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"O-Oh. Carry on, then."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMymhGpt05
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I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVG3S22960
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2XQeD2VhQ
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4gMFmyWVR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF3exQFgel
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTWy72yTQ8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfgB9l2rGY
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWFX2cqUfA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQcdSCJk6x
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkYeT43fzy
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhTOzkiQTi
"Of course."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdrjIp4ou2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwNhVBDuQR
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJoK96htnE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Km3WDPQiJ
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1dDDmH4p0
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXYiQrfGzm
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhtJuGFa2E
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡentaeqwxi3
"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC3QkbXT9B
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YqjecbhR1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIXDwcYNey
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t9Iw08YY1
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZiYJJTt6h
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdc30UbK41
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSQuBCJyhw
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWLzhtXFkT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjfnMfQZOK
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrXFXjXa3K
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIEvAYt9VI
"Then I suppose I have no choice."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ktYMV4YX
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHomDPCynj
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iTSSG0JK0
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPnWb8q0LO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC14CelrYq
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCLv18F22J
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTFqn8ZoAm
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsccaMbxy8U
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"You are such a priss, Pars."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4afTGuA3Xm
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSC5vgvqa6
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdmcv8Gq6X
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfc0qg73ZU
"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?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ucxt6n49A
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIebNIY4k0
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn5tpUz6PG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8VrRUPgkD
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP0mp3LTcH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd87juAEpPR
"I'm going to tell them."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMyY7GqVDC
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"Don't you do it."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr84AFJ9F3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a9wKWe4fU
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStumF8YJif
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6acsDFFkRI
"Lola, I'm for real about this."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8S8D8k0Q7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrppYbZ8Vc
"--is because of a series of assassinations."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPMLlHCPvf
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Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtZf4b0Vht
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"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpR68uKt9U
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdBNw1MLdk
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Cb0cdR98
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQCE2sonn4
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomwBobQVy6
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmtQrVsxbY
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZLYId5wQd
"Uh, well, who got killed?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWQDajYVsT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFOE8Au6FM
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpyLu1fEPf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyTt6hHVRg
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbOvNgfJHK
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4EXs4unPR
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w0newrPBq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE38eKwSsZR
"I-I see."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PwMaqM9vf
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfeALhmdQn
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rq29SofGl
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDePtYPJZj
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mTyxrF7OV
"...You have my condolences."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrqTBUYQ7v
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOKrhqJcwi
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tEarvQP7D
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSUXUpnp3L
"Mmm."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pz0o1bWMW
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2bDOTMFiZ
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0izHjHd0Cf
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"Alright, we've made it.'
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSEGOOdS1G
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHRNaZRVCA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXVA0upSvH
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzlCoaOH57
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HCbwBxNgf
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlMbbNotya
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GSHUhnBMJ
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81zkrSuhSH
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoIroUkQGZ
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16zu2vR3V8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6w4ZlXqb2
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBc4OWGdhr
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIziYCJsze
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyXqoCDv5S
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj55rWWdY6X
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXbifTmqLG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWQLXeh9U6
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JqMTnPk3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKaC98IPVw
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxc9zuf1gb
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"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltSgeBju29
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ZU1UrSA6
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"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5nlGx9h3q
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaQwC40giS
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12JJyxSbDb
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MTbBNp2zH
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7CBAqxC2Q
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpt6wENw3g
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNweLPdKWiM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVatOqwZAeH
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYutWUBuzX
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQPPhgJGpX
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueXXXURbfz
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdpyAwHgaI
We had completed the mission.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC46RWDHoPa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4VXSDneQl
–
–
–
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm7snf6sKL
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRf4I1w3S2
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlldaKfQuh9
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcAWnVAdCo
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"Alright alright, geez."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmedxzhW1mJ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPVaIsH305
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FGTZPA7Gd
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76qLtcl0l2
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6fx102ldT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidYMnRwrko
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PnSHlTNW5
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NE3tuyJ6H
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrNdM7BAzV
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ6hgWRQja
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenabhChu5c
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuw2JRspvS
"Huh? What are you talking about?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1b6uyH812
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqQb0dGsLC
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWb7GjaLkN
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She looked conflicted about my statement.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLtGJ8guaG
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSFcWV7Pae
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJSuEFnwMO
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNSOYequUH
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4JqtObg1O
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"Dispositions...? What?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCyZhsyZ1q
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"Uh... our natures, basically."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5tyeEOeYr
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk3isFcViT
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I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGVRY5zS74
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fWCue3thS
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0LvswdLyD
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMStks4bOXB
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She pulled me out of my rumination.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx7m0sAjqb
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"About what?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7VxB3OtjG
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"About what you said."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXA2wbADMP
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLK028LqFw
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"Well, what is it?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFqmlPzlPo
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYTe3vaPUN
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"Right."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbIbX10yX0
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsae43WgrO
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"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ShFxkk44z
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSNcrg0lJc
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"That's great."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKqsh3VMWI
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFw6hotHEK
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"Uh, what's the matter?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsHW5uJFIB
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlmokPBFkY
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"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfFqqaxt8D
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"I can't say that I do."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk0dF9lgdN
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj7D8BzSbp
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUmG8u59LY
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"Just trust me here!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSC7rMihFL
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjaxuEtdxU
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It sounded like chatter.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0AgbEQWJj
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBkfZ2Z53C
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"Kenny, wait here."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T9LNvqEnZ
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"Huh? Why?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3BJvHQMVx
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8LcU0bsOd
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"W-Wha–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7vLHlwXfh
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"Shhh! Shut up!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkajZvA16Hx
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I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVdffTWKww
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"This is..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaePvlfeXa
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"Something fishy is going on here."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6aRhFC3jw
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwyiWxkK81
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaEuH7jafe
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp67qDYyAG8
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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!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXM4vNFvGz
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It was the same robe that Ng wore.
