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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjzUJe2K1t
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8T3sKgAwG
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO3O0bihzs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUjfQlZ50L
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTC1ZZGNkb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEcauKuVpD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3YQGIxf9n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4nEa2YRDD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjxiH0HtE8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHCtvHtVKg
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TWAW0UezO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YLtDs57Ay
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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezoLNJJxSC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4zVItvOTx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60T6MlH4sU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgVjtgaPUN
–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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWy8UAULmc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0zbSBGZc5
"Who's there?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04i4RlM4pp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9pi3KOswU
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ibSoRoyY8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sRk14Kczs
Therefore–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAMFB35vSB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPazzdE7G80
**SHATTER**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmTm18v68c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFZTaOOh48
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bSRrFlG7s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYgD1MrbiM
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds6Xv56RaP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QZEj8TuLz
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1cY6h6VAK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhshgLbgOz
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcivfqGTn1h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaXRrmWhQ5
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycCSBy02Cc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pafNR14HV
"Powerful, too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XmbDI6d55
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXxMBRHWtP
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPhFZmlhPC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHnpQn49W6
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV1o1UTHjm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45W01XXglo
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4b4inEjBx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf4gOmIoVU
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxtbN0HKtz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCmZsr2CHF
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Tc2xbmZbL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwPduHhL3U
"...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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yMbCVQMef
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lyGsxOCoJ
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeRn4zxF9t
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3JXANcVQc
"Crossbows!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFyxR5mzEq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9OnREx8Fn
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCarv4OAlzA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY9PdvX7eZ
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7NUZG6e7e
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDQEZvtFOk
"Ngh! How!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7iSkOUvAD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmiSifJx1i
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn6Yxca1Ju
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBp7xhfvty
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjTqea6PQ1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGFopI7zgB
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVzomHLFKY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGhf0Lq6BM
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtZbj6ZkuT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP1S4I802M
"You ought to know the answer by now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb013M5Ban
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWW5N6JMJD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuLvFLEYgN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFsjlURXTm
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1yFqBL5Q9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsIR7Uj9mb
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WkYjVJVC6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn48f4u1LkH
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDcVQkkX6c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgpusgwrbQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwCiBHyzwJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTvQu00fRA
"Phew. Give up now?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcyZ6W880S
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q7yTToktv
"'Course not, just thinking."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSnxhsfZYp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyb5aU0KJj
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop4TTzQC9v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr83zShg6X
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxIJ7O50cd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zQ1vt2MWI
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoYek2o6ks
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLqXr93p7x
"--Shit!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddJ8BkLuei
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiws6pYQe1m
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykBW92t44l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpmQhGUL89
The man must have had a similar epiphany.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FEEUS3S85
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLGgFN3U6Q
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhVmoi853l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGwJNfIylq
"--Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC87oDuPZny
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6C4SlChtR
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMe6b7RMzy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrovuN0ZHO
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSt95TF44B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9Sijym62D
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeMgAbU4yc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P7S1wlVDF
"Ngh..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4W70Bs3p1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CEi9IArDy
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LswWwtRW5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSUkSNH3BE
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9l3k0cDwx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U2EmhIcZT
"--Rover!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff3bqgvXvp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmjixySYdj
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkyJMXDxzO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK89cJCjPp
"K-Kenny!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUGDOAk3z0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxSHdbVetg
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffvW3DLirq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MSqcnqS8Y
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBmCvwf2Cr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmzo2mm9IC
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDjZ8eSRZE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xA2FS5VME
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn70IesL7l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1M6dQOLh7
She turned her head to him, conflicted.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjxdltioVS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7uYMZUX2D
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CbuQlzEjB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofScsiskGG
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZc1u1Ccom
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijGrO31y8v
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjVAPTuIkp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQXU8M98uo
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfROgpQQBe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr7xsepPCa
"H-Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrn7rrHrPm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUC1Dxk6IH
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSSvOsxKOc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkvfXQVcHL
"You... you are so reckless!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPbNt5AUYy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32AK0ejvIf
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyogXQTkm2s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63FgIPfGGU
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4IHwERKlA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZP4k5Aqei
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QyoP7joh3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhhc5P24b9
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jskC0De28
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleHAKrGU3L
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQCpd13uVA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNuPRi2Jvc
"--!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ04C0PKHtw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUED8kp5htd
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gRraPgzde
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVUngAUnxD
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp1n3pEg7l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjaUqTIQg8
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDVM2Rz4og
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZJQXuC5Ag
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhhSmXkYQe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZhVvI7bKf
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH3kypoAZu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBJJ1x6vXJ
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ30cBPiUAU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvdQQMYlbh
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7pPp7ZTfU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWAnkNsdJW
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QaIv93fwP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTsmdBPk0v
–
–
–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeb6LUjNZN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbL1c4zOoZ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubKUx1DMEg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfbKyVxmQd
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUCYmjdIJz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZbHdliF9b
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFGyR9CmI2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSClVTrdQVI
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9UrqDYMvd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPuvX5sCRm
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXn4vL4EYM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCdSYf3jLD
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymOO3bou0J
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvrdUy4XZN
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgfodSOd8x
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTnMVTSnlq
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTydxA899xP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9ARkUT85p
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KnFfG06Nr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rawqZR2U
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XEFoUJoro
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdtZUfaG6X
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAb4oQ8NqV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkvEbVVzRV
"Of course."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQuikGsWYC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUXN4qX71G
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF9lQHII9z
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemO7A5UaOz
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cm0c1IzsZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnNJXHMhhd
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYLEnbGCdd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIOv2N0aeu
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ5NzNXVCA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4US1wQxCa
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBhAf8ogBl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfVVJasL95
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdMPfvOPSG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4uQTTD51B
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwM1TIqYII
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CmG0n7dTb
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0bERPzrAW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXIzD2Bg8x
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38wSZifwWo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDzDIt08E5
"Then I suppose I have no choice."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrRavgLG0A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nmy0YvXBo
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJghcht5q8l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVXvX9ShP3
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHpglXRTzL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR3YXdnZ2k
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jNiOBNpxW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBEcuDT493
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd5yUVZhe4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GxxgqAVa7
"You are such a priss, Pars."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82FlyIGRNM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMH29hbdwp
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBrQYJrudQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkktc5Ug7o
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlYKkvFNWo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBhgun9CaQ
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMniq0qQoOF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI5OPVByLd
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtltyHtOtjH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghJ4lTgZgv
"I'm going to tell them."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLWUb3De9j
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6eaYEgyGK
"Don't you do it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs5TLlic2c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSbT72sSdf
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwPmXkzTkk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxtJq90gVE
"Lola, I'm for real about this."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV2ZyMmFQI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8cePj7VIc
"--is because of a series of assassinations."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsM4gc0r0N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqURcZee7E0
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQsX9N39kR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBLAlHRFim
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxMFfZpv9H
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn68Ns1OS0
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiYtTFfZkT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOtOHk2Qjz
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy54IFb2xdJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFFVZIAivA
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXAcvIOiwf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLeIX1cytm
"Uh, well, who got killed?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWVceszfDo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYMwSfogjV
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQExoM2iX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Gfkg08im
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF6PYqKROs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn53sMMhe3w
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWST82A9Fec
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZziSNSKn0w
"I-I see."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoLBDnZ978
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHovYUGyDuK
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMgqwGCmgl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54SJ5eBrnx
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JiGqYcSOF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2WdBrN1hU
"...You have my condolences."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuicZ1pfv6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpVY41UB5p
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tfzpi2Sry
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrseZYOclhe
"Mmm."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFsuFC4KrH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aznRwFaKl
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8JAUJtGun
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGuyjrk1lC
"Alright, we've made it.'
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKxiyj4UqR
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbK1xSuGeU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD39pxtQbLz
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1ZXcR0Zol
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauFhWqlFoi
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn5jKtwhJj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsgpzYZO52
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LWHHgdCTA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FY97J5st1
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb9aO986BE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjE5ChqM9y
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T60Hmt2AA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8glhY0FwC
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbYsfJ3VAc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmqaMZSdkW
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVH2kgQiTH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAEY7AtIzL
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGWaEPimN2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eIFDMSW9L
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicFSKBBCU0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNvoLqDwKw
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5mRXZEWpv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax1DtxHHo5
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpOZB1qOpQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuDgKQF1FE
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiRT25rtqO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy1IqpCjhY
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBdNcy9tIS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEK1HI5Ssm
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PGabq8Z2v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwDkyt6Qme
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01qQ5Trk42
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41m0DY7mon
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes0GEjSyZR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP7FPPpXMc
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlvJIUjybF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbIj0EqyZi
We had completed the mission.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyGlqKwNNu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRdcS2vguC
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HgCWcIRso
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdic5Ig6cc1
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bl6SvAEwW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJC15yD5tC
"One last high-five, Kenny!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrqZCrrR3d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzZtfJCWYR
"Alright alright, geez."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiBFEWne5R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYukktsjHW
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN77nZplYX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkiJoDHOoR
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCffT15AEH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyotXogDYr
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWu5e2zrHU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV9OKGGFEs
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IkycXJbJc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaee4JDSDvD
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7w8PXRa3B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOOthfoMPb
"Huh? What are you talking about?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iY8BKRqK8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYwDHHIDWV
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiuEvO1dNn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14NSBWCyGN
She looked conflicted about my statement.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGxrV5rmrh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UEMLF8diV
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJYG21DjU2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQWE5EtMX0
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnAfcQ6UaK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl677KI9V8
"Dispositions...? What?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle4kuZ44tB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd853ixY6Lk
"Uh... our natures, basically."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mWBP0MmcO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwshyqpZ6Lk
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YpkLHV2SQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJPBRiV4g2
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ931oslZL1n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmWNxoRyKp
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubl0z2Jh30
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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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGX6zqoCg7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ROoF18AUI
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaku7iWIM0
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She pulled me out of my rumination.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe1KRavR1W
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTbTdMgn5J
"About what?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmBetYgkIK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0yF6vmsLK
"About what you said."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOTKPzHwrL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8jpx918PW
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvBtyZcGMk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMD0eMAajlK
"Well, what is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5TMZb8yq9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8qiWFyukM
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUyNS6h91C
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pnZW3aVYB
"Right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8936NsRMBD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KfVw3i9Jb
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYylQvz3Ti
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nKtbtKPgH
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSKyDHlNFD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RijeT49Qw
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii4S0CYI9B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sbPpicfrS
"That's great."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE21M0BkWs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgL7lRJRSw
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMLYjHV4KU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA6BIBVPeX
"Uh, what's the matter?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ0L4wKzNb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JPRw5WMTn
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTCCLXUHLQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMxSc7XxQq
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdtGmkKbWf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6IjATzmCL
"I can't say that I do."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQoIrZhOX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDvOOXkGUI
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vPF9zRkpU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy7mbkoxw6
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAyfCxPecm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLePGKGgr5B
"Just trust me here!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG5yqquBrU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJMYg1ZXx1
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKkUpjhEgA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjqa4tvRmS
It sounded like chatter.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHjOhePBO1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx73lYJIUE
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnlzikZGWZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qpxj0GIYm
"Kenny, wait here."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFPXi64DaS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSg2L25elw
"Huh? Why?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2We1o6yNb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgFNw1hjp9
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK51apXA2e6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gI5amFw8k
"W-Wha–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY0um8nqTM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBHyIdw01e
"Shhh! Shut up!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCRwU1Iow2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDNlXYc6We
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwco9wqooB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgakPsZmBvU
"This is..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH2OwD94xR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu3sgMyRCq
"Something fishy is going on here."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oROpt0MHI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RvElrRCJQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrFEXKSCHG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6NE26TJp5
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOOqsI1yWX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph4ATGGtsN
"Alright, can you all hear me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbd3SbYCza
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFXoheNISX
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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquwBzWjm6F
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGetINDspe
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
