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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolpBGpcp8u
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhQDkMs6vR
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXkeBaiJzU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfZWT2ue8j
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLwbHkTQYH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN0R8vSwZx
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkAnaRiGXr
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpixPmDfdFj
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9qJVOm3QA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5hfCNqpsa
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4HcjfSVZI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5GZmglSXR
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?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEmzor5No8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG1YxiQXVI
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyhE3Pe7OD
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Z9RmD00W
–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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2dFXn7iVI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXbkAKYY1o
"Who's there?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb6bkxaixt
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdGg7kgUOL
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XhGD4YKac
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9rP0dlT2Y
Therefore–132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZFj0vML2l
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfdvsL3wJN
**SHATTER**132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOH3xMg885
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ4cffH43b
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg00rlAzOPK
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfoU1w4361
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sj5uZjGjx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTreka3KvEQ
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrALqxUDIvs
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7gKiEFRqZ
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UjiIfHdqj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ14hH0jBi
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVDJ7lXRaj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc2TypCq6v
"Powerful, too."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZGiwQPHdf
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIDKmDp6Ww
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6ZHHviUHI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37IGqODDaB
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaBLqJY6eH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp62ogGctJu
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qw9N7G4Yc
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsE0lRtE2o
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIJk0qFtuy
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcYcydY5KH
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohXL4HSb39
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsPJ4NHGQJ
"...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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzkBwe6zs7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixwlT1lNJk
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4I82xrhyL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnsyt8lrJx
"Crossbows!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAVq9jYurX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP1eF5SNjI
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZdfq93rHF
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pm4u20yfB
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–132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGszIuxJwj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe5AjLjqbr
"Ngh! How!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy35D9Nm9OW
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHj3JAIHR8
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF65AY2tjd
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsEPF1puti
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt5eCSxKOr
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf873BG6ry3
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf8Mv8qAsF
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaxKMWQoiB
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo1hDwWuDz
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxjEn4YHqH
"You ought to know the answer by now."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE5H5i1Tyx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXiGuk5FiN
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9hX9nnhOB
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWOkExysWB
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfvNAghQ2u
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcHG1ec5so
"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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY8JcSessv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPZhuEC9RY
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJcu0zvkDV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh1bGYX706
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdnoacDGP2
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWQC6QAUES
"Phew. Give up now?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi4pIuOdXL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACG0hjq0yi
"'Course not, just thinking."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbdO1TKD9j
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUZRjLxXNR
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalLAVM5vEv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBVVwUZv2d
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9mp1sHAsX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj1ueqs4E1
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqLQYM9qsU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUeLedBVTu
"--Shit!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLefbee7oo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShd2iQhqOU
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirO41BpjtF
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRWRyutyxC
The man must have had a similar epiphany.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2d35i4ymu
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC75umosWEb
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT28GRE7ss1
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22rxp21ZSg
"--Huh?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZrrSDAuQJ
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA5AeLsoIp
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpv8Vqn3li
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOoGUj0oJz
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRvRczv8c
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNFZaRXOWF
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioZKx1TTX2
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6CgG1kfcU
"Ngh..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV75i51NW3w
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfKANPO16w
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCls6VCGGU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPo6dFoCcR
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAnJmPWncV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqw7GWgfFJ
"--Rover!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24NBxt8Wxd
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH1LR0r7nM
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3IjwpWhKo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7smTftMFh
"K-Kenny!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBelqht3phB
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVGE0hVdHX
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKCEnXv3Z7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN1EoxErNm
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH12XEo4dp
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aaGxQcqyZ
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2KyQ8hVGm
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JzYadbScS
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpov7mtglU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIEnL0URSI
She turned her head to him, conflicted.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmJyOlHsAY
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiALjfpMbEa
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8frr8ibUL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUokC7OLKc9
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U9HufYlgh
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡietyK0FFlw
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXQcBkk0tH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIWfcMEu3p
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIYidUy4vq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcwqiF9P2A
"H-Huh?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnKMLSZ2jb
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZuwUIrmPB
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCb48DpDKE
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhk84C3jDj
"You... you are so reckless!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvR33KAqHK
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqLwZbjllY
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSETY8Mj03
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4OAalE8ar
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS4ecLwnC3
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPrl3WWgBs
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmbBChPGL8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorlmy40c3j
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AvZzKRSlt
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXIJ1J1hNo
"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!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9FjPdgnGO
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgms1tNnByu
"--!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHz8pP4Lpo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIkNU9lJY7
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaSNckGr6E
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNscsx3UrrU
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc6DrmbPFO
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSpzcAzjRM
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswiSaKMvlu
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqNNBpNt58
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkje9y7RHH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDslAgdwRx
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iOyWVDeMD
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GgDK1mI0s
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGq6qjE98r
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCR1tM9KDx
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJYkbLkE79
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmgroWcVo4
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuMMc9Lqyu
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycWTi2Es5O
–
–
–132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG0FLDHWIa
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65xPtIzPQB
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0m4pbuxN6
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5WAHEu2Er
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YFB94WbNV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo251awe0zt
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UxmXhZqPx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hWJ4FFmpD
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmO1PPapQU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJtWGs2K3A
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSMN0bugSL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVqNGs15st
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvwS3JTm8t
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3rexZ1aNn
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v6lSKTv23
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruRoCZuw6B
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAyViZfyQD
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHEogTpeZu
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RCsCml07K
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF3NG3rxCw
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQLVqP8K66
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C4dKNwEKV
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEPkZ40kR1
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8acIklWBz
"Of course."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCg2fkxaH9
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqCsIy1k74
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpErMWDol4
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMRqFBq4SO
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIdagaanKq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPih2fmOg6
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdB8pr32kt
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwqZENzgDX
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGC6sZsUF8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1dTBG9yRg
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV3FNVg1wo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2trtIIiuvp
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV221NGnjx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xa1RFVyYF
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiqYhEPJ8R
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp7HINosUk
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7zRXPGdNW
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWCwfb9GNI
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA5TfOIDXn
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbwHlUz9RD
"Then I suppose I have no choice."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWXpHVC3pG
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlqDqF7t3k
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeqqJ8j0bp
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgup8n8VoT
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXoziScb4C
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos4q27QLoO
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7oVYP1KWT
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIefKYex3zk
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOivrcZ4JN
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DVLuM2D53
"You are such a priss, Pars."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0JGtoijjv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1LJEqYcc9
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpUYRUyhdj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvqUsGMGkH
"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?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpbDDelCf6
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jThphN3GV
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELF8v5LZtC
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xgEG2MxJo
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4qZe2mSFI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsicZvMjglp
"I'm going to tell them."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ119LFiuQss
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikU94y90Mn
"Don't you do it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQcyFuBSG
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOgQG1O7V7
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOr2NiRxDI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHkLQ7QYyD
"Lola, I'm for real about this."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi1kUcohCI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaBgsJtEYU
"--is because of a series of assassinations."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvLL9QIrMm
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJQjfAlHT4
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqvmrfoxwE
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfNU7gL9Zi
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiZLpFP19y
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kGqemrCfH
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQAcIVycA2
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUds9fwmte
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2w7Pcon8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgmXbNH6gs
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvYiRCQTge
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7iK5jcvp4
"Uh, well, who got killed?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSedVUjz1T
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoFCmUSN9J
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXPhplmn6T
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JoMNskNL8
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2bApZihWA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ522ECpWPOT
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Xr9wGgrT
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P5v3ZxNpV
"I-I see."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4SEoR2d2L
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UHgMygWLg
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DXTb0zoRP
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WdPkB17Gp
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwihyuRtDJI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjnT7z1si0
"...You have my condolences."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgOVz541DA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSZFQxBJww
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x330eLHDl
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4soOguyjkR
"Mmm."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMaW3uxwc8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx5t4OT53p
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Uo8IdaGf
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYLIAAhOaA
"Alright, we've made it.'
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtescsFhnc
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr0HJtM2Us
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTm8q5G6px
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvKxVTF2yp
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPwX3HWK93
"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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf1CwLxy4h
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqUKGzEcFf
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9IDMUBqig
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G0vjCLjY2
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c5jvhu4gL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZJAFCbUby
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJLHLtLAPj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58tr2BX42k
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpbfZYd0dH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtZpIcOkcU
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq3cVWoary
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdhaatl7Bt
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLpSyiEGGw
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwt9DrKv74
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jPTQKs4lH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lt5X5px2Y
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk1S2X5e34
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVp6WG5jow
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg5xsSvlfX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIYM37eRdl
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLG9Y9BGnI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboTGqOsQbq
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeHfniiT56
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU0Rqd45uF
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXnqbXyFQi
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMm90eslAy
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv98UlKNQfb
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB6dF6tGVC
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpFt8ECZR1
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dwBoceIrW
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySA0Br55Cv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFUKfiQomi
We had completed the mission.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFhkhhb3Am
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU34zsludm
–
–
–
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI82D5MEpV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmWGrHyvoC
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BOvIpMTjf
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbJOCUOEfw
"One last high-five, Kenny!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BA21ZCv0R
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw8VYqqnuQ
"Alright alright, geez."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeEvhbD2Ex
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq91chUWGmI
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvkovY1EsV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9u84Advj8
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq8dL4TSFU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSHsXqQp4o
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtShPrmIya
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEvdSLY10s
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CVgh1jQyR
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXhTcIgQkS
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5ke6kX66D
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8BQTOj4wX
"Huh? What are you talking about?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx3M4kbKkM
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp7C5LONxN
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qIZ7PfPmz
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CH63vuR96
She looked conflicted about my statement.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHYXnBsTTd
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN0DtiAohx
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILAPqVbqHo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEKBvgxOJ3
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1hgqq7yOj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAldAyK7Uz
"Dispositions...? What?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YDBglv7SS
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtMBlTz9ZN
"Uh... our natures, basically."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdTd9UyCpL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k9YfG8NIM
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzze8QwYy7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWWrRaWERq
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCacBDfYCc
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafEOPVCAud
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcM4I0gDjk
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ZkA0Qj6B
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXcLiJI70B
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoOuNCe4Cw
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNd7SWuiuy
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmHbk7QFz6
She pulled me out of my rumination.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00o3VeDMAb
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRoleO2spG
"About what?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSoPMPaiMY
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zc5bRYqi0
"About what you said."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPLInws8tV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3v0Hmxy7r
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQv4Of2zwG
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsNcognCxP
"Well, what is it?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmOgAvaMPO
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfdtdPspFB
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV5XgriBLw
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiGtBLsxeS
"Right."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe9Iz9W05m
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTwA6YZVVl
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbg24Okm92
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNDVQHWDr
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPqSwGPeML
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JnSbel8Yt
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQKWVuVkCq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulDXROwatv
"That's great."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKeZJauUjP
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX2XxAX0Hv
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LA4dzRGxS
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgrOMd97e0
"Uh, what's the matter?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYt4s9XgrR
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap4OT8OH67
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A9hRuPalt
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4gZmEp6V8
"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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfze5UXgAe7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqR4o6vQdJ
"I can't say that I do."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC27Nvvybo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDTOW3na9x
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgdq90H544
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGvp3NRYqH
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiLBKO27Fb
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dca3qX2M2
"Just trust me here!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwX9PKEMHW
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR0X0oAdlw
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVQtC35Zmj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFbTEhv9o1
It sounded like chatter.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimjG6TGcs0
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqeaKkkAn0
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWv6E634iJ
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVhzC6piKy
"Kenny, wait here."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m4PTrCZdq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wgs7Tz6Ud
"Huh? Why?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYza788xndz
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8W3ueROfk
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndsCLyT2yu
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb59hgkNgc
"W-Wha–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrIXDXj4KS
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ScKxR7n8
"Shhh! Shut up!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuxjkvUvGw
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVX3XCycS4
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCAxfG3fXU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxamfKc090F
"This is..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RtbEZNeNX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwXmpuY3P8
"Something fishy is going on here."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYS1jHQXUr
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWAxt15Ul2
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IJsb3rUcH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvo36TGabY
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S2cNlRd48
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8HUqof2GB
"Alright, can you all hear me?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEWgvQzC8s
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbleFopUABM
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!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsAu98uUMn
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQW0G8LjTG
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
