The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5xNQsAm71
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"Ow! Ahh..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HKxi6PNyK
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9jkI0Yxrm
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp3nrobxMa
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm4TpKqvNv
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEyDMHJ5cm
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEzy0GPq2H
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"Huh? How so?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgvJodD1gS
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZWYIoDgmV
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bqfrEjlsm
"Couches and rich– wait a second."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qKWYxmMcv
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQdgVk4Ae9
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRpNjI6V1t
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLIAzLaYWl
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"Tch! This stinks!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqDTTmJYX1
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudGPeXsrKX
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"What?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdmrDhRem
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gluyaj0V2
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"What? Are you scared?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlzpCheTLJ
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JbWLwoorx
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEShVD0JEb
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsFR5h43X2
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCkW5iHcsq
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7B0CEpCVM
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1yyejG2PJ
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJqrPuJFfY
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"...Fine."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SdcyvbjzQ
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2f3xTyE7G
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Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBmTPXqT1Y
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My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAcCQCjkY1
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD2k5o2q5b
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKTVTnn8Yh
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdnkRRjGqN
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"...It's locked."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty2pd9aNp8
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR0aCd3gqd
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"Oh! This one's open!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZRJmMq7RJ
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYNawCgzpd
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPUaz2K4HQ
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhR7voJEH6
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But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypRCcAfT6y
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmFPNK0tg1
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZSyoeQe5O
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This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtisMGmqiy3
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02VgVpJBJn
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Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyGOdN5shx
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It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdjtPren0x
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyX5uwEQYP
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV07FZYPjeX
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VJug22jCR
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMjsZyLADS
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BGgawfnh9
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iTiX8zmeX
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I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD4Pss8Djo
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It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwybr7YKNzF
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"What's this here...?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4lSC7aLTt
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Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVF7aE8GBR
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGps5A6ntXF
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kEXyELYmR
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlsq9Kd0gS
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The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2abUfrhsv
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z3ykLWcWv
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KIjvbKi6G
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YOh0uazKt
"...Really?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YiFe61512
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hPgk0T7kr
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The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UYEwxciqR
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe5gHKbHiT
"--Wait."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJd0nGxMfj
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXts3JUr2cG
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**SMASH**120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAqBXcv1F2
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Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZj4hUUrey
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"Earth magic."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03kDWtlboh
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbY47qmCRC
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**THUD**120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv7OuSGCCd
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7neFxxN8tT
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N2TpJzExs
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7z8oCaDil
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"...Tears?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEDsbQdqw1
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My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62qSovL3MT
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F0zBpTrzH
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSXuehlgad
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My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aCyzNsJsp
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RtE5LN1z4
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"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkmj8dvsj7
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP4wabyNsY
"Ha, how interesting."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKhU5ifdpQ
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb3Nu2BvN9
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D3gKc09Lg
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi9diz674x
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFlr7mTMHL
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF3CWlYwAF
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN2yjnYLOD
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIOlrdShm8
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVRdGN3SPk
"Similar fields?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67qvzSff1l
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAUC9rED4y
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTMMJXzeLF
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"I-Is that so...?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsdeRkLOlF
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybGTYaYQzK
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wPpYX6ZQg
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaY62qbNEW
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LxZQ1m30O
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAx8r692LY
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7yIDApfep
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuwkWzBwwA
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDH6WKzWvH
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDsbQ2e7QY
"What part didn't you understand?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfMnyRL81p
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszDyY4DpeN
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq3Tvduu05
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fVRDM8ibc
"...Huh?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoQ589z0Av
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7iwwYsUkn
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oXlEK5Qsy
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQdYcsEG4t
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8N3uI40wn
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb7wLQZEu4
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt2ioAJBfj
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdVoysLgna
"Huh?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb9wYx1O8V
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvVzuIfl2B
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTdOWquNZ9
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6CbaYWxct
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDGGQ3AqdY
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehTkEAYGoI
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwCBXkkmN0
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFou2a8zvC
"..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBB3XftDLU
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbJeorsApZ
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAl32bw5sB
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxCLHSODhr
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMXO99SNii
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYuLsxm1kB
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDmAegnxhf
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5agsJwRWR8
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdVK6CfbZ4
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwUKcMfEwT
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGXQAUZin
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiSq5YQ9v9
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WPPsHhzu3
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hKA1zmfJ7
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fnvkVtBFj
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92fdWZKerS
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi26kBXRbM4
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMQqEbzgYD
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FU67iUz10
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkiciyKX9C
"What are you talking about!?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTLTAvv9hg
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJmf6r5LxG
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHq0qYDuAT
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4ycixVqof
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIazHmGJAgv
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0onjBtCA6K
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLIZXQ3GF
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqaidKgFiP
"..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdWzpB6Uhq
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Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0aX9upfvs
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGXIARHbH3
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtwynA90FU
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDn6THuLur
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvnSIXw8Mw
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmNILSqBWS
"Fine, go ahead."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecCKnrpqis
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkGeap3NQV
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnppRi2Us7
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCcxUTvafI
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6GysAkOl0
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKDhsGjZcz
I pointed at it and she nodded.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJbE5soP1R
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIRQoedSdz
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTZAk29PZA
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzPAZ6mWNP
"Hm? But what again?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rc1Qev7Km
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkEJi6MxYX
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcq1Q583xm
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWVaxTdj4u
"I see. That's disturbing."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0jSc3AQ8K
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Px3yUXaVx
"It's... not so bad."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcBfAmU9yc
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWRIsxM7T7
She gently huffed at my response.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTXuFPvduL
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL8NeSQYar
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TTWyjjuAG
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa23RZGraPp
"Fight Mason?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNwVzwnILI
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogynNvJLJd
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpEnP30Xck
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRddGRPt6T6
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0ySJfIhET
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSdAa926iL
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBnyWQ0Jwf
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e342hvwov
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR4IlYYcJS
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfSLsq0DiW
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1azjs6UZV
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuu74TDxrw
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAuWukvbzD
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98LSqD4EIy
"Is something the matter?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2tiTUK2Lk
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LjJFJwYGd
"...Where is your friend right now?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb6Mat1fgy
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D9dcmnB8M
"T-That's... why do you ask?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2oO1nTUNH
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8UUEN8DHU
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur5jHktf8x
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4tLdip7i3
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX1YDtxAlL
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQUjwX8TT3
"Yes, she did."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BojcQVDr2
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf9kksEOUa
"Ah, I see now."120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj7P94Kqef
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt1tQa3imK
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYtYYP4CLF
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXPLXn9XkH
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
