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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHoTdoYdVx
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"Ow! Ahh..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvzeu1F0Bt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lHUAoTPzL
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVeHmR6qVO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBtJpJuAaw
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC13cW55SY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadbGOu5ELe
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv6d9fxTTG
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz1RioKRTT
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"Huh? How so?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMxiLNGrl6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqWFOnhn6L
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pbR7sQMjk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNjx3ZaP1s
"Couches and rich– wait a second."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvoaOjjc8z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiius78YbqD
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?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCOXTCBRgb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9w1gTvNnE
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM7V7wzESw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG5zPf6RcZ
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wqimvcGL5
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"Tch! This stinks!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfXnDzi9gJ
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzQhkm2PlN
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"What?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYDaDrOfwj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOBo74Mw0w
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXC8FFOvrd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUvCerscQQ
"What? Are you scared?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6l48u7TXN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hfCEoQg6N
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gh8BuMZxf
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzWvDYdlBS
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDLu4z7yse
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsa5eALpnU
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgLF5wS9Vg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQxJfoveNv
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2vcJyUhdS
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjpLEpgx5f
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuxUlSXuWC
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsDg3w0v5A
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXOjhq7bru
"...Fine."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE0firTeGJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpshYeV6PbP
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsq1s3SCqG
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjqcG6wE1X
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLcSwBX5sR
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGFHcMS8O4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59frLwC4Jg
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7TQ0hD8oL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3exMKydph
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4KVxYyDEn
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"...It's locked."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvZQoHrUNc
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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–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l9LT5pB53
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbpib1FIx4
"Oh! This one's open!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsKjIsDNyM
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzgI7v09bu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABZ782zGHD
"This place is– cah! Ack!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA3QTR3xCF
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesZE7YHolJ
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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?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pvcFSOPqF
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUyIBZ8dBS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7k9iqn435
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS9Sm3y5Hc
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVLjp8J0Gd
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qcx0Ms0YM
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYAblbB5Hd
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZBtAexxAj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedP3DjXAK0
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4M5LIttCp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TcIMtLw9q
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqJ6E2P8mX
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTrFervD76
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJIk0pw2JS
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dno61iW0w
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F8g5U75on
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDxilw3Ajy
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0kO8L3nKB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMI7K9LEx4
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmuNWUYjGq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6EzasYZNc
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApVdRREpnk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJAvSI07Pg
"What's this here...?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5v7AnTkHO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsD9dykgZq
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!?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToipYwYOsh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD90KfUpJQ
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd818FVBIC5
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzvfrnSAKk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgBvxWHjCu
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskP8z1PZG4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEOuvQdHTh
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqHK0OAxpJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KtipfyoHJ
"...Really?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y3ZHsOVZZ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGjQDym55X
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27iJ4vosfG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHQRRg2dbK
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–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBclnQYIJn7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sEEpd1Msc
"--Wait."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFz9oHR24O
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8eqnoveVH
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZyNg8PoOb
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**SMASH**79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGZGibI7NQ
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgu9Bm8PKw
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"Earth magic."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2xJ8JdhWN
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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–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPhzH3XlYQ
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**THUD**79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK746My6ewi
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWhb77UNkI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ8vNTJvI2
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMLKl0Wem5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfyQOzyCqp
"...Tears?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTuNHg6ulv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfTv23kDjv
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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY97mzVbCs
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYtxtG6VvJ
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHstn2TTzGf
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZjTRJp2kN
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRmFoQOpra
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54mSrDeXTC
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1cMPE6T33
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwTS4UDZtE
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VqbImIVGc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFLp4OSw2R
"Ha, how interesting."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJLtwE4eJq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqoS3q7xml
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9jvgruZVn
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCnwH7MaDV
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bHzCKGeCX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bdsaM3tKR
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXKUZJuQ4g
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPmQt2UZyy
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW7iEieaLh
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDELd74vHtx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x7hUitr5h
"Similar fields?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy2CN14duZ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJh8K5WOl8
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxG1BcKplz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIOFVU0plg
"I-Is that so...?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVzFuJDNCP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2mdFYnysC
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsq6oukSxe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYUXyzALFm
"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–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QNj6tSbOT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXaGhT5yoZ
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXZBxm75p3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEC9wJTT5v
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwukxy3MjT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02GceardHS
"What part didn't you understand?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAmAt6T75a
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAlS7gFWHO
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hhpPNVxqh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1EXPOBg3j
"...Huh?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFd8lzEHY7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDlgom93CA
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWdBPlOsOj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMRMxVmyFn
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlTi7mn3Vl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr4kaWQECo
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OqsxYwPol
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ447YLMlZGA
"Huh?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLKtxRysmE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPhDKg2KhA
"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!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBsHvha3Ba
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv59ck8cSD
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FymjQa1OA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyj5oGfDM1
"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!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX3yyWzkAi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJWI6cSFNi
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p2C9Jzw7n
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCJYYEE0RA
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRVmFI8kJd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglRij7Uojj
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBafhNRuZ2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWvNLY2uHK
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAZG3uiCoK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6oKPGkrkM
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXIW2dOXkw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg98s4EREU
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzJAGiDq9d
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNdKMu54C9
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUxhlBRWp0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlfpEA5QdG
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eDSSEGpfe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Hy94ecKQ
"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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBEX91CG21
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBCTj5sXFP
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJPNdWDJ6b
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZrghGAarE
"What are you talking about!?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyi1tJDDM9
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBCOfTH2oA
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalEyAxUUq1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP24SIwcfN
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IR7dgOIyp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgVt4S4WYF
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2ObcJ6obz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIz20mjzCI
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCm0QYAL2w
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZnTimZ2H6
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–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg81ou6FfK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukn0m6QLn7
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPwCtKu7yk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXDOMb1Vhr
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B1J7k53yu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr72cFiCR0q
"Fine, go ahead."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXKd42gBbf
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVf8Wb2GPt
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2urXT1iVFV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuuUfNu0ll
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXfGnU8qFj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1j2RMGWXw
I pointed at it and she nodded.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB0enbidUb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz7LhM0bry
"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..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcz3ipwQUa
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAvD7fDsjY
"Hm? But what again?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKErccmcv70
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeClRBiUmAq
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RALbke6QZ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDs7VPWtxt
"I see. That's disturbing."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TAITwAdZ2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHST6Jrn01
"It's... not so bad."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBPsUUfGRt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXtbXSGLjW
She gently huffed at my response.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrZMJjSjgX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzCaYSPc3d
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tt4eca1aX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHujiVJ5Tc
"Fight Mason?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZgTMqJdn4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD6KqJC56v
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpM4KZbVUz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMOvRlQrcz
"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!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6bsw97n9s
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a6MwvwLyz
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5J3Jb95mq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxQy6Jkkww
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx5MsXb8Cl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIVkMSWqdG
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTQPdKjmzo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ09y5yzlts
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmreB48Avpi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY994S1LDt3
"Is something the matter?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qf9y6kyQg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV52gmp7Py3
"...Where is your friend right now?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L8Vl3gFEE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoBeTipCgF
"T-That's... why do you ask?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAGdpLzSBA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrn8zuklJ0
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP2dK1Dqkt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fAaIi6Cps
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6wGwLxd8H
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWGFb83oYR
"Yes, she did."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm0zvIkamX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtZZ6jfIiF
"Ah, I see now."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAz2ZH3zEP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qslOx8xrM
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO1WdjcwGp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJPZzRMIvk
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
