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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j9pO5HL4M
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3DcBW5evy
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMii3xg3QZ3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFApIhwG4yW
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5pN1ITUna
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwFXKns400
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmfXhthBk3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEUJwHuhti
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH0fe5e7Xu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDMCUpE9Br
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnv1z6fTv2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBzFwP1O8y
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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uewls91io
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHBgElAhLC
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL9WOWC0Jl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmj4dLvYEv
–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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKfXuJGeAj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnKCJVV2Wx
"Who's there?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ1bXmfnWq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY5Sd3tjzi
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16SPGc0WJn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUepM0sNb3y
Therefore–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV2R4yfUd4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gCNpUVGxs
**SHATTER**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTSpBb4NWO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V96TThfui
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4BdtzgNjb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs8nDzuZiq
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEQcsxQlsM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vyFvI39cn
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdywYhlpOx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMcVHeK7PY
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6Vp0CXOAS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT7Nu1jTCu
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbmNWEj8gO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnkwNRGeZ5
"Powerful, too."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQuPKOJ8kJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTU6BZB9as
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO5TWH70fs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcHi8u1Vn1
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xGVnJwIC8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBmGzm1RWi
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsID5oWJh4n
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSZkAL3TU4
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNBHmFvSQl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM5bwekbNy
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMukQasu24
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVWmRGEJqz
"...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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9K4bOOmgJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKUgiqDzLo
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpIGUYgGPA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLxrA4L27b
"Crossbows!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4qyOjL54U
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi0uQyj4Uo
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rTVatb5uy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38iaCBGRHd
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–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJVnuMYUs4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQlVlX6xb6
"Ngh! How!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakRKAb2uzS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmfE4yGG3N
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6aM5R0wQy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLm4irGM8D
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlp7d7jrem
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdngEKJD5L
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGmt9gb5Yw
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygcl1efOGi
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vl0cJncMR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl3a0R4iJM
"You ought to know the answer by now."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthLIrhx85c
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7Q4pMrka2
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgd0nBGk27
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWWp1FKh4t
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf5OABFt44
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkVyRForJv
"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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckV75we4hD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8hTv3eSCM
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK5ziSFTYG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzph44nPLVQ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxrbXwHECE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLZJp1Ec1k
"Phew. Give up now?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSo7InhjGR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd0QowuE9q
"'Course not, just thinking."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Lse8renU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX8bIL0KlJ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKLgL09t53
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkdugF4vg7
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dw2qv8wtp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMSjUl6ur1
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtBfUfSGlt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnixwYAE8F
"--Shit!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5gEuzdXud
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRSvwxYtXt
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSMMBeFvlb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51VFBbti7
The man must have had a similar epiphany.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLt6UOhPg3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH7Vqrj70j
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aaY9xdE2m
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmjDOeiOQF
"--Huh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8SAu5ElBj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo3gHf1fEQ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OPeMe6IvG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjnhn6Dkqf
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClESvPnf0h
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SR8Ig5UTK
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU1tHhxgt7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRUbWGNozJ
"Ngh..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1z7D2YJyQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca1FHNS1BJ
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbCduG1Rdo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWfsVcm2it
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP3N7nC6t0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt5QHmZJpK
"--Rover!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtwIOOPKak
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQroxl3W44
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeycM7S3hM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLHsDuqsf6
"K-Kenny!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi5WnOkrGD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xGdfBb394
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk10wSHUdhD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKZkstJEJW
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dT8JojkT5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcoFjrJHQI
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpjofsQFRx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyVvVHma5G
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkQoj1c3QJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcM1anIV4e
She turned her head to him, conflicted.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47r0GNrx2t
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODI9DEO9Sg
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcbEMhbEf1
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97NigezmIN
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pIoyOHJgu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCBWISFOlx
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthc4DAlSrA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh45TVnQuBu
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvmOGR3gjE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LBUwqKqBY
"H-Huh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bWVus6jP8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuwPKldlyv
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtsSQGE5he
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0l8A7BrLg
"You... you are so reckless!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGfKvY25sX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNQyCodzEo
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn7uMATqRe
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabIE33jpON
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXSxsKtIl1
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlIuY9RNJe
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Quqn4GeVn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fKnIs2Hkn
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMUpVusUtV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEZD2XHN6v
"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!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDmGcTwI4B
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qsOkJCNUA
"--!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCjLQdfLiJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl4c1CgwYA
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YndpgpFet
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6phldascS
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsWMM1y2VM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ph8DZOxa1
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3U5OipjIs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR11Kmt6wB9
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3nngh7qgl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8qgdYUm97
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt40s81OHf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ZsEJdNOh
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lTPUZFvMH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqGpqLYikt
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EORfGf0ej
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8gTPidTYj
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Aff6CEqjb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDvgZjXDky
–
–
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEenv2M0yW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbV9JeUnvO
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbahPojAMaf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MrnQHp3vN
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f3xyK47g1
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IHvwovSJc
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DVscy3lBN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd73g4rHkP
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawi7FuoP3Q
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rio3EF9ne
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VufEfb5CP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyDjpC24st
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8qJRdfQ61
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl54YDpDMjt
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi26gXdaal
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhhlmQBABg
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxX5jfwBVL
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKzL6NvwX4
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGB5aLc0vk
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaudmOR8xv
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTiQ8deCs9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zmqMQvKru
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOttiXjqG7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj29y4UUft
"Of course."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT2rIxdAbX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pXg41qmgR
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUv9yTCIMG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvbMl44leN
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEwMm2uTyN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SLdQntpmt
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnXd7LTWQ5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqO5sruwqT
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6kAFpH1Yu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zuutIEJCt
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOwwCJSvzN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmOi1v9Zb2
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIANoVOWPjO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOkLcxxfzi
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSMMtyB4SP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdW6CSDjxv
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPkJ8jlLh1
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLTt20lM8p
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyTr0NtLY5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ572njqIqF4
"Then I suppose I have no choice."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaCsdFdv3P
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUsapWuXrC
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc57JryoaX5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH0Lchaqpv
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzWyDRTtCX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG3tW72jkg
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAxMGbKFB8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa1NYqGhTZ
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpzx0Xb0zo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLICQxazlI
"You are such a priss, Pars."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxvdFvkAkr
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGMFkffx4A
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA0cmVwpsH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwL1c9V4X7
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuLFrW0tly
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwXjV5LGld
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoiTsBlsvD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFQI7TwxP0
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjIdKokKP6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWs5zmI7jA
"I'm going to tell them."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXIJsgTAsH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCbrvaQwb1
"Don't you do it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlLfWWYcPp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxFLl2WQaV
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu6DPrFSKB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6TmDZG7F4
"Lola, I'm for real about this."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lsnG3c6HG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVvcBp8R8B
"--is because of a series of assassinations."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzWKhG1UJs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4Gnn0Egg
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwKgxF8HZ7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3kOWxdahz
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkHXNyx59b
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MjiOYgVp5
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR6YisrfsY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojHcmWg76I
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls98wqW0N8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTEDjlFWHZ
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnTLCb1atx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrdWCSzec7
"Uh, well, who got killed?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P6rp1hHsV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGjlQyldRy
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaReweVess
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgta77O7B0N
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtTn5jhNzS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlBnNvuRsR
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3spCBVaTYp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Br67lHDR
"I-I see."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdglyboJMRp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMxPa6fvQJ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxefaMHvUH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTuaGAwlvf
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDPaCB3ZqI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeymNrOoWM
"...You have my condolences."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs4Jk6z3j8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrCIKCuKKV
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnupVM1Sje
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqr8zrxGMo
"Mmm."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMDiL7S63H
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOjvEnJ0yZ
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj7KRIxrQj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMxisnnfjj
"Alright, we've made it.'
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CgpUA2mHy
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mPq2sFtu6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8MP21nIQO
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cs7t3UaMT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjTqv4JVXO
"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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhIviFPXV7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk6J8k1qfg
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkIhjI0syv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4R3LIY9g3
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJgYsXsU5O
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcupTX9MT4i
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH1BvTPFcL
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM5pqOkDNX
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMogxNfxdMc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUvPzfuhgM
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvz1Xjdwtq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcZunlGQ2t
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fAvyLkGuN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbu1xFRW7U
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYn5zA8TZD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9doRVcXPWE
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyRluKYsx0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0JD3BKPgu
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxxiC0riSQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouzWOEdi4g
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbioVTHfUVg
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BTFiq152x
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u2v9X5yOn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe0PzKVqrV
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ark7WQLS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mNepXYQC8
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZZSTIcMyy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36J7ZZcZEz
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHVx2LePsd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4sDJepW2N
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuTxU1Ea4g
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yb0P8fYtb
We had completed the mission.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oJdJwyeM5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhfLE8dm0d
–
–
–
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ156Zz5NlwZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7pzGoYPPZ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxuBdaqgz2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojp3BTTmzw
"One last high-five, Kenny!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrqchNO4IB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZ2Vis7Pv
"Alright alright, geez."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u48mvMYBh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkuR5e0FjJ
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ5wQZ336j
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09pI6ocYcm
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpYf8r3Y6B
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUR4c84WiH
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RVWVDUWMi
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkqNpb7Bia
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP7pD8rIuD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rQUnDwa32
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxjZSeEE6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cPyjIbpBT
"Huh? What are you talking about?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6vWSjOsDJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WVPTQbWgV
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPem5rixDT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd5DlLZuVU
She looked conflicted about my statement.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5520e4UuXL
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2RVPR3trh
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcdroKxk0n
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc4lXSUDgR
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG3xcAmMx2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yUQsLwjJt
"Dispositions...? What?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7xYSqZFPE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdR2XYL87f
"Uh... our natures, basically."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyrOpUsBkP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3WDSAwe26
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzXgADJR4r
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSqF53Q836
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUQeXAkc3q
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBqKdz5Tvl
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfsTV6kVrS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L3HYVLOUK
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgDeZQrDE3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0a5cexq43
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUJtYNqtOf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X1BhjURdN
She pulled me out of my rumination.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjTHg3jHQI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrya5MCEpnr
"About what?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoIiHhs5XS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l7vhMCLqw
"About what you said."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0nZQFz1Vl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCFupWjA3R
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K0OSrRR7A
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf18rhItpwc
"Well, what is it?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhm7CyaeIH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q5mwqGZZf
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LQuTfBHSZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV3cXaMlge
"Right."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8xMMhhY8G
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr9rcIvN7C
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSzJK9uxzK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACllEjAQSp
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxPtVggzYi
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Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OezY5yAk6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3T6VT6fVz
"That's great."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i0nuBb4Pj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uqmgKtOOH
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TKU66Gnb2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftcGv6X7HR
"Uh, what's the matter?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAiv9pIMIV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbDxhPNc2u
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0sa3ozykB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3CqOdQ6O7
"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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD4TQULlVr
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"I can't say that I do."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAf9ip7ZMv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc0KIV1u1f
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD4oY5VdrF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwmaOk9FUs
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPUZ5zz6c3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYX31l2MGX
"Just trust me here!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHdxNvUftF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0mIa0CKiQ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pnfjAyIah
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeRoNcjtLv
It sounded like chatter.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCCUbczK76
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPzkZVQEwV
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV67vm3HdbB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXLJt28XME
"Kenny, wait here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUfzE80x1E
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WDoWrnGP9
"Huh? Why?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGNGPL8y5s
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH9bAaqR1V
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRE2IQZem0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sUGI2rNJ0
"W-Wha–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreFqnV6d32
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxptoz6vtQ1
"Shhh! Shut up!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3bhAWNn4Z
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2HGFnDMpv
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDCXkfGDNU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QntBu9RZg
"This is..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QaNBUnuq9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAcYwqAu7B
"Something fishy is going on here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xNLCAfVYb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5ijKOKdJe
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx1ZqiuLQY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTK6RWU8gN
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohh1BdIXcp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qH7ZkMNDq
"Alright, can you all hear me?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfEyvy9Q3e
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDiwKfJHc0
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!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPozkMZX3u
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u2c8NBe8W
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
