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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvp9GKOSWN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV08DqLDqH
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9w9mTm6Fe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeEW4Q3GNU
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYOl9eUsE6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMKR3RnA1A
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qQ6X0fhAW
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeG1e2K6GL
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil7WUaoaCr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvqQjdi22v
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWsf5zAy98
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhuydPTtkS
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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NQfWpNBc0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFtzBxIOMU
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oPZiBeEaG
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaNIbZ6wR5
–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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg4B5jhd4E
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjklAXFK1Q
"Who's there?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67TO2v3XJA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXUkKVaCU6
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGoiJ97B4h
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnYsZyrWhx
Therefore–118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcuLau2TKv
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G9zt62OKS
**SHATTER**118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL3Os0lEcd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcY33JAYmF
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW4grN0jH1
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCFzy0MT39
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXrMotvYmx
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0JLa3nkLr
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwTd5wxIYn
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8WihtXbkM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjdEyvhtYx
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXELzK008So
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"Powerful, too."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1v63nsuxV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1uUOSUbdW
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyYIh1uDSZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RqMiMQIIF
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB6SLanVsk
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WCE7rR3wN
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkXE4Sg9x1
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiw2Pkj6dc
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDJmFxH7d9
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0vM8n8xHC
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mKHHxS0E7
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV4lQcEqfv
"...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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbn2nuljDN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfbgVLQBI3
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8cH0zC82W
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOf578fIhJ
"Crossbows!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb5Ypt4oES
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0tcStHho9
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6tOj0uWnB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyfgIMIGE5
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–118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOanuZvTpr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfFl594qKR
"Ngh! How!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFmFq5PWCb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVAZYDWgPf
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAGOxLi43z
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAStMxrt4ei
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC4pJUYpYl
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoNfL9nXQs
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwnuGkMAmU
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEArLi438v
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf45FjC2vy
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7V6KrjTQe
"You ought to know the answer by now."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h4qpvG96s
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VA4u8VZan
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhujH9mPaBE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmJrHDqqTV
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmxZq6zmD3
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXRxzaJMoB
"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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG6NfT0pAR
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHhpN73f2n
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S5ljIMmIU
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBNKr9gaQ6
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy21DZJD2A
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9majBHZ05X
"Phew. Give up now?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QSRphDPIz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimNe1J038X
"'Course not, just thinking."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSOY9oeBro
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wnxTXp9LP
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtZ0dpWhbz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7zAcUMapn
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UnZaoEpeM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoBdTPqOPI
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8olJRVxJMN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8fv7OkuFr
"--Shit!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqX9hqzgPe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPzX7EmK0V
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7TbvnzZQM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zy8pJz3T1
The man must have had a similar epiphany.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsnpC9JlEj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKIwfxTE6H
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V4tj2FR7l
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5plEzDqeH
"--Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxbUasYKOz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYLXHZNBJj
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwOAcb6V3L
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDmfkIi6aB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX46v9lqzSG
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jxGge6LyS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH1crRcTvw
"Ngh..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7gDQ1m4yC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzHYGAfxbd
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfftEzeWczZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5cqYakyxr
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bwewyIEsP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TrAoJQq4m
"--Rover!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi62fxiZg98
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOUfnAbSCp
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJvsLR3gnZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK8PB66soL
"K-Kenny!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVmBcpbHWC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbXppMDoUB
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6OKTRoJPP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Q6mACaH2
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowBM83OAwD
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62seMGcrR0
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkv0Cy50s5
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskJAGvMAf2
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrSyCdtwDA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynLpRByWZA
She turned her head to him, conflicted.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aYrbmg76V
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wx7un0ZYR
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsfwlkOpI2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJgonhhI4O
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEx75FxVS0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgjmVqKR4q
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq1SpAydLT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Rlb3GIem
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjTbLpKCvl
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTjR2dinqq
"H-Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObNEo4TeoF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u0wRPhMHS
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKLSvVyQaW
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiDK7R1h9y
"You... you are so reckless!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDMJBO8ptN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQFrc6XFED
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uij5EX3mm
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEIjHqF1SJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfrpJpfzA3
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKINxGJIGkI
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURIzaQqOmm
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMVLV2UF3p
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9F6w0K5jJ
"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!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId8uu800DQ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxopI8oYrDC
"--!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuVXfZcPRg
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdGgjYHw9j
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVWQwzQOBY
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhX4iWgtWK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWwTa6GLTv
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAr4wFHMFU
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkZNMlbtUh
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWo2eR0g2i
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ2oNAASs4
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKmP7dHunc
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGmXNY26tv
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd6tYFjzTg
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCF3WwxItz
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5SAHv1wno
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CYkNxESPT
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6TKyLr5RN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ411QRLSCf0
–
–
–118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xwxTyM8qE
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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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSe0k9Zn0a
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShVN2bDUkH
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFfkxMvYCq
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdisKv1wWVM
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlVL6fXJK8
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"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJwQK1vkaJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Ooy0xYG6
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PARW4jOzX
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3vKGGpk1s
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhoqy2jFjN
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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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEELuYJppt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU85f6fJReU
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSLTau3Fbz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxlkjQm2AR
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QogxK2wqJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqKkdZkTj0
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrTZLmY3pt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk91bbQU3yb
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwqk7QsJSE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkZcZlQWga
"Of course."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AnFnB6AfS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yqQsplqFC
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9VTAKcS6B
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd9T61Qmnv
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3eVaXAfFO
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"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv44m3f5bq
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRfsy3MtUy
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK4dFI7T1m
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOMhrsA2bV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxItXXib970
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaR48BfYFW
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeV9wUsmHZ
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ9p6LIyBf
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxKDNWU6l6
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDrBngwUwI
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5hU24Yh6x
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyUm7QklqY
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"Then I suppose I have no choice."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwCz2jra1X
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"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobpa8UTke7
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFul1KKW1OK
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpjFY8Qp0q
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN1Q5ZJRQP
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sTsX1ZnA6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZb9ydtUkk
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FZ2ey7caz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXqMxh3Rc7
"You are such a priss, Pars."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjcClJk6wy
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bf1x5gurL
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vunhx9f8J
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7VK7seyN1
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXNGZvHC9l
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjzbfjUjbf
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhJimJtbTt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp9KLQPkT5
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWhszRUB4L
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"I'm going to tell them."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBTG9TYCfd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GzgfBshVh
"Don't you do it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeJxX4aYvz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKJKsHEmFX
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe3XcLQL0B
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7htCmxkWP
"Lola, I'm for real about this."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgEdKOTffL
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXHTnLCqUa
"--is because of a series of assassinations."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsXpeaiXv0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgnb8Ci0Xh
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg3DpcSoMn
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXVlZvpxHa
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2HdrkCXDH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi414sf8jyG
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalvrNQuivP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BY1qZmVor
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0Yrqhio7A
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bi0yl0Tpa
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyVMCzDUPZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU1tFDVwIL
"Uh, well, who got killed?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1fSoB9RFr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVdc7mhIOu
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNZjnca5vF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupkxjvp57T
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzSB8BXRwc
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIUprDgEL6
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38KFm6n7AT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiS6IecJ33
"I-I see."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6FhVy9jpP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPOGicpGTM
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhquiWMEaq6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJrsvtdrso
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21pwaqLnYa
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsirDWXp86M
"...You have my condolences."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS3qREOP7t
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjKy97dRoJ
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsRu7YesU7
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1UoZ8mueW
"Mmm."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkBWEC88vD
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim32MpoJ1u
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsOV28H7mZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQiNcfmAry
"Alright, we've made it.'
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0wpyXx4Ao
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o60bjEgnb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC4tgQ5ilu
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACWJBx1VJp
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM14tapQmA
"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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcFpNMan9w
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTwFlfPDvi
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6hSFuuXex
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLOCRDl4N6
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6CSxKmRBe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCgYdk1iiM
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zKAyjvG47
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI5VKbIGAs
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i1G6IwVtv
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlIlPX4PPn
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpIro7KwdM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ146tWpLKZr
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63kd8EDEkK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jJ1xt1uxX
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhtGNZJilO
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujRotarCYZ
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbY0xj2eC9
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He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zi6US2oa4
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPpMTEjMWf
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDYQpSGPcT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgbuE2lKwk
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9v5WusWE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98DABjXX1e
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdseyzh42K
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNde8P3hlH
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSq140MtVz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dN9bmtKJk
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa5X5b7jrq
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWuXcUNFrf
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fg02Yh5mK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGCgeDKUeI
We had completed the mission.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8pWIroDWB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBKros7MGw
–
–
–
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtQcQvbcEm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9ElmuO6EM
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMokctFIdW
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"One last high-five, Kenny!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ge1a3U6a
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"Alright alright, geez."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqd4NVrtTW
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDQP1SjWS3
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj65VzVnTo
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflGoHtdIZd
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdyfQlqnP6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtwrbEFVWr
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx9JL1ziMM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdWifgmjjr
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV51CaM7Pxj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqXQm6UEXc
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCFHpeClDA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVS6asQLEg
"Huh? What are you talking about?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEEhhSO2Tj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAAc6AjHbd
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXfQGUUQWr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA66tWl09ST
She looked conflicted about my statement.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE8a9zbVUT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZFNzTm3i7
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwXQudJEFW
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u6Daacl0H
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdW9pADa5q
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH1QsbLDIW
"Dispositions...? What?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJy7Fftd79
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgsi4wip4j
"Uh... our natures, basically."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2dXurUsvM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTNDRxm6R7
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcylUm8jlF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDDU0tRtJb
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjGicCjCCt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuIxyPP0T3
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqlxP6rYl4
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoYrLPAjHD
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpjap7nmCs
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PpqIxirGs
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzxJNVvD8l
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She pulled me out of my rumination.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiFaXVQvV2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaUsjMJLQx
"About what?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYEqmBqSFu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrhkbeFdc7
"About what you said."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLVwQtJvg9
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTALHY6T0F
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm38KLI654
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWpwTd2Wad
"Well, what is it?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhx0Wbu1AK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzETQcQx3J
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLFBEnf2h2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi72gVSiKQ
"Right."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXop7Tdw2F5
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyO0xQj72H
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl5W5uvWpJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEp2ZborEh
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgavfzJSTwd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrqS7MGULN
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgcdZasXms
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v52JwaT2Y
"That's great."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucqhMKedPu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfJKWCYctD
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNONBcXoyeK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0yuIxglwS
"Uh, what's the matter?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t1nqTltNe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4OggHlMe4
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4dOiwaG60
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPDLGLPm51
"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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZzSoJ8sXi
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBJE49TmgP
"I can't say that I do."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6R4UndBSd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2d7zKBT3Z
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx5THvW2HJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoPgRpcfeH
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlfgut8np2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlH5ZQfIfk
"Just trust me here!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SO35q8W4M
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42Kq8eiEQr
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4GQvWZphl
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvaCwjR3Az
It sounded like chatter.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrEaLMapCf
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCIR77s8FJ
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUbFgKkaUH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOwnBmUSOC
"Kenny, wait here."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63Avzm4d3p
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxaUfNYRfJ
"Huh? Why?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCMDF7zpnT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk9IgKHab7
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7nzznLOWi
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeIDVXYA98
"W-Wha–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPixnSFz52
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNgODGoEbg
"Shhh! Shut up!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQRQ5Ji8HC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXS8zMPsm7
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizd4gCX9m0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTznYL7aY6q
"This is..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFbWTBoio3
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt1XnKqJvu
"Something fishy is going on here."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00VnOdvg71
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49WNiGVIyR
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu0yGKD2AB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygzbImT1xh
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyvVIaQpCK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWQdlKY7hp
"Alright, can you all hear me?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Yjof57VZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdET3qAhS1
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!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kwr10Hvaf
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99G6C9nqsN
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
