The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZnAzTWY1R
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy0QO3JOwn
"Ow! Ahh..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26RjNMWJJQ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjgnlMbhXA
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKeb0xUKbb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNhUPBNu3i
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRSVonZqsl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKeIwcAsE0
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5BT60Cdpy
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHgQ4Cay9a
"...This place is giving me the creeps."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8faQ0UTkW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAPoxpQxbl
"Huh? How so?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiuXLVKIfU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8jMpSMyOQ
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIqqYnq0LA
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTC9yKCIZV
"Couches and rich– wait a second."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lVEzcsiOK
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BOPlF0nCg
Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bgdYgDjsS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmZZNVzJVk
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL7HqIvCDa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfMqLe4sO0
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV9wOIfAH6
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0jQffgGAM
"Tch! This stinks!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3nAHe0S74
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf8AHGt7kW
Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9IbXv9BPW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eK6X1akbj
"What?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx3Tsy93Mj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIjcExfCmx
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGkdxDsUEH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDKlxUnB1d
"What? Are you scared?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dLtfvGWTG
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexz9Ia2p7a
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pSya8uta5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE95VtBftX
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs0ioB7tbj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRaQCZxiMk
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSpc0KUwKc
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dMXKrclXQ
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bBOgAqNk8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCFT1bRh8x
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M23Fy8eZ0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1A0Ds1RFE
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGy3FvPJo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NG6hoDHW2
"...Fine."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAoVB6FdOk
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYj75Mr3jt
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAElZwMc7Vo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgfSXPH0ig
Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtmGJh45Uj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlenyg4I0uW
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpeQGI155I
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VDLI0d6Vt
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8bdKXqIXi
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolT5t2zUDO
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvmzhjAm6W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ktWoi12vR
"...It's locked."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqvQ5b5uxO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI04H6EzN6
I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegbhbCEEjV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kcjnRkdDh
"Oh! This one's open!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJsniPYc49
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0XIrXoIb5
Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FCe7kU9eN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxwytwnQmF
"This place is– cah! Ack!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMlNAPt9DW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g0pxsJDP6
Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdxBDt6grb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprGRb3dPpx
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTKhk8DOmF
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZQNnjpw2X
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6XPVLNEAB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxXHrVV9DJ
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxqfvGXfck
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztU9MBLeWj
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWRLuua8t6
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7VffzO4c6
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM98ORbC6P
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnme2beRFP
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4bDbd6EXe
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cbFwbYWGF
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQIDmGOf8P
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5XW5FQ7Q5
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbJka66G6E
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZpmrh72UB
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaDd0SVM3W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnny4UAIkm
"Ow... what the hell was that?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo7ijGy0gc
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHzPYFyHjB
I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pEZx3sbVg
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRABeSHJ28
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZY10tULbf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCpvshIqyg
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdxtDtxtjp
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4AA1CiYc8
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgndC86vCqZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Qg3KrMuP
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xqh5R8Dqa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubHXUdxQNB
"What's this here...?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod61jyiGuB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFvt1x4Qj6
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrS6spuVTx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI9L1TdP8r
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW0J14E0Z2
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARsUWk3kmc
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6rQi7fhUn
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13JrUN7aAp
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOQGUkE7jI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiTBuglztP
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaXKWfIRVV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJxUMzYpEW
"...Really?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7sE39wGnq
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdotIYKavtI
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4tkADyPsT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvYIklkku1
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX9QDMcccT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2GLQyWwp4
"--Wait."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSKYBLPD3x
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kBIfTbPox
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsR7yyinzU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwykcSPc8X
**SMASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeDhDK83pv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjJmFWoGRM
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlxzLiXZBo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU7d88UZWo
"Earth magic."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR3j2CGtl8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKmDGpbKng
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCROTA0NWhX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs21UmhbusC
**THUD**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5rxa8rJRe
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UHDFipH0l
I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoCOhBYZqI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDm3vQC3pV
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEOr8dS86f
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxPEr7WswW
"...Tears?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfkCcBGvjh
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioFfssae0k
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkMaBYViAW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkEYweeTXY
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJgyDrwQ19
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQda31I82qX
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr4gNnXhjC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLNxG9k0xP
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhm5kxi8iz
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSkm9EBKH7
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwzBfJPW7s
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fjXnfMScl
"Ha, how interesting."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkl63M1euX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuaIJJcZww
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVnBM7jIP0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7mExbT2DW
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpQ0YTGXER
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds9wktNkvi
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpFgQIC6VN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbAPVPsJLd
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrCNJFqagi
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW2qfK6pBp
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w6oMxzvgT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0gEWd8Ft4
"Similar fields?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RRg191pUB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV2pXMuxA0
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH9xIpYvY2
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFys2zWyWmC
"I-Is that so...?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcOJcOMBjl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QUTA7J1aW
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFJLIqWGix
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLlkL1ddfh
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIjtaxGwb2
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U2uM2bRsi
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHEksNqlA0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp6woyjyMO
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4w1LuoZMW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh1bPkRWQn
"What part didn't you understand?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPElL8N1yw
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ5J7AUR8n
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkKNU9F2aZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPCu2ait6A
"...Huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwaMUKwkqH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtJupSX8Zz
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4NjsnLkIC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtPjB3KkqE
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzdaF6mGAd
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Oi41v1vnc
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbym98R8t7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJDrlHFwRR
"Huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQEcQGaFRz
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtAv6NPeaj
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG1lSsU33u
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9XBv363hM
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM96mqV92T
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaprY3bVCQb
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUwwbmd2KG
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs09xYUld7
"..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRZsZBruxv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueZLb8Xxmu
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMONC6l9Zh
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnJI9b3B2H
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmubbDP9ce
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbjEAUOPfw
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE5hB9rbeV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXrdzxTHvP
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrJMJJyznY
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX79lVn8rGn
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGgcoFKUDI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqGWkCmBi1
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyuOSHjqHo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzckWwKT6yU
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTfiH3ZGjr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMu78BRmhs
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQjrZUaR3P
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylVyaCCMDP
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VnGYRs4FV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8BfUGfa26
"What are you talking about!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhm0TqTy7B
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeIIG9jn9e
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2buB8iYhWX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5uzlkZcQ5
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhZ0GDtLFK
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYN0URdJRt
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi0OjeWpvO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkriJiZ29zs
"..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvzvNY0PfI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCMVUgX3tz
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRg0ObDBD5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswGbxQ0DFK
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9WDmZleGF
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXGVaEtmU
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY0kvHtAGH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapHd1TrHSj
"Fine, go ahead."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXvF4pbOjm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGpxnbRaJ4
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs02KwfTyy
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ucmq4vtuj
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpVz93o2L8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZCRXGGNmt
I pointed at it and she nodded.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIt1esKCYN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYX6ZbwSm6
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVAAs3cGxY
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg5GuT3WxG
"Hm? But what again?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4YFYAmCis
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8MxKgmNoP
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUTdACJe6s
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJY71RZXhF
"I see. That's disturbing."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhWqduTxEa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1VXBMcxo1
"It's... not so bad."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWCZ5F9yIg
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAaL43FF97
She gently huffed at my response.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYs3ksYa5m
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXrnU299oM
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84sPG7ZLIS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBflI1VVAai
"Fight Mason?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrJAc4G3g7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0N8yodiIb
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YBYHXtkcJ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF8LiqdJL6
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv3zmbrHyb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ4joG8pLD
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdb7Czggyd
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GAx8oEkEI
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3OfVJzARH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXoN2nLRx4
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgLESKw5V4
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOlLEm1v7E
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP0spnfeY5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO37LAlWwLN
"Is something the matter?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOadKhANMW7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuSW9rQvYi
"...Where is your friend right now?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbp4PiBi0J
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT2snr6oGI
"T-That's... why do you ask?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTyEpoqdhS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF6LwuAozm
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsixD2AqAZ9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pP0JxtzNP
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXFU6kDbMy
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibBScESa6t
"Yes, she did."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2Kp40tKXv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8ewaCom8g
"Ah, I see now."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YvhExuVLU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCwwmalSv5
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlrjbztABa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNNV9aRtDy
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
