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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTzrc1IlAB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbBMdsUWHN
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k7Q0ACVyY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QFeNj65ER
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXShBzEouS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitl7ClNmGm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXwqtEVguE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv87G5LAro
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJGLyvvynR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kfBH3ohG6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ma4Qe7Whc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiIc3MreEq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDReqSiNx6M
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi6ChY6XOM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQJOuzMT5d
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoP0AT6CGx
–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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK9FkmQgdM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUD5lJPOv3
"Who's there?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNkR6DFFpE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCySZ7woLru
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVHAwckjQ2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kso72nnQx
Therefore–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl5UiOb70d
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjCTlnZ05C
**SHATTER**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNGTf23Zsh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEnl1M4txh
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtm1ktvJci
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMemripcit
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19VSe56Huf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Xu67ZZJ7
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb4BKfIEqg
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtcLkh4K9g
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlya1y5O0V
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nd7wuYW1N
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxB2oafQpc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKEWLw62We
"Powerful, too."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsfrQ3sooL
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8r1FNTa4P
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOZ0ZpPgYS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2yjQWUexx
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVjbteMz66
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtOnTGMOxZ
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZRsjVIump
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2iaSsNtc2
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31DpbYewOv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasR6ljhWQH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Vmhl7u94
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0m0tsaokg
"...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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kECFuBTV9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7l3oRJ9JW
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnIL3xmqfN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWaAKYgIV6
"Crossbows!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGkoCEZyIt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cXghe6OGc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl11HnF35fs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQs1OGZZ1P
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hyN695KYl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr6ATXGXst
"Ngh! How!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhXjPgrnpM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6OGerKIwH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmnTccMEOr
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn1VCW06Jt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3akficIdO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88mitZfT04
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPNNtLqpNa
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOVv5pm2Dm
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW97mfhy6XV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ05gB823jk
"You ought to know the answer by now."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4LY6T5Jgj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDXF0gN6gm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPAwRs1U31
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO49pV8bvJK
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtIhLGroxi
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivyMEjqqnK
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgn3AN9ngo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeQBVjTmew
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGlStNBvbe
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEWEBmyZPE
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9f2NY1NXx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBjumIhkZP
"Phew. Give up now?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHno02nCyMD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwLff7jcIe
"'Course not, just thinking."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu98SK7i5o
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF3YQRn7mJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3zUMioKbd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku6OEUZqac
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6GZdPDmPt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA4IavSDUz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmmvbkveMD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy2b6qquT4
"--Shit!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv5Hi5qaKY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4nBII12xZ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXVsKqUR17
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVrdVTrp83
The man must have had a similar epiphany.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCZXlkHo7p
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtBwp6AhTQ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7MTzql76K
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7i4siEKJg
"--Huh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH6jEo8dgB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ06ESRg7Y
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXaL6D7zP7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbcex3uTvO
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF58wtrD2T
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCNQd86GNp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI01TLEw7P
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimhkFyFCTE
"Ngh..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GpKkOVYJh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sr2ct51PN
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSew9sOMqnC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CiIicfy9a
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzbmOkxiUu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQiOPDUgaD
"--Rover!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fg6eewss8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJxgMqcbQn
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuPpUxLuy3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6pt50k8R8
"K-Kenny!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fX71lMENH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n0RBm6zq7
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PwoBAQve
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WE8ujScQv
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezn94x19ZQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp4tPLGl6x
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX5Z95ywkv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyagIhiCXhv
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRN3Wuzabr
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eE0t2XHrk
She turned her head to him, conflicted.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5poCUk1vaa
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiK6NUtWtj
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQUicIvhtW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD36OFvy0S6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpptfmOp4lp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpLWZNouWc
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQMPRhovjt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FIRiBAssP
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP0vw34gvu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXdPtU6S12
"H-Huh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1BLcdIFF8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc8iEgELoB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXxZuw3xxI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOwbS06BGO
"You... you are so reckless!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4VRKCiznS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI3LINCfJU
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY8uWJwEEs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56zTutjYHw
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEP0Ff1qRb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzSE7YtEBP
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nDANC0w23
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8MxPn1Jwc
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHSzvUy0Nn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAHliY95V3
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKs2plThjs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzQtPUHSmM
"--!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9kakI64OD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhN6SEjelV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQrJ68VpHU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpNZcOLeAa
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcErAxxYhM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS6eDq6SUZ
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb503w3tTuV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRztQEw24P
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKwdvMXFAy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoXJYUr4Ib
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcIBHAze19
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFli4Lny7F
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2NCfCqyr4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAitvnoUUzs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GRId23E1i
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kxTbSqhlY
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PxKpAkggD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjFaWiJDWc
–
–
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqrmMEJv5d
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv3r2Mm71q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqgGxCeYDI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2c5D2n4lb
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseIZrPLkoZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kf8ZXsPYj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDY6nDfYBl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzYO9q7S3H
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX5bhZw8fG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhYO6d58v6
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQHeO95n1W
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelTJ5jKUys
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv0BT6GwVX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2op3BAh8EE
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXe6aTzw0S
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhCmrpRulM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWW6S2dQNg
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTYRt2WK1z
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2rO0UTAZv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYZmqkm4Hc
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ89Wiwd9e
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz8cPz38mj
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHo7bFwNe5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zMmUpkeqC
"Of course."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiCpVtbxoO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWxLmxUtJD
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoJJkdaK6D
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwrOAepMIg
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafxDptU8Bn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBSh1P9YuG
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIixdG8ioPR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwZvYmV0rr
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3RaWwlatB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAodTcv2SR
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSqK2IzvbH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTihbr0NHU1
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBSRw96HV8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILjwoicZ8v
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm16GddzU7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IOTZWNEv5
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9W6JSZJ4F
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvF1ktm1UE
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBz7HZyWOR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLzPHEiLha
"Then I suppose I have no choice."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuaP0omWT8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kv3LsBrl3
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxITTPtNjgd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4ouIjHkGl
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVKydNHZLq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K1BtXgL4Q
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifsYoNs8M2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexZLKasw6l
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4xekGNLOn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxrXeFPQEd
"You are such a priss, Pars."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBJIraF7J
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZh98yI8y4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAxMr8eWXG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsMMhetpX8
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNxZXKvS0P
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzMU4PQQie
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CGlqAbQig
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj55kX8SJ1
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfHy9sQjuk
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSt1B0xj4N
"I'm going to tell them."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFTUr3SnEQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupqA1heMfL
"Don't you do it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqlVrKt1QK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaVBOARKnc
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCdW20ljyX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlLvs2M8C9
"Lola, I'm for real about this."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYLu5UmwcM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLxcCncR3X
"--is because of a series of assassinations."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtATqvLPVR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9liK60oGm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxvDvrvWCW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVFQu9nXVj
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYcbzH0Gmf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqHVTziNKT
"...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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VxX4R7wck
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAiZYBl81d
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ceRov1LZe
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO5FkT7OX3
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOLpCZo7Xu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QZLEdXkHM
"Uh, well, who got killed?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHWdjIJg2b
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5OgJr0gw7
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1UpTImlb9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq3115sfvX
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0IYFuFbSp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkAioeZ6pk
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQDdr6A5iR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4oGfWAde9
"I-I see."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA9eLmyXEL
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9okPHE1ADj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmE0ZhoBes
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSyx0JEzUP
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4IftrCAkE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL13I0Unlg
"...You have my condolences."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmFXb2O68a
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjxo0TipFo
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUQmMghriE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuctxf0qoN
"Mmm."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c2UcHj45G
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToJiOScNNh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENeNLfgExv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogYs1SMfCi
"Alright, we've made it.'
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyHSofJT2D
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9eUcRKKaZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W9MNMLuft
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8OOFohaYQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvBUqxiFD7
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1fHA7oa4y
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5He0BSA6y
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OIjKADZLM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD33iCLLWi4
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TmxtkfwX2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCX6j0yLW6
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrPDAJzuUU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY07oGhTGDe
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTceCJZ5nC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fbHLyu9gj
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWas497isA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZgV5MmvJQ
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LQU2GRlH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmbmH69qM4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfhtzoZ3q7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqI36pJOFE
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXJJeTDm4S
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKBROYH2To
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnuAgP2Fmk
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA8tUNzAPL
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wtx68Eoyn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdwBPdTqkB
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm7DdUODWe
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhjC7LDzdk
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1mmx7XDfQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhxtVzzb90
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiPWmOXY2a
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQulwvGO2oL
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKGzXdCbn0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVeHRmbqaa
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK42YgYZOd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1dUjLGZpu
We had completed the mission.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo6u0vs2pZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LLnmCc0b4
–
–
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mWmTGCVN9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lbUV2NFkh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgZqPFBPuv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW6e3JX191
"One last high-five, Kenny!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKllmVoykm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuibC63grB
"Alright alright, geez."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6gEggaWdz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8ldyhbpAP
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4wim3igcC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy2RGa2juq
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0fAvs2A2T
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hWBDNQRJy
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu24u30gFN4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1G1YStrZX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO6eXycEoa
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNILNDBrUH
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HZqfKBMjA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ59A9O57IS
"Huh? What are you talking about?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBCFBphBvo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw3fWIuXdK
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYquv5SY6JW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY89SlrXFo
She looked conflicted about my statement.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxW8Kt4T2r
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18ZDZ9KW6f
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7FOKUPL19
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoLaAZ9I1V
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3nm5QRuU4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHXxXyhmcX
"Dispositions...? What?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPlnYp8D6M
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWxA8LinPq
"Uh... our natures, basically."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDf9vEWxcM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVBSgvTnCk
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8w0oKqPfp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5mGuvx17q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2Cqwu5NX2
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYcSsRuCXb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjDu2QqiXJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH6PTStvQ2
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23f54AFfBA
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She pulled me out of my rumination.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcmCp5zEZ9
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"About what?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8QQHoSQnV
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"About what you said."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5UhwHpUvu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9svOpnJaxk
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRhJJnUEag
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"Well, what is it?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmPN6YrE3l
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgDRB1CsID
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUcJD8iMHb
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"Right."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG3yRe0D6c
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00M8QkyEIS
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1QWW1Tg3o
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ6pDkPy5D
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bucztCzvq
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ06fINXIWP
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"That's great."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9SfOTnQnt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIYIK7KiSE
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCfNY0c0sI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvduqCwAV05
"Uh, what's the matter?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr075TMagdb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GL8FmK320
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NIL2VDTWC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEbT7MgD4r
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPB3yaacDg
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"I can't say that I do."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMJlWvHA5E
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1PRM7aysB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1Rq7gZe76
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxGdKx9lVO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd20RZ7g6LH
"Just trust me here!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxwvFAcNgZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITgPz5oZoS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt6SPulgkb
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It sounded like chatter.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzZDIzqucK
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpSaIltkci
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8w43C3lQS
"Kenny, wait here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoYXD1slzX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhx8peZZjX
"Huh? Why?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIghnq0aNeR
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUNkQugfph
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"W-Wha–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv0rOpwmv7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdqgynTDHJ
"Shhh! Shut up!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDBI6KfwhI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqjZmCvrDT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDLamVsFks
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1pqd0a4yB
"This is..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrn9WNJBUX
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"Something fishy is going on here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tdJZGVEzH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXcV7zkXST
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqevnr2EOE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlFhzcZaH9
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEnk5CThm2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWjbESA5zQ
"Alright, can you all hear me?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0trMfy3cz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzPtZ7Pqmv
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqwlmIgEzG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4LX50ftUJ
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
