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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGAsJmVAWL
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw0IcEHw2O
"Ow! Ahh..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRYhTWB3Ko
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxOUacMRtl
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Aa4XcaSRj
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFWIDaqd3W
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4MgsbJ5nR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1FloBHiRX
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhtu24MJpw
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd3tYIl9qf
"...This place is giving me the creeps."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmgqJNofPG
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FSNYpks5R
"Huh? How so?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsDsbwxvuf
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR3tD1EG2N
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALOj1fOXmk
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEdCTv1GR6
"Couches and rich– wait a second."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqxhWMQCVa
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUtesl8wDV
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?78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDEqg7NVzY
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIx24XrqDN
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbnjobotIj
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7hZ2PqXwV
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNW2ZNvjao
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdaq7XjhpT
"Tch! This stinks!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaiaR6LgcR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTJvBcdtJI
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFYeCxKGyI
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmmOfgNaPd
"What?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr7Et3f9xv
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN0H8AFfcE
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HdgXYMN9I
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHbKcJQVdA
"What? Are you scared?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueZD0uWF95
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdV0D4Ataq
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYEgI34Hsr
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzSOkMHzSQ
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs6b5sKJYb
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV8BdS0WQX
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCVOmeFUxE
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXRrFKLwSs
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lZ0sA3lfo
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfuKJNE2XZ
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6igv7PbhYD
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BH50acrj3
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6hh6dYkcM
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg2LsAq1Or
"...Fine."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcvZbWHUzY
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsGaWNTd9b
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENO0MXFa1X
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKcDIb0Wgj
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlPa81hlaX
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb9sybHOeF
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq85miC3ac
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw7cFcDs04
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRyeRkjVbn
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x2mnyZ6kk
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsBikCSrb
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd3hBqDbBy
"...It's locked."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvFb4eXyTN
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQNXHhmzsE
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–78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgjhQSXV9i
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1bxSTkE54
"Oh! This one's open!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0cOuZNy13
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzppt3MibHl
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2hrj0dvE
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaApQBSjNHK
"This place is– cah! Ack!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvpWWHs1WC
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78xtL7Ap8j
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuWsZ9hzf0
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsJo1lb9K5
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?78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49nuHWaCtA
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zSf8b3Ocf
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1na7a6kUGJ
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCgKrbcxUe
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7VDKshb9h
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zC1zlUA4E
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmemGVxR8SI
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ6tsMR4IO
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57MPjtslwr
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKv8vezchh
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLr0Z9vjqe
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgkU8tmqah
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzfURTmhSC
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbK21GaSu9
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttezvaMob6
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAcpTQe1X5
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ao7XTUK3G
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktYcY6qGvA
"Ow... what the hell was that?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyoP5psxlF
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJGKsxJB4a
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWN0QIAtRm
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85AZgx5Icd
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0UcwGIlCL
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJybTPp4H9j
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuX8HAhQ0a
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZffqBnzni
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BflHajXiy
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe61aWLVrjJ
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIN6QlXv3W
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uTZz74pT1
"What's this here...?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA00irFgair
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzNjDUDbMl
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!?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpIOX6Ht2s
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiaqauUQa1
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEUbTKhihA
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17kkU02IRL
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFGejmjWee
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOw1mbZhf0
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQMFLga8hR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX9BYEiHUn
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rQosYvmrE
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9rbl9JrR8
"...Really?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1zB63GNOT
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIqMqxwHe1
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsApdZwloiO
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSsuHIftWf
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–78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGTD3AXHkv
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv0kgqZOIz
"--Wait."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQDheLoNEH
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTndoibOvX
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc2Q0cUlRG
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVUplGfk8D
**SMASH**78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9flwUSEsmN
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqzJp4Mfqj
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8wL4DgH0Q
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsrQV3SKef
"Earth magic."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMxiw80EZ0
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97lEa8SjT6
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCovcBxHh93
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRiNu6isSK
**THUD**78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfew7rv6oKG
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGjXc4geu3
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQS5DOb4DT
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsTRQDW4Py
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b2tnZabPY
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKbGE4n9pS
"...Tears?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHollcOpe1H
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakUqf3FzDj
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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS3Jadg2mF
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAskgcAVpO
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7MNdN5hG0
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidAmxIWkeI
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLtmXeSvWk
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOpyfOqFbI
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jIb50Ypvq
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpZo09RLRG
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVP38R6G40
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaybkBcyCHe
"Ha, how interesting."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44OYKAxrvD
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o3WaANOAD
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1LVJ3S9BC
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxQ3hHuSZM
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdiyI9Y9qv
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbljQpPvWl
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gy8m3aWg8
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTaSjsF6i
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisruv0bGRN
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrWMQ84h1p
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshr1jyz1pa
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pL06h7phF
"Similar fields?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ZWrVisIK
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl6qd0OBtN
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCackfy6iO
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGtfXewuRK
"I-Is that so...?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqg7iz2hOU
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoARS3ScyVF
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYwtimTacC
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzP4qDWXAQ
"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–"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa3op7D1KC
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZXnhr1bO7
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxOPidrbtB
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vQYJMRJCv
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR4TZmqRFZ
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8YxcmC87i
"What part didn't you understand?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhnQG9NHP
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2jZJuqRtQ
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvihlKdqqy6
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iiG1HTawp
"...Huh?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Az3DcwRQ1
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE9N1zxVOD
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9WjfTIsXb
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUkIAYAo62
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs3jJSXE09
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoiCrqWsxy
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8fPrF6RJS
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb1e2E3rDr
"Huh?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd6KQcKmFu
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNfyY6B0Gc
"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!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOYg7lUuDi
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVS0OIyBkM
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxaMOFQF5a
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFViGmHPRW
"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!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijZ9LT3pFR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjs8hfH9C6
"..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAW84QwgO7
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuNYTojNmJ
"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?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitk5trD7Q1
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPHeAaRObr
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj40i8BIxc0
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNxBOh1hZn
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9AHesyvjs
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1mHqwtvJ7
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTcGMFTDMi
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWXI7MAooJ
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSAVJ2rgES
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ806ljivAeJ
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZm34BcPGN
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmOwTj9FmF
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxUIFj29x
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlMmm6VTvr
"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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKVrCqNYBl
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCYUgRwF08
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07YPMfZPXO
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSglxF68Gj
"What are you talking about!?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfnHV86KcG
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyovmrXP6i
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScApBIS4LB
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8tKKOlPSR
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sRDwZCAXy
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN6udAo37f
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvrjEiDxRt
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1qb9WcmOu
"..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjx2QBuKBI
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pBNnC0ylH
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–78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb28kyJ4pVS
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwzVbJweBe
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICsgoEtMZY
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzNyvxi8zy
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p1xz2hEpR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n1bjcZnLD
"Fine, go ahead."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7z2MNAckt
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4UrVo7TZy
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qgbAZYwrb
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BQgIfNCF6
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdHPUEIkuA
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUC5xDLPi6
I pointed at it and she nodded.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U8ysHni3x
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EoIS0j9tl
"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..."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xPXhCo0WR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWREhcX437x
"Hm? But what again?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc6Luz7UdY
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB5Ld2x11E
"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."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjckFmWj0SS
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRVAFzuynK
"I see. That's disturbing."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKapvY41O4
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMK5lw9uNz
"It's... not so bad."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoZky4Vul6
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBSEXd372s
She gently huffed at my response.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkY3DQcgM9
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRvhP1E9e5
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajesJmdZ2s
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSYHC0aQMQ
"Fight Mason?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWksScHDkLU
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFCW8MKeaf
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQVtDRtBYb
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3mmLtk8u9
"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!"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCWI9IyJcK
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSvlykFvGS
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIv5j4kK8k
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzeYBgup8v
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmQVv1iWHt
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgj7iDLfhp
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiaQsKnuVk
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VRNuKfF5g
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvndcazjLAe
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NDdy4F5Kw
"Is something the matter?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0P5Ml3bR
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0efNE2wN7z
"...Where is your friend right now?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoKagpGRaJ
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVNuikgsj1
"T-That's... why do you ask?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26o84iqSAg
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugDBB1qbuK
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgL80mAHfA
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfAe6JAYjt
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.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXYpXedkjQ
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvH2hw4nI2
"Yes, she did."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKAc0VHds0
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypAvDgM5tc
"Ah, I see now."78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCqGbBEDhl
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Sfrxn1i5K
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJgXTLykr8
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdt95Fjmuw
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
