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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA28cem3WnY
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"Ow! Ahh..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA4noMUTdm
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhPRwp2ANO
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVkPt9wOk3
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg49SDG8gVG
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpaAnuKTiO
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"Huh? How so?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH7mqxy3XC
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsQsCGvEtx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ03FdWW5RT
"Couches and rich– wait a second."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTAvI6rKWe
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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?59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yl8NM44cv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIK4g95AUN
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMUYTjQGQT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPUohRByEe
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2kl2evHST
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"Tch! This stinks!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyjRBtvF4S
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBjRZArJrQ
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"What?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnMXaDmCHA
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xdtuR7xX1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU8CEAGaYb
"What? Are you scared?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQwl60VHb7
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrDwZgsJ8v
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CNtraUWVk
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2gBZPboCS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1XMhbXZKY
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q5UQXPCor
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi07mqBimem
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5tho8LsFB
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"...Fine."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ym0huDLY
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0Fuu1vN0g
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpZE6a70SM
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTETJ3VtLE
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHRTBC8zvx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzp4E57goH
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKHQZ3Zpg8
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJeJArNpxi
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkzPQoUsxU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukB8Zdg0gE
"...It's locked."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw144Xb0Jp
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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–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjT8vHDmSU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXER6pHDJD
"Oh! This one's open!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ5cOb3lFi
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti2NlOH5fG
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL6pMid9DY
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgD5ZC2WaJ
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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?59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvDd8T9oru
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmApqNXT82
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEXtnUmv5t
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJm8fANHZr
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakcBQaaebZ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgvzmoexdj
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHYw4mPtyy
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w6Z6nmZ9S
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhPqOkG6pS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtz0HU9aRa
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtLwCwpkRq
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lYF0yGcCU
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqBc2zF7ER
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbw7uS9ihB
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl8ga1UQBh
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUKgyj8EcS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2w86MlMtt
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ227uVAW2WG
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoYdtDgx5n
"What's this here...?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNJyAZcoi9
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwmuP3gaov
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!?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cn6FtSduf
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhqQxCzo13
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTzQi3qY5c
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8oAq5bg94
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETxp1Q8J4U
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTcAEpbipa
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xGuzbaRaU
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu6MilT06r
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"...Really?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKtwDo8VWc
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXv7y2YMMx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BdmxTSpjM
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–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv69pxeRcm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0kj0BjWJ0
"--Wait."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD0j6bVI4M
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURbn2urMIZ
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**SMASH**59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T5ZDum3jT
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaV7EWQtcf
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXU4SSeEmz
"Earth magic."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm1OE9CFaR
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGrrtBjouF
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**THUD**59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrtx4PESrA
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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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeVMrO5JlP
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PJDp8xcKQ
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdJmq4IGVL
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"...Tears?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR6NsCUpdL
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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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFyBRHwTiG
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZgmgwRtRh
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MqqIBgbFS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7DDuBwrEg
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAooZcGAJdU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhxYzR58qT
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdcOB3q47v
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBgHTlihzw
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieXKLEVI70
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"Ha, how interesting."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR1YKBEvNY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9fO7Ko8nF
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuBqbGgX2y
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmohGnoaa8
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrRoHxeb7f
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnJugwjh6Q
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QCl8Sm6VB
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KMFaeigzq
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUuWpyhkqd
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIsCLZ99lP
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJzsKwflsR
"Similar fields?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwY3lcszLR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gJZhPh8Xd
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0T3Zpcnvi
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSmUFk74Dp
"I-Is that so...?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxVWLxKoyi
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMzg686o8r
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy91wqviRg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGjfEFoR3s
"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–"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRol2Lf5hAg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLKec9KQVh
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhYAUvBrro
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYg75iD2NAn
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRKZ0UM5ll
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bzHaU8sPc
"What part didn't you understand?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m0ojkIeHL
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw8OndmhC6
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1my6yx1A3J
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlwkRh6oZr
"...Huh?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTroflzD6I0
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qz0V9kXb5
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XyLEoZAt3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDXClfTrz8
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuPmFTgXEm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUuJoZoXcc
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo87RbZT7mQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM9zLwqDbW
"Huh?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThFmnXGZT2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI9AolYkYD
"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!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KW7EXMVl3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjfl8baDol
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILnsjaaiU8
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWNzpaTx2P
"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!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1zRcikWD7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPGcb6wrKD
"..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8VgmTd1nR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuKtwCdqHL
"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?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj9Yrl824V
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KeZpEvdAB
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALePeAFLp1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDdFy4AzVh
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJxoMF58SS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueXQL03Xr8
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAuEW8wSOP
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBiCFz56Wl
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcP7wxdH4T
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9vqe4ivjI
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0F5usz7zU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhIAf5ws04
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJCc7grLcw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE7TmRXy7P
"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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9e0bT91rn
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKHOnGhfaR
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Shz8EJNqQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGWraBMhe6
"What are you talking about!?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TjZxfG02q
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAaAQYiAQp
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbouKWwvrx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sjl7OKPtQ
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccnfLThspy
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcz6kDPRq2
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudWGGoJD2Z
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ENZgcFN1
"..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4Cfjj7Fvm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH2MmZOjVj
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–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZZMOuQTdQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAzXaJyi9g
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXJ185OToK
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E5DVE9KCj
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6bwxjtZbX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUVfnBMqtH
"Fine, go ahead."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6G9RduGyb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS8KSDutt5
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuCdcI7nH4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8QD1JnzW0
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MnxinRYK6
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxGsViYKgx
I pointed at it and she nodded.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCEHdLffqw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzRLDy3TB9
"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..."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xpao6KH7t
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIddb2WgOo2
"Hm? But what again?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQzghO2xON
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK54Lb6oOB1
"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."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSATtpgHBc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIrUoZxnHb
"I see. That's disturbing."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSrlytIFV0
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDFrdoulzC
"It's... not so bad."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0YZCbRY6M
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw4YhwSd53
She gently huffed at my response.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP7aYCpt3a
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGYOUJDnwk
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbUD77YmWI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSWW18mPk0
"Fight Mason?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFcmxo4wOS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4eWPnWz3P
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWDkPbvolf
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcyY9eSZxF
"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!"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTLrdAaEFl
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5LoMq8Pfm
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSENVYRLZI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2AD9Zkq9w
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLveejSUAeS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznDnsh2mi6
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OQb5NaxUO
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfFazBZIdt
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9rsa81aly
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oQ3Ulysmq
"Is something the matter?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemjj9OiPTA
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS2FkZkMye
"...Where is your friend right now?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM0ATLZC5d
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj4FS4xFiK
"T-That's... why do you ask?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9fMuGlnAP
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wdt3yZL4N
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPF8GitkpQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ67tuNGj1G
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.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmAV9rk7t1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMmw8yc3ED
"Yes, she did."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4jj5eO1np
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHMSQwfkF1
"Ah, I see now."59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaogFvHgpuq
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhrV1KTjdE
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfraa6Ds4S
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkwVf6Ihb1
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
