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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpNKGSRj0k
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"Ow! Ahh..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQZoAUKTJ1
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBt82GNgTT
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SK2k2womY
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkceYlKo4X
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMgEcKkhhs
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"Huh? How so?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPtEUNP1Lt
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHhov598me
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakoMvex6Do
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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?119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfNkCjwmCF
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYDmFXSQjL
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7GMdxfWUB
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"Tch! This stinks!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcQyhBRGdF
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdLxzHOhIP
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"What?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN4T7tyABE
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"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7RBvUJGdL
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"What? Are you scared?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUEHhXpnxG
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcRoKQSJCn
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCubNdPJ7iV
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGiCnKVXIC
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVaHNRGrNd
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qS42tv5r8
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTolyqCRn7
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"...Fine."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FoZHkimOY
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzpnLqcwId
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9usuzBbtT
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroMMMCDtVa
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6Q1CdcvJe
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsKYJH4QGE
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"...It's locked."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG1yU6olaS
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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–119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDds5jiPgS
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"Oh! This one's open!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTY1yzvSqV
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN67BXn7xl
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGpLE8eBIh
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujpdfgILyv
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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?119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vCqpwt1X3
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4oD0xHtmP
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznXjnT0y7n
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxzUqxnhOA
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q48BKKoWO
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0LeApzrJD
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO2x7niCOT
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQjGiTHeC6
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUmHPA8sS3
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFQGbOWvdM
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozHe2CwHWd
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOWbxTosRC
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"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqq0sfozPB
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv5yrQoB4T
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdROtvsPal
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"What's this here...?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxXCeJZxCn
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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!?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw2s89nSSR
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1QZRh04e6
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6FtZcQh6C
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgulrfwuLc
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"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtvC1S4lnC
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"...Really?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8SfMKU03G
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGvh5bPIVi
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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–119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQCysOjG2Q
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"--Wait."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGebxjZic1b
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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–119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmesFX1PQDp
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**SMASH**119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhIA2pWKeI
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi2M3AhYtk
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"Earth magic."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaoij3CwjF
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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–119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXOsPhtjyj
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**THUD**119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS5eNwPAJV
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpT9ohAL7W
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLtZDX2JXD
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"...Tears?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjY7PpF8Av
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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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh10kS8JDt
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb2E3rX5Rb
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RWlDmSayR
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawChJZUnH8
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bIQ00RrIG
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQLFSrP2d6
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"Ha, how interesting."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0NgJ2ZC9h
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She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEA80EwGEQ
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qqF4iWvII
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwoM61kc5l
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIi5tZrPmZ
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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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDh7x6XEzU
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"Similar fields?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvzim5Az6p
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvYYaQZdxO
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3fyKJIhZk
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"I-Is that so...?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnQwqZk6SD
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rqZhw6JO3
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC04SfJMDCs
"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–"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuC8RK4FS0
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbg3vJoBS9
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfCpe6wgJM
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF2HpKaZ58
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDCsrnLPFO
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yVmZRq6aa
"What part didn't you understand?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrpfj5vGNB
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkb7UBKG5L
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2VKNo5iPV
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWat3WmZ0VM
"...Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkeu8bXayy
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwEGdumUkz
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cLzxcrP2j
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZdNZAixQz
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGbbu5kamv
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVghTCKNDOY
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjmz5dC2Kf
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7jH6JVXYi
"Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8F0CHY4Nx
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgK0YOGLkC
"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!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4w86KyGDu
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR65Lpqp5i
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq1fTDTYlI
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz8nckYkWH
"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!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjKVJ1M9ni
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJITIHQFybF
"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYlLsrLLyi
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzr3CGj33P
"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4fAYQCFla
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReXHbJmxdQ
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M8BNQieWi
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFbo9y7yek
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRhc6PDg5n
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Sz6K3VMrQ
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH8BTvqu2K
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0zweobXJG
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOtgjmFmZP
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvxjdtwoP7
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DeEIpqlqs
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPlHWprHbE
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXOMRgLe4Z
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCSqXK5V1S
"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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYTvqzWMdY
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBCc4kmoRc
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2NE6xXJc3
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXlXkgVrPs
"What are you talking about!?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6L9vXKwtO
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXUqHYRqkG
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTmBCTrJXV
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmXIWFSN2K
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXSjOIwZ2l
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLVRUGP0D5
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwM5dJDYG2
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D8TcFb9co
"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y9BE1Oai2
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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–119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77XLaLPHWp
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr64FfMYkh
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4kqxr6zpI
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNjzmEIyFs
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpUfny7qcu
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NlXEafYuB
"Fine, go ahead."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaKusXOupv
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kHGloxkh
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eAuwUJyNC
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkY7FJl4ye
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOoEuFq77w
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5HsfFOac3
I pointed at it and she nodded.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d2iA3ijTW
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"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..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ046LpDEJJ
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCkd0vbZhb
"Hm? But what again?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfGLgvBXKC
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02KLt8GDIq
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpJBeppzYF
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g5sBQzdCg
"I see. That's disturbing."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTCVl9i72
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBByR6DlZJK
"It's... not so bad."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpjmz0X49r
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCoLlqGc2q
She gently huffed at my response.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVCtmFccVu
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjw29wTcBa
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgrduV7dPu
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA3tC7XtyP
"Fight Mason?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1U8lDFbrc
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw2bShx4ZX
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVjpqrCN2b
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4ARZ30Clp
"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!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRky61VCLY
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxyjmszovA
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt894WFHmcX
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmYqe9M3AI
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxLsDl91cs
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt660hAD35N
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV9mLu5fhZ
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhL2mlhgQd
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ2WmbP32C
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0Z7hICmNy
"Is something the matter?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfOKySYi7r
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS49Y9BiG7
"...Where is your friend right now?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHMZr04Yet
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeGTXUFAau
"T-That's... why do you ask?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk8iTTnOEO
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBguRehUBgD
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1WaPmvkzI
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA7517gKJd
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNURZEZkmg
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcfXs6ZaDR
"Yes, she did."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcFJVuNuHn
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS8FdWcG68
"Ah, I see now."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLmixi0xuA
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX2U5eFpul
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlEMj7VF4m
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN8bgOBsSX
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
