When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5njTAZEYE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbGJIn7KbO
What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkIby7Bs4P
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"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7wbulkvnx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwYXNQMT69
Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBOROF3wHn
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpixYfiTGJv
She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfvkeBPqlJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsCpof09dI
It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBspgU5SoE4
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ7Y6YjXKr
She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsllRGH6b56
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxocupOFe2
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzOVkhc58U
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IhUzWa1N
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IxU1NZlup
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ZvSuMQuQ
"Who's there?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuIt9bKtuA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f0wv6lShR
She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRk0YAKs9h
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEEc42iOt9
Therefore–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjHAlPsulJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcqNjn23Vu
**SHATTER**117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGhZhqGRti
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGosI76LQM
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq556Wu3Xt
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKXaWN8a5d
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipW0i7BTAL
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y2AMS9HL5
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw9r8yU1VK
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"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96bYR6m0wk
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqTxulD22C
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjBwLNmazr
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"Powerful, too."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdKWMc2rFa
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkR8Hf0G5Z
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATL0lCuCyS
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP0WrBGtZd
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFLRdkNW0m
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2vRnZ2Z8P
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPUYXWJoor
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOdUiv6ev9
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95rAUBmvJt
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccKeIN3gQz
She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszfDIzCILp
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dHMcq5gB5
"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkVBueePcW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqA01cjMKA
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6clXVKJhNb
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"Crossbows!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqBsvd7kL6
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygeuAVotVN
Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mLzBhGPF8
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhQZ3EGizm
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS4cSGdQvx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1lZEvqMg6
"Ngh! How!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QszdLRlWu
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AjqRuKUjy
She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZyIUjkqJ1
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsINY8Nh5D
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGThenLOnTf
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJiVxPB5oD
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37rm1hb2uI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfmpP2oOKB
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEs28Ye4hI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE34AuXcT6A
"You ought to know the answer by now."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bzj4Y24wH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJbwFhD6S3
The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZSQniEVCz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LJB5dXk8i
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0SgPCBweX
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lnMgwmUMM
"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzLFj6tvra
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qpa445L0B
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC6ZQj5Bwv
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sw2B934PX
The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3rpqVQDaW
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"Phew. Give up now?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuzv0C1djH
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"'Course not, just thinking."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iicK4JTEm
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPl2cC6RPt
Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMWhYEYqDa
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHbwX6HHws
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHOUiuSCKn
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4yJp2R4of
The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZCtNdvEhT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqtXA8AHwC
"--Shit!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeutg5nmxT5
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Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR3Ypo8fQX
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNgVmRZlK7
The man must have had a similar epiphany.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXtV8VUCK5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0q588eT3D
It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFICIRjIiuI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLTtQJli4e
"--Huh?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyvaJm6D1T
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCTZb6XyiQ
Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTzQlzPfrz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTRHIiFLBo
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIOOVcrG4Y
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhSwi6fxV1
The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgaj8p08Km
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"Ngh..."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFkNKfwVzR
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESpQpGeOdW
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhagAc9jTs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVF8wWCcGt
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0U6KxVoqJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaIeTBTCK6
"--Rover!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdJTekz1d6
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6xzSDQMAN
And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzv04UFZ2f
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"K-Kenny!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1Phabt1EH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1A0wQL5dz
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFuq7yK6NW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21Qz28FlIP
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjIkH7wk2I
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHeQDZH7nV
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ03ohyM9n
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdCHlHYljb
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBbux2O9Rl
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRtthWZ4IC
She turned her head to him, conflicted.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBcLMAddMS
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"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzYTGu9hWA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfdCmXCnsI
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCGoAE6otp
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdImL2fAsY5
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmJA78kWf9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnwbCaFALU
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMjpGQG15G
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYycSh7krzc
"H-Huh?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3OEfzPtGd
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacCWWQCJe8
The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhPgMZIyTN
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW8qCmBb9R
"You... you are so reckless!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2cOFo1QuL
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnh06XLEwb
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6aS25EIoi
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr9kdGjzyJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLTMs3gJp
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpVfSneF3q
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2px0Svtx3N
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPZzz62wR5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR05pk4wzEP
"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSA2cVLGke
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoNFll6zln
"--!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo57htFaWDX
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His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GiCdOsq7U
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWkmxVGry4
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43e8j5gZhO
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBiabhIYMr
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDeMGAgDkE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Hrf9S8Bf
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rTSxAbEDx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0BedhDs29
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXAcSAr8i4
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduTidy9iOd
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni1odPNtCb
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zisoiYbKp
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzumWHzRkss
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUCLjZ2aTZ
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZmGqGTnvE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZm9QBCGvY
–
–
–117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIupFUD9hV
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxAkbvEqxm
Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34NSwK4ZGk
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmHK5nC4KU
According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PyXAt9Kx0
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2zHRuVV9P
Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMmoLAJX5W
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kG0EQwWxh
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHPakljJhB
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmwJK9iSXx
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnobS4h4ZA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x0j74YMzr
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSLMbZKMeO
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdaZUzNVXl
I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJB8uzrnxg
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHytWEKm4e
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwOewCOkWz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlb641u6Gz
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl8SUMMdVV
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReZ82CruuF
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7mAdQpojs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCFly1uFTI
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4EIGtS5rc
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC748A3aEE
"Of course."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xc6XVhFpx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1zQtA6E3m
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m6HnyuLSz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqyQNxsluF
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdnkaxcCVJ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksSivOqKPc
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewCXvmI50f
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvMrZAhpzS
"..."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2w0fuq2Cx
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I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnkvxcxF9p
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPzLBEHyw5
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTgAFCPduY
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWhY4NwYOz
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgkrDNqFlT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyRTPJJyIZ
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb42gv52rsI
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2InGIgYCNF
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy8j5uwyER
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V3vH9XehC
"Then I suppose I have no choice."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3n8nDGCpx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGVahb2juc
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ204sNmrvUS
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlVc0ZnKVk
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0XxVjFfvW
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoUs9Ou0iG
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7tueYlgu5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aGjMZBd3c
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzNsXH4hsL
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtD5htgOxu
"You are such a priss, Pars."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx0IOdrvNT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZZKyKm5ks
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE5ly5sECg
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk37szzp9c
"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DC6M3z6Dw
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ag1E5uSDQ
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ2rlxwUna
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU0Rprs0MP
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHMKBcQ50Y
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHrYndZswA
"I'm going to tell them."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q2ee5P1Kd
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7PieEGg4o
"Don't you do it."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObyuZlbwSn
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafNbNqDSB0
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIPKlq6r3o
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VyxKHWSsw
"Lola, I'm for real about this."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E1flsx1d3
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQhcYNkek7
"--is because of a series of assassinations."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIed32HSCpi
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx00RLWVuLD
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFG0LhfuoQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBQthEztVL
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz50l1upFQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRRQzeMZ7y
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPYlpfzpXQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvqLaogHkx
Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLvnSQn6fp
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzsaYmnzHr
"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UWra45113
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIjvJgK2le
"Uh, well, who got killed?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6TxT6MgVg
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU6UuGvy1m
"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1AVBlwnAp
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JYbr0rtNE
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2WBC0t2xy
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYAO7AyUCm
"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaewZEZEKM
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnRa0Z5Zej
"I-I see."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfGdbQbVJ2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSrdS82GLs
The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUOd6y7NWa
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOey6XZWHXo
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FJD1DPuPc
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7qz5Y6X34
"...You have my condolences."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ABag96yN
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4zU9A4Kkx
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR0UKgE6O5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkNyYKWVs6
"Mmm."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqZbDLPjb6
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91p6BsPw4e
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0djTmkgVOE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEeSwXfc3v
"Alright, we've made it.'
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9jtevJPVI
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3S2gJhXYF
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvG4NMJiFy
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eOcwtQueh
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTJSz7F9We
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHztFc4o2NU
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNoPgxmLkV
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE45vwpnDH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaQ4ec9oUF
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFjOz0Tlvl
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHa85SR5P0
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJXUvneF1U
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE9sI1J4OF
I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6mDOwFJ0d
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4kQ5iVYhC
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDRvZwlK1o
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6tcgXVZ6p
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuOpVoRLtK
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNIVQKMlpQ
She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGqMyRAsg0
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR9dWi6WLM
"..."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BreZFjQrP
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BKyBaVfTu
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXj7SdAIGY
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVSJnsGlyc
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ucMxxFj2x
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujXJtwB36V
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2eyopUuwR
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZJ95NkHIH
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY6VwOs6Ck
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvlCpSfKgR
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3d3xelLI5
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1YIGiCm2z
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv7ZA0XGmi
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoPHNrCWMx
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dNfvG87kf
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SAUUPAhTl
We had completed the mission.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HzZTU1YWf
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9FWgj3xr3
–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp7XUHbDCN
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QzG1qmTth
When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmhvZycLhs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau40A1JdRl
"One last high-five, Kenny!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQejuP0fDK
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw4fy0gb8g
"Alright alright, geez."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4xCfsSqGc
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctWsDpunSr
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC3H73Sn4E
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl1gZl37i6
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LxH8caFh2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77OIObxNvg
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzdxeWugDC
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs1wC8pKmk
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6A3S5iCq2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP22REvlWXc
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToCCwUWtvT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeJQ4A7sYB
"Huh? What are you talking about?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA2VQHrjlz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb7SXfMdMQ
"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzPtwWa0FT
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMyPUaGeHa
She looked conflicted about my statement.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAXyXi4AB4
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVbZyfIMqu
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxkW6XM9cr
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PFBht0kBb
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXjAudcD1k
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw66BNn3hnl
"Dispositions...? What?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0yAvALhl1
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlso1Z2imkT
"Uh... our natures, basically."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubT95Vzw0Z
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"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7MDB5biw3
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AH5fEwkXq
I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8eS0DbOjx
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I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD69lA8TDNy
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But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUR6so7w5Q
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlg0PAIPka
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She pulled me out of my rumination.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopg3IwU4Ns
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"About what?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmfsWvQpaU
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"About what you said."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAwPNuCO5k
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c71r2pji6
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZBhiy0p1y
"Well, what is it?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOn3y1TgqZ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMbA5ZRipf
"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DlqC6Fod0
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"Right."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVganVmbWK
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeTOfFIGeX
"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xOv8ASf4F
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"..."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESHx2JtNeP
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Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGCz2Lrcpg
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"That's great."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqpMrwGfur
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF8ASfJeM6
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"Uh, what's the matter?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mEhOds3gF
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55R6fckeuB
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp637aOw5j
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"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6H4GPPH5X
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"I can't say that I do."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu5XqVkfBx
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYcp5iaKnK
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5laDA1mKI
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G6JgrSqdv
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"Just trust me here!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcWwkdYnKj
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Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZiBBcIs5K
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It sounded like chatter.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc36YSq8cU
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Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ClkgUMfd2
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZQKfcuUb3
"Kenny, wait here."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhx20EKVy7
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"Huh? Why?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7SUKRSfUk
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She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPKA44CB7F
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"W-Wha–"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yReYu2jRu
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"Shhh! Shut up!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqE1b6gnYs
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I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJEG49FA9Q
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"This is..."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHowdqYIEG
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATykUGobmb
"Something fishy is going on here."117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwMF72q3FN
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I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs78lDYdLHj
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxsgEHrCCN
Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEgx8BGQra
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9mkmXJ8jU
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiupIMj3BjJ
I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YC8nNeLZ0
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWyoqAf9BL
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
