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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCx6hLTv8N
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEvYtCpcnx
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzhltJCSvo
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JDamUi7mV
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuZRv16ky6
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGmYeM5exO
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3f5iLtOyv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TErrEiAPC
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9f1P50C9d
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggOItvOJYm
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbQtVZlNLd
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH41ZjmsJbk
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?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfvnB8ok1s
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBjGvSzUbC
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3idD4qaftc
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZMSNuzKYy
–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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfF6IPzerw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt3MiQGAIA
"Who's there?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ts2iCQNIw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExKfkWhLCj
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wEkasFkC4
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPfreHmRs4
Therefore–97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkfTXw7fuk
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLlHyqpYwi
**SHATTER**97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhfz22AVTh
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I0XXx7PCg
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOzjwcMHJp
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg785IvGJY9
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL9bdKn996
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgqgynRiYx
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l69i5W3TG
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbxX9WOM2g
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6RS4ZTKRf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81ORuh1SCm
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rjdm6pKct
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"Powerful, too."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3YYPmirPL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgieSOg7dv
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EVAh5XI4x
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpHSzNkrUc
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdflOGuAGZ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV5Eyp3DAM
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBKjUGABNZ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1s4w04nxL
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c7ivPCMpM
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCWtNlj1ZT
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3EoofJ47b
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qE4iFLtTI
"...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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aIxeQGJJP
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83FDngxU0A
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLSw6X68qH
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJBKaPJHoQ
"Crossbows!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXH1z7gIjI
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirdAA180oQ
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA4zt7SN2x
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZzW2XU5gP
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–97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNaU0lYAXv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sdFZDK34M
"Ngh! How!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU06JF1tzn
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LXVDYm7M4
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVHu3dDNBu
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvJiTEkMl6
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUgmonE3zi
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mzWzyWKSY
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCCrkifsMF
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz30fXpUeM
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VGyJnBgvD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a8ns8Ql7r
"You ought to know the answer by now."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtreDgDGrv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHzR2eUmoK
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QyWpVVuDL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhBWEz0bAn
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5WSG2znxz
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMALpChK5j
"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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2I6J8JH4t
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM0UVcYFF4
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUFvOlFWny
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhRFqdeDiB
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC9hIAJBTr
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQXSDYC3x
"Phew. Give up now?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo9RF2LrZH
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibILjJl3BK
"'Course not, just thinking."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSilJ9pZvO
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWUyhJ7ptb
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSQ1wk9qCw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkJ0inJHol
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iGKOI4MM2
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nsxKVPppU
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcy32h2ZWa
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw1IUwMehk
"--Shit!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SJB4o73h
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJTyQBx3bs
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx9vRpBWe3
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1DQCY1sIC
The man must have had a similar epiphany.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKYxd1pCmw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSGd6kCgQC
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrvm3Dolf9
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KkX62T1ry
"--Huh?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6trTadRmFR
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3in3Pvp7dk
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuKVmOLxEr
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCcZVxnCHA
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEnrpbNaUi
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR4yp68OVT
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMES5LJ0zz
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGmtZZWS9Z
"Ngh..."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XK1EgbscX
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh2yzmHSoI
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLrbJ7xIs6
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsmO8sS3tx
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UUOqpK3BJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qY7P8d5To
"--Rover!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyErx96znIn
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d8ZT7SW3u
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnIZwXC2jB
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xkzTiZeeJ
"K-Kenny!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeWIl3WlZS
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDvkzsvfCA
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08c7c8RSDS
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSqMsx0W73
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFPW5SeYFo
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnCXneHgXb
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpKgbQIvhT
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7FO6XLIRQ
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLy14iOJdF
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoH6ttK0ni
She turned her head to him, conflicted.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqubUBSJ9qQ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2hAizs1Xt
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEq1WUlfzZ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhEULO2k0i
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa5awpYZ8S
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvhNhgBQWL
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHPHhc4nnL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld0aLL5d5a
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jtoGWQ8bI
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcwvqolFRE
"H-Huh?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMj4qmtBwJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDStinbNys
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfsTpABYHO
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCjIiIsbSa
"You... you are so reckless!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHbEgfboMO
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Toqxv5POh
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdRaM501bL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfoHqNpCXb
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PNSgOjfqg
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw5IVr0nJp
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50ZFxRV89s
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq13iVXPS6y
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ht1fngKD1
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHejZRUe012
"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!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbSEBmBGac
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6FIpfGahU
"--!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGQD6edMKz
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLlvwUpGlz
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOThGQ9msYD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY46bXgT81x
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxaSPwfqfg
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rfBQsMF9v
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAMiW7EqsY
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAF0VP4qqg
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn1MD7FIwB
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYt28KnWAB
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRISeJnNpnq
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA68HztS1i
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRMVLNzbON
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04joOohZsI
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlcVJIgh3X
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF2zsADjn9
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CgsNHm46I
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf6D1mO7AL
–
–
–97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrMLJAjsl3
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYJS5jpWeT
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaryxM6Cki
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlWcZSGGCP
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6HAiOcNdv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fbN9FsI3j
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8xkepjDlf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV1YvNXAUw
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9FVZjnNVz
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstnzMBzV6N
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW7lgBbo06
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtme7WDzSEp
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHN2mvZ9N4
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqAtn6fRoI
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlSZFrpQZT
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDAQSqzTaE
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKgcCZQ6Sp
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6APhMM97K
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlPKLPFQ0y
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsswX7c0Sd
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDa1cQzOj2
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VDxnquB5o
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiP68TJUsv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdthVJ5s9FF
"Of course."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcvgC7rF3Y
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7YdNNvVUA
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FXbXAduBQ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgsyOqw2tC
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHChirSc2Lc
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eHDH1kyqQ
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ2wIYq4Wf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG6H2I1BI2
"..."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEsPaWK7Ja
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNCYWEQlND
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlFVPOYzcO
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TLdrhKS4c
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMZDrTU2eU
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCbVwKFtEl
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CSiIPS8Hh
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjLVogljLp
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FGO4zDcBc
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWMtF4Cp56
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixJL6fHtWh
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvu3FGrLK4
"Then I suppose I have no choice."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCAsM2oeIS
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTiLR4QnGQ
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Ewjzrvmn
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNuJ9MWobm
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AFvxCydur
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA9GuEB9Ug
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fcbvu3QIL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9OivFzqSI
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLYfPpOdvu
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbCjXK6zOi
"You are such a priss, Pars."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGvtv5n3K2
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV53YtF9h8T
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BqtOQySHC
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzDRl7KhN2
"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?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIu8UuulG8
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvvvrT0dx5
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcLhcNYycS
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wiTrSHnlD
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZq49mryXX
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgMEJDS4aA
"I'm going to tell them."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsbL2H7bhj
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg6ZvOQl4c
"Don't you do it."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ffturPsOG
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGvJeZBpqR
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOo40gltVQ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKia10d2Gw9
"Lola, I'm for real about this."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpBZXU42Jr
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WDTWEbNVM
"--is because of a series of assassinations."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDVhevTZ0B
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Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51F1RJtBuB
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8hBwlEQBa
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYt3M19aYj
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvewHoshaQw
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwMWKWZodP
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrNJ6lnl1w
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8pqRvbKSC
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp0NNyRKyR
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9p21ZxHZd
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEGOakMnSS
"Uh, well, who got killed?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mgrsTHEyy
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCsTVuQOe0
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdDujEgJ2F
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMtiFJVt3U
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOQSxh3x4E
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZqGqIMmOD
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbkA7OdtMc
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODdfmeNROc
"I-I see."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMtdzPBqLI
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMC4OLoUf9
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTlEFhH84n
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82IQcifMCS
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkPRREXMZY
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOuarvVbXA
"...You have my condolences."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji3xslHiY0
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZcZr8t7ZD
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkwZFzTmWh
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbI4my5Ihv
"Mmm."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFvSM3S44g
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtLMh6FYNn
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbcETqkufg
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq9DueEJ5l
"Alright, we've made it.'
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxmm2UMTQM
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LyF5SWpjb
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvszGNKeOTH
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1puTdV4DgK
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG14hGO2vm
"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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5oMfvPiGg
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTgi2A6ibZ
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ541OaQBEwF
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvdMF8jAAS
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUraFuBmMG5
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuthw25pF9
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7g054s5yW
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXNHaqkeud
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMRrB6ZNje
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIEKpL6wZU
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq5csrX55p
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFdTVxzOWP
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhztM1w2SJF
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg40WSKgHcN
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ86lG5lAh
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcVl64esAO
"..."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP74IKpmfV5
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSA3zLEr4H
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cEtvx9VqP
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIIrJ6AzHF
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56unY2HzX2
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCERAM2jBKA
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYFyPE4cV1
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfY12cbu54
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfHfsTSkYV
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpjkKmLXlK
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqQkkydfNX
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aNLXX6W8m
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1QxN1m78I
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk3hfwSB8p
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0od80wNQS
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Gwpf9gufh
We had completed the mission.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFElBjVYtVD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4EVmYTD8k
–
–
–
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uirq9ezOY
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5ZmnKyCQg
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyAcodqstb
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7FUlExfpt
"One last high-five, Kenny!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkfMMJWESD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkmGIiZj8I
"Alright alright, geez."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i05Z9GI0x
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXndWdShRhM
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Qe4NVy0Y
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSFipPwZri
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKiv3w4wAw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddv1esTUBK
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosR7oRvypq
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4utRr6ebn
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx59R6BHUq
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbuWiOshDK
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmp1VYD8U0
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fqZ3B5Tqc
"Huh? What are you talking about?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO51LgaWQk
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyADoeiIcEb
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtapJKTyUhD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9eDXkxLL1
She looked conflicted about my statement.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT1s4or0F1
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1x3KsEWkX
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu8HYemVJT
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5As2FtKGmq
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tigGUDTiu
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb6QQk38AC
"Dispositions...? What?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsF2zrU2WG
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqvtxdIJz0
"Uh... our natures, basically."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7AQesVWAt
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MB2HyID3Z
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4TxJooeyh
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPETuciUFB1
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviHY12Epdt
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T7ZZvvOEN
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDmqUTipMR
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She pulled me out of my rumination.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfCiHvjruw
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"About what?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwm3XVBqBa
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"About what you said."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gWhUZ0ACy
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A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr5ldv7Dzh
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"Well, what is it?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDVt1Yvo3k
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"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaaeERNosH
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"Right."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPIyQNqnZ7
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"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjus5Y4PnJ
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"..."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeJyNTsMln
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYAqitQ3kP
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"That's great."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7tOWXw8Sm
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She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROnSwFNylt
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"Uh, what's the matter?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHuFnJuJeo
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3UqxkarTW
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZjrePke2j
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"I can't say that I do."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwAstYw0My
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Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6izcegql1
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"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkjFcCVoTs
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"Just trust me here!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUDijlY63m
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjAMsZq2WB
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It sounded like chatter.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LbUr2kVrc
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiCh8Pbamr
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"Kenny, wait here."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTSznI8trE
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"Huh? Why?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWPA2EIZjz
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcGStiu9SI
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"W-Wha–"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN1LORwfr7
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"Shhh! Shut up!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CgSII2jpA
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrl5PNlCYe
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xx3PkrZbZ
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"This is..."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zSFGIZVo7
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"Something fishy is going on here."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8feNxvnmIc
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdDmW8wzXU
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcNTxT9ElS
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"Alright, can you all hear me?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Mtpl1O3F
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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!"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd0rOxn0w8
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfUAf0trKu
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
