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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPnu69FLMU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSMbyaWntU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB6tG9JYIA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZRkuLJUYi
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrlhDOYExx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDUYjo2bcU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlF7mXEdEA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjhaRp4l94
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OggGzF01N
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyreUUi4W5
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQEFu6WPU6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa8vHosvns
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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9He71XSCE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCQc6jo5D6
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR9bhfRH3B
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl9eMsy4xv
–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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNFoPJCopk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbYOWptcU6
"Who's there?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OLM4oqKcn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA8cd5yKit
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjEZY1xny5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVrqgt5CyH
Therefore–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkOqmPvItt
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDsJyfxqwC
**SHATTER**73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4RJgtwQ5K
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIfffnd0Pt
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNur0JkpkC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMKYgeNcxL
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznhoH4BigB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeScKEEYhl
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxqCOOO6wB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAyfMcBBa2
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY0BD5jpeM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpYCoGddV1
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZTnNr9FrV
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"Powerful, too."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jm04L87ce
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5AcXTxMpl
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnTsKbIwCr
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RlOStaWT5
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGHCesRhNJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg5V7nNyH0
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpso9XImP2T
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMppRykPgP
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozlKNMlayu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmctCYCNB0D
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1K1rEYDVS
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"...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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxsiSbs8la
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrmnI0Jd2y
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5AdAprMjz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgedmMTpQM
"Crossbows!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SM3osjZSN
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BudJqw7rJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8wa8yTbSn
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–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN12vHcxQY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKa7UxIWse
"Ngh! How!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQyC54ckTC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyCti2YPqo
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG0TFnV0T4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BW8SDDpbs
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtgfG0HHpK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jmxnttmP1
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANoKgnS6j5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecxmzZXSqf
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyFvP8Eq8D
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd7iXGC6jo
"You ought to know the answer by now."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2IAWrRtum
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWigtZvEBO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhnvc68zYQ
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8e5yNSuUQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL6vsw4OzR
"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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK8iIhYmOf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu0CamvTlu
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0PfzoKm3Q
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw7KBfurLr
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b9aWpP3ld
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"Phew. Give up now?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsDbDmS8C8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStMN5gZ3ig
"'Course not, just thinking."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABfDi7IOrb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXHqBDp8MO
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzbgAHWere
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2qsbgtmj1
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3DsxSHTPx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1rAJTsOrQ
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB5TGnevkf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1RGYZ895b
"--Shit!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5UlCvXvCg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2UhoDFrQh
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DCnzHkqbH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDzkl4sG0g
The man must have had a similar epiphany.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPVPi3p3vZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BwMzon78J
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPcAsw5Fon
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKQOXcqlaW
"--Huh?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaKjAGYjhD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzteduGYjHd
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpYqIywTCt
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Before she could even react, she was sent flying.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vkF3brAKH
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4mQ9vLtQm
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"Ngh..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWPY3a6F3Z
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She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3mLCVYwLF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0KFVKRqVH
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEzGAu5DHS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMXswgN28X
"--Rover!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSn2UbKpzq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yNRipWLq0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoVCpWaeyB
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"K-Kenny!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxucxSMOOg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s4qSGcR4V
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMCFy1P51
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfhYXhbUnm
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1iFqJVjH9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD3Fg0YS93
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspNHTq6NyB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KA5u8Ykmw
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDxJQxNLNS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXZOIw2Kvq
She turned her head to him, conflicted.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjckbed1Ron
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"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp1KSmlHjM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s6byJqX4g
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoThUMZlS0
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"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeVbcPD89E
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxN9Z2czFz
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDOwNQ1ZTa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XCog2gKCK
"H-Huh?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh5Iao54cA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUJx4zi9rT
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP2kDnMwXE
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"You... you are so reckless!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W9En9HeDU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTVJSRiEeo
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2XR0DkeWj
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"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkphh9p3Kw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm0g35PFsY
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3tWExwdAm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJQewC2ge4
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57DqThyI85
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZWiLZbdyr
"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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLyVyQwTnJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYcqPBFsIr
"--!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R2QnsERGH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdRRrOS7e7
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAn8cvwee
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkQd05Xnnx
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOHRmAjMvl
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnKLGy4lRU
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmYcxDDe3y
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ0opvW6Db
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16hdGxZDf7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H8Zf1Ala0
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzyFDy5J16
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD0aBlz3CJ
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDPJepvtLN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelq3qtgbtR
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eUKVWmnvM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSNyywBnYn
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwUR8E1WPM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzo6H7Eirq
–
–
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y4GtRZ68o
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSvZM0JQxf
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OpJQWUWBU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Qe9vWToe
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaxGd9Hngo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR4UaDli01
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY0mwQU2mu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ874QJgtcQ2
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpf2WypEwO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ197jellIKC
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV0WjkG47w
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCzcOEewl
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0hOK8Cq73
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDp06dYBSH
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX80Fs4gZ3f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI39f7uZSLN
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgaK2SmkNq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuCe4yJRRN
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod9yWykyEe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3Q9J2j4WO
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxXG0yl2EQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyliyQepJXY
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCBfk0otmv
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ7Np5o4YL
"Of course."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93eSBjiOyz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRyJuSdDRk
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQqS1XxiyU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlMWuQBt3S
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfNWgEjR9F
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG461IgI0cv
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQh8iOFoa0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2wekg9g2j
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnaKNj9e70
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDWQwPOCtj
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIluon5Hmk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA7DQsY0Ng
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mEg8U3C7T
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HL7bO5UBR
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AeuNipug6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2JPw5ev8t
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf7iqrfLnf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkAdbl2osq
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w1u6ogEMi
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhD5lHdKxL
"Then I suppose I have no choice."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2Z1PQQA5p
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodKyTtnMMb
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ELduzyUD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlrTM16Xv8
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7IR1gl0oB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0Q7fLx3sY
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB8kMwdGol
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNQD26zRoG
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lytESCsgZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeuNVRnhNa
"You are such a priss, Pars."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcllJ6oOdud
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5fENuyHPT
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjTdlVuSKb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx0xGtDfRw
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmWI9dWRCK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKcamWugMy
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrR3QjYiCb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3liqFG4GcK
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyrbryDUcw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE2v02AGIF
"I'm going to tell them."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoQSwBDEnA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR4Ty46AOl
"Don't you do it."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjNyM16PKn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PlhJJTo5u
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwITHFyCjO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58TYJOYSY6
"Lola, I'm for real about this."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMQrlSRhIH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRcLG25OxL
"--is because of a series of assassinations."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZNgIELWau
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BpUcRgC1k
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRTrcSp9BC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Fc4ZQ9od
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFABTtCrvg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8UqrcpFFa
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fj4yCJPQh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ235SEKrTv7
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrSsV0W4ia
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpUEzt640p
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHVbMzHl2k
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuDA0ao0qA
"Uh, well, who got killed?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA6VQu2ilO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJte6T5awaf
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8gmXCeOn0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwir2qLTDpo
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgqrgDf4hw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXlhixhyfM
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNTPMOXtBX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfMJkGURNt
"I-I see."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm0vv82A8f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl77mK6m3Qu
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOrkUYBqk8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwBGZk1i0C
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnVT7ji6du
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM9F4S8sXT
"...You have my condolences."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY897FYyxh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuzLj5a10h
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVpLUF5Ei2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomtpEujfOI
"Mmm."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8xPVQCcQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU84wp1To3W
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CcGAchK9I
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFko0DLgiDz
"Alright, we've made it.'
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxLf2SS9Lw
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMFoToo96o
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ108SPNUmXq
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs89fLMXzla
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cVGb0Zt4x
"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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4kmkYUB1r
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtQ1RMOIXT
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjENFge6zo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauxWVIr0hR
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6v0NRn8jc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsFG9q23aG
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdl8dDlvM5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg2U0dXw76
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI447gxJpF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNopj81SVGv
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOfLDhqyGA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn4QjiBAEZ
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7PYaUWhKj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzbtoWCUeg
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgFf3LKD0L
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdLBPVk5sY
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTUTpmiHL8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXc9a7UQ6z
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DlUkNavZJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrjFUH9ANt
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnl3ZYonnj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDdJVXf5rR
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP6MTOQHuB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEFtygX4ld
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyRRBmygG6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANvbmN56Am
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbkHatD0Om
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DTFtUtXFb
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAKO0vAJH2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C9PwFZ66l
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsp90EdHP1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWMyvh9tlU
We had completed the mission.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0sJ3YCtft
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o3GLfnY1u
–
–
–
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygM0hYD9Gf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIOoyPjYbS
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8BPZwgeeB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcIPVZ6LiT
"One last high-five, Kenny!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWISfkYo6Y
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWaTbLKqoC
"Alright alright, geez."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqcw2WULT1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxanJSppgrY
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceT3BhB3JM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQYpsTPuBh
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU7abpysPW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJBP0QgvBO
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09tb0NRqbs
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjZh4taVaX
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJbJSu2viE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokBUoB4aO8
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ80eJIZfMG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO8Y6QiTzg
"Huh? What are you talking about?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhJFbhrAYl
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf59GTRmmK
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCXmrUGsWR
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHW3UjUOv3
She looked conflicted about my statement.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDJ7urUg3h
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8cUnqZP0a
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICyk0LggF0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAfzRhSmap
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5T6CCvs4c
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVgmVCwOWD
"Dispositions...? What?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOWDPZC9Iz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ah55PMhLI
"Uh... our natures, basically."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqaeAxWNH5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iiEJeK6Y7
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXMwkl0bQ4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFEYiYR7G7
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEwiiOmmQN
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhEzoi4sFO
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEkCJQEYlQ
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"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrm9Y32EAF
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She pulled me out of my rumination.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq5RHMO8rO
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"About what?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOBCAb4sKx
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"About what you said."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmVQ5w63T7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2aPF4auG9
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe6BXEWjuQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImGu6lX2Ht
"Well, what is it?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5Zpa58iuE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H0VlGtJbl
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNvmQy4XQg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylbTRnm7v4
"Right."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw97QxVBJd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7hrXNZtMu
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8jCz83B61
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbkuNRpkza
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Lu2L5PvE
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0act8mO2ej
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"That's great."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSprbTwZsZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTTMJYsTYD
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVP1vClvV3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd7cZAmYdH
"Uh, what's the matter?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg94pQRdRFf
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Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeW2j3F85i
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRXCLsXb3U
"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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe9ermJvRj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIXZvr7du2
"I can't say that I do."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvRwOcWmHg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ685EdCkR75
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRInfjNGgy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi4hbXNmv0
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ojPjTvWg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9oXgPHWD4
"Just trust me here!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDxEfYwc1f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwo7B7fKZg
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAycDP694CH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdE89iE33T
It sounded like chatter.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9i8bKnqJn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMycAEZGWvj
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgojyKDKSMW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3dhh1X8gL
"Kenny, wait here."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzumpC1Vmz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL95Z5Ij2a
"Huh? Why?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmswH7EvMAZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7bZjfNbhc
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTywYgAZEdV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68S2dUjRxc
"W-Wha–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn64IR1zlnF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdGF3hr0ek
"Shhh! Shut up!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvoAZnGTH6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQlzzHiUrP
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTVAuoWATF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwowzdH6blX
"This is..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl6GGGjlmg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgcI3ywS7G
"Something fishy is going on here."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i17TVh3tA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDXCN0HHEh
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1deJtYTiAK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH7m3ptjWD
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmOj8FYqo7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF3owlfJGB
"Alright, can you all hear me?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux6DyIFBJc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMg95gmQGP
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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA95f2DylJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhK4PDiOpD
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
