The doors to the Pillar were made of thick glass lined with bolted steel. Opening it was arduous and unexpectedly time-consuming– that is until Rover caught up with me. Though the hinges fought against the force valiantly, Rover's sheer strength proved to be too much. A simple shove flung them open like a cupboard door. Unfortunately, I was putting my whole being into opening the door beforehand, leading me to unceremoniously fall onto the smooth floor.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywl6H0Umyp
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"Ow! Ahh..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP96QQ1sqA
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKf5DlmYRe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74z8NleGAC
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia8lu9tDmH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5baYRvv46
She tilted her head at my comment. I stood up and rubbed my own, ignoring the inquiry shown in her gaze. We took a few paces into the building. Immediately, I noticed smooth, carpeted floors and lavish furniture sprawled around the entrance. There were lounges, tables, receptionist desks, and more. Though it was the first time I'd ever entered such a scene, I could draw a comparison easily– it was very similar to how the Tea Mage described the "student center" of Talbot, after all.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGJG7ZjUQ
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsLBknJJpj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrodRhddibM
"Huh? How so?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKvN4W75uF
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKukJoa7xYQ
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUZD6uYUMk
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Doing another scan of the environs, I found myself concurring with Rover's deduction. At that moment, the grandiose atmosphere of the room vanished and was replaced with ghostliness, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I also became confused; after all, didn't Mason say that security was tight?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVTkyPjXQS
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAAB64BVZE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxMShiIjBw
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyhNx8OpMH
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"Tch! This stinks!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCMWQZtzXq
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Rover stomped the ground and began to storm off, but I grabbed her wrist before she could go too far. She turned her head to me with her usual grumpy scowl.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKmWuU3WOL
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"What?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j6lZXHiqI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKacaQBsaIq
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oqsBHswT1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatptqFyHoB
"What? Are you scared?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfvTBap0Pw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTqvBzETGJ
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUimSG34HR3
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She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nRav71aOj
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf2vThaArt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeuD6CXon6
She had a wry look on her face. I understood the intentions behind her words and tone immediately, and I nodded in the face of a revelation. It was one I couldn't properly articulate, but the feelings it stirred up translated perfectly into an action.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuB9bV5tgn
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2434nPTGAb
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AybDZrp3n
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHiuBT0Skq
"...Fine."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Cu614i43
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZiYwdTZFb
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Rover and I didn't spend too much time inside the foyer, since it was obvious that what we saw would be all there is. Instead, we walked deeper into it and were immediately faced with a fork in our road. A left and a right, each path leading to a hallway with a set of doors. The ends of the hallway were comfortably in sight, meaning that traveling them shouldn't be challenging. I looked at Rover inquisitively. She pointed at the hallway on the left, prompting me to take the one on the right.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5GNBQFszn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzyqgvEG8N
My first impression of this hallway was that it was bland. There were no elegant decorations of lush chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was a hallway consisting of simple white walls and doors. Most of the lighting came from windows and the sun, though a few lights were stationed here and there. I hit the end of the hallway quickly, turning the corner and continuing my expedition. The hallway looked identical to where I was standing, which made me feel as if traveling in this sector was a waste of time. Rover was a much quicker walker than me, so she would already have seen whatever was beyond the next turn long before I made it there.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCebwfhJgZM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC0a53yl4X
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO5vDUagom
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV6yDJa0sg
Our goal was ultimately to reach the Dean's office, which, according to Mason, was perched on the highest floor of the Pillar. However, Mason also said that the interior was heavily guarded. I doubted his words, but doing so wouldn't lead me anywhere, since it wasn't like I had a lead or someone nearby to ask. Therefore, I decided that I should look around more sensibly, and with my new mindset, decided to open the nearest door.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQjYoUiOJX
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"...It's locked."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJL1HO63Be
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I shouldn't have been, but I was disappointed. I walked a few paces to the next door and tried to open that one but to no avail. I repeated this action for the next half a dozen or so doors, until suddenly–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbMX6BZMcd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMU0O6a7w0
"Oh! This one's open!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzTD38eYX5
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Before I let the door go wide, I released my tendril, giving into the sense of trepidation I've had since entering the building. Then, I took my first step. Aside from the tiny slab of sunlight crossing barely over the threshold, the room was pitch black. I produced a Flash-Bloom and was greeted by what appeared to be an office building.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVja9tUYKZ6
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpHi0iwesK
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Thrown into a coughing fit, I eyed the inordinate amount of dust in the environs. Opening the door must've flung it all into the air. Now I stood there, coughing and in regret.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnwHiihcGe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPi4tOpCnh
But I had to wonder: Why was a room inside a building as crucial as this so dusty? Was it just an unused room? Or, was it something else?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPOoh5pVHK
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf4CjnshEM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKH6v6mKrY
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT4dDimeBH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI78yObmgB
This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Bd0F14gw
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZeFqz4KnB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwe0Xmsc7G
Somehow, uttering that stray thought that crossed my mind returned strength to my legs. Though I was still shaken, I was able to properly inspect the room now.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsyJI9ejFV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNXsQUV2tW
It was a room where tables and chairs were stationed in groups. Inspecting the contents of the table, I noticed that they were primarily empty, though a few stray pieces of paper found themselves on the desks. I could tell that this room was a workstation of some kind.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRVHuRz8LN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4260MgnJwh
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzOEoBTJ8f
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuVzyCxTuc
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiUp6kSkFc
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcibdDDvVGM
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I raised my Flash-Bloom to the culprit of my toppling and saw the tip of my shoe wedged into the floor. I stood up with an excessive amount of embarrassment. I should've expected as much from an abandoned room, so I admonished myself for my lack of attentiveness.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7FvKa7Ywf
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPOXVEmDOp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLzkeMttcz
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh58YVdgrd9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtSTWqIGip
I decided to save those questions for later and continued investigating the parameters, paying extra attention to the floor I was walking on. I inspected the desks for anything unusual, just a glance since I figured this room wasn't going to provide me with what I wanted. To my surprise, I found something that wasn't a scrap piece of paper.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWlUGssXzh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sS62AS8qI
It was still a piece of paper, though. This one had words on it and tears at the corner, leading me to believe that it was a part of a packet.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbOQYRa9dd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPautmVK52J
"What's this here...?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRYp74LpE2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYEhnLPvi5
Most of the page was covered in dust and other debris that, coupled with the lighting, made it illegible. Fortunately, the title of the paper was thick, bolded, and easy to read.
"...Flatlands reconnection proposal?"
From the few words that weren't blocked, I conjured up that some group of people wanted to return to the Flatlands. For what purpose, I didn't know, nor could I begin to imagine the thought process behind such an absurd idea. It was no wonder that this page was left behind in such an unkempt room. The proposal was simply ridiculous.
"...But that doesn't have anything to do with my objective."
Sighing, I crumpled the paper into a ball and tossed it behind me. I checked the rest of the desks and found nothing of interest. I only ended up wasting my time. I walked to the door with a heavy heart and–
"..."
I froze.
It wasn't because of something I saw. Well, it was, but I didn't see anything horrific or otherworldly. It was the implications it provided, the droning insinuations it drilled into my brain, shaking it, stabbing at my nerves that rendered me a frightened goat.
"You're attentive. I'm impressed."
The door, which was opened only a smidgen wider than when I had entered this room–
**SLAM**
Was brazenly and noisily closed, leaving only the light of the Flash-Bloom.
"W-Who... who's there?"
Using mana spinning, I increased the brightness of the Flash-Bloom, yet I was unable to spot any figure in the room. I turned my body and even looked under the desks; nothing.
"That is a peculiar Endowment you have, I haven't seen anything like it."
The voice, that of a woman, resonated in the room, coming from no apparent direction. It left me frantically looking around, wallowing in my confusion.
"S-Seriously, who's there!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluXMIr1QuP
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZpMhLwKrs
My demand was not met with silence. In light of this, I began mana expulsion and created a spear of stone, keeping it ready for whenever, or if ever the woman showed her face.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjgAz6zIW5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuB0nIA0OD
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrix6jceN6r
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxIitZd3Mf
The way she articulated herself sparked a sudden bit of hope in me. I choose my next words carefully, struggling not to stumble on them.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJV5wtQadG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnXKgJJiKI
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xL9iYNZ7n
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuEP1jT8yA
"...Really?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUawFn4HDZA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRkRSohXQP
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPzRqGZlJ2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGcPEOaBGQ
The strength in my voice died down, but I was thankfully able to get my message across. I did another quick scan of the room but didn't see anybody. I didn't hear the woman say anything, either. I was left in the darkness, confused, and unable to–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJRwFhnrAe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabYy5tslMp
"--Wait."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSlOrqconS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap02A4vKLT
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyoyGniS2G
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**SMASH**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JOYjDaCYi
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtohpfl59D
Once the dust settled, I found that the door was busted down. However, a second inspection revealed that somehow, it was rebuilding itself. It wasn't with wood and wadding, however, but with pure rock.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSNr8OK1pj
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"Earth magic."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU2BPwihAP
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTfZbt5eIX
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLknivOFbC
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**THUD**160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBpR2r0YJ4
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I froze yet again. It was the sound of something heavy animate hitting the ground. I turned my head and lit up the area. There, I saw a woman with a lazily worn yet silky robe exposing her shoulders with pants of a similar texture and flounciness.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RelQvKWai
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGedFGGV8M
Her clothing would've made her look harmless if it weren't for her... eyes?
"Do you have something to prove it?"
"..."
Every indication was telling me that this woman was a threat. The situation screamed to me that I should be vigilant and wary, never letting her figure escape from my view.
But her look told me something else. It wasn't a disarming look, though she did possess a beautiful face, or a mien of kindness that could ease even a rabid animal's nerves. No, it was a look that was asking me– no, pleading with me, desperately desiring for some reality to be ascertained. And, from the somber yet quivering voice that she used to ask me that question, I knew that I was the one with the power to realize it.
So, ignoring my better judgment, I did.
"I do. It's in my pocket. Let me show you."
I slowly reached for the note, making sure she could see my hand go through every motion. My unfolding was meticulous, and I gently tossed the paper to her, mindful of her vigilance. She crouched to pick it up, never letting her gaze stray away from me. When she went to read the letter, she made and aimed a monstrous water spell at me, keeping me in stock still.
I was unsure if even the Valencia-Bloom could stop it.
Her eyes slowly moved along the lines of the page. Her expression steadily morphed from a cautious one into a gentle yet somber one. Then, her spell dispersed, and she covered her mouth with her free hand. I was shocked by what I saw then.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pmPVNXnQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqvEXHlPyp
"...Tears?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTfNEKGAA1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVllDfyg9Ul
My eyes didn't deceive me. Tears formed in the women's optics. Her quiet cries turned to sobs. The note was meekly released from her hand, and it fell to the floor, gently swaying.
"T-Thank you. Thank you... so much."
I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my limbs or my mouth.
And then the woman fell to her knees. She wiped the tears off her face with a hidden smile, gibbering her gratitude.
–
–
–
"I apologize. That was an unsightly thing to do, especially in front of a child."
The woman, sitting with an arm hung over the tip of her knee, was offering me the note. I took it and, checking for wet spots, folded it before putting it back in my pocket.
The woman had giant bags under her eyes, but I doubted that they were caused by the tears.
"No worries. Though, I do have a lot of questions about it..."
She chuckled, tilting her head into the palm of her other hand.
"I imagine. Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Lola, and you?"
"Lola? That's a quaint name. I haven't heard anything like it before."
"Yes, it's foreign here in the Southern country."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyWd06ApKr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprJwJu8Vht
"Foreign..."
I hung on the word, spending an amount of time Lola's subsequent head tilt deemed inordinate.
"Sorry, it reminded me of something. My name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers, but please, just call me Kenny."
"Buffalo as your middle name? Do you hail from an animal-worshiping village?"
"I... do, yes. Admittedly, I know little about what the village thinks of the Buffalo. I can't even remember seeing one."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXKtitKPWn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWJbH0iRpP
My mand broke for the conversation for a moment, ruminating on why that possibly was. I quickly found an answer and instinctively shrunk in shame.
"It's a pleasant place, but I spent my time poorly there."
"What are you doing out here then, love?"
"Love?"
She had a look of surprise that was quickly overtaken by a chuckle.
"Sorry, that's a Western thing."
"A Western thing? Now that you mention it, you do have an accent."
She slowly nodded in response to my observation.
"I'm impressed. Many don't pick up on it so fast, if at all."
I shrugged. I figured that spending time around Juke helped me pick up on those details.
"..."
Though, her vocal inflection was very similar to Mother's–
"Now, Kenny, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"H-Huh? Oh, sure, but..."
"But what?"
I thought of the mission. I was in a rush for time, so I didn't have the privilege to sit down and partake in a leisurely chat with her. However, I realized that her presence opened up an opportunity for the knowledge that I was sorely missing.
I decided to entertain her for the time being.
"As you might've surmised from the letter, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Ah, indeed. How about, if you answer me, then I'll help you to the Dean's office?"
"That'd be perfect! But, would you mind if I asked you a question of my own in addition?"
"Of course."
She gently nodded. Not wanting to be rude, I took a seat across from her and dimmed my Flash-Bloom. She began to twirl her grayish-white hair in rumination.
"I know why you're here, and I know that Mason let you in. How about..."
It was made clear that she didn't have a question prepared, meaning that she likely just wanted Fto chitchat. It irritated me, but I stuck around.
"Why not, I'll inquire about your skills."
"My... skills?"
The question surprised me. It was the last type of inquiry I expected.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXhNF8yEEP
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MJOZBnFPy
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjzaufmZU5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeuciOeMkf
"I'm a third-grade earth magician and fourth-grade in fire and water. I'm ungraded in wind. I'm not sure about my grade in mana spinning."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx0Prnwk17
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OkCvawzhQ
"Ha, how interesting."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dmqRjptK7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQK4Bu0H0p
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtEkkfuU3l
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKenYb8fp4U
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaVTY2J4iR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlu7a34JOf
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwjG3rnLVh
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5BCHCLtJw
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"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5uXZMCGVZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQdSUbXW1k
"Similar fields?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5tsDlkqH3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9CPGEipj0
"That of a combatant, of course. What else is being this proficient at magic good for? It's for guard work, or fighting beasts, or taking care of the occasional delinquent."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZewh8Mvl6
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3b8qpWwCF
"I-Is that so...?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kQAWcrsNL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPHwEwJzh1
She nodded with her eyes closed. Truthfully, I wasn't following along with what she was saying. Though I did understand her words, none of it stuck with me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9oLFFX4Ka
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtuwmlWp8z
"Isn't what you're doing similar? Escorting a crucial letter to be sent might as well be guard work. Somehow, I pity you– oh, but I don't mean that to be rude! If it's what you've set out to do in your life and if it makes you happy, then by all means, go and chase–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCP2Kj4ucM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzCwPY32Sc
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqojGyOHup
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ8eALgJVA
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd4Hab6TWp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2vBiuzDy6
"What part didn't you understand?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOPukpAH9n
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjJtLcewQx
"No, it's not that I don't understand what you're saying, it's that I don't understand why you're saying it at all."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBIiTZfgkX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuES8NK7ck
"...Huh?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecbbVOLAEj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMj9DgClVE
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqCGZOY7ik
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP45KrgXS0X
"Well, yes, I am doing work congruous with my magic skills, but by the way you talk, it's as if this is what I've decided on for eternity. That's not true, I'll have you know."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP12qTOKWWY
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gn52Ij6vN
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5k8h1CfiM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMoVpWRcQY
"Huh?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBHb79dQfd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWDr4YCmhf
"I'm actually studying to be an alchemist! I won't say where, because people freak out when I tell them. I've already acquired a handsome amount of grants from selling my potions alone. But, well, alchemy is one thing, but what I really want to do is study magical plants!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb3vmmmjXU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxPsM4tORi
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj52YqebQ4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT4j4OYib6
"My passions, of course! People call it lame, but it's because the most they can spare for them is a single dismissive glance. They don't understand the intricacies nor the beauty to be found in this type of Exotica. Plus, their potential for advancement in knowledge in fields such as alchemy and, well, magic in general, is boundless! I imagine, at least. I've only ever read one book about these plants, but it's more like a bestiary than a scientific text. So, I imagine that the knowledge in this field isn't very vast, and it makes me want to expand it!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenOgDqqs4S
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChvUIpn25y
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDks5mxGA2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuwjKGyOrT
"I plan on studying them once I receive a full education, which I imagine will take me... at least a decade. O-Oh, I'm sorry, I've rambled quite a bit, haven't I?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin4biy8FEH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPw3kKdX1z
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FHMHL1ZWR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMKjqPB77o
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKr7JIoJbg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzDA4u5DU9
"That's because I've been offered a lot of money and the ability to view new ones in exchange for taking this type of work."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlSFG32wTl
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs1ePt9du5
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx1XDQjj15
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpGYzNfn9j
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxFCSdeCs5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbqECfa3tu
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7dHljYSy8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiNoHATOsL
"A-And that's what you say? Ah, oh my goodness..."
She calmed down and took steady breaths, letting out a few more faint chuckles before speaking again.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzYxRPdRPs
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50j9XYJ4He
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkG1CF1ZtD
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M707DmIyY
"What are you talking about!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWscezUPqxH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFJ2X6iKbp
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT0g0gbGjh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuAbEVckCd
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0yuQBvwg1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ4xukB6WJ
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3PPCWgu42
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLaWA2hpIH
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB58vAPDak
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn0ot91TWq
Frankly, my flurry of emotions from earlier had barely dissipated. I took a minute to calm myself and ease the tension in my body before asking anything. I did appreciate that she kept the number of inquiries low, though–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRdO9GR2EU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mAquR2yuH
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo6NcUeFhF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETKMuSMgnl
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoeSOY691B
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt1zEIuuae
"Fine, go ahead."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jf85zzzBV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoBvcgCDss
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2FrTlck8Y
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY7jqDTn53
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0VnJqm9QF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeDBefDBay
I pointed at it and she nodded.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoyKKxvoNL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm6NwM9lve
"It allows me to create miniature versions of magical plants I've already performed mana spinning on. I can amplify their effects with internal mana spinning from there on. It's very handy, but..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcovKrJrj26
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ26Ll7Yaue
"Hm? But what again?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogRo9oN9HF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNFsT3HDE3
"It leaves me more vulnerable. I don't quite get it myself, but I think that the tendril is intertwined with my body, or at least with my nervous system."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUSCme3OHo
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTVKZLlg2Q
"I see. That's disturbing."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuZuPvn50s
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VjGgSddLR
"It's... not so bad."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2G3E6Xcj5
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoQxxTWPyI
She gently huffed at my response.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vKwkWWoVw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U09NZ1m79
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBLQtmIxCX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb2077AABN
"Fight Mason?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB1cJc6HS4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnHm8IVYuS
I realized that I failed to mention Rover in this entire discussion. I rubbed my head, anticipating disappointment for the answer I would give her.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI1oAv3cjE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnciaBl2ME
"No, I didn't fight Mason. My friend and colleague did. Her name is Rover. Oh, I should've met up with her by now! Ack!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52AQEOOhlo
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIoI1CR7hi
I made a considerable blunder there. I got to my feet and rushed to the door. I looked back at the surprised Lola for one last word.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcoKdxFCfR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1C2f0etNT
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdzK2oAcGE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN9cy51wEj
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCEGv5X90P
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdp866zyW5
She got up herself, adjusting her robe, and stopping a few feet away from me. I thought it was a signal to open the door, but when I did, she didn't pass through.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWCydhqQQS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY2BG3ROEY
"Is something the matter?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHDiz80P2P
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshf7x1AkH0
"...Where is your friend right now?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wEmA2JxHr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvwqWq5BTF
"T-That's... why do you ask?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrWJeRkeXL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEAoawvaYq
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4eS15YF9i
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMbQ33oFwU
I blinked a few times. I knew she was insinuating something, and though I didn't know what exactly, I had the impression that it was sinister.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFNPwHx2Jv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDnkyRsxka
"Yes, she did."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I0YMkzJ82
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlkLGns8MZ
"Ah, I see now."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFlrdrF1g8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bm9MbaKay
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ785rVYqkYE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21LJlbWVJZ
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
