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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgUjVflUGlc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYbOSWWUos9
"Ow! Ahh..."32Please respect copyright.PENANA0M4vbSY4U4
32Please respect copyright.PENANA6OaYO1vKo8
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAqwtGjy4iQ4
32Please respect copyright.PENANAGkA4CjbhuT
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."32Please respect copyright.PENANABbVbcENTDg
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQzyW0FX3pt
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAC83l9CodcB
32Please respect copyright.PENANAPxXIYxxm1P
"...This place is giving me the creeps."32Please respect copyright.PENANArGb8aj47Ug
32Please respect copyright.PENANADhoeNMjr0T
"Huh? How so?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA9TKoI7k1x2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAgR4mtIe1zc
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."32Please respect copyright.PENANAjz9YLkT3oP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAudr5d9gDIM
"Couches and rich– wait a second."32Please respect copyright.PENANAhfnN9Zpso0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAK54YcMW19p
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?32Please respect copyright.PENANAHIebUvdj55
32Please respect copyright.PENANALAGTCjRPHB
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA5RVqkk8WVp
32Please respect copyright.PENANArsFp5881s6
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."32Please respect copyright.PENANAILYuJ9SMhu
32Please respect copyright.PENANANWhOCt7u9T
"Tch! This stinks!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAnc4S55yyMc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMfIHtUafty
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAhAQ58swTdl
32Please respect copyright.PENANAGvPNiym48e
"What?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA6Xil1JVhhL
32Please respect copyright.PENANADG4wPUGcr2
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqmSQlRXRT9
32Please respect copyright.PENANAO6F3KA01gj
"What? Are you scared?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAi5DSi8ofHY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYiCf2McDei
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAFV33la8P3q
32Please respect copyright.PENANAdWzKq2gYbj
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.32Please respect copyright.PENANAtnNMhrzn0g
32Please respect copyright.PENANADmTpQhZSuS
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA0mJNqNIhyb
32Please respect copyright.PENANA4aqKZmv0qO
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAIUGOtkkyFZ
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.32Please respect copyright.PENANAi1gaCi5Rox
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYLzFozDrHq
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."32Please respect copyright.PENANAiRaj95nJIg
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8zDxfd4OSL
"...Fine."32Please respect copyright.PENANAXPR6VNZnrn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAadeUHhac4x
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.32Please respect copyright.PENANANxvDGCHj9g
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlWpSGYhTjz
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAJT3CbzdZln
32Please respect copyright.PENANAL05q9lIxtK
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAMKY2Xk0zX2
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."32Please respect copyright.PENANAqPTvb8uqhz
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0b3zaHkV8v
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANABw6LqVQo2s
32Please respect copyright.PENANAgJg6tCE0lh
"...It's locked."32Please respect copyright.PENANAP9UOzqQJqM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAAOLpi3qrwt
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–32Please respect copyright.PENANAAyWgCCug5Q
32Please respect copyright.PENANAcj7LTiyfGR
"Oh! This one's open!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAbUB3MCe5Mc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAtNUC3zC5vx
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANANSE1nmMUNM
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAqAeyHwVu2H
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7gj34fttPq
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAn2aqwqctDk
32Please respect copyright.PENANALQVT1HK0vv
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?32Please respect copyright.PENANA1clJOEl911
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."32Please respect copyright.PENANATM24EMvra0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxtZkdU0XPT
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.32Please respect copyright.PENANAt98n6335PU
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This line of thinking, the sudden freight I received from entertaining such a thought, froze me. Even though the room was empty, even though the air was still like a statue, unperturbed, I couldn't move.32Please respect copyright.PENANACjC0gF0Lq8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAPwXGGfrkNf
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAnLqrzBNjaY
32Please respect copyright.PENANAlOxn8Qqx7G
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANALnzh7EATN0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvREJmgBdaL
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANATtB7URfQtL
32Please respect copyright.PENANAMJDA3WQh97
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAzOshBaHG46
32Please respect copyright.PENANAhmaju2noRs
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.32Please respect copyright.PENANA8ayD5FQvyv
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA1OoM87J4DZ
32Please respect copyright.PENANAH9OsbCF69g
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANA39XVtmGgzA
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?32Please respect copyright.PENANACBIi2QYv5F
32Please respect copyright.PENANALpKeRl5sXK
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."32Please respect copyright.PENANAK0wElt6w9A
32Please respect copyright.PENANANOKc5JuMU4
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAEXTYHMqW5v
32Please respect copyright.PENANAwNm2jXpNzT
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAMe0go92p6q
32Please respect copyright.PENANAM84O7TAfIl
"What's this here...?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAHPssOlFmK2
32Please respect copyright.PENANAId0JU7jzvO
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!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAu2NQwzT4uV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAC3jjm1qC0K
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAVK7nJkJucN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAoX6cGAr9ns
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAI837ZCw1Qn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAN3Eni8jfBH
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANA3K9JcfukVL
32Please respect copyright.PENANA5bLaQLxHXh
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."32Please respect copyright.PENANAEY9CT7UQDu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAERhWsHUtWr
"...Really?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAcAc7vnzo8H
32Please respect copyright.PENANAstUJBsugD9
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAoQnsLhMCNB
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvmA745mnSJ
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–32Please respect copyright.PENANA36gOemcHkD
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0Fcnm2uBrD
"--Wait."32Please respect copyright.PENANAjUPcbdtQY9
32Please respect copyright.PENANANZhinO9uYx
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–32Please respect copyright.PENANAQWZ9JYSqdb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHYTqc31eRa
**SMASH**32Please respect copyright.PENANA7UhTY1AFww
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfNebCiK1Y2
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAig2aXKhqFw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVbFx7Qev9j
"Earth magic."32Please respect copyright.PENANAWX0emKB4lz
32Please respect copyright.PENANANAG8ih1sb9
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–32Please respect copyright.PENANAdXq7pCVfcs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFotSt8mRtl
**THUD**32Please respect copyright.PENANAzgRML49HYv
32Please respect copyright.PENANAvlvSJHj9XJ
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAXHgGYXDTSi
32Please respect copyright.PENANAVzMxxOAeSv
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAYLvDbJS4zT
32Please respect copyright.PENANASVhxPg3Woz
"...Tears?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAzxGwo6RURc
32Please respect copyright.PENANAUMXcKWuURC
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."32Please respect copyright.PENANAlvv7eNZgZq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJUWzTALbPv
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANAPNuhx8gtcU
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbsCrk9iFNJ
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAAKFcfy82FV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAkP8Z9tu2Hb
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA6S0S4UDkLb
32Please respect copyright.PENANArvNF8mO2zw
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANAeNP7kwik2b
32Please respect copyright.PENANAeG6WkMEJ55
"Ha, how interesting."32Please respect copyright.PENANAwtztwQ9mjn
32Please respect copyright.PENANABshvoY6LPE
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.32Please respect copyright.PENANAWjRL0Z03Ck
32Please respect copyright.PENANAp5TfxFPyAW
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."32Please respect copyright.PENANAF2fl1P02hM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHNTpqGa6UA
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.32Please respect copyright.PENANAtrgzWA1kuY
32Please respect copyright.PENANADv3k8tAv6n
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAusbsobvuVK
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1D6JSbupIu
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."32Please respect copyright.PENANA7X0Fkqayaz
32Please respect copyright.PENANAuvQEk1p9Wu
"Similar fields?"32Please respect copyright.PENANANn3L5hIbRo
32Please respect copyright.PENANAiXu3FIrxMn
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANAXFlmtJP5kN
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbgSTelAOrG
"I-Is that so...?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA1Q1wVPoRDM
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1oJyBe9PDi
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAgnhAwQbSwr
32Please respect copyright.PENANAFUoX5S2dbc
"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–"32Please respect copyright.PENANArujBHIR19T
32Please respect copyright.PENANAbSAPk3HUe7
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA8Wq0GuDhck
32Please respect copyright.PENANA31Lznodsc7
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.32Please respect copyright.PENANAaGLR4NyKLC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAstBZgm32vz
"What part didn't you understand?"32Please respect copyright.PENANANtZPBHqFT0
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHVnM16LnT1
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANANB7k87BHhe
32Please respect copyright.PENANAgHcQQLRsJC
"...Huh?"32Please respect copyright.PENANANP7VUawFVg
32Please respect copyright.PENANA1IZYrCLQve
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.32Please respect copyright.PENANAsf0GdFl2iX
32Please respect copyright.PENANADdivoCZqC1
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANAfygD59IQaG
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIr2JiJctv6
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.32Please respect copyright.PENANAGSLkikfw7v
32Please respect copyright.PENANAor9ehNVtyx
"Huh?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAWuUpbyZa6A
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQdp33AoDbF
"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!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAMKyGadQFYh
32Please respect copyright.PENANAD3yCNfHM00
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAmZcz5f469S
32Please respect copyright.PENANALTNArynJke
"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!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAN05shaNnre
32Please respect copyright.PENANAYi5sUFXJBD
"..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAJBFgNTmjB7
32Please respect copyright.PENANArJyScafkCH
"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?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAGtbrWsrENX
32Please respect copyright.PENANARupHJ9VU9y
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.32Please respect copyright.PENANAD1yghx0dSp
32Please respect copyright.PENANAr0nTSHM2GG
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAXa7rIDjio6
32Please respect copyright.PENANABe5MMs2NST
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANA5WTZIyocx4
32Please respect copyright.PENANApznrI62IA5
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAXzOaZKY0A6
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0AJyih8KpC
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.32Please respect copyright.PENANAX8fpuAU0aM
32Please respect copyright.PENANAqhAduu8PDI
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAZOmvr7Z0BV
32Please respect copyright.PENANA8dhd3vWsJ4
"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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAELxSuX2IWz
32Please respect copyright.PENANAjMqrj9BRhN
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."32Please respect copyright.PENANAIRphKXQ0ib
32Please respect copyright.PENANABuqh8nxAdb
"What are you talking about!?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA3bbye0QJjT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAnRp1AKgiaG
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAFLS0DZI4aP
32Please respect copyright.PENANAq2n5vYfPfo
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.32Please respect copyright.PENANAnUiTC4pq2M
32Please respect copyright.PENANACYhetrmJup
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."32Please respect copyright.PENANAnRQevtb8mG
32Please respect copyright.PENANAZcVJlKvXz1
"..."32Please respect copyright.PENANA384f5ABga8
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHZl3Qk3Avq
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–32Please respect copyright.PENANA4FJZOpFmuT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKUK9d5xpCx
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."32Please respect copyright.PENANAlDVtAh4S5F
32Please respect copyright.PENANAstwjVJlINP
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.32Please respect copyright.PENANA4PcCLaqKQ3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAeDuhMSWbLs
"Fine, go ahead."32Please respect copyright.PENANAJc3CFcmwcW
32Please respect copyright.PENANANtVoPwt86J
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAp4FBcnHiHn
32Please respect copyright.PENANAIneU2Pka84
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"32Please respect copyright.PENANARaCQHR34Kq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAh33DcF3HT4
I pointed at it and she nodded.32Please respect copyright.PENANAY4QSjHIXQ6
32Please respect copyright.PENANAa2QsRgyAlC
"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..."32Please respect copyright.PENANAR4C3nzb2h1
32Please respect copyright.PENANADgE0Mb1izM
"Hm? But what again?"32Please respect copyright.PENANADty2LhngoT
32Please respect copyright.PENANAr2wxn16rkO
"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."32Please respect copyright.PENANA8C52Mu1ENq
32Please respect copyright.PENANATIMsa2nxJT
"I see. That's disturbing."32Please respect copyright.PENANAM7GkUTrNcu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAokLsstCi1H
"It's... not so bad."32Please respect copyright.PENANATrL2SS4CWb
32Please respect copyright.PENANAETJJBcAeva
She gently huffed at my response.32Please respect copyright.PENANAYkKbFKVO0j
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxcE0HlzU9c
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"32Please respect copyright.PENANA3naGgCYhIw
32Please respect copyright.PENANAxVP7QTQcJH
"Fight Mason?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAtoHUqJBsCi
32Please respect copyright.PENANA0xGblEl5i5
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAH3FbrI7Kc3
32Please respect copyright.PENANAJonPnYvqga
"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!"32Please respect copyright.PENANAoaeP0jTNgo
32Please respect copyright.PENANAQJXszGBzF3
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAiVksxGslbs
32Please respect copyright.PENANAEAzazM5H2Q
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"32Please respect copyright.PENANATQuY4xyinC
32Please respect copyright.PENANA7KIX2gJ7zM
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."32Please respect copyright.PENANAWB0Mx9o6Ox
32Please respect copyright.PENANAs0lNg95Gae
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANA57LkXzk2qq
32Please respect copyright.PENANAffz4O8AtRy
"Is something the matter?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAAwRhXLjZCf
32Please respect copyright.PENANAfqDjRB6GHJ
"...Where is your friend right now?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAu9q8GpgbL5
32Please respect copyright.PENANAXKuZrSzQSi
"T-That's... why do you ask?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAtk4q3gR4Lo
32Please respect copyright.PENANAm3HBkegy5W
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"32Please respect copyright.PENANAdjlKdDQoZV
32Please respect copyright.PENANAeMhruniVZQ
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.32Please respect copyright.PENANAKdxwwaGKMs
32Please respect copyright.PENANARPtpkUJiys
"Yes, she did."32Please respect copyright.PENANANEiO2nxhZC
32Please respect copyright.PENANAp8fuiOOpej
"Ah, I see now."32Please respect copyright.PENANAQpqPpWPdXu
32Please respect copyright.PENANAHpermjhCjc
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.32Please respect copyright.PENANAYPAzAwU03J
32Please respect copyright.PENANAKqighuYdap
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."