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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T6AYevKX3
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"Ow! Ahh..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMkUhiEdPg
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"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4AR35IDJH
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"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeLjTnZWGi
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LrZbsMvQF
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"...This place is giving me the creeps."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfD2F7dpYe
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"Huh? How so?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvRroAzcyQ
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"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPkQg01Qup
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"Couches and rich– wait a second."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBG0C7GxNS
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLUefjaWeq
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?141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRIGzjDkSs
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"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuppV6ll6bT
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"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECZuosSt65
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"Tch! This stinks!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQ2EeJhBq
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIteVTJ71Tk
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"What?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKks12DLzxc
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu8MZXLNts
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zXeDqEQYk
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL98mrsVyBm
"What? Are you scared?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6yooMbZlC
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"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbIc2kYpKG
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet16JfPWI9
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"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSlsF7g88s
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt1KzNUmLK
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCJyoVEaNv
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I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYuFGsdWnJ
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"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sJIgMQ4Gv
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"...Fine."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09yM6pJdfE
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Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FwcHMMxlB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgckoFiKWnY
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zboat2qWv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2TLkevolU
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVzpdTwV1O
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"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJdTyDQfiM
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RrxGv9HwK
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"...It's locked."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBtqVjFIWp
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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–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJjKuCFWBd
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"Oh! This one's open!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb69MaQtp9
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJFU8eGTmf
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"This place is– cah! Ack!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn36RBn2pM
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpsFLHWIOD
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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?141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUzxMZy2k2
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"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH517HbSxB5
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I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquWJ26ZF2s
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkXVMZRxlY
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"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPzSyJPzXb
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xIsJQeBci
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrO9qMbXlg
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"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmuVi6V3Gk
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I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUrYQBtVZ1
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"Ow... what the hell was that?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZi07xG0x
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZVNlNpUKY
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But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDthDFP5iiN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjKOwUVsSC
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNHMfismcE
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKf5QtYxwC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg6yRgtjck
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUno6LiJib
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"What's this here...?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGvQHhPOnh
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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!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzSso99eXi
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CcIUaRsQ8
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2f3EA42yo
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"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkG11gRIVP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl3we2qhhA
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoFlUNJA2e
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rnyLP6edx
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMaDvJbcVr
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b3MCTVsUT
"...Really?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RkxYjCh3S
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"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImvHvsUC17
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHs6a6MSmc
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–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa91fAmx3q
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"--Wait."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYNrB080iQ
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An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbEj2crd0V
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**SMASH**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn3DpiD4cs
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ3NH3RhRb
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"Earth magic."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qj1FRSU0a
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But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSBLkb1MOh
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**THUD**141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4XfiYAeG9
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GqC8MeKTx
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuiKacULsu
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvASdmFsmrD
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"...Tears?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsAZLRWlOE
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEGpQ5bglT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eOd5ev2dD
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkUTnM9BWW
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahkkefHr7g
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"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IcoySTxZp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRfNtpEXB6
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9jnQSyUGY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdQUQErxKy
"Ha, how interesting."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmNjQBkbnq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlqkPJJfcd
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1S5Z8waxz
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"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv9z0Y7uiV
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I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfJcNIQpMi
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"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNqbU3sLUZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tC4REhWkw
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76tiasBKz9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jHyq5t1pQ
"Similar fields?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBrwhfdnRk
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BlBFsKHIN
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKrUi9m4JV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH7NzywDxq
"I-Is that so...?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV646h7CLx
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qq4oQfgqp
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhYYmc4Oib
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdMM5W7NBR
"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–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV0JHwSYXA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mDWbJxZJV
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOJD2q0xmY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiEa31xlGW
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMrERJqhwn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKJqzAjRP9
"What part didn't you understand?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8zILrimkJ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfnnP3SW92
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYnzKCJal1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLe0qfji0E
"...Huh?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvLtP1zxZF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbcWmqvzTA
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdmkQUErlf
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKMBg3zDtZ
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMbkWgLSNN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeTAxdwA5p
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r7icHTH0p
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTSomL9f3g
"Huh?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpqLqyAbT5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMItyDf2fa
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2I26ETBjU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxD0F1jGVg
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3j8QyEY2D
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFFy1tGnuj
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDYxVt0otp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIVoL6LOEG
"..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqckvjeZWhm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo1O60BTWW
"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhytHLkna2
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBewtib2iGb
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOVIH1IdzT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrTaqpTGxK
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZHFnnl3Nq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIMlYYPJf2
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tC1pXHqW9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHntaYEbTf
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkgTPPOdJc
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCPOkjUBO7
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZJVa4g9N2
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwIp70DiCV
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8CPNouYf1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwv23GL0E3
"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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3N1Xhr3c9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6Toi9J2fW
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3iWkuy3N2
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo1PdbkOI7
"What are you talking about!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfUIXvNPpI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgXYuIPmml
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapqs7J6SJr
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz843YcQyJM
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6ji8nJwhl
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0jtmAbR5M
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVTeg1LVRw
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQa0TA9N9v
"..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDDrHZ7nYC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJtMV2HpV1
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–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrP1aRjm2F
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpFZfFGYDb
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnNtjnIK4U
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dQ7EikYgA
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J5IN7PS7A
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXGhytP7Hb
"Fine, go ahead."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm5uGlAnLF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DxqjR7Or7
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx4oYHy3hl
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPZjpMcrZj
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd9ZxO7izh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDjUNDTQTj
I pointed at it and she nodded.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzmqhLskrO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ3OXWJkYy
"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..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IqDqF9VNX
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfnVnlmlnC
"Hm? But what again?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A9RnowUHF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HyjCzAfyl
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNrs4Hn4N4
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSEgAHj3KT
"I see. That's disturbing."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwteyo3YSu
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVltm5ShbN
"It's... not so bad."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VvKFH6NVj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb7G5neOfP
She gently huffed at my response.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18LAHC2VBm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTAZDAXQwJ
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiyaYgTL1v
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3hzigVe5y
"Fight Mason?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mKbmglGjA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWHFzFe5wz
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7jCnBh1ue
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIDXqpl8Rh
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLghKRh5kG
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvXgjURIm8
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWskf3JsmV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qPjr7qZCN
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDSBj7RekI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlFe79vP1h
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF76XVx3VM
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw4P6w1A2w
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xCNZ5WtRv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgNT2aPKgC
"Is something the matter?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iZ9EgaQPo
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HriexdW4S
"...Where is your friend right now?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S0WUpbupk
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgW7BuJeHH
"T-That's... why do you ask?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoEIDTzuV1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44qWVIjCxL
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgXJRVi65N
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL02SQDumWJ
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngdyJTlbJn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknwtypwYnw
"Yes, she did."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3oxMK0Tha
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIoSvax3ff
"Ah, I see now."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxxSIS3F3k
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoARgxb1tB8
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7V3ZfxDOA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARIoAre5r5
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
