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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXmmOiWDjT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOJ7pmqFle
"Ow! Ahh..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UjVt7mfrz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlwli3PrRT
"Hmm? Did you trip or something?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgvhqTKV7A
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXq7CR2P90
"Crass and oblivious... that's just like you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mIMfLWyKR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFZdoHs8n2
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfzErJhHNR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHvjhnGiKH
"...This place is giving me the creeps."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsseZa6iKP5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe6I7bYbRB
"Huh? How so?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLy8Gx3R2R
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkbyxFT5G1
"Stuff like couches and carpets are for snobby rich people. Also, nobody is here."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRUQqpMthd
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB48Yr0EkFA
"Couches and rich– wait a second."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LAbIZZejs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqmL0UqbX5
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?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTBjAsEzN5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys1NmHFJNz
"Hey, that priss with the box earlier said we just need to show the note, right?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxVCKQUvlt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM30i6u8CIw
"He did, but, as you can see, that'll likely be difficult."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHGwm5rrR2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5H4EbzzUx
"Tch! This stinks!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rbPO9xhPi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmnoVLLtab
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlZEjKgu7q
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBUeX0C9g7
"What?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PI8qTEeUZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwblht2lmw
"Don't be so noisy! If it's this empty then something can't be right."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDHXXcqreV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8Q3loaDzO
"What? Are you scared?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINttHpyo0K
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WrgC2Pmke
"Frankly... no, but I'm close!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uu1BixTTa
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vkPOXmUCw
She raised an eyebrow, perplexed, which surprised me. She then released a sigh and shook my hand off, crossing her arms.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAPsO5BC0I
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mgiWUJ6l7
"Kenny, Kenny Kenny. What am I gonna do with you?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XrztHLuIf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nn0zKInEh
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsCCBHJ9J2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZBa2PRjXd
I stuffed my hands into my pockets and sighed.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbiExcIGJv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANJI3xMVUz
"Alright, I might've overreacted. But, seriously, we should be quiet."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW1AjWafuR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7LBHbmmH6
"...Fine."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0QtVBU3cu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8repJ7ddn
Thus began our predominantly silent inspection of the Pillar's first floor.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwKTgoQF8W
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnf2sJtbEI
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02ZqDqyLFK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03R9AzTTvD
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW2Ji6Z4D0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWoGezlKQl
"That's no good... especially if she ends up empty-handed, too."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz75vPLYnc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIm71uYL65
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmkXZbwgUF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWV27MIvDr
"...It's locked."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HjaOZkJBN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5l5PbZWtB
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDK6lTap7j
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SS5yQRXPF
"Oh! This one's open!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoC24LqdZq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh1CXIhoO6
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3Ga5sTyAV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fSav7CZ9q
"This place is– cah! Ack!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO7vQFaQUx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwVYDYBFQN
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRND8Txkz6e
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK0uGSabIw
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?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqgjbBfiU0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKSapgeyi8
"Don't tell me this has something to do with the lack of people here, and all the increased security."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrncLmjix9y
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjNJL1PHAP
I gulped. I wasn't able to form any conclusions with the scattered information I had, but I assumed that something was terribly wrong.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlEgH95Xqi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XWj4coQu5
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO32KxrMuV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8novHF2pjE
"Rover would... scold me quite hard if she saw me like this, wouldn't she?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmXAsSSvtj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9U4rRqfr0
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiix2Nh4Oj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7u8S5jOkA
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLchY0JSNLy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQ4IWEeZE
"Judging by the papers, they probably sorted out documents here– W-WOAH!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNiehUwZbn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJBiZK9BNx
I caught my leg on something and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly with my hands out.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeixu5JDFHC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGuwzQXxlj
"Ow... what the hell was that?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNr22WSUJ6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBC6DNWLyd
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2UICMLYKr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyIb8Qz4Pm
But still, that begged the question, why was this one unlocked?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJKTHPIfGB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CvGNnBpY6
"--No, let's try not to think about that too much."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmJfFQBERv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVwnQdCeaI
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9lBG3lyaC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGQmRKUTWi
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrTZfio7QX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4eia4fuBV
"What's this here...?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQw2GALNhT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePczI9HleQ
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!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F5NivckVh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z2eKgfIOK
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDDeb9VoNt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkJWbtm8td
"Your magical skills are impressive, too. Is that how you were able to infiltrate the Pillar?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04OXRlUiQG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjZELg9I6r
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryxIJOgAWm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gtwYhDW7v
"I-Infiltrate? I think you're mistaken, miss. I entered here with explicit permission."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO4ct9JpyF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxRVYhRBL2
"...Really?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SuMao7EAv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAge4zmKXaJ
"Y-Yes. The guard Mason let me in..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Lx8n1rwe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwbEuJSprF
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV34nl0QCP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnxOftShgn
"--Wait."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZEvFYKtpx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSNqp8CThq
An idea, obvious in retrospect, came to me and offered a method of escape. I aimed my spear of stone at the door and–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSEBTHghjS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPyaTTKLuP
**SMASH**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeTw6Mz8C8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AutTXF8R2
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsMKNOA9ju
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBM1BtZeOO
"Earth magic."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaMmKR6CKK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai9aV5yYau
But, it didn't repair itself very quickly, meaning that I could bust through. I created a second stone spear and–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpU7qmbqCW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK0FuMBryo
**THUD**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8NxnjnmDM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj5gPmzMO6
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YStjIBYYu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yVHSHP0L4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlNdA4NfJv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1Amv8f9AY
"...Tears?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgY3Fch98D
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36aF2DqXL8
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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhWDCDyxD8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNlqwvToBO
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXk1XjCDtP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhDcvTDs7x
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr4NKmfcnj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN1qTf7U8p
"Yes. After all, that earth spear of yours was no joke. If I may ask, what grade are you?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFkVpl5Fpx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioVDEg4JIf
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EEHyuWU0V
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bsuoxcCYM
"Ha, how interesting."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hxzomlEgj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNBx7Vcp3H
She looked deeply amused. I was unsure of what to say, so I kept quiet until she spoke again.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AFmcbdTAQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv3aAjxn0E
"I'm a jack of all trades type myself. I'm third grade in all elements and spinning."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cyZQSsx25
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyqzgmzOnf
I blinked a few times, making sure what I was hearing wasn't a trick of the ear.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXzsmdiK11
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR1zBhns9i
"T-Third grade in all!? Goodness..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtEdF1pmN5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEBBtEY7sK
"Haha, yes, I suppose it's impressive. But you're quite talented yourself. You and I must be in similar fields."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhlNXudiYU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug2iLwHcCW
"Similar fields?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGtxzjKNNv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8xaHEbAP
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxUai6Uedz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzF1RbK8Y8
"I-Is that so...?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvxGfVZMKO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVPV5DnnsO
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSsqSnuqGe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3g0WWV1o9
"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–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhByQ19aLt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsppbKFM7k
"E-Excuse me, but can you slow down?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAXXyFv0is
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0J4DUYZ14
I raised my palm and pleaded with her. She chuckled nervously, muttering "Of course, of course" in a raspy breath.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn61XO0J6Yc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4rP8VcVRn
"What part didn't you understand?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8qT76TvMh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zb4zxpICJ
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o355SOmGb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1bYRw5kcB
"...Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Ji17u3xO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgdtZ9OObi
She tilted her head. I realized that my choice of words was poor, so I coughed into a fist and spoke again.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfKzRFy14P
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcAFtnutN4
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZTrnkOCz9
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHtZv4kU1l
I crossed my arms and puffed out my chest. Her neck only bent harsher.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5FI1RFv5E
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXINKJDXwdc
"Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjPxjab1ET
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeQAxZiIxq
"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!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoquZEn9vAY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv039VLCOMO
"Magical plants? If you don't mind me asking... what are you talking about?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA2QK1DJJ2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxwUnDVPsn
"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!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ79ZBcoZPj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtgZXJBhSH
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CmXvt4CFy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2MAKwznvA
"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?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQOjzwgiZ8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfAz5USKxZ
Lola's blue eyes were wide open, and her mouth was agape. I could've sworn that any second now, she'd begin drooling.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ev1cKeuM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyYzgwispe
"If you like plants so much... why are you doing this job?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9Rk1z7UmX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyDBl7o7lY
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZnXicEYYf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAkp6rKE6c
"...Pfff– hahahaha! A-Are you kidding me!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEcoosb54B
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwo4Eq8Y4M
Then, she burst into laughter. Though it sounded joyful instead of mocking, I couldn't help but be taken aback.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0GxBuP9K3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ9oMTQNP1
"W-What? Do I need to teach you how interesting they can be too!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ664i4SbXdL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pA4HkKgwr
"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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTLwQaMfZv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUGnIbWTPQ
"Is it perhaps your youth? I wonder. You said it so matter-of-factly, too."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tLJ7MNQL4
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr5Hdpba9D
"What are you talking about!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVix0ftDX5D
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT2tG8Fr3J
"Nothing at all! But let it be known that you made my mood much better!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAEis4rvFz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TUwiHTVUc
Clapping her hands, she nodded as if coming to some conclusion.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA5HTUVDHZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8expOo0N0
"Now then, how about your questions? Go on, shoot."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ynrTD2Rij
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5deR0lyTrb
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEnnyVTVgq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy9Jvx6dO3
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyIerMIhag
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ko23TBzf
"Oh, I apologize, but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUleTsy8OWK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dOkUDuhTZ
My face morphed into a grimace, but I understood my position well enough not to dissent it.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBSDXZGQzR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVC0AeETh1
"Fine, go ahead."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZttTwWnzv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sbdiXbEPQ
"That Endowment of yours, what does it do?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYnIAnnV86
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VYKW09lHI
"Oh, are you talking about my tendril?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxWI3txKSB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGIlol8k6a
I pointed at it and she nodded.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNQ1c8nFrk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1jS0j5iMw
"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..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64u2zfMPu2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsMizvCod9
"Hm? But what again?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfEG3jgudA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMIuR62fzN
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY07PfF77Am
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQArTBmjaH
"I see. That's disturbing."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwRmwQ4zIK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvaFgF5JeF
"It's... not so bad."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH9Nowgdak
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC6tVdm6hC
She gently huffed at my response.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMQadaldAy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLfhm9Ulby
"Say, did you have to fight Mason to get in? If so, did you use your Endowment at all?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkWmdmOebW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3ODCFoh1A
"Fight Mason?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZK8f95YTs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuLaIFtAy4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRhf7shHZN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCer7OPk5bP
"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!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gUmQ1Zt7b
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CR7nPldBz
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZIeKsprNh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4nvczbXCG
"It was nice talking to you. Before I leave, do you know how to get to the Dean's office?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixTss13UYY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wYtI8uMCD
"Yes, I do. Why, let me take you there."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzquk98ju6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5sOovMz6P
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvc0N7NWTs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMieJSx1jS
"Is something the matter?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9BkBXb38I
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTqicrG1Xz
"...Where is your friend right now?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnhC3go5a6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHnFhtyuYq
"T-That's... why do you ask?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuR489dKQD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsdiC8WEXg
"I have a hunch. Did she happen to go the other way at the first crossroads?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqKraM3wnw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZAG9xUYbD
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7p5VUHJry
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtwwLwBqMH
"Yes, she did."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBflgUBaqA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5QGRSjDPH
"Ah, I see now."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd7prXHuFk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTYZF92ZLl
She walked through the door, plunging her arm into her robe and pulling out a two-pronged, heavy dagger.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSICO8na4re
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6i3wtBxCC
"We should hurry. Your friend might be in deep shit."
