When Rover separated from Kenny, she created a mission for herself. She wanted to find the way up the tower and rub it in his face. She knew Kenny wouldn't mind it very much, but she didn't particularly want to enrage Kenny. She just wanted to throw a jab or two his way. It was fun for her. A type of fun that was harmless and calm, one she usually found in hearing stories.
Besides, the quicker she delivered this stupid letter to the stupid Dean, the faster they could leave and avoid all the stupid nonsense this city was going through.
So, Rover didn't traverse the building all lax and slow. She didn't spend her time ogling at the architecture or meticulously investigating what was behind those doors. No, when she deemed the distance between her and Kenny far enough, she broke into a sprint, covering the grounds of the hallway almost immediately.
When she turned the corner, she saw something at the end that was unlike the walls. From this distance, she could only tell that it was an opening, but there were signs beside it. Rover, proud of her senses for a reason, spotted the engravings on the signs from across the hallway. It was the caricature of somebody ascending rudimentary steps.
Rover smirked. She found her head start. She made it to the end of the hallway in a near instant. However, she didn't walk up the stairs immediately.
"..."
Kenny had told her to meet back at the entrance if they found anything. This suggestion was holding her back, which surprised Rover.
But, many things have been surprising her today. Many things about herself, about others, the list could go on. Though Rover had a part of her that wanted to honor Kenny's suggestion, her eager, daring part wanted to rise up those steps and get this letter delivered right here and now. In fact, she wanted to do it so fast that by the time Kenny would finish his inspection, she'd be back to meet him with their mission completed.
She listened to the latter part and ran up the stairs.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64o7F4CVry
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvKoWrJvpa
What she found when she arrived on the second floor– which was a longer trek than she expected –was a series of rooms isolated in glass boxes. The floor was carpeted and there was a central path that branched off to all the rooms, with a few leading to doors embedded into the walls. Rover didn't care for the framework of the room, instead focusing on finding an exit. Unfortunately, the maze-like structure of the floor made navigating it difficult. Rover concluded that one of the doors lodged into the wall must've led to the next floor, but even though there were no obstructions to her vision courtesy of the glass, finding an exit from any point of the room was impossible.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncKZttwZAw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHQKdVxyL0
"W-Who makes their rooms this confusing!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCeMHDjRJc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiJU78cBQk
Rover had nobody to voice her complaint to, however, so she saved it for whatever draftsmen would face her first and scoured the room for an exit. Though she compared the structure to a maze, in reality, the paths lead to destinations without any deliberately puzzling forks. Still, traveling in this area, where everywhere she looked had a desk and chair loitering around, was disorienting.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyHxG4rT75
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQeUDLF3Z7
She managed to arrive at one of the wall-embedded doors. She tried to open it, but the door didn't budge. She tried to kick it down, but even with her physical prowess, the door didn't falter.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNxhgVk23d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFS3ksc5rN
It was reinforced with mana– that was Rover's conclusion, and as Rover was unable to use any magic, there was no way she could tear the door down with just her strength. Maybe if she was stronger, she thought, but she discarded the idea quickly. She turned around and retraced her steps, tilting her head downward and fixing her eyes on the carpet. She returned to an intersection, and with two other paths to choose, she decided on the left one. The path only led to an ensemble of glass boxes, however, so she retraced her steps yet again.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxXLrW0eUs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqfAYhk81
She was beginning to get a little thirsty. She began to regret her self-imposed restlessness. Nevertheless, she continued searching, and searching, and searching–
"--Who's there?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZKrU9UXH2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9t5ikMRIH
It was faint. It could've just been a trick of the mind, or maybe the floor was settling from all the garbage placed onto it. But, she heard a distinct noise. She was sure it wasn't her body making it, or the rustling of her baggage. No, it was a noise of something foreign. So, she spoke out, sharpening her eyes and hearing to where even her heartbeat didn't fall upon her.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMQd3aLHar
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehm890WD1G
–Again. There it was again. She began crossing out the possibilities. It could no longer be a trick of her mind, nor could it be the settling of the room. Therefore, she asked again.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZfmv6g03q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu8YqpWl9n
"Who's there?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcBrorE8J3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qnFVweBVg
She drew her rapier. Her eyes darted around the room. Whatever, or most likely, whoever made the noise, was hiding behind one of the dozens of desks sprawled around.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQp9iwiWbj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhSxsTQVbN
Therefore–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy7w0UvdlY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwvvwXX2sZ
**SHATTER**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSk2h5NT4s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1jfcOt6p8
She would attempt to draw them out. And what better way to do so than to cause a little mayhem?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCZ8UJcRfw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn0t4j6VVO
With a series of swift kicks, she shattered the glass boxes in her immediate vicinity and toppled over all the desks and chairs that her limbs could reach. But, even through all the noise and rumbling, she never let her vision drift away from her surroundings.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEygD88OJcV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpIIHQfTVm
Her hasty action drew out her desired result.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTiWUWLqzC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaurMBrY65
"You're an insolent, deleterious girl, but you have good discretion."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGpf3UejRx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXmbsSWF4W
A man popped up from a distant set of tables. He grabbed a chair and chucked it, shattering a glass wall in its trajectory toward Rover. She merely kicked the flying object into a wall.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI2Eh7oNJa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXkmkArDcr
"Powerful, too."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBA4yXL6A5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkAVllNxVW
Rover raised her rapier, brandishing it and pointing it at the man.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIUfNAkFUD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSCgTdg4j7
"I don't know what deleterious means. Is that supposed to be a compliment?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRhv081hE2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGh7bNUgbc
"If the poor man who will have to clean up after your mess thinks so, then yes."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi2sFdh9VR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd2QPhFmcq
Rover narrowed her eyes. It wasn't just the fact that he liked to hide, but his articulation infuriated her. She was naturally wary, but holding back the desire to rush in and ravage him was difficult.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOChl7OO5w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkFSbGqS53
She inspected the man's outfit, seeing a large coat, reaching to his ankles. He likely had a set of weapons hidden beneath it. After all, Rover thought, men with hair as kempt as his always carried an excessive deal of weaponry.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8L5o26rSy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv0itgtDI3
"...I don't know how you got up here, but it's obvious that you're a threat. Sorry, I'll have to fight you now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJkZLwCKo7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFNSIxxffs
The man fiercely unzipped his coat and reached both his hands inside, taking out a duel set of–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahOjlLhLYF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvfnAfLBja
"Crossbows!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkWTHdv7gr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNUyFvHYB9
Rover's heart sank, but only for a moment. The crossbows weren't big or imposing, and Rover couldn't begin to fathom how he would reload them, meaning that handling them was clunky. It wasn't so different from fighting a mage. At least, it shouldn't have been.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQbLAp14ld
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxjlaynfvH
But Rover saw two pillars– or, what could be better described as chimneys –attached to the ends of the crossbow, creeping from the depths of his coat. The man fired them, and Rover evaded them easily, but then another couplet followed, and then another, and another, and another–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmhyg6TBRr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv3oOdky1G
"Ngh! How!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68xg75ml9U
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7iKcJfawT
She flipped a desk over and used it as a shield, blocking the maelstrom of arrows to little effect. Their momentum was stopped, but the arrowheads happily pierced through the several inches of thick wood, stopping just short of hitting her face. Unfortunately, the cumulative force of the arrows ruptured the table, splitting it in two and forcing Rover to roll away to grab a new one. She went through two more desks before the flurry of arrows ceased. Cold sweat ran down her spine, but with the quantity of her sweat, it would be more accurate to call it a river.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZgDOMU4AG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgMJlVrGZg
Rover peered over the desk. The man clicked his tongue and put his crossbows back inside his coat, and Rover exhaled in relief. The man dug through his coat and pulled out a large, serrated knife.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXeDEXxK8n
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpfVc5lYyq
"I'm a fool, using my crossbows in a place like this where you can simply block them. Arrows don't come cheap."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtzAIRVfDc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g6DTA7glw
"What are you talking to me for? Are we going to fight or not?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu45edg3cVN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzhqzP2MsB
"You ought to know the answer by now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiq3qIyMQC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0adGOl7HM8
The man entered into a restrained fighting stance, taunting Rover by jerking his fingers and telling her to bring it. Rover was more than happy to oblige.
As she ran to the man, bursting through glass walls, she grabbed her parrying dagger and raised it. The man backed away and hopped onto a desk, kicking a chair at Rover. She blocked it with her arms and shoved it aside.
"--Huh?"
The chair had blocked her vision for barely over a second, and yet, the man had disappeared from her view. She frantically looked around the floor but found nobody, likely meaning–
"You're hiding behind a table again!"
With how little time had passed, the man must have been hiding by the desk he stood on. Rover rushed to the desk and kicked it and nearby ones over. Indeed, Rover had found the man, but she also found a ball of water hovering right in front of his palm.
Rover's instincts kicked in and forced her to duck, allowing her to get by with just a few grazed strands of hair. But the man didn't let up, rushing at her with his knife in both hands. Rover backed away from the first thrust, but the man caught up quickly and thrust at her again, forcing Rover to parry it with her dagger.
She'd typically be thrilled about such a situation, as having the opponent's weapon interlocked with her dagger made their movement cumbersome. But his weapon was light and smaller than hers. Rover realized it too late, and thus, the man was able to easily deliver a kick to her abdomen, knocking her away.
She didn't go far, and though the kick hurt, it granted her beneficial information.
"Ack," the man shouted, shaking his foot like he'd stubbed his toe, "that was through a shoe, too! Are you made of iron?"
She smirked. Rover now knew her physical strength was superior to his.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWst3w6u8i
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfdA3XshcP
"Before we keep going," she started, "what is your name?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8fwvYQMzg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHFeGDfewu
"Hmm? What's this, are you trying to duel me?"
"What else would I be doing!?"
The man lowered his knife for a moment, tapping his chin–
"I decline."
And dashing towards Rover yet again. The split second of rage Rover felt from his response was enough to stun her and allow the man to close the distance. He thrust his knife at her repeatedly, then switched to slashing, the first of which Rover quickly blocked with her rapier. She reacted faster than the man and delivered a kick from the side, but her foot didn't meet with the man's body. Rover looked down and saw the man's free hand open, and a tiny yet dense mass of stone was in between that and her foot.
"Tch!"
She dashed away, shaking her head and clearing her mind, then took the offensive. She poked her rapier at the man, able to stay at a distance where his knife couldn't reach her. The man kept backing away and dodging her thrusts until he collided with a table. Rover smirked, reeling her arm back and stabbing the rapier into the man's leg– but it failed. Instead, the man perfectly blocked the oncoming strike with the flat side of the knife. Rover's eyes widened, the brief moment of disbelief weakening the force she was applying, and allowing to shove her rapier aside. Nonplussed, but more so because of her broken stance, a punch to the face and subsequent kick to the stomach sent Rover rolling across the floor. The glass tore her clothes and dug themselves into her lower legs.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiaeRbjhCe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSx5h9sB57
"Hrk! Ahh, this sucks!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMWR172sYN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp9KTddDQV
The prickling pain of dozens of miniature shards lodged into her skin was as oppressive as it was unique. Rover struggled to grit her teeth through it, and more than that, struggled to keep her legs standing straight.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeNZsYbcIK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0PxvRcPYR
"Phew. Give up now?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsOrQHuGvN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdawoIUFkA
"'Course not, just thinking."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y7lE9ehOn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKRQwBGoO6
Her rapier was an effective but exploitable tool. She also lost a substantial amount of mobility, and now blood was slowly leaking from her body. The one time she utilized her dagger only led to a counterattack, but that instance was a defensive use.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yka2NxT4g
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD3EVoP3QG
The man didn't let her analyze the situation unperturbed. He broke into a sprint, yet again clutching his knife in both hands. But Rover had already sheathed her rapier brandished her dagger, and challenged the man's rush.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz9HPlD01x
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qnkceWRT8
The surprise on his face was evident, and he skidded to a stop. Rover weakly slashed at him and the man backed away. She caught the hem of his coat but missed his body. The man didn't rush in again, instead, continuing to back off. He freed one of his hands and began mana expulsion.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbfxAZeiPo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjrRvvBcIv
"--Shit!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6MNlgqO0W
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptddWO6VnN
Rover realized how precarious the situation had become. After all, if the very thing locomoting her had been impeded, then evasion became a mountainous task.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxZAFfccKe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c7L3O9lE0
The man must have had a similar epiphany.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEstjb5I7Y7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUD6UOEbSx
It was a blade of wind this time. It was speedy, but Rover could tell that its strength was far less than the water spell from before. Instead of dodging it, she grabbed her rapier, still in its scabbard, and blocked the spell.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4y46lTsRn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekkpO7pE0V
"--Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsBqGjSlF7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbJnPJlMaC
Rover was surprised by her move's effectiveness. Or, rather, she was surprised by how weak the spell was. Then, she lowered the scabbard and looked at the man again, who was preparing a far more voluminous spell.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0zsmHrLP7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQUgB8fM8y
Before she could even react, she was sent flying.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkv0iXAH9s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHl0PN5Bkc
The spell itself didn't hurt her, but the distance she was flung was simply absurd. She flew across the entire floor, only stopping when making contact with the wall. She slid down, rubbing her back when she met with the floor.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UUWdrZ8pv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lmlLn1BPu
"Ngh..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarUrFfcAiA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptkxwVLo7M
She got on her feet, using the scabbard to help her rise. Her breathing was heavy, and her vision was becoming hazy.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DENHdZXC9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLpkd44uvt
"This just... isn't my day, damn it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsnkeMk06M
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErFi3SzEJu
"--Rover!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKTENZZL8k
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevPeCRgc5s
And then, she was taken out of her exhaustion, if only for a moment. A familiar voice, yet one that should not be here, called out to her. She turned her head to the person with the voice and saw a red-haired boy with a white coat peeking out of the floor's entrance.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4uhM5sEVY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDf95JqFhc
"K-Kenny!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOQ7rMXWv4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy7mVqOdb5
"Rover– goodness, what the hell happened here!? Actually, nevermind that, listen, you–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk0gKZmj7H
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz02AqP66G
"Sorry, Kenny, I'm in the middle of something here."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZsAlCMPjf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HiGB7iVgi
She straightened her posture and rubbed the saliva off her chin, limping to continue her fight.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRydcTbqdL6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAahqrmSBf
"What are you doing!? Look at yourself, you're in no state to fight!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0n2a0z2tE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A5qPxBHWP
She turned her head to him, conflicted.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkZdgVejPw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUrwqyXPpD
"I... So what, I don't need your help! I've got it under control, it's fine."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocOQFn0dr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJeg1JijOg
Kenny grimaced and pinched his nose. Then, the door opened again, and out from the threshold walked a white-haired woman in a robe.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJebdunKc1t
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu1Ay8GiHG
"W-who's that," she asked, confusion momentarily overtaking her burning drive.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tinAjM6sG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yBGKHRoAC
"Ah, you must be Kenny's friend. We can introduce ourselves later. Please, stand aside for the time being."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjSvW130jE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYWuhrTs8b
"H-Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUaR9B5yna
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgMg77XNCX
The woman walked with a bold gait, brushing past Rover without even sparing a glance. Kenny ran up to her, gnawing at his finger as he looked over her wounds.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ6LijyvZB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa0tbo98aK
"You... you are so reckless!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ580owaoZM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw2M04zfvz
Then, the boy raised his voice, stunning her.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAq7unPMAl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU4dh59ne2
"Why is fighting the first thing you do, huh!? Can't you use that head of yours for something else!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHkMb35zep
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q3wBMI1I1
His words, to her surprise, slashed at her egregiously.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCpfr0WyRw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhVzeXwryw
"...T-The hell are you talking about!? What else was I supposed to do!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8m4xGJGqD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5mtxR0ATM
"Didn't you think of waiting, or running back to me or something!? I could have shown him that note! Or, if nothing else, we could have fought together!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGFPI9Szfw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLFb4DMX6p
"--!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kyXe3YLoJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshZgV60wjt
His words had left her paralyzed and her mouth agape. Kenny's expression was suddenly tainted by guilt. He exhaled and rubbed his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15dgT8OHyx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1Vt4wDXxa
"Sorry, I'm just a little angry right now. But, I'm glad that you're fine. Relatively speaking."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ws9Xuu4Kx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZiToTnUH2
"I... hmph, of course I'm fine!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeYoQOx818
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTrAj2ghvw
A light smile found itself on his face.
"We'll talk later. For now, let's defuse the situation."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYUFDJLgxl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA0rxDn7jx
Kenny walked past her but stopped just short of passing her to speak.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcX87daSwL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPioJ07NtGS
"S-Seriously, though. You have no idea how glad I am that you're still alive. I don't know if I could've handled it."
"...Handled it? What do you mean?"
Kenny blinked a few times and shook his head.
"N-Nevermind, I said something weird, ignore that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhlzBx7bk1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYTWBfEjy6
Rover turned around, eyeing the two new figures in the room. Kenny was behind the mysterious woman with his tendril out and a bellicose stance. The woman had a peculiar two-pronged dagger. Rover found it strange; she knew that they would be trying to talk the situation out, but they were poised to battle at any moment.
"Pars," the woman spoke, "I'll keep it quick. These two are here to deliver a letter issued by the Zariel Kingdom itself. I know you're a stuck-up guy, but please, don't force me to fight alongside them."
"..."
The man didn't immediately respond, but his posture did loosen.
"Stuck-up? Really? What'd I do to get on your bad side?"
"Oh, come on, you know your sins."
The man sighed.
"Is there a reason I should believe them?"
"Why, yes, there is."
Kenny took it as a cue and reached for his pocket, unfolding and showing the note. The man nodded, opened his coat, and placed the knife in.
"That better be authentic. Not like it matters though. It isn't as if I'd win a fight against you Lola."
–
–
–
I had a lingering anxiety during the exchange. After all, Lola had told me that Pars was an obstinate individual. I was left doubting her assessment. Judging by the look on her face, even she was reconsidering it.
Still, though, a victory was a victory, and it deserved some kind of celebration. I spent mine dropping to the floor, narrowly avoiding the sea of glass and panting as the delayed exhaustion set in.
"Phew... that was nightmarish."
I retracted the tendril and wiped the sweat off my brow. A little this sounded beside me, and I turned to find that Rover had joined in my rest.
"You don't look happy," I said.
"Hmph. I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I dunno how to feel about this."
"Well, be glad you're still kicking, and dread the scolding I'll be dishing to you."
"You already gave me a good one, there's no need to waste your energy."
Then, Rover began to pick the glass out of her legs. It was obvious from her wincing that the process hurt. I didn't have a potion on me, but I did have something to soothe her. I took out the tendril and summoned a Soothe-Bloom. Rover looked at it quizzically.
"...So that's the tendril you were talking about."
"Hmm? Did I not show it to you?"
"No! Don't you remember how much of a priss you were about it!? Eh, forget it, what does that flower do?"
"Just watch. Or, listen, I suppose."
The Soothe-Bloom shook, and a gentle chime rang throughout the room. It was a single and quick occurrence, and it left Rover only more perplexed.
"Alright, try picking the glass now."
"Okay."
Much to her nature, she tugged the largest one she could find, her mouth agape at the speed at which the wound was closing.
"W-Woah, it barely hurts. Is this some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic!? Don't insult my plants like that!"
She paid little heed to my demand, continuing to pluck the glass out of her legs. She finished a few minutes later. I offered to wash her legs with water magic, which she accepted when I insisted. Afterward, she got on her feet. Her leg was still injured, but the bleeding had stopped thanks to the Soothe-Bloom.
"I feel... kinda tired, though."
"You just fought somebody and had your wounds speed-healed. I'm surprised you didn't fall asleep."
"Huh? That flower knocks people out?"
"No. Not directly, at least. Anyway, enough of that."
I got up, swiped the debris off my shorts, and walked to Lola and Pars, moving around all the toppled furniture. The two of them were talking about something, but from the little bit I caught, I couldn't distinguish what.
"Hello, kid," Pars started, "Kenny, right? Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea from Lola here. I'm a decent guy, just a hard worker. She likes to ignore that part, though, which–"
"I do not care about that. I just wanted to know if you two were ready to lead us to the Dean."
Lola let out a chuckle and Pars, a tired sigh. Lola took the initiative in the conversation.
"Don't mind him, he's still young. Whenever your friend is ready, we'll gladly lead you."
I turned my head behind me and looked at Rover. I threw her an oscillating thumb, asking her for an assessment of her condition. She smiled and returned a stern thumbs-up.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIwX1FLeCE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70uCfqKXZq
"Looks like we're ready. If you don't mind, though, could you please get her some bandages?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb3CuN4lAw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRTzVuBRxc
–
–
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUjCobBWwb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwDL3UxvEf
Rover and I were at the final stretch. We were walking through the floors of the building like it was a morning stroll, all thanks to our guides. Truly, if it weren't for them, we would have gotten hopelessly lost.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABgAD8xLIj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVWdIMoWmI
According to Pars, the interior of the Pillars was designed to disorient those unfamiliar with it. Rover spoke from her experience and confirmed that the design worked. The Pillars were perfectly defended from the outside, but hiring someone to infuse their mana for every square inch of the building was an impossible proposition. So, instead, the builders were ordered to make each floor– with the first being a notable exception –like a maze. The walls were also stuffed with foam, which explained how I didn't catch any noise from Rover's fight until I reached the stairs.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrleqmclUwp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPTlFLUDNZ
Speaking of Rover, she was glum, moody, and seemingly deep in rumination. I thought that it had something to do with her pride since she scratched at her bandages very frequently, but it turned out that they were just made of shoddy fabric that normally irritated skin. I realized that I was overthinking and that it would be best to just ask her, but I hesitated to do it. The mood was gloomy, however. If nothing else, I could claim I was just trying to liven the place up.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpehCdD31N
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lXMzAuJWZ
"So... Rover, what's on your mind?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHyL9t4bnT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EMey48JPF
"I'm thinking about what you said. Don't talk to me right now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAun1ndBTI3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0msTBTwneP
"O-Oh. Carry on, then."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCzyk9olJt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OG8owGpQh
I was shot down quickly and was left feeling sheepish. Somehow, hearing that she was thinking over my words was foreboding. It scared me into being silent, but I still wanted to talk about something, since simply talking and walking through these floors was nerve-wracking.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO6FbwUjnk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7WidEOF1M
So, I decided that now was a better time than ever to ask a question that had been plaguing me for hours.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MSpEvszdS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SsXErIh7e
"Hey, Lola, do you mind if I ask that question I was talking about?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSkREG4U9l
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne1MpVP1NA
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqaT9aPmKz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0rqihDpIl
"...Nevermind. Can I ask you a question?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq8UV2pn42
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTABaTlOSt7
"Of course."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr3mwZGF8c
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf50l7HFaZ
"Hey," Pars interrupted, "Why don't you ask me that question? Come on, give me a try."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkrFbvnldK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHI9bhyVEp
I blinked a few times, failing to see any reason why not.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdlzXQYD8I
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg1a2CCRcP
"Very well. What is going on to make the security so tight?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqkxpgeWjN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc69SfgJl4
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqiha87f19
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRQY4OLfE1
I was met with silence. Lola and Pars exchanged looks, Pars' expression grim.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1nXDrulNS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbYOjIxK9K
"Since they are delivering to the Dean, why don't we–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDTO6yZGmd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjaGVnPWhL
"No. We have been explicitly told not to share. I won't make any exceptions."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEp19rjhmM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk1vL1gYMJ
Lola frowned and let out a tired sigh, rubbing her brow.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsuT7ub8Eb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY5sE1klHT
"If you can't answer, that's fine. It would ease my anxiety if you did, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9yJpsYM6T
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC9emvvL0Z
"Then I suppose I have no choice."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC3R0xIneF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXf733PGw9
"Lola! Are you kidding me!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ezP2owFgd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiz5VAxDnV
Pars glared at Lola, his hazel eyes lit aflame.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioXKbavnfc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEKrnChQih
"What? They aren't citizens anyhow, they're unlikely to spread the information."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIe1shBbVY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuazFnuhJr1
"That's beside the point! We were told not to tell them!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzmCF8R1xx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCIJmmiNih
"You are such a priss, Pars."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW1riMHEO7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW2HDLwWSl
I perked up, hearing that word from someone that wasn't Rover. It was ultimately a coincidence, so I just kept listening.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCb4yuCGWV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLabzdoUrb
"Hurl your insults, but we can't tell them anything. Even if it wasn't demanded, what if they told everyone in Zariel Capitol, hmm?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgp7Zzew54
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEGOG30CGT
"That won't happen, and I know you know that."
"Yeah yeah. But it might."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tw3RP0ZFS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpDZUbUzGA
Though I didn't see her face, I could by the movement of her head that Lola rolled her eyes.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ9ybpjb9A
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp3mjioJZC
"I'm going to tell them."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXECyouV1k8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahcMHVkjV2
"Don't you do it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WhMpWHGXC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPzJDsokRu
"Listen up, Kenny. The reason for the increase in security–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDcnwxyo3O
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNX0nNBBvl
"Lola, I'm for real about this."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxjZ2sH8rX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb4M7yjKIO
"--is because of a series of assassinations."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HECejGma5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz0zqGr1Jk
Pars let out an exhausted, lengthy groan. Lola leaned in beside my ear, not giving me a chance to digest the information.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQbKCy0iEo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4KpJvkkee
"Pars is a pushover, too. Watch, he won't do a thing."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNm7ZxXWe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2wMknjJiy
"...Well, cat's out of the bag, so I might as well elaborate. Don't want the kid thinking I'm all fussy too."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK2t4D6gvC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTyi2PQemE
Lola's eyes widened. An overwhelming quantity of thoughts were swerving in my mind, but at the very least, I could be sure to never trust Lola's assessments of people's character.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZUNZxdLxu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPOadg5wvI
"Lola told the truth. There was a series of assassinations just a week ago that happened right under our noses. Assassinations are naturally a cause for concern, but the people who were assassinated are why security is so tight right now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlEYdwzNDB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7gbUyTzeh
"Uh, well, who got killed?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QIW0Axeev
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb9Y5U0jOT
"Three of the four Sherrifs, and three of the eight Officers. Some of the strongest defenders the city has to offer, and half of them were killed. Some of them were my friends, too."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8d9oIZirt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhR3Abhkv5
His voice became sullen. I was about to comfort him, but he continued speaking before I could.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNGLpdy6so
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf0LwtNshC
"I'm an Officer, and Lola here is a Sherrif. Since we're prime targets, we've been living in this Pillar for the past few days, having the Head Guards on watch duty. The other pillars are in a similar situation. Let me tell you, this place sucks to crash in."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsyTdu5hkt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2yBcbEIW6
"I-I see."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMiGW7x532
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaSPx2NcHp
The explanation put everyone's behavior into perspective. Frankly, it made me surprised that they believed me and Rover so readily, even with the letter. I felt lucky.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEjH8WQvh0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7qhVzbvfz
"The worst part is that we don't have any suspects, let alone culprits," Lola spoke, "It's been nothing but hassle and heartbreak."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2btWP62Tdj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d1abfbtR3
"...You have my condolences."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjEpIO4tQz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPar5MVCQTP
"Thank you, Kenny. You're sweet."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3oLh8Z0Kb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeXpQV58xK
"Mmm."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFTmAaNCfY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZD7Q14KPx
I suddenly began to admonish myself for the previous frustrations I had about this mission. I cleaned my slate and loosened my muscles.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4i1vsiwF4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7MjNnBlhv
"Alright, we've made it.'
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1TwaG6TCP
And then, we stood before a set of double doors. Not particularly grand, but certainly not shabby. There was a plaque above it with "Dean's Office" written in bold.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEVlsmaVnb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5GBgY2ruL
"I'll ease us in," Pars said, "It's time to utilize my expert charisma."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkCJVV2MZc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa8BPfNUgd
"You need to stop talking," Lola replied in a deadpan while Pars flung the doors open. Lola walked into the room. Rover and I followed, but I stopped right beside Pars while Rover went ahead. It looked like he was on the brink of tears, but erased the look once he noticed I was looking at him.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm0FAEQ36D
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ztcwe2tfT
"Hey, Kenny. Do you think I'm unfunny?" He asked, pointing a finger at his chest.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgpukOw9JB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5L07UQs1T
"...Well, you haven't made me laugh."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygiHstRmlD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsRlvWq8OE
"Come on, kid. I can't even get a 'yet?'"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡert6Nbcbr6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tdhRXbnW9
I shook my head and walked away from him, rejoining with the others. They were standing before a lengthy and opulent desk. An older man flipping through documents and stacks of paper stopped his activities to look up at us, raising an eyebrow.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiRMbTfvfI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTmEgGYuSD
"Sherrif Nico, you bring along unfamiliar faces. I assume that they are here for good reason?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTmkLi8H5k
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAChgO9ea3
"Of course, sir. Here, you two, give him what you must."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVefs3zUEj8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3rwg2atSQ
She signaled me and Rover to pull out our cargo, and we obliged. I grabbed the package from Rover's hands and delivered it with the note on top, placing it on the Dean's desk.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxodCYXC5C
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHIZDsSmie
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXFDbNZenQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX99rAGBmq
He looked at me as if he was expecting something. I realized that he likely wanted elaboration.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq1V4yt9pZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq1PwqWVqY
"U-Uhm, we're here on official business, sent by the Zariel Kingdom. All necessary information should be listed in the note, and–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pRcq1eoV1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNfSI99sdn
"I see, thank you. I'll see to the letter being delivered."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0J8Awcd9A
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8trgRum9ZL
The man took the package and placed it aside, giving me a novel smile.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpQwEYMb7t
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlst4WXJvv
"You two are free to go. Sheriff Nico, Officer Abbas, please escort them back."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY2D7hSsBN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT6R5kKR95
I looked back at Rover, who was brimming with a giant smile. I couldn't help but copy it. I walked up to her and held my palm up, and she slapped it powerfully.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXggOCKGCg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtcn0qpSqv
"Nice," she shouted, "Good job," I yelled. We weren't quite in sync, but our points crossed over.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D07CAno6I
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfo8eMAFre
We had completed the mission.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FELl5gewK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAVCNp6RSP
–
–
–
The trek back was quiet but laden with good spirits. Rover and I commemorated our job well done with silent exchanges of looks and gesticulations. We separated with Pars and Lola once we reached the first floor, and Rover and I practically sprinted to the exit.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUUm9m6Ow2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy5dPkwM0t
When we got out, we were blasted by fresh air and a breath-taking sunset. It was so invigorating that I didn't even pant from the running. Truly, it was the best of times.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ImVpTVQt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu2nVU1DeO
"One last high-five, Kenny!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPjdGkqyw6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NF3nQmogU
"Alright alright, geez."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi1dID85KV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWelqh5STwz
Despite my tone, I reciprocated the gesture with a smile.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWdZz9OOQa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYY93ezdnA
"I can't wait to see Juke's face," Rover continued, "He's gonna look like a such a dolt."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqPFh3qNNi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKamHfvigx
"I'm just glad that we're done. Let's meet up with him and leave this place."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLdY2IhvET
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChJR6Jc7Cq
Nodding along to my suggestion, Rover and I began to exit the premises of the Pillar. Mason wasn't here, and neither was anyone by the fence, but that didn't deter the start of our footslog. We passed through the tiny gated entrance and traversed the streets. Surprisingly, the hustle and bustle I've grown accustomed to was absent, but I was in such a good mood that I didn't bother to think about it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hgDr4dwdm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVDB5IawOv
"...This is quite convenient. I feel like I'm flying, and nobody's here to block me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGR4Yz2fDI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zvKVnke7V
"Huh? What are you talking about?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBOI8Dua3H
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8ICbByqMb
"I'm talking about the crowd, or the lack thereof I suppose. It's nice, being able to travel here with some peace and quiet."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ8JjI7Txx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RgxyuH4VN
She looked conflicted about my statement.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRWIquJwiJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpbQB7MPt5
"I dunno, it just feels creepy to me, but I can see where you're coming from."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpTxkDgVz8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOtj3C3yIV
"Our dispositions are just too different. It's not much of an issue."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzbQ0DRyT2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCiNl38EtA
"Dispositions...? What?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6mWDPMxvN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTa6fo6E2U
"Uh... our natures, basically."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9K3S8Cfjm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzabGCdhriX
"Ah, why didn't you just say that then!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgpArhXH8Y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nGVMI4l9m
I answered her with a shrug, which elicited a stern huff out of her. We walked in silence afterward, giving me a chance to mull over her words.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fRPhwFPfP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnlYE5aYp8
I could understand why she would think it was creepy, especially considering how busy it was not too long ago. But at the same time, it was the evening, so it made sense.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jId6cuNR0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC96fzNRSsK
But, as I briefly looked into the passing alleyways, failing to spot a single soul, I wondered if the time of day was the whole picture.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52b73m9i4C
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlBBCeYQGZ
"Hey, Kenny, I think I made up my mind."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvxs93Cmi0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wKZWlzGjl
She pulled me out of my rumination.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxacBD5h2gO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mYz8vP1AR
"About what?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7syCwrhQp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEog0m7fFid
"About what you said."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmkwdsLPIw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt2zfqQ41U
A speck of dread entered my body, but I kept my ears open all the same.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC3kELJvcy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcRJLh94Yr
"Well, what is it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJeCFz7f4L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz87J4owTNE
"See, when you said that thing about fighting the guy together, that stumped me. I already told you that I used to only work alone, so it didn't even cross my mind."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9taUHKUIRq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QNUM1RDpu
"Right."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZj7xkOTLa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ0IzH5O3E
"So I decided that I'm gonna consider the idea. If I can, then I'll gladly work with people. I just hope that it won't have to be with a priss. If it is, then I'd rather not work with anybody."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1MeAguXhM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs6Xkx4rYH
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAKhbzFOBq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAijMYXgXp
Somehow, I was left disappointed. Certainly, I was glad that she opened her mind to the idea of collaboration, but I was upset that she didn't address any aspect of her recklessness. Her wording struck me as dubious. 'Consider the idea?' Really? I set those thoughts aside, and for this one moment, I let it slide. I didn't want to trample upon either of our moods. Instead, I shot her a thumbs-up with a neutral expression.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiILbbRWls
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcniGXidYF
"That's great."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFClClTgPWT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepXtXsjhsA
She thumped her chest proudly. And so, we returned to silently roaming the streets, moseying down to our inn–
"Kenny."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPMPJQJKFy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqlFVlQHfF
"Uh, what's the matter?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UfNHsA8cx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CYpSrKRoK
Rover suddenly stopped moving and called my name. Her face was grave. It made my hair stand at its end.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYroWdnNgos
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq889OPIb03
"Don't you hear that?" She asked, curling her palm around the back of her ear. I copied the gesture, but still, the silent street remained the same.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwnEgYunJV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqI45pEfUb
"I can't say that I do."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz01erewcFa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxq7e4DY8u
Her face morphed into one of irritation. She suddenly clasped my arm and began to drag me away.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniCKwZONVa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9kit4Arfd
"W-Woah, what are you doing!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxQANoaZ1W
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM64ht8cOgg
"Just trust me here!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZrzF9NrhE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqczx48ykd
Her sentence, mixed with a pleading one with gravity, shut me up. She let go of her grip, but I followed her to wherever it was that she was taking me. We diverted from the main street, weaving between alleyways and even climbing walls. And, as I progressed further and further into the depths of the city, I began to hear a noise.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNdUT5aGTT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB4ev0w0wn
It sounded like chatter.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MsnMvXhb8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYXkKr0AxX
Tens of minutes passed by the time we finished. Rover stopped by the edge of an alley, motioning me to do the same. I peeked around the corner and laid eyes upon a plaza brimming with people. The sheer number was overwhelming, likely in the hundreds– no, even in the thousands. I couldn't make an accurate assessment, so I gave up on it, instead focusing on the surroundings. I noticed that the crowed had gathered around a stage. The stage had dozens of figures in robes.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBmTLeUcD5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdI8fNfX3k
"Kenny, wait here."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8MMWpHnCf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN4xJ3FFst
"Huh? Why?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwZSomEG4Q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj7cOBYlSE
She didn't respond. Instead, she crept out of the alley and took a left turn. I heard a thud, and a minute later, she returned with an unconscious body locked between her elbows.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62CXufI9gJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cfhXqXRRF
"W-Wha–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMFvEpYhYf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SRVOedFRD
"Shhh! Shut up!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS563iDU5B
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FBNWumJtH
I wanted to protest, but the appearance of the robe caught my eye. It was lengthy fitted with a hood. But, most of all, I noticed its distinct dark blue color. Rather, it was a distinct color until I laid my eyes on it at that moment.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzScOOb5hUo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaLGL7ORTO
"This is..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIi1iQBf4m
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKlAM8cWP4
"Something fishy is going on here."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGjdwqIcwe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgnNtkEw3u
I couldn't voice the connection I made, but my mind still thought it, and it horrified me. It paralyzed me and left me standing there like a fool. Rover paid no heed to it. She likely thought that I was spectating the ceremony, much like herself. I couldn't call her assessment inaccurate.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErVts5Uvre
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnWanOcfkL
Two halves of my brain worked separately. One focused on the robe, the other, on the stage. A woman in baggy clothing walked up to the podium, the crowd quieted down.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC31FsRBGrD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7GVVYmACs
"Alright, can you all hear me?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Ivi3ZIjC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ETVx0jGG
I noticed that around her baggy clothing, she wore the same robe. No, it wasn't the same robe as this random man, but the one robe that I truly had seen before, the one robe that I associated with an entirely different person. It was the robe–
"I don't want to waste my time, so I'll keep it brief. I am Hard-Bringer's Harbinger of Rage, and we're seizing this city!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpPOqGKVjc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4BOlbXiKm
It was the same robe that Ng wore.
