Chapter 5-9: It's a Mystery
The group continues walking down the stairs to get to the bottom.
Idia then says, "I can't go on... Legs have officially turned to jelly. No more…" Soon, Idia begins untying Rollo's ropes.
"I thought you were turning me in. Why'd you untie me?" Rollo questions.
"We're not able to carry you the whole way down. You can walk for yourself," Azul says.
"There, you see? I was right. This would've gone much faster if we'd slid down the side of the tower," Malleus says.
Briar giggles, "I would advise against it. It will be difficult for me to do that in a dress."
"Only someone as monstrous as you could pull that off!" Azul says.
"Don't worry, we're nearing the exit…" Rollo says, but notices someone rushing up, "Hm?"
And the first person is Sebek, "MALLEUUES!"
"Briar!" Silver calls out.
And the vice president of the college calls out, "PRESIDEEENT!"
"Silver, Sebek. You came to meet me?" Malleus asks, surprised.
"Yes, sir. The fire lotuses are gone, but I feared you and Briar might be hurt. Though I'm very glad to see you're not," Silver says.
"I, on the other hand, had every faith you would vanquish the opposition!" Sebek says.
"Heh…" Malleus responds. Then says, "I had faith in you two as well. I knew that my guardsmen would prevail."
"Oh, Malleus...!" Sebek happily says.
Rollo asks the Vice President, "What are you two doing here?"
"We got attacked by these red flowers in the lecture hall last night, but I don't remember anything after that. I woke to the sound of the Bell of Solace and saw all the flowers were gone. But I couldn't find you anywhere. I've been worried sick and looking all over for you," The vice president explains.
Then Aide asks, "Are you all right, Rollo? Are you hurt at all?!"
Rollo remains silent.
"I'm still confused about what happened. What were those red flowers, anyway?" The Vice President says.
Rollo remains silent before beginning to explain, "You see…"
Then Malleus steps forward, "Allow me. They're called firelotuses, and they sap magic. As for what caused them to suddenly appear… It's a mystery, I'm afraid."
This shocked Rollo to hear Malleus not mention his involvement. Briar is confused as well, but soon understands.
Malleus continues, "We came here once we realized they could be eradicated by ringing the Bell of Solace. As the sound traveled over the city, the flowers vanished. Your school's magical artifact lives up to its name. It truly gave the city solace."
Confused, Sebek says, "But Malleus, this was all started by—" but Briar covers his mouth in response.
"That's right, Rollo also realized what's going on and decided to help us out in getting the bell to ring it. " Briar says.
The Vice President says, "WHY, OF COURSE!
"So you realized the danger and rushed to the tower as well?" Aide asks.
"No, I—" Rollo speaks up.
But Azul says, "Yes, as a matter of fact. He was already on the top floor when we got there."
'Yup. He sure beat us to the punch," Idia says.
Hearing that, the Vice President says, "That's our president! You worked together with Night Raven College to save us all!"
"Absolutely amazing. You always do the right thing! You're like the Righteous Judge himself!" Aide says.
"Noble Bell College is lucky to have you. You're a model to us all!" The Vice President adds.
Shocked by this, Rollo tries to explain, "But I tried to—"
But Malleus interrupts, "Might I ask a favor of you two?"
Please, name it!" The Vice President says.
"Other students from Night Raven College are scattered around town and in the school. They all helped fight the fire lotuses as well. I'm sure they're absolutely exhausted. Could I trouble you to help escort them back?" Malleus asks.
The Vice President is shocked to hear it, "Oh no, how awful for them. All right, consider it done!"
"President Rollo, you should rest up as well. We'll see you later!" Aide says.
Rollo remains silent in response as the two students take their leave.