Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.192Please respect copyright.PENANAS3l2ncaWM8
192Please respect copyright.PENANA1lYXMY3iKw
"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"192Please respect copyright.PENANADDmHIcF1MK
192Please respect copyright.PENANAqEShxdNXZF
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.192Please respect copyright.PENANAFDQupPwPPa
192Please respect copyright.PENANAP8vPX4zNWb
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.192Please respect copyright.PENANANJDSwMALAf
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.192Please respect copyright.PENANAhThOrws3ul
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"192Please respect copyright.PENANASG8oJfnaNu
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Flinty shrugged.192Please respect copyright.PENANApRFZ4aDZTK
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAWwxxubTvrf
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...192Please respect copyright.PENANA48Gh2FdUwA
192Please respect copyright.PENANAdZ61N5epxk
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."192Please respect copyright.PENANA2JPjQ1IzYk
192Please respect copyright.PENANAYLMHsnjXBL
"Why don't we ask them?"192Please respect copyright.PENANABSA0MrXFx3
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"Not a bad idea."192Please respect copyright.PENANA4NZXCjZZJ2
192Please respect copyright.PENANAQXj0hI2oJf
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?192Please respect copyright.PENANAKZS2EVWKZN
192Please respect copyright.PENANAenPmgukNuQ
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.192Please respect copyright.PENANAwf5zZWYLSx
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"Wow, is this a farm?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAnjR9ET9uVX
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."192Please respect copyright.PENANAedOgTh8pyw
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.192Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ujyix93Up
192Please respect copyright.PENANArFZKmDI4AH
As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.192Please respect copyright.PENANAFabbR7XOeo
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.192Please respect copyright.PENANAOsz7D2kUQv
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"Uh, Flinty?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA64X5Fozlgl
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.192Please respect copyright.PENANASjETZGnlty
192Please respect copyright.PENANAnnag06M9HM
"Kenny!"192Please respect copyright.PENANA56qNOq3XBf
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?192Please respect copyright.PENANA93tlG7T5HR
192Please respect copyright.PENANA4vzbiLzDtA
"That dog's name is Kenny?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA6Fr5ba1P7N
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.192Please respect copyright.PENANA7JvEwauKUO
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.192Please respect copyright.PENANA63VsJKa9kq
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."192Please respect copyright.PENANAYH4VufIWd0
192Please respect copyright.PENANAY8EafJvVwF
"Okay."192Please respect copyright.PENANARdBr60ztQK
192Please respect copyright.PENANAKwHPBdYSFO
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.192Please respect copyright.PENANAKl6EXPm8kP
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."192Please respect copyright.PENANAU7uBU85T4J
192Please respect copyright.PENANAtngtcqQo4u
Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.192Please respect copyright.PENANAXmhbGn50Q5
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.192Please respect copyright.PENANAHaRjl5SbRN
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAR7wvt4slir
192Please respect copyright.PENANA6TEN9bEZ9l
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.192Please respect copyright.PENANAIHdNWpQsPA
192Please respect copyright.PENANAh533q20rQQ
"Vikky!"192Please respect copyright.PENANA986GHzdDQz
192Please respect copyright.PENANA1sipjhINhQ
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.192Please respect copyright.PENANAN3dkpRtBNd
192Please respect copyright.PENANAui1q16mi3C
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.192Please respect copyright.PENANA9BdD1b6dg8
192Please respect copyright.PENANAru6AGOXNnO
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."192Please respect copyright.PENANATb5kQv7E3F
192Please respect copyright.PENANAHQE11fBCCj
She looked strangely amused.192Please respect copyright.PENANANcqMWIpk4Q
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"Full name? Alright."192Please respect copyright.PENANA8OEGQ9flbs
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.192Please respect copyright.PENANAfjNTzCUS67
192Please respect copyright.PENANAk2PrnRrdFw
"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAgMdkeBz13H
192Please respect copyright.PENANAtNWAu1v5b0
"Yes."192Please respect copyright.PENANAV6cirPqefF
192Please respect copyright.PENANAALMuvzmiX6
"Then let's get along."192Please respect copyright.PENANAODhHu1Hh6Z
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.192Please respect copyright.PENANAMzN69o2Pyj
192Please respect copyright.PENANANkpJEtPQQv
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."192Please respect copyright.PENANAZsAJwZDtrC
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.192Please respect copyright.PENANAN4uKDBAqT6
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA1hYXWhtNKY
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAyTCAjvjVo0
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"192Please respect copyright.PENANAvecSisVYRg
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.192Please respect copyright.PENANAumGW1tB7jC
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA2VJfiT7xU8
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"What, why?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAXpuGabiAWl
192Please respect copyright.PENANAkqd7SdxL4e
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.192Please respect copyright.PENANAJRADy0VwRj
192Please respect copyright.PENANAM6tuyTUW0G
"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."192Please respect copyright.PENANA2jOrfROtSL
192Please respect copyright.PENANA09opAgjgWo
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.192Please respect copyright.PENANAIlfLDYo2sJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAdy5d1oOdOF
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."192Please respect copyright.PENANAVJXzpFm7Dc
192Please respect copyright.PENANAia54otYPMN
So that was what the lady from before was doing.192Please respect copyright.PENANAdZpzWA7r8Z
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"192Please respect copyright.PENANAOmg2qn222j
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."192Please respect copyright.PENANATACkE08g7q
192Please respect copyright.PENANAYuybdfUVDd
The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.192Please respect copyright.PENANABugu7RznUQ
192Please respect copyright.PENANArQXd1kMnQx
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"192Please respect copyright.PENANADiNnrNgK0Y
192Please respect copyright.PENANAMkiTT79wkg
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."192Please respect copyright.PENANALnB5vd1E0Y
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAi1PqnHJ9W7
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."192Please respect copyright.PENANALzb9RBQTlC
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I made a grumpy face.192Please respect copyright.PENANAs7mBiyUGHt
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."192Please respect copyright.PENANA0cnWZy6lX9
192Please respect copyright.PENANAyWn5RknPEP
That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.192Please respect copyright.PENANA7Ym0JJl2Kl
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.192Please respect copyright.PENANA44nI5rcBfJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANA2xGMIltHIj
Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.192Please respect copyright.PENANARgw0CXLt9A
192Please respect copyright.PENANAQtJHuuFhTM
I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.192Please respect copyright.PENANAiFvzwtEKpW
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It's worth a try if nothing else.192Please respect copyright.PENANA9aL2X0DoOr
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAZwXw359RVZ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAhrMYJGQ9H1
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.192Please respect copyright.PENANAJVhQAwPTX7
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."192Please respect copyright.PENANAzRfCR6u0xO
192Please respect copyright.PENANA85PYiVcCMe
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.192Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZRnhCaGgr
192Please respect copyright.PENANAcMe5jE9YJE
"Yes."192Please respect copyright.PENANAuzSo0dO153
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"Can I see the crops?"192Please respect copyright.PENANACUQGbrOSdE
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"Uh, you can."192Please respect copyright.PENANAlyQhd2h7WJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAdIDXyD7ybu
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.192Please respect copyright.PENANAhPR3y8u25T
192Please respect copyright.PENANAWFS2v4dNv9
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.192Please respect copyright.PENANAHeWmBOnml9
192Please respect copyright.PENANAQvYVbi1kZM
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.192Please respect copyright.PENANAu4TWzjesW4
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.192Please respect copyright.PENANAhkfIiawoD2
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"W-What the hell is that!?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAkT8d1RYjuF
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAxIt6WGiO9N
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"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAwmnXpX5yBz
192Please respect copyright.PENANARMEgWPkRMv
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.192Please respect copyright.PENANAozWPbK45AJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANA2G0WXC6y7g
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."192Please respect copyright.PENANAz3fN4jebEQ
192Please respect copyright.PENANA5AgOqSoqYv
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.192Please respect copyright.PENANArOXbboLsQ6
192Please respect copyright.PENANAc3HF2yXD3q
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.192Please respect copyright.PENANAbI5pBiuU3a
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"What are you doing?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAYBwk3Ee3Hj
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"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."192Please respect copyright.PENANAeFwdOAFGMM
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She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.192Please respect copyright.PENANAO7RmobEdn9
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"You're an angel."192Please respect copyright.PENANAkOQPQl8bil
192Please respect copyright.PENANATbXKCaXFxz
"..."192Please respect copyright.PENANAJvWKhhitUl
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I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.192Please respect copyright.PENANAuprUvrTRYP
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Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.192Please respect copyright.PENANAJNnHP4PbNg
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There were very strange people in this city.192Please respect copyright.PENANArl3Cl0qzvx
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"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."192Please respect copyright.PENANAoaTcwqUhfV
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"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"192Please respect copyright.PENANASeLgbd94Gb
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Victoria's face returned to being concerned.192Please respect copyright.PENANAziOOHZO24Y
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"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."192Please respect copyright.PENANAb21dSO2wJX
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"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAzPDe3y8XHZ
192Please respect copyright.PENANALi5C2Naffb
"Really?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAZPdoPj4rV7
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She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.192Please respect copyright.PENANAKIpgqxuL7s
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"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."192Please respect copyright.PENANAJyCwThXNpF
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"Yes! Let's do it!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAenYYUh0p9I
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"Fine by me."192Please respect copyright.PENANATH3E12K2E0
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Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.192Please respect copyright.PENANAzbFKdwlm36
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I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.192Please respect copyright.PENANALj5kzaGoTu
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"Is something wrong?" I asked.192Please respect copyright.PENANA7NibYD7und
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"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."192Please respect copyright.PENANAuxF0YScaUc
192Please respect copyright.PENANAjn49OCofI1
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."192Please respect copyright.PENANAPpaYQxvfeJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAkvk9ScOSL9
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."192Please respect copyright.PENANAagLG5ATc3Z
192Please respect copyright.PENANAKRDSkhsBSo
"Is that so?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAeKEbnNHYmV
192Please respect copyright.PENANAicVHJXGYQ5
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.192Please respect copyright.PENANAcEeVqoicLZ
192Please respect copyright.PENANApctFvAUqTx
"Please, enter right here."192Please respect copyright.PENANAi10kvAJAwD
192Please respect copyright.PENANAg9V5JJwB0z
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.192Please respect copyright.PENANAz33C17GbZ9
192Please respect copyright.PENANAOhaQjFNTLP
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."192Please respect copyright.PENANAVfBYAIOI0f
192Please respect copyright.PENANAh75A5Aqaku
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.192Please respect copyright.PENANAtlIzpfrVGi
192Please respect copyright.PENANAVJv0fwB9x4
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."192Please respect copyright.PENANAYAVZ0Ry0jf
192Please respect copyright.PENANAf61zXl0r4z
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."192Please respect copyright.PENANA5uzsKY0Kv6
192Please respect copyright.PENANA5WXxKpFvhr
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.192Please respect copyright.PENANAcEOm6OfkJ7
192Please respect copyright.PENANAVH1lUcl3eN
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."192Please respect copyright.PENANAkGKbq1WCCj
192Please respect copyright.PENANAFtfWvvxrr0
"R-Right."192Please respect copyright.PENANACwiX0TL4IC
192Please respect copyright.PENANAwiMPJAuVNt
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."192Please respect copyright.PENANAzuTEJA758z
192Please respect copyright.PENANAxZFgHdvPDD
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.192Please respect copyright.PENANAGtREio5oZd
192Please respect copyright.PENANAyp0rIt7zzW
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."192Please respect copyright.PENANAyzsuGn3pF3
192Please respect copyright.PENANAzaJYaMSKHh
I nodded.192Please respect copyright.PENANAAIaTHFJ1a4
192Please respect copyright.PENANA54wAHcBftD
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."192Please respect copyright.PENANAHAWfLTnRMX
192Please respect copyright.PENANAqsGgNemm6Y
I raised my hand.192Please respect copyright.PENANA7YXwj3X1FW
192Please respect copyright.PENANAlnE3a68bH1
"Yes, Kenny?"192Please respect copyright.PENANArZ8KfWftMP
192Please respect copyright.PENANAlvVnvGj9sA
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAJP4lZi2MwS
192Please respect copyright.PENANAmBL1Mh3aj9
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.192Please respect copyright.PENANAp9GP45hf6j
192Please respect copyright.PENANAD9WAClmha1
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."192Please respect copyright.PENANAgyGgX6opTW
192Please respect copyright.PENANAOs0d6W2TLV
"Allowed to brew?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAQo8HMylGpu
192Please respect copyright.PENANAvNESnzJM3o
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."192Please respect copyright.PENANAvCFy1lxcZt
192Please respect copyright.PENANArAz885S7pV
"I see."192Please respect copyright.PENANA55AInYVASZ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAx6o0Sgnqdd
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–192Please respect copyright.PENANA3PH153VTCt
192Please respect copyright.PENANA7rOyCxfQfk
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAmYcAg4nSU9
192Please respect copyright.PENANAKJWi63TBf4
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."192Please respect copyright.PENANAamdgLZ82e5
192Please respect copyright.PENANAfMT7XnPeDZ
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.192Please respect copyright.PENANAHM0uaHLvs9
192Please respect copyright.PENANAK6tPcrqzzO
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAebu2H1z3tu
192Please respect copyright.PENANAbTzzTVyD3d
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.192Please respect copyright.PENANAPv9XgYHWYC
192Please respect copyright.PENANA07dgmV12wt
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."192Please respect copyright.PENANAwtmVlMiawV
192Please respect copyright.PENANAFZsHut2qav
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.192Please respect copyright.PENANATQXyW5X4se
192Please respect copyright.PENANAWEtyxFgka3
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."192Please respect copyright.PENANASvun1J1940
192Please respect copyright.PENANA0vGfTnZa5z
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.192Please respect copyright.PENANAshbD2FdTFs
192Please respect copyright.PENANAyISt6pUFPq
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.192Please respect copyright.PENANAPKqijxI1fM
192Please respect copyright.PENANANKb5gqH3KW
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.192Please respect copyright.PENANABYgYwwewuW
192Please respect copyright.PENANANqpb47inzk
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.192Please respect copyright.PENANAhU4rXQvPY0
192Please respect copyright.PENANAJo4fSyY7Gi
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.192Please respect copyright.PENANASyW8hxqxLQ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAfEgJUm7j1L
"...Wow, this plan sucks."192Please respect copyright.PENANAoxAK6fW2no
192Please respect copyright.PENANA3rPuNxzlRg
"Kenny!"192Please respect copyright.PENANAG1dkbPpKvf
192Please respect copyright.PENANAOlO027mY2C
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.192Please respect copyright.PENANAjK0c1jd9BS
192Please respect copyright.PENANAZyhwjfwUns
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.192Please respect copyright.PENANA37gCJ8xefD
192Please respect copyright.PENANAS7abOUoLMI
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.192Please respect copyright.PENANABTGTV10ahE
192Please respect copyright.PENANA4CWYxPUz3m
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.192Please respect copyright.PENANAyiG5zWx1JF
192Please respect copyright.PENANA9dlZBScost
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."192Please respect copyright.PENANAA8T70pHDRx
192Please respect copyright.PENANAUfGnFeBWwn
I nodded, but something was bothering me.192Please respect copyright.PENANA3yEOWAlgbW
192Please respect copyright.PENANAsxJRIE9i0D
"Will the people really all come together?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAnPPwbYt6gY
192Please respect copyright.PENANAAZgB7ivvMb
Linda stepped in.192Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8rNPFnjPU
192Please respect copyright.PENANADGRhFe44rr
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."192Please respect copyright.PENANAJqaVwfJByL
192Please respect copyright.PENANAg4FwyOk43Y
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.192Please respect copyright.PENANABRvDJsDz58
192Please respect copyright.PENANA5b9zHlJSgQ
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."192Please respect copyright.PENANAblJO8Kf0qO
192Please respect copyright.PENANANgAyeBZUGS
"Mhm!"192Please respect copyright.PENANA8VVhiiwoyX
192Please respect copyright.PENANA1tI90XlgVE
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.192Please respect copyright.PENANA5HIlrmxtvQ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAOoHBckDRGf
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.192Please respect copyright.PENANAStiDvarsmT
192Please respect copyright.PENANA2qWWVTHrv0
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.192Please respect copyright.PENANALxoo8oN94f
192Please respect copyright.PENANA8QCtiFR2zs
I was having second thoughts.192Please respect copyright.PENANAUUNkSJO6zG
192Please respect copyright.PENANAykjTWyxgep
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.192Please respect copyright.PENANA8UzMfxBS1f
192Please respect copyright.PENANARM5ZvQrDPC
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?192Please respect copyright.PENANAwldfTq0Dw2
192Please respect copyright.PENANAPKxp64Jp12
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."192Please respect copyright.PENANAFKX70eXM8D
192Please respect copyright.PENANA6eRLzJtfdf
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.192Please respect copyright.PENANADk6UFl4md1
192Please respect copyright.PENANA62zS5e2gHk
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.192Please respect copyright.PENANAUfrozAh572
192Please respect copyright.PENANAaRHLCUMuRo
"..."192Please respect copyright.PENANAiU1YLn5Fxi
192Please respect copyright.PENANA5B61tJVt0d
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.192Please respect copyright.PENANA5EscPlsyVJ
192Please respect copyright.PENANAC1R8yRyqOb
Phew.192Please respect copyright.PENANA4RHYTFodRg
192Please respect copyright.PENANAwUKuC2seX5
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.192Please respect copyright.PENANAXmS8gdzn2k
192Please respect copyright.PENANA94JnNgP1Vy
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.192Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0dMlP4dP3
192Please respect copyright.PENANACBJAlKD2mX
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAgBBy10vCFU
192Please respect copyright.PENANAtysS8i1NnW
"Huh?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA9BKvtSvMJy
192Please respect copyright.PENANAYG2YmaGupW
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.192Please respect copyright.PENANAKIJleWeoGE
192Please respect copyright.PENANAUcEX8G7vDG
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"192Please respect copyright.PENANA45RNAI14D0
192Please respect copyright.PENANAMaEaoFjs1w
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.192Please respect copyright.PENANARSkktvtTVx
192Please respect copyright.PENANAgTO6M3CmJG
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAp9WN9WLFeN
192Please respect copyright.PENANAfH9JomkBrB
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."192Please respect copyright.PENANAuYAzbTDSWU
192Please respect copyright.PENANAnEl6wsaX8e
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.192Please respect copyright.PENANAbwNqjQsgl3
192Please respect copyright.PENANAq6suBXx9Rk
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.192Please respect copyright.PENANA3VSPMRBmVl
192Please respect copyright.PENANAamjY3i1wSM
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."192Please respect copyright.PENANAvb9nPVmNN7
192Please respect copyright.PENANAM2rJ3Xqp5b
She looked suspicious of it.192Please respect copyright.PENANAwpPZZf4i5z
192Please respect copyright.PENANAHnP3S1CSQy
"How do I know it's safe?"192Please respect copyright.PENANACbyRVfPm5s
192Please respect copyright.PENANAyieieK7Jtw
"I can drink it right now and prove it."192Please respect copyright.PENANAZvFj3y9I1D
192Please respect copyright.PENANA6NI4e9h9Eo
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.192Please respect copyright.PENANAn8Fg24z8WO
192Please respect copyright.PENANAIRG310XNjW
"Fine. I'll try it."192Please respect copyright.PENANA4iXK6Nsn0r
192Please respect copyright.PENANAVWnYhgMgXi
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.192Please respect copyright.PENANAOqnxr7WD1T
192Please respect copyright.PENANAUYlxtdxrZV
"...Okay, fine. It's good."192Please respect copyright.PENANAg6V2Fr9swD
192Please respect copyright.PENANAwbx1nqL9pK
Yes!192Please respect copyright.PENANA35vUFG7iKu
192Please respect copyright.PENANARPftu3wEad
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.192Please respect copyright.PENANAozmaxys6xI
192Please respect copyright.PENANAld6PZ4SQCD
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."192Please respect copyright.PENANA87Iwa59MIX
192Please respect copyright.PENANAuxSRG7UWMW
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAbwXFB4nrm5
192Please respect copyright.PENANA3kNPUBIYQM
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."192Please respect copyright.PENANAha6cmCj2I7
192Please respect copyright.PENANArDefGJbwn1
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.192Please respect copyright.PENANA58sbJIvELy
192Please respect copyright.PENANAmMgbKWdvqq
"What are you doing?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAjyZBW324BO
192Please respect copyright.PENANA4UlKhQgh2J
"Passing the time."192Please respect copyright.PENANAxw26rviNoV
192Please respect copyright.PENANA3lSx6LUTAH
"By making fun of my face?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAJggmMzZFPf
192Please respect copyright.PENANA6iezCMswb2
"I'm not making fun of you."192Please respect copyright.PENANAYRKTFbcCtM
192Please respect copyright.PENANA8p6SVvPVo9
She laughed a little.192Please respect copyright.PENANAcySxcj1L44
192Please respect copyright.PENANAeeLqEliF52
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."192Please respect copyright.PENANAC4ZMZBOgzY
192Please respect copyright.PENANAH6l0g3o6yY
"Of course."192Please respect copyright.PENANAPzpLipabv6
192Please respect copyright.PENANAk7ies4C34X
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.192Please respect copyright.PENANAfybqK3B68V
192Please respect copyright.PENANAKY2sOGhaJb
"How'd you two meet?"192Please respect copyright.PENANAZsCvXmFiEe
192Please respect copyright.PENANA94AZ3MJrLW
"..."192Please respect copyright.PENANA2DDgMyWkLx
192Please respect copyright.PENANAt9seWUHa0p
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.