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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAf1ruQ5ZT
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"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b9DYrnjO8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHeH3XMTZs
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiCYS5gzJi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiNgKQV3i1
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtVDN3FsQZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58srHYZsEB
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0U12yJOjS
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDecw18XP5
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Flinty shrugged.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymCyaQxgu5
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUiTY2Y4oq
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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...235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXO1IiaE67
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAzlu69fmz
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"Why don't we ask them?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI01D1pUC11
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"Not a bad idea."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3pIWZO6Tz
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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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZrp5nZqxR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47UcBcd24q
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIzlDtyPFT
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"Wow, is this a farm?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoLzFiUnQJ
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOmAYRXQ6j
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEO9GdBsIt
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xmIa1qRDk
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkWLlr4xit
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"Uh, Flinty?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUJztaIYQd
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmiqbyWXso
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"Kenny!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3elNv2LoR
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbao0GjFtq6
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuj2e4Ka2T
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshV9PGSmzC
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7OSDp2m5R
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NcW5NM06R
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2h3QorgDb
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"Okay."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO6hUoYtxG
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynfreLRSIM
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnWy4TtRBT
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUlezpneQm
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuwbdrMc06
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKIWruqWi
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MwWzELkuO
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"Vikky!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrctjX2QsAG
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOAswfshAh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsTwuzgmRd
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyrdHM6eUB
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EGQCcqhO9
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She looked strangely amused.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBv3T2PdaK
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"Full name? Alright."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBqW6Cvoai
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXrS2Z9zW1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCU6sA465j
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOW8Vaqg0H
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"Yes."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGPRqnHYHa
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"Then let's get along."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhuS2JE2a3
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y09jcC7ok
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5IAPHqmhR
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwB2vMp3Sx
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL1dCSQKnV
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFDm1AzMpz
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oz4VdrKDc
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYXTUMnQLe
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB0uo0VCFm
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"What, why?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoNB5Q73KS
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV7KdYdw14
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"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..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitZHxjnIJ4
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7nIlghpkg
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"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVSPoWCblR
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0bzbL3qiS
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKNfJL15Na
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErV8dhWFJV
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN4HCbOHn4
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GN9sZMDkx
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOgGoX5Rxt
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjWmHtIVBn
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY8hwNvVsC
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I made a grumpy face.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4pnGDb465
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCebZJaBJx
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRqcFkPmWA
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0VfbXK0oM
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmym8Z2H42v
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB7pVjdsCs
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It's worth a try if nothing else.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR6sILpEB1
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqXMAVy9nI
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GGerPOuUy
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ZAbS1b6F
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUwygHylFG
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"Yes."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxB7cGdNet
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"Can I see the crops?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjOadMCc8T
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"Uh, you can."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ8paHLMap
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCyzbTZoM7
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ghh64Ejpj
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvZON8hBeT
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq6eyvG6Px
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"W-What the hell is that!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwpTFvLNci
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIVm4fWvqC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX5C9WcJAN
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3qcwZUjLs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqMrsg2OZ2
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmaKhgPqLn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqDY9t3Z9v
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.
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIOfKYHaXE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKBe4NykG4
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOvdQWjTzs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxnC8pc7P9
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOGzaulwxX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYyT8xS4OW
"What are you doing?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkex5eZCE6J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN48q0fLlf3
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AQ6zdBXYC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9wNiEsPl2
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzq1w06nqn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdWBgVdjCa
"You're an angel."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsA52Q17gP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS5AhyNLJl
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRWR1hXcz6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwURElO7wY
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUrFM9WBTz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02BIxJGfOQ
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen4Uh0gHA1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqsSy5fDRA
There were very strange people in this city.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pzlvIt45C
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPKpbXPnBG
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmQiSJ0iYk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe05FG0Rzr
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7isrQOrmtq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcWTyFAqTG
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Drud9DpPh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24ecRbNwzQ
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SR8MCgRlm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR06J6lBmf
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxiUSurYdV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3twcFyuqjt
"Really?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLOXTJKgTa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGWKo7XMLq
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8OeKccn26
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR3pp0QAWn
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvTP0Sl40z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSaIFgAc6Z
"Yes! Let's do it!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbuVad4KB9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja7BAaXCSQ
"Fine by me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDLKH7FaeA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssnUkqa2NJ
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOw0YFEsnk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDvbMnqc31
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmenzoe7t8k
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlA0r5EoiV
"Is something wrong?" I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSIPSikesX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaoty5doQM
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHybysoD6A
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cWdbbqevl
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGa0mEvGxv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L7s9FoygN
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanehzSnKIk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpc4ndCP4P
"Is that so?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvtHRwNFsh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84hFoFvvaT
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lpTC64TfX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt7t21NCuZ
"Please, enter right here."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnIes7Cli1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucMiCyVKLP
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUszmE7tO0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6mSKgWoj2
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TG6YIQZSM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsSNIcloSi
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhhGPSYNyB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZWWs4fPVv
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzv9ovUAIj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7OESpKnCN
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M1SnTLslU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MdL0BRmoJ
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInnCeJq13D
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCVvgmxtmb
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtriB8VymN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t9TTESvlT
"R-Right."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk0Nwu2m7J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxy1qnaDeQ
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTnaM6PETN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9BWsZu7Mb
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZCxG45ckj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0CMs78LU7
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOrnApU820
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz3cdTURi8
I nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspz7qQD8FC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUShQ8A1UhN
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakqL2736Tq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k0TDKC6Qz
I raised my hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDATGBsNlb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq0o7TqLiI
"Yes, Kenny?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe59WNP2mhx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzUf7VTqog
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BBnzoAvWx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLWMVJdFut
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZUK9p4ukq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdqwkaRBvz
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdikiPaU91Z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZsamvS0Kl
"Allowed to brew?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz9h19lXuS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMQYSlXjRn
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3eQufrbOr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmaQKbmQDV
"I see."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7TpHWyX2z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1nRgWwFYe
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–235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN4sdGmRrJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDxYd1cvwf
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGmpZSK5Wi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBtslpFLny
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXEvBNWtRS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijs9kTzJXG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm6qdbdx0Z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcDdqu6hMU
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKMOYbuoC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatxiiTb6L3
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QT7t1EtjU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiWkPs0na7
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNJs8dyz2P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y97q95Kyh
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FqiK3Njfs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bBCTpbJJJ
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9m8SmxBR6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKcTwc0eC0
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2R1IOzaI7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4gNLAwg3o
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQlcC67R7x
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulUBotDMls
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNjkozgKwd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGs4Paiq17
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIV1u4qwvi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRCYPcZMlS
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRaa6PM0uG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx2Ol18Woj
"...Wow, this plan sucks."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOGbeSGEhz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU12d3duwE
"Kenny!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGs89JnCY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOpN9pbgy0
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEisjrS5HP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5897EiXbF
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb9ls7VyWc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY8PXjiFbd
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE5XzmMn7Z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxwmxsqiAM
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRaNQVduBt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFcYXkTXCz
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8G86aEofV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq3utFi3rI
I nodded, but something was bothering me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS19sKZUaLJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNxYietwuW
"Will the people really all come together?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStWsEfgLq3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTkSZxsi15
Linda stepped in.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw6tmEJdr3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPm8oR88SJ
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3b6UVqQyd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqNZgixXa8
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXbUoZQiNU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU0RCKgnrK
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDiYhT74Mz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf1yq1I7K2
"Mhm!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGTy6FOzqh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4GA5bt50A
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGSGi7IUaV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKmR1Xa1ZN
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzaLjPdtLF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSqzKgbCeL
–
–
–
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ45XjmYUGf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhl9rHrDeA
I was having second thoughts.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAINhFaAsz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE1wSV9Psv
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGhXmFGIhX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJCcDXvNvA
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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgIgJliTD7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pktml3FMm
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vFc2I13Fp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubpKqWJvgT
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreoOlvAwO2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsjePIENGv
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFuwB1e4gG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmwU9GjDcF
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCIegECawZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLCrEwd5oE
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt6ygqzulq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOgsGg0584
Phew.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURcQBgvnzx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1c9zziKZ3
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbms5ZS8l3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT3MnwD6Yt
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8YVMVqIP0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoarOEsIjZ5
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx8xkJXXif
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xn6L1s2Oz
"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1wFcbF4DR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLwHyq62zr
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN1kQAn3P9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DBkBmSEtv
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3F93HCmhP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdx7cKtzku
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl9LRlewNI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEN0S8X89a
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFYhma5aHc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZkecnHS5G
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHG0LsmrRe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vdWufFjCs
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54nAE0Fybs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliKfSf5i2u
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZVYQYxZ0v
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47feFsjbPO
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGguKYm73VB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQbyYgCg6p
She looked suspicious of it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn8LFOqTfa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfXaY6ac8K
"How do I know it's safe?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mdsmdcdke
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8npTqqmS2B
"I can drink it right now and prove it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yE35j2EXW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Rf4GDJN9
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrraDxOA2sU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3yAbu7wfg
"Fine. I'll try it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fUiY8NSNb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2GxTT4jre
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VUiSt0Rl0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XuCn7trLO
"...Okay, fine. It's good."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT8SWyJPoo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKFbKdNJl7
Yes!235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRXfX8LJI2
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I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1dMYqWpc6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq8cfrMw7z
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm51f19h09
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCCrfZ1Bdz
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasaAFQf36i
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZJobq71Ta
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlgYOf1PO7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07uzoGUDwi
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr6QVVujJ7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFYy49A64o
"What are you doing?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dFFuw7U9q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiitGSyCet
"Passing the time."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEYH8uwqC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b3vOm9gRF
"By making fun of my face?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5qahIZdT2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mYg1tEFE0
"I'm not making fun of you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhNo4QjfZv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6baZNQZMh
She laughed a little.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH1726WL5b
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2yRhaJYWA
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi84PTyiEra
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxLQHOucrC
"Of course."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnVoKdSVVO
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"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzjKO1f6hy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipuQUO0mGV
"How'd you two meet?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG5J60h8DM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJZgDV24al
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VVDo3bUch
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ381KeyKE4F
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.
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