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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDbhI40hOo
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsZp2b0sji
"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?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUUFrqMQK5
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvofBvhCXR
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pHqs2ZFUu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzXbNblSvA
"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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniC6YN2koo
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRnLCCoGj9
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8u5EiUZU2
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5jz5kTokS
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4etAjlFmCh
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGzfq19j3m
Flinty shrugged.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodSMY2a8SY
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB1nZsOOHS
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNEpOkW0xD
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWkzWmgJeO
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBJ41BnKPp
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyarfDSLEia
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DCp4A8nVl
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLApM7hfFv
"Why don't we ask them?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDDP71mE18
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNNZZOXwqs
"Not a bad idea."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlxRnrK9l5
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn26V4OV8m8
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?416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LHlZlTbab
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr10PKljR2c
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99wwRnYBXl
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"Wow, is this a farm?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PNeA3OWSy
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRehZE8q08
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHD2XSwi7q
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysKlYFRabi
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOiPv419to
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L2NoCqmTV
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc7Hbrim0D
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLgTjsv9gB
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ZMi0BrEL
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"Uh, Flinty?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphXbpsvzxQ
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPyTsNXCPy
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07EgTAwEeO
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKdDonlz5D
"Kenny!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs47UwkBfxS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdJHkydYsT
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqTI78NWnF
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GdoyayXTb
"That dog's name is Kenny?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsj1bVv1ng
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcIgwGDeoM
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbABLM4JEq
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQi3hmm9Q4
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcriLMsVIYc
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbdRPPvtos
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTofeD9XBz4
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKCgG98Fnv
"Okay."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32BRLaltK7
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2clvO9RlWB
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAMWvPwG9O
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5G1LYbmoH
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMj1ATelqT
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYuiHx42ui
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh7QEkWhtS
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ245Oiok35c
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVSlwX3y5T
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbYXJ1mE3R
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMzmOQyo7e
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwSD7K8SVY
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3zD8aCX6l
"Vikky!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUECYXrA1x
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttf3sWvYwg
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rBuaIrJ4p
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYd7IttyFj
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0jF0rmpoX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyMsXMSwMi
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsB3yOWTbS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLbxRg04GI
She looked strangely amused.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZtLrulGRi
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaV5ES6f8T
"Full name? Alright."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY2XTyamuj
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKhKTICdbf
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9IjhwbsDx
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZifMfHGOlc
"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?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyWe9QanaE
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaKHA12ORA
"Yes."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYBX8lp190
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO8fRB7sjR
"Then let's get along."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2JULVMrRU
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlLRTm9QiW
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfQ0BF5YRt
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3NpN1V7ay
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJm8JdEqGM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPLKAtEwOD
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorRvYdL3IS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeKOgnp2vx
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y5aXObl81
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGtQpwwn1H
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDbFR2fW6z
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PFaPDidnt
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2CgF5DKz0
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DUKCnYBfG
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdFCkXEkdg
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGV8Ln7URA
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv130k5K4t
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwtIvTfSKE
"What, why?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXek3Uz6UxB
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E9L5ShngD
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNlCnrdSBM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZNAw2t10k
"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..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H6mA8ut9q
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWewjTmFY8
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETy8YUjreM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqVw49dtR
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnCuOZgtX9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X959po0wD
So that was what the lady from before was doing.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrmvVIXZEW
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQezJzdRmuX
"That sounds awful. Is there–"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCLh6GvX67
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp1cdxJL5N
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19bkHCC1Vl
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSSIqKRIWZ
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnEpVC6e7L
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivtwIhiWx0
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08sGTfLXAM
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJeODQXvwM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhScEMjSNTi
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDBiizPGgn
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ1DtUS0Pu
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatQ0urgJDp
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I made a grumpy face.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k3oxl3XL2
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSjJ8u6cid
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j45RfwwZe
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXES1UGNj5
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ3e3H6mNO
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Be8ev6Ps
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZsPRAdYDF
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gsuxZ7ohy
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmK43vrDry
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY6rFgXRH1
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It's worth a try if nothing else.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8hrgro4XJ
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtK8bhiOGJ
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl82dru4Oyb
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQJ1wo7vuE
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8ivi9AJxS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI30TzLkWA
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjFe6hLL0C
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSabPg49U8t
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAue9ztzFZn
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"Yes."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuQhkfZOZz
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"Can I see the crops?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLXLBlbQo4
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kV2bri1ev
"Uh, you can."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXyGcsWMTs
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdas9XxLwn
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNncFOrXb6
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAzWYY4xCT
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMfdryJtM8
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76yEFJkbfr
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8KtyrwRa1
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxkYVAuiXK
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxVcupvNE9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu9TofeKlC
"W-What the hell is that!?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsWKsC7hcO
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSr4fjrTXm
"It's Kenny's tendril!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfalQDT3RYU
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuHPttC7Dz
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uVZDHLqzw
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C5xBM4gQE
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kXKYIhbzB
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5eo4UOZVO
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.
"..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9oS7e2zax
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhInr03b25
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TpTxb5IQS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhQB0mK2x
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x3NTey9jX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUmw6KLAt8
"What are you doing?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiW3FyLdEN
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldFlqyZnT7
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4h1F5q7xG
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFTwZFvBXW
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ekffgwfuR
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qgT2xS8Sm
"You're an angel."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzK7FmVHcR
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DD0oWWGcN
"..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfPQhsM7BA
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwFOFBJ4Fz
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2GyCJgnCF
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0qMc9IJWn
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFaAz2uHKo
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyUpqfOqfl
There were very strange people in this city.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhmgD7mufC
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6x0Rinoi0
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jo5jn5QzW
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1L9eUJclq
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej7IqZliE7
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkptJ95AX6t
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcao54cXJcN
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKwu8ojkFT
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsNisLcgk9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF9gKGo5ee
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxL2rfGuiF
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrKJWGdQVE
"Really?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Rb9kmf3r
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1FK6s344w
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OC2Gm9mT9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzfymSJoxs
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopbKZVDEL6
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG6QP634sE
"Yes! Let's do it!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCZ19PyM8t
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7gGBptg1r
"Fine by me."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZKtvAvDSn
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpCOZPWQfY
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyOHGskQv3
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvXpTZHSNC
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMl1Z0puYK
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIduVWiDorD
"Is something wrong?" I asked.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPkBs9ij0n
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VnyzngOC5
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfb0gL94On
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvlsCWCq9o
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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf0fjCM8Kv
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0TemUZjQ2
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mhzWtgtFM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV2uUuhQtR
"Is that so?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn4x6YMwH9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvVDxZpTfp
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j9O2vVTtW
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOth8zKY37c
"Please, enter right here."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oimM6A2xg
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAVsOGPIzd
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKBfy84Jpn
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwG1GN7atm
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzvxPHUMiE
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf5gBi6CPP
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCfhhPooKY
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXZdlDnoZr
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12V6RMH4Kx
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU7qkXvegd
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMmDIGBneX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kwmyERiD9
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6tc06mfok
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe23OEpV2U
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NCNeffP18
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW9ALEmj9e
"R-Right."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnjj0Q5jFt
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM93dTTxDDX
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXygfwRSRG
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHtK2kUbZ3
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtVzG28JhY
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kRyJmOgEg
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkLQSU6eTk
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrddG8viJs1
I nodded.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs92XnrPCI
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBkSm3f7Rl
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuChLBLxO4
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1qLJ0038d
I raised my hand.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR8x6Zu8Mq
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylru8vKQA8
"Yes, Kenny?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR2lfGYmTf
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PjTfKTOpG
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjLxLjti0a
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn8nvMwYeZ
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdukYRZzB4c
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos4VEGKgnL
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoa5kOadMK
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnzFAWsK8M
"Allowed to brew?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOI5o8qmlM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAnzNsTkDy
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5UaTKODI2
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXV2kQYMfW
"I see."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB3gVa5Kvk
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKneq4fk6vR
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–416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8KQmgekyu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgXe9s6Fp7
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlcDPjh17p
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFQFu6exq1
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyr4TZujf4
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolQ5o0jem8
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw0jpBgbUF
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9KrKiTkaG
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ioN0IZ0N
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQbqMBAbBL
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZTJIBEDAM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2NRrrEluJ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2bjOXPw2x
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE1kWtcuDl
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0cnLWcdoK
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbU3eG0rYI
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9blpvUJgz
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnMszC8HGa
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKWdTfWc93
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEJhflRYs9
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUAq739p4M
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNHHr61iPR
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKKDSsxFdC
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZm6j6gD9C
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1fYpOPJrJ
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3sidh4bg1
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtJW0Vjb4y
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jqQBrbyKp
"...Wow, this plan sucks."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtKWcfsQgl
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtQmrFxiVG
"Kenny!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wpx3Faivq
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5kYpEeOQU
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnSKko8T20
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8H7DSV9pT
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3oP3EEAsc
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDunLoOp8Ic
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFBkfgravG
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFNcEXKEbF
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRFTHKAKu9
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuhmaj4gPZ
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFxVGBtuFS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaaTgF4WaD
I nodded, but something was bothering me.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg0ol1Me5d
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LeFFXvLQk
"Will the people really all come together?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNjB7xf3aX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn52oL1yPy
Linda stepped in.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYZf3gmUUL
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VdHDlmPIn
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYz4cai8Ui
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTFrL0NkFz
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmrPyk09oI
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImg91n3XMi
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQis9o2gAo
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0F1dQP5u6
"Mhm!"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwEVEWumcC
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMD85oXc86
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxm3Nu9eiu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtUksVhxqA
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5gL67tgLl
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZS8Oku00E
–
–
–
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbXZxt3Ror
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq62qcMINRt
I was having second thoughts.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuX5DK62nd
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49psicCMvg
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GS08BrXIZ
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk2yYEoa0z
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?416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXFz6011yU
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57UrDdDaMx
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkROKUPUXM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqLewrmXEE
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW1sXq53CM
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QyTspiV4g
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBin97t749J
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg3cFuGSCM
"..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd5wlgeIgX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb2ZGTIH0m
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuwunjb43Y
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuXt51Vpk
Phew.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfFlIOKk8S
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZXB2AOgwH
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR0Ry4A1If
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hws0ml3ZA
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRNE2XVglf
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9zncZNpLf
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGPgmdR6NX
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bKiv5nHXg
"Huh?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNrXzW5lLD
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNbNvakCsh
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4aeVBfufm
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDQO4pYw6G
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceZHk4J2FS
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZfTlIFYl2
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqcJZ7qeXh
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5pgZsopQj
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwxDTFkTt7
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvxW1j09rN
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkEqdWn3qs
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBYrSsppwG
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIXzyDeJ60
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBjuw3D4Ck
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8MAJhvIj7
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NMWC6QyvX
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WHXXOeqzu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKJfL7WBxW
She looked suspicious of it.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXnqc1Sbl4
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAzb0N3suC
"How do I know it's safe?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuVEBpEK18
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEcJexoGdV
"I can drink it right now and prove it."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3AuajqtDT
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOPAP58ypz
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFokDiMJef
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8i7ayHAwU
"Fine. I'll try it."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbqkMrZsZe
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3WS5LsnCy
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HmEzDeQux
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO1prjiAAA
"...Okay, fine. It's good."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhfCkqzxs6
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJjsCym7ax
Yes!416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssAN8A4JPu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqUm3lAEwn
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0DeHA2tc8
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJE6C6mAn2
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySy10sfed0
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXALoCsHE8k
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYobsv2gmd
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHQkNlgfyM
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgRHpIf27M
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF0A5DaQqE
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.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1pnTMIIyy
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpiexEryFp
"What are you doing?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF90J1q4zJ
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ja91Hj3Z3
"Passing the time."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanfJR4oFt8
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CCHcyOTeb
"By making fun of my face?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRbXI3UAph
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs8IgQJNYs
"I'm not making fun of you."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyoPhys4dB
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZuqOehgIe
She laughed a little.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg3Nfc5gBu
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHWsHNrTuL
"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."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTThWppqxG
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP0y9lIjSn
"Of course."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreYoiTAsev
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YRwWHYzkQ
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVtyDqMkQq
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD4ut4mcFG
"How'd you two meet?"416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEqOjTtMpw
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7VrnuNMqz
"..."416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqRxSASMh7
416Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2UsHIuClT
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.
and then Add to home screen.