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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1gRbVIZOs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY93yJ8SSTF
"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?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuse9WAfmfC
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlS6Be3pcN
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm06BpxHL8s
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjvyMbeaXr
"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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMapcXnegv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiymU9VJqQy
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaxp4uB3IJ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBAFxh9v3P
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh84FZrqTab
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVKG20TpDf
Flinty shrugged.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz0Pqnd0zh
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wxav7LiWX
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HBxvnwLr4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyvaLhLwe6
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbFsJeQWf4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNcyEfvVjz
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGodsU2iDDQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT87x2P9paP
"Why don't we ask them?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dwfEKD9IW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6APeO39vNA
"Not a bad idea."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDfXw92vpU
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eASFz6iy9
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?208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdd37n80he
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUDofv0fGh
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLKbY4dn85
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtArVyWb0Z
"Wow, is this a farm?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2vtLW9HRW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58CkHtOaAh
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw7N42T6Vb
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7KbF2NHQs
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgQELIOU6e
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe40pnRoEZ
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzypm9dRxW8
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRAOXsrV8y
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAvL1rByFG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2OXRb8bH9
"Uh, Flinty?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqRXB7wlSQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwz0L1xCHw
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP538tXPsgP
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdjWdXN6TA
"Kenny!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTKECZm2Ty
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhplxGObT1T
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTwbWpbvQi
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCys0ng7rL5
"That dog's name is Kenny?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NVP2UmKEE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hokYEH4fC
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PjM70uO1h
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIXuk4kEwX
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dJDLy4nvI
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6abjOA6mxb
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnv25lUVdZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7hoWOWZxK
"Okay."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR8VFxIOIm
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf0dTgOzDA
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRofZzIjE5
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDH3M9BZLB
"H-Hey, that tickles..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6xH8gY3MW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz3bIiM7SV
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnwBOJ6Nc5
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP2NyUPca8
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xOuKv2V55
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPdw4lNWps
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCtJRlRRLM
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeJwugHTJE
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Vj3tOJQd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULnz4EdQNo
"Vikky!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtGUnBTkcX
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiwJBlpocP
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWjN5ahgLu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jcKaByA9M
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxQXt3RrPY
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp4YIgGtoI
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqYXk0FxQt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTrDZZTpgG
She looked strangely amused.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrnjTZjOPo
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGs7oFVLSn
"Full name? Alright."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds5BzZvjfk
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdPL6PXGqN
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKfgYR70g4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT51GIkygRS
"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?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZtT3CwETT
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYsBqZmTgv
"Yes."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB9Wc5MgWh
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrhw42fD5I
"Then let's get along."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MVEGIfjg7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnvsL5On1L
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLewLf2lxwW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmcPdNhp1w
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnpTNVqSSZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDNwalYCj5
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviKLwi5EAk
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEXi8RsfEx
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnap1yjsMv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcaXyAcgQH
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYpErNypbh
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VvMDdYSLA
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLgw2BfAff
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHudXkKCUs
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonqYQDe0MO
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptuvB6mN5q
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97bILVIyCf
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0bZqU5swd
"What, why?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWsjJYj0qS
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYv4RZHT0H
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i0779H1R6
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhDswEQHGg
"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..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8pSJG4ufN
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcw8v4Ao53
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDBt3i1s2r
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfOiuXNQVA
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpu8b5OBPA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw0wJi9G0f
So that was what the lady from before was doing.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9WXOQbmMQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYojDqDPvV
"That sounds awful. Is there–"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HKZgImIbs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSl77vjR3j
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5QDT8J1O7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiVysLJQSN
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLml8YIbJeA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTiTf4CPCn
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v7q4hy2ev
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ74NY1terN
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwMMEWROOK
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTutUSBSNJk
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGvP8DWukH
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxTD2hkziH
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagxxDgyyJb
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnf6Tf8hyq
I made a grumpy face.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ObHWWuYsl
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0DaMqv1kl
"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFwO3nP2zR
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s1kSd1cLS
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU15WuWKhbi
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRemnbAqwbV
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp18MiLgN6c
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljN2QZ2l5H
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq72dag0af
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYvKkrg0sB
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWii3vd8oP
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPqW5czoxK
It's worth a try if nothing else.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGlDESOsYd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfAhND9KTv
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXRJfqqsxG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGHdkEFTnJ
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGwQVdIRhp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD1jHFiVRD
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqthNmr6nxd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH3xYAruKS
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWD6lYH5NF
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywVXSpmeWM
"Yes."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfL7KARP7Q
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWdXvD0ynn
"Can I see the crops?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J6K49APac
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjilXN4fdHA
"Uh, you can."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J6E2hi313
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8k4bgkf4t
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTDMY3ODNK
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3HH9hqplJ
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71efirhedv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeeoKStYh5
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda4T6ymY7U
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpm84fO7j8
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBMpZQEgal
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GW036wBmU
"W-What the hell is that!?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF8ZxrUwbf
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuz0vwSPTL
"It's Kenny's tendril!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUTnU59aUj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhIoYgiID3
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcavxHMfGGS
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYpFNVkS98
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxlSk6zsgn
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YOvIsNwYY
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.
"..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bou1AMpKA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZW4JfVDgk
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR7bMgCrM3
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0ALcRWDB8
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTFohA0bnk
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ25uIXgVTr
"What are you doing?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrWVu9mQXz
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBaJQTTAYJ
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuZ47W3SfW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZnRXMQqOL
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2kNbMQ0a0
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDjdtnVCd
"You're an angel."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfHYeau1Kt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv0P9FVX7o
"..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qtFn3Ype6
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU0dNl1fDk
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l8mvPweAr
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoizwwkKsG
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYfl1TBYVs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vjn3XT0zY
There were very strange people in this city.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkltKpk2JH
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO2oxcpeUN
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAk9rAFX5g
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEBHOVEulp
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacR3fOzeO6
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfMb3J8iF1
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3buhDV3EM
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZQIve64Qa
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDuVxPq1Hd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV1dwzyCgN
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnKOJYihVF
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXmJTgMS4T
"Really?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklnxSnWTcN
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZJEUTrw9y
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kid4Ab3qy
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iWPUH55y1
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5adIEn5NE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5StnMs2coQ
"Yes! Let's do it!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUDfMi85Vd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQVvR1pBiF
"Fine by me."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECZPw83H18
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBMidDFArb
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ627AOKz6Nt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcXBSTZQxx
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisiON6tfFL
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrjB6vHPjn
"Is something wrong?" I asked.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDRBwKzCys
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA420WbOrmA
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvwIwweUUO
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ARqfrq7fn
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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsIj0wICpG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6M9cAOVie
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQGAWds3Hr
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ6pQnewp9
"Is that so?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g6e1RHseW
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vVVEgOdRV
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrFPGYj2GR
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy3yN7djMw
"Please, enter right here."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW4uRXPFtD
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcixb72XPxQ
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzLpnqqzW8
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9IFC7Iqcq
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2TS0ay8et
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEoYBn3H29
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdttADYZAQ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPsbHDKQr6
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT976UrmQV
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX2TjtQVUg
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7kVIJFFgs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2OPXpV5do
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjORw7CKZ4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxycv3fr690
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3i3Jl6Kv8
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiy3aDsp9V
"R-Right."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMKfFXolYv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe0Hm33gK1
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v9pRFkZuA
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiMWJe42N5
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarC1l5lGty
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mIrAlrsjN
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoHa4tCOYj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ibbDQJSYl
I nodded.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIesG3x8ua
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY3AvTr8vT
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4vz9WlPv8
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OBRySZ9ST
I raised my hand.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtFNtonDCj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspjziQRv49
"Yes, Kenny?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv27ToVKpu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJjaCJFDtT
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj7gWuqQs0
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27PTTlZUWF
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFONjhNHOHi
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKLn0LCh6j
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKZvE632Ol
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Dqa4E44YF
"Allowed to brew?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwKyyV6TKG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtJ6NUK1B5
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWovlY8MdYC
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr0YuHPe7C
"I see."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGqyGkBSSP
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpxMBkwAZH
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–208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4piDylUHRK
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihLQBUz8FM
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WUuYZSfWU
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXNVYxm3KO
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey23eYr3nV
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GtptNzpM5
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlmKIbD2qC
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dvc1t7lsC
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ml9qoycSz
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9bV1SilDf
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeJnE2Vdgi
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFNGd2aAV5
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRQ0Bzqgnx
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnY1PKYEdH
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nJPtbLlrZ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu5OyL6cZp
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGPBLR28o7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RI5iANOzj
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTzMRtCeDp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGWaCYmP7b
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTShzNT3x0Z
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzLfPP1Sg5
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyCdSmG9MT
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbihT1KMcW
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl7CZHR0pw
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WFrOe34Iz
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ24MJt2p7w
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXkN0zKAKG
"...Wow, this plan sucks."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnyJuV13kw
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetpeaTdFIr
"Kenny!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3zXMhUcOP
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qV6CsW401
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p2ykSoN58
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl6Ckt3dRv
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWieaXVuvF
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbwQjERjwk
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdCaLxHIfH
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9jS85dqV4
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6DCZVVCYT
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZiPzZBOkD
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvP28zJjM9
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxa8pzqN0M
I nodded, but something was bothering me.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthQkBxrr6T
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFawtxN3Hf
"Will the people really all come together?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9HHEdTtrI
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmENPktch2v
Linda stepped in.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RG8sJWru7
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDPvs85u6S
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dhhUmkPk5
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyim7Yv2hgG
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUEnntaVSs
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WQR6wY7hF
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSKRHiQOlJ
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbskWgZZDi
"Mhm!"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r20QHb9W4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprVvFKZ68m
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdHFfgLe8S
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbComKB8FjD
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X1IccGUt0
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76rrpPye31
–
–
–
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0tZzMkb8j
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x5MReEYoU
I was having second thoughts.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S7G4c0PCC
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEXaxuBhwT
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNkARMkqJ4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGL7GOOuK
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?208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXP6sCsKKX
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UM8m6PdrO
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyY08uUn45
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HfSk710oH
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8ijMZvnOr
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyoV52MiKV
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep3d143FAO
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfohJg0RJn
"..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgmMGBHHKu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlzkcuIipr
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO3eE5r9Lj
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHklUq5643x
Phew.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoKzCSGJyG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoWi4wAsxV
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtIyq2mR0a
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxL3YVDp3u
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvgGny2xfK
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TKrNnbrkQ
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel2gEv5cco
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gGFi04cN5
"Huh?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXxkczbzTV
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r1ESUbTQR
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZFzaXfbcf
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb9K6MTt2U
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgUnSJNFno
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMZE4jFBkn
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zlSSHc5xS
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk2ZIXmomG
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxFO76Pmia
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyvctes7lX
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm2xaxZx17
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0V6RaaWhZ
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH22XiZ2r1
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Djsh2koUR
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Ho83xDfu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bZ43wABxd
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDNzPYVakE
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaKgno8s2W
She looked suspicious of it.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fwgr5oc2w
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMrVCfUam9
"How do I know it's safe?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCNxQk91O
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4R69UwYKi
"I can drink it right now and prove it."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPFQOrWrvm
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c5QoBL4qK
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OHR2qIPlI
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoyMgeq4DC
"Fine. I'll try it."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sRciDUj3B
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVA7gHnvjG
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1wPHxtP6S
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheZZoR3N0k
"...Okay, fine. It's good."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK2sEqX1VU
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaJAci176V
Yes!208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoo9Am17bv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeMKid60T2
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWsVMnW5Fd
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY0AbOtRrB
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNgswO132D
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPLYcHzGjR
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1alvABEHrX
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Us3AUmFw
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN4Xd9D2Nu
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxCrjBa0Xw
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.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNS9rliSrt
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWdltOg3cY
"What are you doing?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaR9CvCLcp
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf9FMsH2n1
"Passing the time."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcaiXiN5o4
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAbfVPnJdX
"By making fun of my face?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30sFkEUsvG
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeZ5ET5njT
"I'm not making fun of you."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAguxVywlv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJAwQqnd4u
She laughed a little.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Ju0OVG6g
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqyb4CslNW
"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."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxkqDN2fbl
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnWxcawILe
"Of course."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh0m2bkuEq
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SD2nE1sXY
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2hClZp9WB
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvK3QYfINQ
"How'd you two meet?"208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBrFZwoTvv
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFZ9tikaAr
"..."208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4uVEgPT57
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVcuk4XIDw
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.