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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMesgH7Ekx
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MnIOAVHpY
"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?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxboXm9fj
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OQqCiLk7W
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKr4EKmOK2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAwdxeAJMq
"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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmrapKJmtK
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoJKQ0MjWk
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxuyMo3lYh
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ2XBlhzN8
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HAv39vWPW
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRgTPCbF17
Flinty shrugged.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpE6DKVtZJ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsO6yvCTHV
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKBeF9l7wZ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44gP73V6Go
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4yCly5g6y
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W0O4sjwFC
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqLL0dCgHh
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6SolisdAq
"Why don't we ask them?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCcA1xBAxI
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcbaFm1Gzm
"Not a bad idea."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPByNjcppsa
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hgid4cfUl
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?391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprwWTqX83x
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu5S3QEMOu
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5cq09vGL5
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFAdEWNu1N
"Wow, is this a farm?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtgFG65UMF
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pPcC0ndkK
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ktwSp8Evg
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jox7DpgpZ
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVGvVoUjwc
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gloHEPk8w
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzfyaZz3r7
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48nEH4qNQ0
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNCjVWhBda
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh080AnXONP
"Uh, Flinty?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltAkVCI7fv
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI2MlVUJaX
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHb2rpwXi2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri9URzxNv0
"Kenny!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLgVWizISU
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOuOOBNq9j
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecKW5zQki0
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnELfQ3nJD
"That dog's name is Kenny?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaTMX7vxYc
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpddUAbS07
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DAYAyTsZP
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwYojvXif3
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0ZU2nnMAC
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjz6qU6zgz
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld12Mn3Ld2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jK8tO2HpQ
"Okay."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbLBwTtWzi
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYQKKb7YDd
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRdJ4dv1JI
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4b4Azkhw0
"H-Hey, that tickles..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDPYh4P2QV
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoVka8DmcS
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvgBqRHDgH
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEOCY3m0FW
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd5i4lyL8T
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Q6hYpK8N
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzViRtQ4W4s
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpJIVG1YKt
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGklvY5wES
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EZ0jbQ79O
"Vikky!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PB22hJPE8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6L1iYVkCG
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehYeUY5eeA
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ypN0Urz95
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu06mOd5NZ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ7GnXIrFg
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG2IAljUtD
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3jfkbN6ty
She looked strangely amused.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLKV81yhTI
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkf1swqNLu
"Full name? Alright."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGEG3Mb6px
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGiyjJcrk7
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM2xnlCnSo
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxvvm0qVgT
"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?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsjCT1cdDO
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iFDpKAhnU
"Yes."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqchRIkn2i
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuQ5Prk2l5
"Then let's get along."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKB3gwC2RB
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUeyYslTaY
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVBnPIfAmc
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqN7zBqRzs
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoehY1N912
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF1EbaO6t5
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpXWZOLVAZ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdIWQf75Oj
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hHUY6hJmo
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA7NpXtPhG
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WFXDFIP4g
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCyF47JCgq
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DXmjMMALj
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9krwNbHXlI
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMjVKxSDWR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxO1ol2Ya2
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy3ZnawN2H
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJykIX25tm
"What, why?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdQ9W6T8fp
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSmjc9S3Yu
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKbeG9QxU3
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgDzw26xf5
"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..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sVByCRPW2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Duhybmy3p
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmp0Liwt2u
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsm6CdX1Gp
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKaA5yymwl
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2NQdFpUIz
So that was what the lady from before was doing.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxZmJwDk4Y
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQmILxoXZo
"That sounds awful. Is there–"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP1uGhsBNF
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cy3Q4bO8E
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj6TZxwTmj
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv14dQTCLid
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxMzF6d13W
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMnaimvN02
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHOhAD4sG8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7CJ43JbM7
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdn1NeltmA
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqMtKEkyu6
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemVUj6p23P
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsTRARid5z
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSUavpSEGg
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mw7xqilud
I made a grumpy face.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZjonheg7s
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2HGB77Uz4
"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN6DqDbW7y
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqCbc4a0gt
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMMeaYmNlX
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6YdoBowLN
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2IX7aYG2Z
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqLqdo0Z4G
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpml8YpfBK
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthxufqz76U
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymqDMOe7pc
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8btTLWFJ4
It's worth a try if nothing else.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDguxkG5eI
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01qCuGKj2x
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5bcAfvfdF
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQasXOouMaZ
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lOySaHS4E
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNFx7h95MV
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfzr8VjCAf
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjHJ1cOE2S
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsgOph2iOj
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFxY2wgLgc
"Yes."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3kOQWfQvs
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92VVAmCa0b
"Can I see the crops?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuPKj3F3M9
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4aUaL0bcU
"Uh, you can."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQLhCF2qTQ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8yPmQyu5O
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwymK8ahPT
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQYvKOQZBe
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0oMJ7E4Kc
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLScn2Oqs2
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUxXwRVXXK
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd02FdzYQSq
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSEgw2CfBo
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQSW61GaRw
"W-What the hell is that!?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GFgnJZgpv
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDol13XkBs
"It's Kenny's tendril!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAVuTHqCNl
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDd85GslTr
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwAlp50NKy
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxDwMhZjxa
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi71TeqoKwM
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfUn4ny5Az
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.
"..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5GebnrXru
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwekZjWab3Q
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcHXljZVFr
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR9A08QtxP
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJm02pMn2K
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPtm9yzPJC
"What are you doing?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EY3FHgWBl
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Zi22UxFj
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggwFWr5KuR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDmITwZCra
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMELK2qHqh2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzcI6WtUIv
"You're an angel."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTGjE3O9e1
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7HR0XofAj
"..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQyMtQyKna
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77y7RbDt6G
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjNWJtxuXn
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbUThv3bA8
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0ZOYnCLu8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NcyRfOPpY
There were very strange people in this city.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnUPBoABOb
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvSOvss3ZW
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy65PS77gnW
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq74pIg3yS
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvvMe8VeMv
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsSYLr5fWw
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa32B9uVKY
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pc6HxBzfH
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNME6zGD1V
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozXyygIr44
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dJ7Fs8mgB
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymMriAacS8
"Really?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L5tB2HDCm
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGulRf3npBo
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjPEJiFRYh
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSqB6KrNI5
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiJl5UrRH2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLmCBFY47e
"Yes! Let's do it!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx2lSgtjPV
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbR071Dx5e
"Fine by me."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQkkZm8A2i
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRXQAmoAbX
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgtQIqMisz
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQozvNBT2JA
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ623yJiTxXR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PCiPKWB8Z
"Is something wrong?" I asked.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWcjXevSXW
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0NJVQSmsF
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Clrmc0fpI
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQqC8IQ609
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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVP3Kf0jvt
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lk3USwcsi
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3LC3SAgz4
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsx87fInef
"Is that so?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiK2nK0Coo
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYrc0QWph2
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zNoR3V93r
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYmvhT9EyR
"Please, enter right here."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJqJAuQvyk
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFuKaGABmA
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3bf8D1Lpv
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOspcYA6XU
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB1lMBozy7
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1xMjsbpkL
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm68I5fhQq
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hCsojkLmJ
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF19fwualt
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57Ur60VjCf
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOo9gBNany
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbKfdenfRJ
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZLds1He9e
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk1WmTzNnE
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qWiKosMjV
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieGSMo6LtL
"R-Right."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTqCNKN0nV
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLexpxAdGo
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rS9c13TxL
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfW5teu4SB
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJQuEfN0ku
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qj0D8d1Wy
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxV09CXmHT
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7smVut8jW
I nodded.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBilG6FOjE
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXICKFuTh5H
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe5Z3iu2YY
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWdsdYIcO5
I raised my hand.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9jibIhOLF
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXzj6ebBEJ
"Yes, Kenny?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM76LfUZGP
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvffrQu4Bq
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj5bzYjOyy
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrbF9zXW7v
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71fSDCH8Bu
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlS4sjbEoX
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9t8RcZLue
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyDRF1EJbv
"Allowed to brew?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pdmHX31Sz
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB24EJUdCP3
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzByOGq3zDr
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt8QMwFjPJ
"I see."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShLxcQaVCC
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqKxTceWVN
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–391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDmor9pF9b
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiCzU4Ycuy
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp8b9soGk8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKABx6WzMD
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7LVABvxk0
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOny784TSJ
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt13Pi6WyoT
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafi5TZa8QC
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJinjj1wqmO
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHvBvPTna2
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBESXB7En0
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb0CFyx6rP
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIwW1aUTBS
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xYtzbg1x0
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZlCtlgbwH
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZLfrMH9kv
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAMZSostfi
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySZe947XZ
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQtK3pwMbe
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8qkAFvOzY
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP6auQdHKw
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjg0c20Edh
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtuJ5ee6zm
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXSdfo0NE8
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc4mqO6wMZ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5tF0423Wy
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQia0BpNPoQ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67RKwMWqHe
"...Wow, this plan sucks."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN47q0yMgOR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRynZiddBI
"Kenny!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j3GURiYU7
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyd0s0vtuK
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8eLxFrsgj
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWWEBccRuQ
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeABNR6gGvi
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP4wNQstNz
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMneJRifcwC
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKPEsupwiF
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotAX8uCpeg
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBlDyUuX4Y
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PID6r28fR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGelZ7k07jZ
I nodded, but something was bothering me.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cnJ8BPubg
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjyl7Vvwsg
"Will the people really all come together?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlphoDBg0Cb
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPasF6mENx
Linda stepped in.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9iahJIVBL
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6o7YFk9qC
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfv0Jai9Op
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSdJdSjJwQ
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CtzpS6wjF
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx5nc5ZYvs
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt9RtGA8Dg
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOznsi3O2C
"Mhm!"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kV2jAJnvL
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcXWcxUfAZ
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HlJmengNA
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbk0n56bIc
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKEVPADjdu
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF69IGXRik
–
–
–
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xo8wYPqN9
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9MkZPOOpy
I was having second thoughts.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S1DrBWikE
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtEm0b93KW
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7CSNvsM7j
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4eDib4OXt
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?391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zxbP1BHRP
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98c9zVHVpi
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa5o81mqtQ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83sXqxg6A0
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiAOfZcoFD
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJDBV6J61V
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke8W0kWO4t
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEFGBkIzoA
"..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiZIUtrf6x
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS8M0tE9u4
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S61hOOPYw
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaNIA1N2bn
Phew.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lonHvyA9B
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb6ecRVh6h
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbrmkIytRU
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwunhCBak9U
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqAp61lFfz
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3nPGSXMfR
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp61GGtEqO
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3khwlQ7YE
"Huh?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaAfR4vidz
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtHvzftnDB
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCfUpZZvis
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1w0awlu3K
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6VAJoRYZ8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdRC7QqYog
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseqUm7Sqze
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBsEAtDirt
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWqm3HkQVR
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd4zZn8k9k
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb5lrPIJW8
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg1Hx66XBL
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrSUByADIC
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadvuDdWAZN
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKugRY0yied
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSUQmB8oZ
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywAxPyeVY2
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyczWATkA5g
She looked suspicious of it.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj0tce29XK
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylDcfbxzGj
"How do I know it's safe?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9YbF1rpIN
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgxpd79rQs
"I can drink it right now and prove it."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTranfAp39
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O7G4ug9oB
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbTPW6N8ws
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYCYWl62UI
"Fine. I'll try it."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvJvP2MuUO
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN5J4xUJHU
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpM13g3Hut
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnCzgMBaR2
"...Okay, fine. It's good."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDiIotj1f1
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL40ZN1Aau
Yes!391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOEMyExyAn
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJWkkkWBD
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAnm2juuXA
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYhBe9OV8c
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd7ZLAwemh
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGodOG7u1Lk
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNv4cE57Ix
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1vZUNirML
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXcBAJD9Rf
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhXpfVXV46
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.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu1ISdJagX
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUn3pxgpFv
"What are you doing?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKdWksiqRG
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFX4W1e9MI
"Passing the time."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiEpKUUNb3
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsx7inDoXR
"By making fun of my face?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkvQepaVzk
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aeUJjp0bM
"I'm not making fun of you."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqBJYSaS8U
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIAi4z4KSh
She laughed a little.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKyxY4nFis
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXSPSee1X0
"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."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqnx6AyOBO
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVtBZp89Iw
"Of course."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnHZfqRkS6
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IEyaVmq1W
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUmhaVSzyD
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP691Yq9lBF
"How'd you two meet?"391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJBAtTPsJJ
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dVa1vbtnx
"..."391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfy4C0xche
391Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTKfESMEHn
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.