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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZf5VnAchM
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwwR0ocHwx
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9GsEiSBkv
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCHzKihP93
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAcWTTWa8q
"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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzIzMEa2aE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAvBXAIijm
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrAGnELXDM
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavoiQo1EQE
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Flinty shrugged.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTTbw1wmj
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg6KOajGAF
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4lKMZiqVo
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM7NqTwpvq
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRn51ZTlXz
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RvnvGLDOe
"Why don't we ask them?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2moUXASIaJ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheMAh1niiX
"Not a bad idea."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xGGBJbSLP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVlPOjUaTU
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?165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNRqxvKVEy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tc1UFO5M8
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3czGyGpBd
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"Wow, is this a farm?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91IFzdB41d
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlv03RFnY1
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrR7kjOADi
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6reSUVxkT
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIjHpc7cfG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClHewVRSMu
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa9YJz9vxM
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"Uh, Flinty?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdfbwulezL
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6BbklVC6J
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"Kenny!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxp5L12pL0
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjeftwivVF
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IRdoSYWYb
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQpgoErafd
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRBhot5l3f
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xchPCwgUo
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1caiINjqLY
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"Okay."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVoqS6nD6b
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH495Edmp3J
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTsgY0HGmF
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPcdB9NLPW
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekOKeEPFLC
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaewzIKWPA
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ9UYjdEMP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz50nSiySu3
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeN6vgAG9O
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMSphpKcnu
"Vikky!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv1epkp4QF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn68kjaa4JO
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JBK0w0Zmw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfSem6e7AK
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8trzYEG2wJ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR7twOO5Bn
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIP3RLi31U
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bl8thxYIO
She looked strangely amused.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEtiQKMzGJ
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"Full name? Alright."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvJyrvjEju
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq9Rjz6bz9
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU0QRMHMsD
"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?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5zYf3r58d
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjEmozdreW
"Yes."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0A9yR74jL
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"Then let's get along."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3wG1OrPMZ
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoCVTeqhBV
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATFTzcBLLH
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57eQmTx9tb
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jAHJcdKiV
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjiNTRBmjh
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb7aXgcFNW
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtYHbxrSIg
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbka7T3aTvx
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uVNQS8FwL
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzvS4LWxly
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfuogiNHWh
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPIUWqK8BE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sU9FArkK0
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK047HGO9o6
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxn96aE5tk
"What, why?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDh2uhgi89
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfsxUwVlbe
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnCVWuU2LJ
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1zUGFQ2pn
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBBw3CM1qZ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtwR6jhXXc
So that was what the lady from before was doing.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhePa9CZPy
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUCKUVWJ1K
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EVnN7BiXR
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8krZphuLvv
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ062C1EcyxK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LiQhMYphZ
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNKIvIQS4m
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTSnliYujO
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnd9u41cAd
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I made a grumpy face.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUoQCK5imn
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMnuPrzV0W
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkmbiY8sVO
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGvL48Flh
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp8MikqEEg
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHcw7vfcBC
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It's worth a try if nothing else.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOJRtTnckZ
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxluOxT64ex
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6hDFyxJd4
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKePc4Nv0AC
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8zZSJAwgQ
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"Yes."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjaRdnaNsz
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"Can I see the crops?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67wB6NOUUq
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"Uh, you can."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJJChmOEDS
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGLATURHqQ
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevhz82dRqM
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Un1KDyF9L
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iRoYKnpWy
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa8luynlHi
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"W-What the hell is that!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWiqIm4pk9
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT3RluH8Od
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOW5McT79m
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLoe1qpbE7
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgniy24KwLq
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtn7m2Gk7g
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQydleBC7Y
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.
"..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKON7pSrRy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjPsGiEfwf
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwzadSUjLc
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JAYGdHkDG
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHylBMO7WXw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKVVlryQPX
"What are you doing?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE3k4GfcHy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf7dPgMm5H
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ9ggVkQ3s
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UIBZLKQf3
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsHM080Ckj
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeNt8vGZOp
"You're an angel."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzahVvI7hsF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBjJzhi2AE
"..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShPrRAHXEn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HBQhsmM54
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KMCSbtavj
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQYE4ZHDvD
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RCOotxNDe
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UHZTi0vtt
There were very strange people in this city.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x8EMk8KHA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRH0Nv0lhX
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG1bwItyjk
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFva5bEzo3
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj6umQyDFT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNneZbbyUF
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJN3DzxFYw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGSIZDb6k2
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffEQZoT01G
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMmfJ5yS0H
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaL777RTuR
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZkG8AidMI
"Really?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptX76YdhHZ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H6tJwiX8b
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXFiCNWZAb
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd4bcIz2qg
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugW1NSu9p2
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5D00Kqc2l
"Yes! Let's do it!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwyvy4PqXn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMido0WVUi
"Fine by me."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrjT6dSu2G
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu5XEgeYSR
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRtBByD7Of
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7BZREHutC
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dVlXRHPDn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYFHjhut0Q
"Is something wrong?" I asked.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdABjiQdun5
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4ZPINgL6A
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMGUQVAiSY
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xPyirnjAo
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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKBuw1J9gD
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnm9mUVW0v
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmD0iU0a9L
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVgQScrPTr
"Is that so?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVlcSoo3Py
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF4pLhoLzN
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiiHcjmF29
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipbnlsm5oS
"Please, enter right here."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu05HpJjZb
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE75FpesVX
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyx0S9MHt8
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1suGHVn01
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ya8dMhHhy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42a8xtt32J
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6deTSWkxG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMODNeyaSOU
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT39vpoF85
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwglkeVC0G
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhULmgeLk4d
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqGZsre9Zy
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyxgpOEN9q
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z7i8SbpHw
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpSfTlLmWQ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDUAHEtvXb
"R-Right."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpshf9bR4sJ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxHtj8ahWo
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX14hRk33Y
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr8iPSsEv1
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujAqUohiUB
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXQn5sJq4w
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLN5MKfcKi
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFjCGFP8VI
I nodded.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsnhzBn7B0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3yVbbldma
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2BMcWGNQi
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP1ebDY5nf
I raised my hand.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJEliJHAHe
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrIEFi5uL4
"Yes, Kenny?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzXtLCGyAl
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0XHNhHuPJ
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKsDFfMppx
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTbh9oqTEW
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xuGOn1wjp
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHUX27lmRh
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvx1Z6DB2S
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz88bl4xKOv
"Allowed to brew?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1acHmnHBbf
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtmcC71ljN
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOsWpRzfHj
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOraDx1m9b2
"I see."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV38RwBwbX0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh2owgLfrX
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–165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAMLyz1XlJ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBiDjzqOQr
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cGcF2n84y
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNAV7wYRic
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6nrtTVY31
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l03NHsQby
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkdSXYbUZr
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupm7KzF7T6
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTidzO3Sq4z
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHD1Tu5one
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDquha2nBQT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSNyehrjK0
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXoETPftG1
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2OgAzRGlx
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8V7usFQK8
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXOo8ifGV4
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX7Bp8MLfs
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1QBMh7vtx
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh02wFMt68
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKNc60WGoz
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IiQhZGAvO
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5faTc1NpIu
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj3aaU3MLe
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla5XOfiO1E
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VZtNxbPJf
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5lSG0dDLn
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF3KhVcZJq
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtdTgW27wJ
"...Wow, this plan sucks."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z5enxLW5n
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWBAu2T9yu
"Kenny!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CWeUItuAu
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbfkKrF952
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonH8F9gbVX
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPci2exM75
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmuiTvgMSc
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOtpXnyjAs
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqENDXERmC
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLA9gWadcv
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs3FceZFm5
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUBgCSvDEV
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVKmdM9kKQ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFni6zvt567
I nodded, but something was bothering me.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpPGfUNAeV
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgAzNQOZXA
"Will the people really all come together?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vnq51XOwz
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ONzmgmiQK
Linda stepped in.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkF8oMOrZQ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo88UvV6vWO
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡietPnVgqT8
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOOuzul99C
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL7w4GFOdL
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6M1qYaBZk
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtebbffudY
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ8qYg8Hqd
"Mhm!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV99pakI7YL
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LauZZh8OW
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7kDyeikPP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhiArsHyQ1
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBTRPqYKbO
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckTr8EKmi0
–
–
–
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iEEuzTkRo
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF7ZMolj18
I was having second thoughts.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLDk6CFcvA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA3IAagPCx
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8D3btNUTG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJckbiHc4B
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?165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVIO5JJfVN
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffD2440VfN
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyUUuWFq6C
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp9LG9BcE0
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWL2fXJy5M
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljZi8uaOSo
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbGqFrcvkP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZriDT4xVjd
"..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEteQit7i6b
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsSC3Ja5MJ
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86LHOY6leo
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwLvbF0Lhr
Phew.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMEvt4Aavz
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SUalPsLpN
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBJ8BTD0b0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPt90AtZpe
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsMv9UZuOW
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQEahaRMmb
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYxLbSPC4x
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT2kM8ZYCw
"Huh?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOuIGZV5aU
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHHiOWK596
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf7F5Rf4lQ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEslMj5AayN
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGFrk1edkn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetQppDXO0n
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNDe1ybc6H
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RcF2T8wa0
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa1z9m3ZLZ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO6wh0Q24L
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdvKBp7b8v
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZfFNZ9OJI
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiwRte4IJg
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3bXKJ5sOL
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4aXM6zvoT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwPDucWI7M
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycZw5ZBVjp
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXhxphStqr
She looked suspicious of it.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXooQ9pASx5
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcFixV9oZU
"How do I know it's safe?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWNgFTvE74
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6R7kNWOVH
"I can drink it right now and prove it."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BCFexpNEL
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVAgnxJIgC
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzErVpyvYBK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFIIjqqPNd
"Fine. I'll try it."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrdgEu2LCp
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S7cenmPCb
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOu0TfXLVO
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp4oRjhicf
"...Okay, fine. It's good."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT40NsbDJfb
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rt1joucYr
Yes!165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPho7CnEAA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmRwDvWawX
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCphlE9h3Iz
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMxdjDpnW4
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljyuneFzBs
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH5eaFyG3D
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdvrBZTcQT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNXU5ctUUm
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ziWJKKy3M
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkhnFP5uet
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkae6HasPM6
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGI9pffdPr
"What are you doing?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTuPa5Nkyx
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQJ04oMvsq
"Passing the time."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc9jN2BsEY
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW78kvnUiL0
"By making fun of my face?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnQdUzOh3g
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby4SVmoZ9w
"I'm not making fun of you."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9akg1yfOER
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl5mYqXK4Q
She laughed a little.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMJTaExufn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl1Pizy2q0
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzWiqlpqqq
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEwNn57jEh
"Of course."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvzfeYxDJ2
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJoZIFh8KU
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FU6GTXrXv
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIWb1dzSKT
"How'd you two meet?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrYcFFbboF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppuqcvMcbk
"..."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqcaOyY0bS
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNtBuV7DcS
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
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