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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3l2ncaWM8
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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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDmHIcF1MK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEShxdNXZF
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDQupPwPPa
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8vPX4zNWb
"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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJDSwMALAf
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhThOrws3ul
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG8oJfnaNu
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Flinty shrugged.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRFZ4aDZTK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbYtza84KV
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwxxubTvrf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfTOFoKn8K
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Gh2FdUwA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ61N5epxk
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JPjQ1IzYk
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLMHsnjXBL
"Why don't we ask them?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSA0MrXFx3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQKfsDSgnK
"Not a bad idea."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NZXCjZZJ2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXj0hI2oJf
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?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZS2EVWKZN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenPmgukNuQ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf5zZWYLSx
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"Wow, is this a farm?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjR9ET9uVX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTD7bMcv7N
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedOgTh8pyw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapzYTSnukc
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ujyix93Up
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFabbR7XOeo
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsz7D2kUQv
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"Uh, Flinty?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64X5Fozlgl
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjETZGnlty
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"Kenny!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56qNOq3XBf
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93tlG7T5HR
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fr5ba1P7N
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JvEwauKUO
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63VsJKa9kq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcyObg0caw
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH4VufIWd0
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"Okay."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdBr60ztQK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwHPBdYSFO
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl6EXPm8kP
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7uBU85T4J
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmhbGn50Q5
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaRjl5SbRN
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wvt4slir
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TEN9bEZ9l
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHdNWpQsPA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh533q20rQQ
"Vikky!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ986GHzdDQz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sipjhINhQ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3dkpRtBNd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui1q16mi3C
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BdD1b6dg8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru6AGOXNnO
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb5kQv7E3F
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She looked strangely amused.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcqMWIpk4Q
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"Full name? Alright."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OEGQ9flbs
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjNTzCUS67
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2PrnRrdFw
"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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMdkeBz13H
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNWAu1v5b0
"Yes."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6cirPqefF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALMuvzmiX6
"Then let's get along."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODhHu1Hh6Z
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzN69o2Pyj
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsAJwZDtrC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEQ4kaJj0V
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4uKDBAqT6
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hYXWhtNKY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT483qrkQ18
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTCAjvjVo0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoFCTidCd2
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvecSisVYRg
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumGW1tB7jC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOIFS8vPZZ
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VJfiT7xU8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERnj9wNKLm
"What, why?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpuGabiAWl
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRADy0VwRj
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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..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jOrfROtSL
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlfLDYo2sJ
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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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJXzpFm7Dc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia54otYPMN
So that was what the lady from before was doing.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZpzWA7r8Z
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmg2qn222j
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTACkE08g7q
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBugu7RznUQ
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiNnrNgK0Y
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnB5vd1E0Y
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1PqnHJ9W7
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzb9RBQTlC
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I made a grumpy face.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7mBiyUGHt
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cnWZy6lX9
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ym0JJl2Kl
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44nI5rcBfJ
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgw0CXLt9A
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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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFvzwtEKpW
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It's worth a try if nothing else.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aL2X0DoOr
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwXw359RVZ
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVhQAwPTX7
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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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRfCR6u0xO
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZRnhCaGgr
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"Yes."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzSo0dO153
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"Can I see the crops?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUQGbrOSdE
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"Uh, you can."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyQhd2h7WJ
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPR3y8u25T
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeWmBOnml9
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4TWzjesW4
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkfIiawoD2
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"W-What the hell is that!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT8d1RYjuF
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIt6WGiO9N
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ911dwiszYI
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmnXpX5yBz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMEgWPkRMv
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozWPbK45AJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G0WXC6y7g
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.
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3fN4jebEQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AgOqSoqYv
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOXbboLsQ6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3HF2yXD3q
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI5pBiuU3a
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBnHkLq3q0
"What are you doing?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBwk3Ee3Hj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7hFbcpIf1
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFwdOAFGMM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9khdX5sSrt
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7RmobEdn9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRKRoTLC2g
"You're an angel."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOQPQl8bil
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbXKCaXFxz
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvWKhhitUl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv1HhflWd1
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuprUvrTRYP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGFyGDvoiK
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNnHP4PbNg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUh4y7n6q0
There were very strange people in this city.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl3Cl0qzvx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8vymBS1jn
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaTcwqUhfV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH6KU2ZuGg
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeLgbd94Gb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPUepv7awQ
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziOOHZO24Y
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVn1cocwj5
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb21dSO2wJX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoQbhDN2WD
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPDe3y8XHZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi5C2Naffb
"Really?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPdoPj4rV7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S3sg7rLyL
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIpgqxuL7s
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalod9nvzVY
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyCwThXNpF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbFNlXdH8Y
"Yes! Let's do it!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenYYUh0p9I
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopUyGb2XlU
"Fine by me."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH3E12K2E0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fOjkZIfM5
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbFKdwlm36
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5kbXErSgu
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj5kzaGoTu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3xvK0YybO
"Is something wrong?" I asked.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NibYD7und
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3M4Bo53LI
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxF0YScaUc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn49OCofI1
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpaYQxvfeJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvk9ScOSL9
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagLG5ATc3Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRDSkhsBSo
"Is that so?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKEbnNHYmV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicVHJXGYQ5
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEeVqoicLZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpctFvAUqTx
"Please, enter right here."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi10kvAJAwD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9V5JJwB0z
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz33C17GbZ9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhaQjFNTLP
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfBYAIOI0f
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh75A5Aqaku
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlIzpfrVGi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJv0fwB9x4
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAVZ0Ry0jf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf61zXl0r4z
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uzsKY0Kv6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WXxKpFvhr
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEOm6OfkJ7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH1lUcl3eN
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGKbq1WCCj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtfWvvxrr0
"R-Right."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwiX0TL4IC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiMPJAuVNt
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuTEJA758z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZFgHdvPDD
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtREio5oZd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp0rIt7zzW
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzsuGn3pF3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaJYaMSKHh
I nodded.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIaTHFJ1a4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54wAHcBftD
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAWfLTnRMX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsGgNemm6Y
I raised my hand.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YXwj3X1FW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnE3a68bH1
"Yes, Kenny?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ8KfWftMP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvVnvGj9sA
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP4lZi2MwS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBL1Mh3aj9
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9GP45hf6j
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9WAClmha1
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyGgX6opTW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs0d6W2TLV
"Allowed to brew?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo8HMylGpu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNESnzJM3o
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCFy1lxcZt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAz885S7pV
"I see."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55AInYVASZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6o0Sgnqdd
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PH153VTCt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rOyCxfQfk
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYcAg4nSU9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJWi63TBf4
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamdgLZ82e5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMT7XnPeDZ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM0uaHLvs9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6tPcrqzzO
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebu2H1z3tu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTzzTVyD3d
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv9XgYHWYC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07dgmV12wt
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtmVlMiawV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZsHut2qav
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQXyW5X4se
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEtyxFgka3
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvun1J1940
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vGfTnZa5z
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshbD2FdTFs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyISt6pUFPq
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKqijxI1fM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKb5gqH3KW
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYgYwwewuW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqpb47inzk
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU4rXQvPY0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo4fSyY7Gi
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyW8hxqxLQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEgJUm7j1L
"...Wow, this plan sucks."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxAK6fW2no
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rPuNxzlRg
"Kenny!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1dkbPpKvf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlO027mY2C
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK0c1jd9BS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyhwjfwUns
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37gCJ8xefD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7abOUoLMI
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTGTV10ahE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CWYxPUz3m
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiG5zWx1JF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dlZBScost
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8T70pHDRx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfGnFeBWwn
I nodded, but something was bothering me.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yEOWAlgbW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxJRIE9i0D
"Will the people really all come together?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPPwbYt6gY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZgB7ivvMb
Linda stepped in.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8rNPFnjPU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGRhFe44rr
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqaVwfJByL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4FwyOk43Y
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRvDJsDz58
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b9zHlJSgQ
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblJO8Kf0qO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgAyeBZUGS
"Mhm!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VVhiiwoyX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tI90XlgVE
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HIlrmxtvQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoHBckDRGf
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStiDvarsmT
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qWWVTHrv0
–
–
–
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxoo8oN94f
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QCtiFR2zs
I was having second thoughts.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUNkSJO6zG
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykjTWyxgep
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UzMfxBS1f
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM5ZvQrDPC
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?192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwldfTq0Dw2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKxp64Jp12
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKX70eXM8D
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eRLzJtfdf
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk6UFl4md1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62zS5e2gHk
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfrozAh572
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRHLCUMuRo
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU1YLn5Fxi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B61tJVt0d
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EscPlsyVJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1R8yRyqOb
Phew.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RHYTFodRg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUKuC2seX5
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmS8gdzn2k
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94JnNgP1Vy
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0dMlP4dP3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBJAlKD2mX
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBBy10vCFU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtysS8i1NnW
"Huh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BKvtSvMJy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG2YmaGupW
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIJleWeoGE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcEX8G7vDG
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45RNAI14D0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaEaoFjs1w
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSkktvtTVx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTO6M3CmJG
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9WN9WLFeN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH9JomkBrB
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYAzbTDSWU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEl6wsaX8e
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwNqjQsgl3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6suBXx9Rk
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VSPMRBmVl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamjY3i1wSM
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb9nPVmNN7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2rJ3Xqp5b
She looked suspicious of it.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpPZZf4i5z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnP3S1CSQy
"How do I know it's safe?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbyRVfPm5s
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyieieK7Jtw
"I can drink it right now and prove it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvFj3y9I1D
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NI4e9h9Eo
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Fg24z8WO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRG310XNjW
"Fine. I'll try it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iXK6Nsn0r
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWnYhgMgXi
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqnxr7WD1T
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYlxtdxrZV
"...Okay, fine. It's good."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6V2Fr9swD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbx1nqL9pK
Yes!192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35vUFG7iKu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPftu3wEad
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozmaxys6xI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6PZ4SQCD
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Iwa59MIX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxSRG7UWMW
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwXFB4nrm5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kNPUBIYQM
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha6cmCj2I7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDefGJbwn1
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58sbJIvELy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMgbKWdvqq
"What are you doing?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyZBW324BO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UlKhQgh2J
"Passing the time."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw26rviNoV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lSx6LUTAH
"By making fun of my face?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJggmMzZFPf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iezCMswb2
"I'm not making fun of you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRKTFbcCtM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p6SVvPVo9
She laughed a little.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcySxcj1L44
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeLqEliF52
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4ZMZBOgzY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6l0g3o6yY
"Of course."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzpLipabv6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ies4C34X
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfybqK3B68V
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY2sOGhaJb
"How'd you two meet?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsCvXmFiEe
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94AZ3MJrLW
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DDgMyWkLx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9seWUHa0p
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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