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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMURnXnAtH0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ0TF2W7vm
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRvDXKK0kk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKPwZgDmz5
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4tpI0BC03
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTuV6I8UOZ
"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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzjxUGrIP0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BREEeQdWg
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEAhfoGZ3j
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RrxoSGRPN
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsj8kdBqM0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdf1t23oEB
Flinty shrugged.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkZdP26QJ7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIGSRuL3mh
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI5u58AaXx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9l7VubSbP
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEpwIUIbqf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncf2XL47DC
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1om6Pag45
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP3q6leHvG
"Why don't we ask them?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47HbrK1Vtn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6oIAh9l8a
"Not a bad idea."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfDRWp1MqZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o51xqaviq
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?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVBdfztV76
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCfdLr5JVR
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0rBbGfNwc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQT9nPC9ET
"Wow, is this a farm?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qzNGoNo7S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC3DhK326H
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXbUeRtJDW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnOWi2zfrf
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkmZjajnIq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2IvQ2Qn7t
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngA7t1xW7J
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmfd8FSQRM
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTiCIwn2hZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpnDnJs9jk
"Uh, Flinty?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCj9EKklDW
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYgLTW6R6i
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"Kenny!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyApE9CX2EV
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4427nHnlU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53oFqUvGUG
"That dog's name is Kenny?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrZCXraPFW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIcIlCwNsb
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoGtvt1sse
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gBpKi3SfI
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5y1ZpbI76
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaXXts2iJ9
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUgn4rGuMJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo5bsKeFaY
"Okay."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cL79jHx1N
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBO2Er2ll8
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZxiHoU55S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXWhFutiEE
"H-Hey, that tickles..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzVkQtcurn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG66uuht64B
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF0erbaVtm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0KFgAhWVs
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws5vqIs1Ez
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXsMoWm8ch
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSQI2KU9mq
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKKx2z6NjX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkoTrFPmNb
"Vikky!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOmO2jWZac
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuC9j4LUzx
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXIZDxk6gI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwstNy3pwR
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiySSlfCnS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmWApQ4YTS
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaRu6DK7Ii
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PbCE9z1wt
She looked strangely amused.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nCtX8YAEp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qKZVaaJD6
"Full name? Alright."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNz7nhf8g9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE93wOS1ww
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFcesLj86v
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqPLXxJIUE
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzyNfWEdZU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCCBmjUX66
"Yes."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKN8rXnpcW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqujigIfa1Y
"Then let's get along."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0e7lBBb8G
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCugvTIz84K
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxLNcoEQD2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxLpr9TbyU
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1kjjkiD2X
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZEoFqrElu
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJymKnvh7CL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW0RSqAG14
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabSXE8Jzms
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvYPANgySX
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FR9ipqt1r
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzGrKSRg7f
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Ka0JimWf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAk4TUmZ0P
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRS8GBWnI5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd779aAPtiV
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib74VeNQ4b
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYowf8vLib
"What, why?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Aj6CU5DP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt2PsC5nDd
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d84b5GbjD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBYZODhwRx
"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..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvlvdZtzFG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtx0EnClps
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3632sQCI2x
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7KTBdWs69
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHWyYlfrso
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGqtiGUH5g
So that was what the lady from before was doing.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GI8IzJCfJ
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1dlCcxZos
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1U7xTylPJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszOEjbKzqH
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUBSUVxOc0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ERkxtd107
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmWYh4U7F5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dgeqGBppR
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyHJesCe5U
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxAuQTr3By
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT5JeMYIgO
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I made a grumpy face.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLwDlgF42M
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf9DpumWZs
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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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipl4pCRn9P
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxSBmlkrGy
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuqB4u0RsP
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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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0CZdU5Mfj
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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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD65eo7HvnG
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It's worth a try if nothing else.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmaaHWs8Kz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLBZzHQVkC
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX4WxSfBWt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC076LqmgHh
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbnSYFCTn8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIukqKkEYe
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRTZoiRKXn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RolU8V9q7
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF6PfFXF45
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"Yes."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNUW9NyUtj
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"Can I see the crops?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJJoWid3Mm
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"Uh, you can."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjQoAgvtYX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc8gNktzXX
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ZWJCJb8q
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yGytQBgnV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuStaqlIgk
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6Ag8jqdg
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Ug4tj7sv
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"W-What the hell is that!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR0JKK5pSv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqGGroEhBS
"It's Kenny's tendril!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHb9E8Skns
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMacqvbIyAE
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPKBeCGIzU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4AmrmmOp6
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NqiCy5zJ0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjg1BG6qcz
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.
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdBaY9YT9C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAwuDjxv8W
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrXGI8TbRw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZlu92f6T6
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPb2bklm6I
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI5UJGHu3F
"What are you doing?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZQHSUEoaC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmMcXeH0FI
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8v1dNf590
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHSLbyjctM
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNfsg8XMxj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nOa1Mey5W
"You're an angel."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTssDmJey53
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8auIKERgnp
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1F0LgZ4a2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRSxaqJFJb
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUEC96n8fq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2RjbCgMWg
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYYDjhyFF2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkelmKwW7KB
There were very strange people in this city.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqM6J5uht2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc32ga0vI1
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PHgpxt6aD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5qp8j7HrJ
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr0Bnubxsn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv9bkWrVwY
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQYIDoybk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxr9BcGEWD
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaqME72foE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i6qyhA0jD
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrDAGLBO2i
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQzZO7jVH9
"Really?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP5O0KH4jz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFFHuhnMDG
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU5Zp1s1Rs
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRrjhQtuN
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjHJlEmdft
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R5sw3WBat
"Yes! Let's do it!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFlpYQkZFF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5cPwHCHJY
"Fine by me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoFWiz1Uds
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuCEInqHOt
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE7ynU2X8y
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc68v11245z
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQdmIiYP44
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxATXlzLcGW
"Is something wrong?" I asked.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR7oF3r0k3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw5RhuXY54
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VtCmUVcYx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Mrd6MW1t
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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tl0ssiXCP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoV1HhE1iK
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt7ZMIa4zD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66xqjFRxFK
"Is that so?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr7iukq3CI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh3zudepTZ
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRjsjt4enI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzG994j6ry
"Please, enter right here."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrcUDoB2Gp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6PwACZTL9
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcXlPynLlK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu6VMeriE9
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEHg0bG67P
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUprqZXon2
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLJr55kDwW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznQdOEdNh7
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBfwvGKnrL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DmLhwY9SC
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FLzqcmoa6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cREOkSIrV
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTr3yIuiia
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6tE4Z1zdB
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGdHruhwSI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwHYNxl7jI
"R-Right."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WNSAMsBkU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9rApqGUlL
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAviWYU1TfW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7AFC8up8A
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81EruQIggt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi3WVctyCM
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiklFQvAZA6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKglbJYLKAQ
I nodded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziTtbg3y6n
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5nl4Bz0FQ
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJGL6PZZPX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbA1vIeJOW
I raised my hand.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeLNQ5XKfY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTj60INLEc
"Yes, Kenny?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNar2xjCt2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T4a4yURgG
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIAwLoAElT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJaI9vPHyN
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXahfk3p6Ao
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutlZhgOfuQ
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra4TBrllKO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszjiAds2OE
"Allowed to brew?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjFGAmn5Nr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ9cYnOsob
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynFlp9dIfB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KmXbG93jY
"I see."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTh7BOwa0K
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaPKmrKxnC
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–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNhCdM50ot
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPyq5dFTax
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwgN8GdZc5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuISGuyUTh
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXkuD2cImk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj69ZyA9jO1
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ut6gPQF92
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQho5Td0dg
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0UPBNGDch
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjRDL7fupa
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWQMjYSQrZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ2rcHtdVJ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU1SHUf0Sl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTePr7aO8od
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xddvUvRoo
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMV8yUSwNi
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCue1QyCEfU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRObQ3xVKGW
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3f5VRxZUe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89pI4BWoz5
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbB7DkxKY2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAtT6TbDEd
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2u2ot52eS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZRJpc5ONp
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGPqzpCJGf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMzxX6htww
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfadoOhClgp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ113wo74AcF
"...Wow, this plan sucks."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii1UJ8PfMR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiBE0sU7bg
"Kenny!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBKUmqPwCH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw3sllr8lb
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdsT3XT3jY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFZ1wwLJkG
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrnnjfLt7G
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoPfzEXRhu
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJfABNCis1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I5Ejb70ER
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK78kQnFpfD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKEcXaoT7E
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXX0Gb0oBW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquP6UIirn4
I nodded, but something was bothering me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBF8GSla3M
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1MWaw129E
"Will the people really all come together?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXgUKF1PxA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIfE83RBfp
Linda stepped in.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYuu6fEbYz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCCz6dtwtD
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITO6C2gdmL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBNxi426ZJ
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ663y8H4hTq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJuVnFGhns
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4u6yKy7MQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0oWcX1J4v
"Mhm!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKzZB1wFlZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xChdAz21Y
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUl63gzjoQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjKmY608qZ
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYuvQqSsFl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0exHkucfB
–
–
–
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gIQJUq8s8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbLGNQk0NM
I was having second thoughts.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeAUIiWKIA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNEbgKYe0V
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII9I9JRQgZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkVn5eo2cC
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?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOMeb7FGLM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6TxEiKAsm
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ehaefVLy0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy55EvTAZRO
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DntiTqiR3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl1TK3JREq
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg1nDtB8Y1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTCznwuz8o
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU9UAPRtuB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYpgzdnd62
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7QbEvHJGE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W3AqA6X1k
Phew.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPZvj5UtsZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WfRkQUB97
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWcQ27ugDo
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJN7ncUvLQ
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOWsiUabdI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPIk1mqvXz
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDdgcIlwOk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw98cRlbxju
"Huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8QGPmeMuE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMG7XRDI9a
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliiPJvgtiM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt09eTleuGu
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXBuFvyp09
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarfOIHA242
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh7SR1gIUv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao3SHJrXoQ
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGwctKwzJx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB82a162xMN
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBph0qy1yMh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4K1UIs7tZ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjEyZ7iot5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVDnQbYbJ
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HiLAuvncR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrteIRdR3ay
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lVoi39ZJZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VsySfyAqT
She looked suspicious of it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaLAiQE1EV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH4igbsUb8
"How do I know it's safe?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF5irGOHrw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15MBKtUFcF
"I can drink it right now and prove it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM8GqTGWvT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOhrGM6VzR
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCfPsRpJjV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIHeTffHDB
"Fine. I'll try it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUlsv0vtNP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirfym1q7WJ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rQq6Dui7M
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawaI7pXLm2
"...Okay, fine. It's good."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83a2lVpEGq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e2Bps4GSF
Yes!207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUkfZ6ldy5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R5Y8jV5VF
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVVifzpshp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8PxBlhwIj
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnDx6yXX4X
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlevDPyfazh
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVnNF9YHm8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95FmudlxYB
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rsv3krxxv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnufDkw32Ew
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKRMVZLeAO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvdrAt4kuW
"What are you doing?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiaKwUgNGM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc89C9lS3j
"Passing the time."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnhxfZH2pS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTVNeuzT0X
"By making fun of my face?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8KyqK0zy0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrPVdzWLux
"I'm not making fun of you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJE6FoOU0t
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT5GzlSeVB
She laughed a little.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtw4MJwXgY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoTaJYdk59
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruXL2V7lkV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrv7TrazLr
"Of course."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUy3x2pj38
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1FaDhvXdz
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GPDqTbfte
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLZG6A62XJ
"How'd you two meet?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6FleHrapi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD0lR1oFxr
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU3N9vt337
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONg5HM1UZ1
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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