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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhCw0mbKvS
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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?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYhguzDpcl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0kwXGjSDN
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUilTDT0zB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY2pvXJcja
"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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPtl4tmoLb
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6yl3R70ge
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ipvHscXy
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Flinty shrugged.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7skwVrent
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0L12cfax1
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA9YULYcwI
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5VhmigsEV
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"Why don't we ask them?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjQuIWDg1W
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"Not a bad idea."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgPoNF4RS8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg95vUFoO2
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?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwi5PDyhTa
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD0NYLv5PD
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIBPj4tC1a
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"Wow, is this a farm?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJp1SlWg2d
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gzCDRjqk5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cpwWqIgpX
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAefCLOH1b
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtca1XZYw21
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAeFdUJELN
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"Uh, Flinty?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQS1wQiKzk
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb9XdblfuF
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"Kenny!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ILkPZCsMh
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE5xAOzR5O
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dtRhcwd34
"That dog's name is Kenny?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit5P6VwLuh
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylLLob5tyZ
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosJmXGlPEP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG1QxpNzQC
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA4gCjIByY
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"Okay."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyIWXOIP4W
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYzl59j8VW
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P9ebQDFnW
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOKbK4Hk6K
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVWu8Mw5n2
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzM0Ge0mrb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYYvtcS0ml
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXbDN1TMwT
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"Vikky!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudQHxaSuNj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmFW1qQuuE
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplwiJwyc1d
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeoC5HSIOW
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE49Qs4sWC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWedxwwX84
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uTxsRMjxW
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She looked strangely amused.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQd2zi1icQ
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"Full name? Alright."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8Z6kAgTBI
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKczdSFt8B
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyiDN7pquT
"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?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfVuDaYsCG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QVRawYSpU
"Yes."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIykagab4Zk
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"Then let's get along."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNHlDDLobV
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j5S2MA68f
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVLCXxXrZP
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEKlHQk5XA
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mEOJeuXEC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcazaX0Go2N
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkEtiyJFYu
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaW4WtPnIo
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCOtuQeCkm
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7CE8hTKz3
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"What, why?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucmi2LpwGh
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4rVyl2yjY
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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..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn727J6O5zH
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy9mBZ2gRN
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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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS68dEboRGQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tunwLtNqf
So that was what the lady from before was doing.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80KLMGk6Em
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5EtJaH5Ln
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgZ4C0CglP
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xADLy06KT
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CvZzeoQvD
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdtzPBZLed
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFEcrVAADU
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4snq4qOMEP
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I made a grumpy face.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw3EjQuGyR
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioQiPdSGgu
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWfVK4GM7p
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWiDcPBbVQ
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvOY8IBXaf
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EP8IcjCVy
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It's worth a try if nothing else.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD6fWXOzLI
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4wKQULP1J
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11yudsoCAU
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhQVpMgRu6
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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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEjC3ZRcM8
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq216w96w2V
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"Yes."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCSnoNyg20
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"Can I see the crops?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOJ3yyYn7a
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"Uh, you can."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRbilPIU23
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaLMNBdP36
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGauLDHlSXL
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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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHARt5DBOv
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK98ILrpqF
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"W-What the hell is that!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46dbKWXUsS
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5izeYxEo4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVv9NyaVHR
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsXGWyRiFx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAWgdQkXug
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWwiI7JIxv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKuIr3BU78
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.
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvm7jRTkJg
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab1ipZpR44
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0LdvukJVu
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9lMI2JUv9
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2RMo8S8X4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ339qGWATte
"What are you doing?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRQNRVQtPI
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxEmS3Xjpe
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVnZmm6DQH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAINnEtJCX
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnbhTWdWij
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFpCbH1C75
"You're an angel."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm6AbWYnMb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGiEJwap2a
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JAByDbW7l
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKguIB7WVZ5
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoKTGyM1HU
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDWgxFtdBn
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL6xwv6G4n
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYbxiV6W35
There were very strange people in this city.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVllTxC83E3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1rjTWPSPv
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurx7WU342V
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzrpL540rc
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuBlc50dKB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xxQUxKmnh
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpDMNq0MKI
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dq6g4bVJl
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl6PKXLSfr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNGi4GOaUY
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSplptSFQLn
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHU4WHVVbL
"Really?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXhLMqLG37
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTN9RWKRRD
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNGZCoqMYq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JEn8oDvDs
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHehJFpL6v
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ODYj1zFTx
"Yes! Let's do it!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYn6nqEr6D
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTRHUMSBYg
"Fine by me."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa5z9xqMJO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70pern5gDS
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmtf7q734f
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCbjW4X7KU
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ865uIV60bP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSe5EciOmv
"Is something wrong?" I asked.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOXPgJ49PB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68a3vTMJzB
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FWDZKoGOC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpjKBVG90J
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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15xl7jVn1O
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKG2rbUFqi
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cFO6dYQC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQJcUQiY7n
"Is that so?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCqXOn1IME
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiymV2JmhRL
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2kwjDDAj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf61n80sBd2
"Please, enter right here."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWBEpgLn05
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiVwi6vE3z
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyh26iMZDx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxCI2Bmg89
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT1vBqJkEW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru6dXSznTV
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLgJe2vDII
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAIAvZJIMe
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzRMD78qAq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyChreipt2
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81ylme6ALl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjRcMc5SV5
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcfyVsl6Oh
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKkAmYDR2m
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzBedXc6lE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA6BE6MyGF
"R-Right."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa1mTxAm7I
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWbl7f1Czm
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf1H1DjrtS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TqRkOK6QL
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6sgAtfcu9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0XUMS73oZ
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhLdh47oId
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVojRbCm0tJ
I nodded.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtICDr8YOrS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9phtZYecQ8
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ7fUnE6eb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDjbV38xPr
I raised my hand.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNotnYtXMs
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea5FWveDtp
"Yes, Kenny?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMHFRaUzA8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuNcQeGy36
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTcPJVoZHj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5xqgj7FzT
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo4XiD98sq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABLOJoMm8O
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUZq9F4dQE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5nfCTvhfW
"Allowed to brew?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7m7DNSo4f
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT2WJeGCag
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlXHloLOkH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUECWU2UQYr
"I see."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8LV3X2JLf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvMRtkyB9h
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–156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdxYkfDHof
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYzwQpK60G
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY2GtF7zUH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLlaL3YxNI
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfaZq2lQGZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheMre316Jc
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxDuAT2Rk2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xYn5wLvYc
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8mTwSekY0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gAJWbxj4j
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fOest4Wxe
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhBtyDy8ms
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg9uZHou9N
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL7G6Yk2EL
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YVli8zsMx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGRW344qMJ
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiCH31Ctov
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvK4ijdTLL
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv9PHqs1gW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5MSvnE8T
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b07Mu3MsA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9njWgL2Bb5
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFQYJIT7cL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKwChapcSJ
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswjr15Fwp8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAahZVPTjK
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLhrluBc3b
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJLhdw7sfe
"...Wow, this plan sucks."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZW4GgVFgP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5IkloC6tk
"Kenny!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNawPxU9FkT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaNLYFbu2C
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSeG3huamp
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOZm0c4WY0
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6b7rE7rFC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dUIbkB89I
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wvOX0o2m0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT35iax194
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7p1YJqToY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrKs9vh8EI
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A26r8d7zK
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWskSK8VJwI
I nodded, but something was bothering me.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXPlGQMsLe
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk4kkdJRor
"Will the people really all come together?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOvKMjHVTm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iC7nzcelJ
Linda stepped in.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiLIbGac9n
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEZ4DTsR2N
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWS8ddKM8q
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdt8LmUYXr
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXBCpqXi9S
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaRri4kyq2
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9taTiVFzc
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWldSqGbJ0M
"Mhm!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hI0aaXEu8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYI99op5B9
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi8VdUA1qw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ8vGDvASM
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7kWyol9rd
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl9DW2OogY
–
–
–
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yxuc1z8d2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IbWmrazcv
I was having second thoughts.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3gjhCMzWC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6d9n2UJaz
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOYPcmc1MG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IgbOppJCC
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?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEH9bjvDpw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKv60FPN1f
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtPAbTCv1A
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQlYDLPrBP
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9NTu8pb7r
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VRW4K5FuN
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDElq3z0xs
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aOcl5EyEo
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOK4vjTtZ7
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m6eoivE1H
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfNA16cBS8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsE30Libhy
Phew.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVEQ76W5GT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9edmeYddDr
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhSdC0yhNH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5jotwVij3
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xZJSXj3nS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHelhemWVbj
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4asnt5H5mg
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LkodwmEjl
"Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogxAv08PWT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tym3CBI5E
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmf6XFDadI
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehLypcLmw7
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOUkNRvzQQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOsRTC27KF
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVESH9rRkJ0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6ZAIxlGQN
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNMImJaxkM
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUcbIB1Mv
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSvYDpHdFP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS59Muplnx6
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZvZnAq8F7
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIOXEG5quv
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqShr0Vqt24
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPAtkG3vMu
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dEkDpkfHB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpJoMQPhfE
She looked suspicious of it.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUL08CNurM
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp2Z600AI3
"How do I know it's safe?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAVZStCUa4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTHrNOF5T7
"I can drink it right now and prove it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmTiEotcNC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU98BRIQEM
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiKn2jmqaT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxbopiVruM
"Fine. I'll try it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ52PEmgjkL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqslEzW1nR
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BZ9xSyZir
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVLpS6qS3d
"...Okay, fine. It's good."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9EjkjloOm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXs3ll9gwh
Yes!156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky7MKCBITR
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhUmFCZESk
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaETSo16Rt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCLaBgSkzU
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp6MyPIin7
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SbONMsI2y
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqR741IH05
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRArii0K6tj
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRFMVQS7AK
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJH2a9NMlh
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz4J4oUBke
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7C8JGrYKi
"What are you doing?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfoQ5vYRZL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN0BiDDQg6
"Passing the time."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y5rsxbdnk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMaUDQLBR4
"By making fun of my face?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wTcRrA4Tf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRH3itasfG
"I'm not making fun of you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAkowk2gfj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFssGFndvKR
She laughed a little.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCxweDGzDR
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYooeN4LSQ6
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7di7axUqt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQd09Z91l4
"Of course."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIabZfWHsX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIbRTf7ISR
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbLVwFkq6H
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSZtzehP4S
"How'd you two meet?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa3bJLX0ur
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2729YQoRK3
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp1JAmr35c
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A0vyfVPGr
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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