I couldn't even take comfort in the fact that the woman was surprised to see me, too. Even Flinty wasn't that surprised. But I was standing there agape and looking like a moron. I shook my head and slapped my cheeks.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAprIMzWWWP
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI6TNudL6g
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR7PPkBwMr
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz6HAtu80A
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAPPRLyjNX
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2anLBlc2u
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW9pH9IT1c
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3FyOLh5ae
"I helped the bartender deal with the rowdy customers after you paid for my drink. By the time I was finished, one of your friends came and asked for help. I couldn't just say no."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhMzttdkjC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqp3lUhlMQ
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2jurZdJaz
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCATFa0Oial
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezuyXjCg7Q
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxVX3ZTECI
"...Sure."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0V5O4vUgV
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlQ4pHUV2S
She offered a hand. I sighed and reluctantly took it. Well, I guess if she was willing to help when it got so late, she couldn't be a bad person, right?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAudFOlWob
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkN7EVveHR
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgacUC0iCc
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg4EEmrFmz
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynSPukZpSm
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sv38fndB6
Kim, Flinty, and I all sat at the circular table while Victoria and her mother left. I couldn't get a word to come out of my mouth, but Flinty was happily chatting with Kim. They were talking about the situation at first, then Flinty moved on to talking about how nice her cloak was. I didn't understand at all, how a conversation could steer in that direction so quickly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaZrBVI5tW
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cMLRPEHJR
As I complained, Victoria and Linda came back with a bunch of glasses of milk. It was warm, too, which I appreciated. I gulped it all down and continued sitting in silence as the women talked.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUDUjLbfTc
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZWcxzZFEA
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPW3ze7NI2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjoBSYf4hD
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT75PJdpL5
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFVzryfyFx
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dt0rACtZ1
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjezmTxlaw
"Wait, what!?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEczJS9m3il
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCXWEcgXRE
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yASn6FEq2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXavMQQ9ijE
"Why not me?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYvJBB92wy
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIVIOlj88h
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDIDs45BNX
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl41E3twyI
I wasn't going to mention how I didn't have much experience fighting. I was hung on the implication that Victoria of all people had some.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE92aoKax58
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRqYd1sV0l
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYjyOO41W4
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsjjydGFHb
No, you didn't.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1NdNfR6g7
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8UjSDYpi5
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJdAwRaVy8
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kiLZl82Yw
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPjHOjOlj7
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sq8kCBSDG
"Huh?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYfF8C4ZuP
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXCZA6Po40
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaZUIAenhT
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ZXxTu2kx
"Uh... Well, Linda, if you're so sure of mine and Victoria's capabilities, why not let Flinty come along anyway? She might prove to be a valuable asset in other means."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWdxo0GTzc
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7exn1SCGjJ
"Mhm!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NufMjonvt
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuW42FeLfA
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uBHwHMS4m
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlml3mDgqhX
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkO4dKllxL
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQqTxtI8uQ
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1AmtpyW76
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0InJwHuJhY
"...Fine."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS3aBCXbtr
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Odqoba8qY
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ANnDcdWSN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenL46RE5vc
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfODjuotZM
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uc63v0ZAp
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF7FwYRb1x
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkZgV1EMVf
"Right in this room," Victoria said, "This is where all the guests sleep. I'll make sure to wake you up early, so get to sleep quick!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzlglewry
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFWoYrewTx
Kim and Flinty nodded. They stood up and stretched. Flinty left first to wash herself and all that other routine night care. Linda and Victoria left the room. I wanted to ask Victoria if she had combat experience before, or if she was a magician or something, but I missed my chance. Worst of all though, I was now in the room alone with Kim.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItvx0ZSYhN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYRT66BJCc
Fortunately, she just waited by the side of her bed and didn't talk to me. I was happy for a minute before I remembered the assessment I made not even ten minutes ago. At the very least, I should try to talk to her, shouldn't I? So, I slowly got up and robotically marched to her location. Even through her cloak, I could tell that she was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWtBaYtItA
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9U062bXuc
"Is there... something you need?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbznIoxJFS
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBvO8WcWHY
"Hi. I wanted to get to know you better because... yes, because it's a good idea since we're going on a mission tomorrow."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bhwSYo8IY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SXNZWvYvr
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgPSCP30Mb
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVSfQrbTGh
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFdYp8sDNW
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfXItlSs8P
I took a seat beside the bed next to hers. Scratching my chin, I thought of a conversation topic and blurted the first one that came to my mind.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHUffS9dhC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9LivV1Kot
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQRptR3I98
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIVgQF7xXN
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLm1RR2Az2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRi7kKYOJz
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IDuKDQrei
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97RUJtaEVO
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd6KUnbvaC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUmR26B5Lg
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxklAUrY8op
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT31lQh9LgC
She giggled a little. Creepy.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo1BqS31Ds
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oKB0reBys
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFiVbENTrv
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9qUYJOPpM
"..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHYH7T2LX7
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUWiQ2zIvH
What?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzJwB3D0dr
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tIXZrxhzr
I didn't think that's what she would say. She could tell I didn't think that, I made it obvious. I struggled to even respond to that. My heart sank even deeper than before. She noticed that, and suddenly became frantic.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tQLPuvEMn
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO5Sg11QPd
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRETlBvnI5M
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27FvneQH1u
"O-Oh..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqplNVCRsFC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlzphSabLU
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO941kxbeqG
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOksN25prB
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7p93wgRnW
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB1PDUCK34
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5KuVLH5fg
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmkswClivJ
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunj2GcekfU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVT1ijAEDq
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYfRcFk9l4
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvihlPIlCA5
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1jt69ZavF
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy8bfKGWSJ
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7JrHDrwTX
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nIHwEQ2ph
But, can I really help myself? So many people have been telling me how great I am. It's bound to get to me eventually.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEwdWpUr3k
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfvPOPG3jD
"You're an exceptional kid, that's for sure. I've already heard a few rumors regarding a boy who froze an entire block, and I knew that it was you when I heard them."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw7vSV9bCp
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DbZoSewKC
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OMiWSHvao
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoy03mzG2W
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWXwx8WQmQ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a7uOFJEoR
"You can't weasel out of this one. It became front-page news. Not everyone knows your face of course, or your name, but they know the boy, and they know his attire."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPq7xmIFgK
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnpBvhoOuT
Front-page news!?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOapvaInTrC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q3PNsPH4b
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL0GbHP2wa
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ag8zEIky3
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI4vZtV8qS
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZO5uv82gF
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyEJUHivD5
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gJkDYofBF
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJSKzFuVW9
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHYdjIsJiz
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCSIL4Iixx
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrrfWIDm0e
"No, I don't."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK99LmZUgD0
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT5620vEiL
She answered with a straight face. Phew. She must've just had some insider knowledge, then. If I had the whole city looking at me like the people in the meeting, then I'd probably run out of here. Wait.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wslONiTOF
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoolooDphfU
"If you have any influence over the news in this city, please, please don't let them publish that! Or at least omit any descriptions of my appearance!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR2DYBaaGU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3iCMXOaCq
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBqLHzXzsw
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQid4y93ljn
"Thank you."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIaaD9OYfd
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ571XYRvRPp
Our conversation stopped there, and though I wanted to continue it, I couldn't think of a new topic. It didn't matter though, because Flinty returned to the room. Kim stood up and left to do her night-care routine. Flinty say down at the bed parallel to the one I was on.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaxcodPHBs
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ5oHTpUOZ
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRAucQZ222
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyzUr2r0am
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ykc4x4n1
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1C1fvgJvD
"Oh."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTSQ5Fv6g2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2th2uQhxT
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwZXF9edtb
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCGB0WZYxA
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDuXFos3ff
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaOSJwoMeF
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfzkMsiHSN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgzXh864BX
Her face froze. I sighed.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9jVphwr7C
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY2cZMRklH
"I-I'll do it in the morning."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWMsylAhY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtotxpliCrx
"Good luck."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDdoD13yIr
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRdRcUpMlW
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYPdbnhDBm
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AaCi3RXpr
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrzNxeqH5a
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUtgu63JdL
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKteEYEa7do
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHtgyq3Op2
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Rd3SQJj6
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz498cIVvZ
I nodded, agreeing with her assessment. Flinty picked up the magic book back and conversation ceased. I stood up and laid on the bed next to hers. Kim returned to the room. Flinty explained her plan to her, and she calmly agreed to it. We were ready to go to sleep.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqp2O9mbjp
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AnAVPrZna
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYydnw0cV0p
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiTadTwo8m
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjriyILfLL
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6utjUdI8S
"Going to what?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HqYX2F3Ap
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPUWWSz2Vn
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXNAQPW1x7
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenmzf1sdbH
"Huh? Wash myself?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkju5HDPyc
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqnjGwB2fy
"Yes. Like we did."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgUabr8N0e
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI1VHYcM6F
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzXfsqh4BG
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqaHQ0ZQ6G
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk7GlWwQ8c
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIQjII9hTv
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPdHly9zDv
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhRZJ6xRiu
"Oh, then that makes sense," Flinty said. "But, I thought you didn't do it just because you were tired, or because you were in a new place."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EkAg26YIY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5rFidgZme
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vZ85AGdfl
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25xB94L1YQ
"Buffalo Village."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eQHICY6dw
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s5AUU6L1F
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3zn0c2kOZ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK4wbLDa2H
"Really? I didn't know that."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzPRyEyLKn
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcctIkaq5cP
Kim looked like she was smiling.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuapjbapXG
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe8pnhpCKj
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCffLHgCKKF
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt0owqx2Hx
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGObIKEw3k
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gO3Aozj4t
"Anyway, Kenny, go wash yourself. I'm not sleeping in the same room if you don't, and I won't be leaving here either."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW9gYdqFAH
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu1DemIaOC
"Fine, fine."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaBbDzLoPe
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsrcx4lJsd
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfdmXhhO8v
"..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjTjhQSYR2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIajqKNdUq
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltIB5cfaRv
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QGneL0NBl
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX3jEDKebK
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAUVdURK4z
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpQuUzvaOP
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMkfFM66PE
–
–
–
"...Mmm."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIGoWt7tZB
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIw7oQ1qGc
I woke up feeling slightly groggy. Last night's search for the restroom was a lot longer than it should've been. By the time I was done, I had to tiptoe to my bed to not wake up Flinty and Kim.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1NhZpy8aL
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssivkqKkFo
I yawned. Judging from the sky out the window, dawn just came. Surprisingly, Victoria wasn't here banging on a pot and yelling. I must've woken up early.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSwYYZTefM
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3r36zukQc
I looked at the bed to my right. Flinty was missing. Worry rushed through my blood for a second before I realized that she was probably just outside. But no, I was wrong. Flinty on the ground, facing the wall, doing something I could've never guessed.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpJJvKn3kE
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QRBt9Vj1j
She was making balls of water. I could tell that she was drenched. She took her vest off and laid it on the empty bed, likely to dry it. The ball of water she was holding failed and blew up. But, considering the last time I saw her use magic, she was doing incredible. Not only was it a modest size so as to not consume so much mana, but she also held it for five seconds. I got out of my bed and walked up to her, grabbing my coat and putting it on along the way.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLpNpuTVq5
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57uiDMyaBG
"Wow, you're hard at work."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbmChmH0y4
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW1TXRanXx
"Ah!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvqBOUPmHY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKd5h3Cpho
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHImBTlhjOB
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidWHEPjIOR
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIPTk9RSTx
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpIs1BAIDh
"I don't think so... what time is it?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0TOK0KkwV
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylAsZdSpO2
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nJIdgojAN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqD5WbXWKj
I sat beside her. She stuck both of her hands out, closed her eyes, and performed mana expulsion. A water ball manifested from thin air. She furrowed her brows, and I could hear soft grunts. Eight seconds passed before the ball erupted.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KndtZNCyD
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHhcuRrBhp
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLktI3vf0AM
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1dPZcMiMJ
She jumped up ecstatically, celebrating her results. I was proud too. This growth was by no means shabby, especially since this is her second time even attempting magic.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl6xktnjdH
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85hFm8wYmG
I did regret sitting beside her, though.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneqqPBSctL
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65UUZl1Glu
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgopW5NFDA2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuN4wbuhHo
"It's alright. I'll go dry off in the sun. But before I leave, let me give you your first... let's call it a goal."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETScKZ06eK
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUENtURtl8n
Flinty looked at me with excitement.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFPKdTcCiz
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAHFY7RaJW
"A goal?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9BMEGJGSL
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolfAsAoOzO
"Yes. Not one that you need to do right now of course, but one I think you can reach by yourself before we start lessons. Try holding a water ball for ten seconds with your eyes open."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bEP6jj0uM
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqIUFIZcjx
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLLiP0JiKR
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVp1JT1jRD
"Okay, I'll do my best!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOC8H5JKri
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTAB6iDIUB
That's what I like to hear. Flinty is such a good student. She was talking nonsense last night. I got up and left the living quarters then exited the farmhouse. I was at the side where the fences were. The dogs and farm animals were eating their food. I thought of sneaking up on the puppies and petting them, but something else caught my attention. Linda was by the pens, washing and hang-drying various clothes.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR8BWFZtLC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XcspCudvO
Wasn't this a little too early? Not even the most dedicated washing machines in Buffalo Village woke up at six to do their job. Well, since we were both out, I figured I might as well greet her. So, I ran over.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fwaOS9ZLO
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDo4AweYbU
"Good morning, Linda!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RktuSdA34
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmYYxqiPZy
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi86amTzbvQ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcv7QqhGQg
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZJchrv8AE
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGCuw9DtYt
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zv1ElzDAA
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2tRyHxYUL
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwcWaVvfxi
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMf7DnTjMz
Friday? Today is Friday?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUzvENVLxD
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxtvJeeSky
I lost all track of time ever since the carriage incident. I didn't even know what day it was that it happened, let alone what time of the year it is.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm7bqysU0n
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj24R4iYgJl
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX6j9kHspY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuskT9ScDa0
She looked at me curiously before answering.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVlBvncjf6
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jL3lHjtee
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW08oq0t62a
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNUUeprp8E
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHIdP9LezQ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNekrgQQxK
If it was July, then that means a month and a half passed since I left buffalo village. That is, if my memory is serving me well.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgmmm2GOMB
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIXlnuSN5D
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj7DWaOILa
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTh4IujbXv
"To whom? Those at your home village?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr1HNQTWdU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmExasxsjGy
"Yes. All the chaos that occurred when I arrived here put writing a letter at the bottom of my priority bracket. That was silly of me."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDFQaPbdHN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y5HNumktA
She lightly smiled.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt9pNYUUcW
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuYZamdekr
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLw2ZgFJES
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO6uB2Rw6q
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGWsDXWWec
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrLqjzJnKA
She shook her head from side to side.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtvbgazrG4
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmvABwJiRn
"I was originally from a village lower on King's Peak. Around 20,000 feet high and 150 miles from the shore, while the Zariel Kingdom is standing comfortably at 25,000 high and 200 miles from the shore. I do miss it sometimes. Being surrounded by badlands made me feel homesick."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiaY7LFbuV
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXwlqk1jRs
"So you decided on living here?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jGNqEE98L
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwut2HoCeh
She nodded.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsZcSCuZeW
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S6ex74oy7
"I already gave birth to Victoria by the time I moved in. She was a lively girl, even at a young age. I just hope I raised her well."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pnn9oUtCZ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0yAtZ9q3p
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAz6kmwwUU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS1g9M33NX
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKMn6w7mBN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R3lMI6H0h
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyioFeh12h
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtDzru2n8F
"Heh. I think you're doing just fine. Now, Victoria should be waking you three up at this time, go back and tell her good morning."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzFI2uIS7K
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8evNcUd5G
I had a feeling that she was trying to make me go away, but looking back at the farmhouse I noticed Victoria ready with a pot and wooden spoon in hand. Am I glad I woke up early.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZzKBeCWPP
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZuROxTmG
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7HF39Bg0n
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1oGM5sxHs
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhetBjghx4
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh9tfBokDv
Flinty was the only one who raised her hand. Kim joined her, likely out of pity, then I did because I didn't want to be glared at.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VeaRAmi5i
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx3gVrQ40d
Breakfast was served to us in the living quarters. It was a simple dish of eggs, but Victoria made some mean eggs. After breakfast, we all received a light pack filled with bread and a flask of water. Except for Flinty, of course. But, noticing that she wouldn't receive a pack, I had to do something about the lack of materials.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAAP08mjFp
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiVHkb71Xv
"Hey, Victoria?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBZJQGMJnX
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NyZiTgWKN
"Yes?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pSlsDMm89
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVamhcBLyW
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJnUGnhiLI
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtDUQlBGBB
"Don't worry, I'll be bringing back-up food and water right," she paused to pick up a large, obtuse, heavy sack sitting by a wall, "here!"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeXzxIEaRY
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfT4YD9voT
That at least quelled my worries, but now I was a bit wary of Victoria. That bag looked and sounded like it was no joke, and she lifted it like it was nothing.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7RxmffYxu
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEnjQTQg5o
"Kim, are you good?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQZ4F44pFC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpKPLxoNtS
Kim just finished packing her bag.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WXRK43wTu
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfGKmvjKMa
"Yes. Let's get going."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI97qnFpfQ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiuU95vR5R
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlE0IxG9RU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm93akY8Ne
–
–
–
We were heading to the forest. Kim and I were following Victoria from behind. Victoria had a lot of energy in her step. I thought she'd be taking this more seriously, but I guess getting pumped up doesn't mean you're taking a situation lightly. As for Kim, she was still hiding her face underneath her cloak.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0JgiNdSXy
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8IK60fawT
That aside, we were on the other side of the crop field now. If all went according to Flinty's plan, then she'd pop out of the cornfield and casually join our group. Of course, that is, if Flinty managed to talk to Victoria before leaving.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcCtUF8nPN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aTzEsZFfv
...She did do that, right?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFm1QImvWk
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqeoskbOwO
Looking back on the events before our departure, Flinty's only chance to talk to Victoria was before I woke up. But, she was practicing her magic.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpOQb3GYbP
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M8Rkgy3PX
The doubts mired my conscience. I looked over at the cornfield. Flinty's body finally popped out. Kim looked at her as well, but Victoria kept walking.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXTj7ES2J9
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmbXQPdqQ2
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ZCPJkkFb
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK0ERn4j37
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0W3yZRewt
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7heUakvWv
"Hmm?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pR1fBbnJ2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7kobOmSvT
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5OsJMqiAC
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2djQF7zrr4
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxZelLMUbU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm62Gj93Jim
Flinty nervously giggled. I let out a breath. Phew. Phew. I was relieved, but now I was curious as to when Flinty managed to talk to Victoria.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TWF6O4065
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaOpTMwvCJ
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAYSu77HWT
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SJayb5J5L
"Alright you three, here's the formation. Since I have physical combat experience, I will be in the front. Kim will be close to Flinty, and Kenny will be in the back in case something sneaks up from behind."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbk8vb9o5h
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQM6FEcval
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8lx9H58hU
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMKb0PUywr
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaghVQoWVC2
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceCTvmKvyz
"R-Right."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSbmZqwfm3
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ5AKZx4Ff
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ART6uN8Z
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHouORcDjDg
"Any objections?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U7rk93t0A
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVayUVBsQP
None of us voiced any.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCfexo45Fi
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t1ZuQwJ0c
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1qR16fKLN
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lTI4FumBD
"Of course."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryNDVaMXZ7
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOK2NmactX
Victoria turned and faced the forest. She ventured in, and the three of us followed.
–
–
–
The woods were a lot gloomier than the ones– or rather, the sole one I was used to.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWuBJfRj59
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSjlt460NH
The trees were taller and thicker. It wasn't particularly dark, but sunlight hardly pierced through the thick roof of leaves. Stray roots were frequent, and the grass here had a nasty tendency to cover them. But, worst of all was the atmosphere.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LZCX2GrVd
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoATNneWgA
Since the moment I stepped in, I felt the air around me become heavier. Anybody could tell the mana in here was different. From what I read, a heavier atmosphere means that the atmospheric mana is dense. Though it did make traversing more taxing on the body, at the very least our spells required less mana to be expelled.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOmVl0Sks6
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1yqHtmhdh
I was steadily following the girls in front. Because I was in the back, I enjoyed the privilege of not having to watch out for roots. I puffed my chest a little. It was a dumb thing to be proud of, it was just luck. I couldn't help myself, though.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TMCYNZru3
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoPi4BJOYQ
That aside, the forest was peaceful. There must've been a lack of hostile wildlife. All we've been seeing were squirrels, rabbits, deer, and other prey animals.
"Watch out here, this root's massive," Victoria called out.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoA5fgswf3
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYCoKopdK8
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVDegWQjol
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkazWs5xeHE
Now, that being said, my shoulders were getting sore. I didn't seem to be alone in this. No, never mind, Flinty wasn't carrying a bag, I was totally alone. I didn't want to hold the team back and ask for a break, but if this kept up then I'd have to.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp2ISITVoZ
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiIjhYoGay
"Hold on, stop here."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZL3r5sJnw
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTJsVHgqbu
Fortune smiled upon me. Victoria called for a break– at least, I thought she did. She was peering at something from behind a tree. When I leaned in to take a look, I saw something shocking.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58rmVoTkbs
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQAf7tpgp2
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOdMYuTyQq
379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGKXFxEYWI
"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEb7Ld2eiC
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I nodded. Our pace slowed tremendously. The buildings I saw were all plainly made of grey concrete. They looked ancient and were missing roofs and other miscellaneous chunks. There was also a suspicious amount of them.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SKihiwi3f
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Aside from the sound of my breathing, I couldn't hear anything, but it was too soon to call the environment safe. After all, this had to be the base of operations, right? Victoria would occasionally branch away from us to check the insides of the buildings. They were all apparently empty and looked even worse inside than outside.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyndqr4XQM4
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"Not to mention the smell, ugh. Y'know, I don't know who left these structures here, but I wanna make a complaint."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp8nyAWzbw
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZpUJEl3BM
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxqOXvzVy6
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So that is precisely what we did. It was a slow and tedious process, but eventually, all twelve concrete structures were inspected, and nothing suspicious was found. Relieved, we took a break inside the sturdiest concrete building we found.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vjpaZqd36
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"The presence of these structures is suspicious," Kim said, "even though they aren't inhabited right now, there is a possibility that the perpetrator uses this place as a base of operations."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq4TG5DGlP
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"I'm inclined to agree," Victoria replied, "but there's always a possibility of something else being in the forest. It isn't very vast, so we'll keep searching. In the meantime, would anyone like to eat?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4fzIevcPK
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Flinty walked up to Victoria and the two of them shared their rations. I wasn't hungry, so I was satisfied with just drinking water.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUSfAQ0wRG
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKu56tmhu2
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"I'm not much of a mage. I can perform mana expulsion effectively, but my interests lay in alchemy and magical plants."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruu69AVvuX
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHShhnf5yc4
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMeO17Rbd5
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She didn't sound very surprised. Her voice was getting squeakier.
"Do you use a staff?"
"No...? Is that a bad thing?"
"Ha. No, not at all. Not at all."
She sounded suspiciously giddy.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDR9NkEhQZ
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"Anyway, you're one of the few people I've heard of that dabbles in magical plants. Are you any good?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9DwMnPAzM
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"Heh, well..."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmqpaHr7U3
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I wondered if I should show her the tendril. I felt as if Kim would freak out, but considering her stoic nature, it was unlikely.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCz2WWo7h
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"What's the hold-up?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO58vuD2xeN
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVT21A2wQ4
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlzdlQbutC
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"Think of it as getting to know our powers for the sake of better cooperation. I'll start with what I can do. I'm a Grade 4 Water and Fire and a Grade 5 wind mage. I wield a short sword and have dabbled in swordplay considerably. I consider myself decently agile as well."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnvv3AJOSn
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My eyes widened a bit. All things considered, a Grade-4 in any element was impressive. I didn't expect something like that from Kim. I wondered if I would be classified as a Grade-2 plant magician or something with my tendril. There wasn't any point of reference, so it was possible.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvwCyATBmp
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"So, what about you?"379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcCiiHmtck
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsyWFm983v
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She nodded. I let the tendril loose and it wrapped itself around my right arm like a snake. Kim's figure froze.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcWhixYQDM
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"This is my tendril. I can use mana spinning to make one of several magical plants grow from it. From there, I can keep using mana spinning to force and amplify their effects."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwx03sfOrr
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu7Id4QMiM
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She sounded genuinely amazed. I scratched my cheek a little. I produced a flash-bloom from the tendril, and Kim sounded elated.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPFmj2PCKU
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"I can see now why– oop."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczpjBUmSYO
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She stopped her sentence midway. I was going to inquire her, but then Victoria suddenly stood up, squelched my flash-bloom, and put a hand over my mouth.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff9RvRKQbu
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IVictoria was eyeing something to my right, where the entrance to the building was. I couldn't see it, but I could hear it. I retracted my flash bloom once I did. It sounded like a noisy beast. It was dragging something, likely its own body, haphazardly against the ground. It stopped to pathetically wheeze. Then, it kept going.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5czbRmMM3E
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All of a sudden, a voice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaybqD5SjJ
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"Something... I feel like something was here."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpimFiyDEZ
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It was the voice of a man. An adult, one who sounded far older than us. Victoria's pupils shrunk so far that I could only see her whites. She put a hand over her mouth.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzas1NTaCEL
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I was feeling my heart race, imagining just what it could be that Victoria was seeing. The man's voice came back.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiwsQ1CagS
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hyCAPRxiv
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The beast growled. The sound of his moving limbs was so... vascular. And yet, it sounded putrid, like the beast would fall apart any second. All the while, the man loudly hummed.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7BZV8CTq1
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I looked above us. This building only had half of a roof, and though it covered us, it was anything but assuring. I looked to my left and at Kim. She was poised with her hand on the hilt of her sword, still inside her scabbard.
"Victoria," I whispered, "how bad?"
She gulped.
"I-I'm trying not to vomit right now."379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjxN6biXg7
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Cold sweat trickled down my back. My heartbeat was getting faster. My breathing got louder and louder. I was sure that, any second now, something would escape my mouth.
I had conflicting urges. I wanted to stay indoors, but I also wanted to go out and fight that thing and do good on my part. I had to wonder: Was it that bad? Was it so bad that my tendril couldn't do anything? That my magic and plants couldn't do anything?
No, that couldn't be it, right?
"...Huh?"
All of a sudden, I felt a soft touch on my left hand. I looked and Flinty was there, grabbing my hand with both of hers. She looked terrible. She looked scared. And yet, her eyes weren't wavering. Even with her shaking body and sweaty palms, she looked at me with confidence. Our eyes met for what seemed like forever.
And then, she sternly nodded.
"..."
Right. Of course.
Now wasn't the time for this.
I was admittedly still shaking, but I was standing now. Kim stood up as well.
"I'll join you."
"Thank you."
I looked at Victoria. She was too shaken to battle.
"Victoria, look after Flinty."
Somehow, she heard me, and she nodded.
I took a deep breath. I produced a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.
Three, two, one...
"Go!"
I rushed out of the building and Kim followed after. I aimed at where the noises came from. I had to pause.
I understood Victoria's reaction entirely.
In front of me was an amalgamation of black flesh. It was a gigantic lump, nearly three times my height and as wide as the space between the buildings. A man was on top of the blob. When he noticed us, he looked shocked.
I didn't waste any more time. I shot the Sunlight-Blossom seed and–
**SPLATTER**
A yellow light zipped through the air and straight through the blob. Despite the seed's small size, it created a hole I could easily jump through.
"I got it!"
Kim rushed towards the blob. Now that it was dead, capturing the man should be easy. But then a bundle of flesh emerged from the side of the blob. Kim reacted accordingly and cut it off. It was still alive.
"W-Wait, you two, stop fighting!"
The man started frantically pleading with us. I switched flowers into a Dragon-Maw. I probably couldn't reach the man from here, but if I closed in I could grab him.
And then I stopped my advance.
A purple haze leaked from the wounds of the blob. The blob let out a bubbly wail. Kim suddenly dropped to the ground.
"Kim!?"
"Ah, you fools, you shouldn't have attacked! Damn it, no no no–"
As the man kept rambling, I avoided the approaching fog of purple. I switched my plant to a Spore-Blossom, but the spores did nothing to stop the fog.
Crap. At this rate, it would reach Flinty and Victoria. I doubt swiping at it would do anything, and using a Freeze-Dry would mean Kim would be caught in the crossfire.
With no other choice, I began expelling mana from my left palm and quickly created a fireball. Then, I morphed it into a thin vertical rectangle and let it soar through the haze.
I heard the sound of my spell connecting with the blob. I was happy for a second, especially since I couldn't see the purple haze anymore. Now that I was in a better position, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
And then I started seeing black.
ns216.73.217.39da2
and then Add to home screen.