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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n8Czn17Mv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjuKfmiQaJ
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRRkMxCt9S
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiAxRl8yKu
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFC3qHFT25
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaTXnWhTgt
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa25Q31j1K4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsijt9L33J
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOWOBAtRkS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kxfZAnMM
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZbKLq5AkR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84pGw71Y06
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjGd1hjDJ3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEf9VFJCux
"...Sure."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DiQF6PoRg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q58Oho3Vo
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?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAtd52usf4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFZEtEJKAY
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwV17I0q3o
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG42arYuPjy
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUvBUdJSlw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cvswlRDki
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1smskVPliH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IWFcThj1N
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3jMmmeUIc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByq4dkh9Dr
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h4MAR18aN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBE9ErdZ6j
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a6sw6NMFo
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKVHWsLUVz
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYYgK35RAU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLXkerPoMB
"Wait, what!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6blJf0s8f9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8E9woGtOK
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFh56cb5ok
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst0N2t2gAe
"Why not me?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n1ED2ZnpR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFrG1MxKHs
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX648psllD
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAzg4RixU4
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnW8ShgWqq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfRAbMrN5y
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xo0d2NfBV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BwF2KrFbt
No, you didn't.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VfrlOwGZq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfozH8PfpJy
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftu7KPmwjR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PebYrmnGf
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YPytIp8lZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kol7oQhsY
"Huh?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr5XJjqr4l
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNfLW8HK1v
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmDDRcmr7e
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo31C7gcDLZ
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPICf43yix
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbRLKzg2TO
"Mhm!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMw1CKbq4d
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyIB5u8VoT
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjqPXAhaiT
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadNhPvvxll
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmJJjpI3Yq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHDXkROTog
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTReyeqESw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T2ES1dIk7
"...Fine."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1BcQ20h1v
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP6i4zwet0
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwEU9BgEwd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz0YQLbiyu
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgTzWPZTKH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUi2dix8wS
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCYHGRQBCA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckrS5qg1Zt
"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!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrymQOzPhhl
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplbCZfR9mG
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AliZ6UIL9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw24o177MRI
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DjVScyoPW
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6mzVr5cKo
"Is there... something you need?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqnyNejuQx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0HllEX3GR
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvIMXxNx7I
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFRbk74dZb
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv1cyooCGZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9KptEPEgs
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmLCNSRj6f
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXejM6arpE
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulrJ9slznK
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI52v0QlId
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOr1WpJm0u
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKfqdaVDUi
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLHGX7mM76
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl6vRu8jMj
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0O1HC397b
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjIUOrdsPT
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbdftwJ42e
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u2bAMLyLj
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMPXFQA1lO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkx0tMBuEd
She giggled a little. Creepy.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr683gPAxaw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4H6fQVKEd
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8XgJj4Usp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhGON67Z4L
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5hS8JVKUr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9q6YwqDpq
What?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBPGOCTGEm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaqynEMjJW
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXHNzQmU1v
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGb1NQlvhm
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT9hisn5Mg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmKFfOImu4
"O-Oh..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH015Wsb0Ln
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZPZaqw2jO
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImGvlUlPsp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlXODsRBVB
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc1tDla6gH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FKC0Mhi6P
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEgBUrkDbp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHp8ZdbVpP
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFDLuhTOZM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3WovKL3vp
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyp9g6vDEK
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE2Yxp6s7r
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29QGSct0ue
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAst3y7HRlS
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicbADa2nAq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Lx4xbpJa
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSER9sUMJEb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDZ8T8mvPB
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJiaIbtGUQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpmQJPYxV0
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb3pzQUyFx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarBd6hxTSX
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnMF46u9SU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx75kbxSms
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK2RZIPWxi
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWNJJmde1k
Front-page news!?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZC7NWr2mL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgC8q2kOjy
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv6AzaVVcb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooapYl2Bdn
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhfmwttN90
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI80a0EB9dd
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzG9v9WQjS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWTEHChciE
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGozlzOPMWc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6aqzLYbKc
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR0RYC6ZUU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQG9tWRHQk
"No, I don't."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl0aCdoyXt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2hQiDVi41
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23t8XpEJGe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMinKzkEpEC
"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!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDlDfPweM2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNPp7QyjB
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlLxRbAIHN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkFhkxoY2L
"Thank you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCHdDiN3BW
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU6HYvs0ze
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvDt2FIBSA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlxmZSAXEe
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCBI1rQsYP
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwqEWdaWzA
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV7xlqZZHM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0pQS49C0X
"Oh."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMSFuSO5SB
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW6tTCCGWY
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIolY2lLIk4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd3Aan279T
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoMpGgb2ER
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3WJtK9Y6n
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQiih4XS9F
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UxR4pIEau
Her face froze. I sighed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogWprZRo6b
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEajyjMN66
"I-I'll do it in the morning."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9ZSU9c6e6
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpp2FQWeLi
"Good luck."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmTBIZ4zNa
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxhDc5SmBm
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYykjwOLdcM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt8nVICHN3
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWUEBSNkPd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HZyvtqRJW
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH7QlhQL8G
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBXLZlvsyX
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3P8NpXIKD
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJDZp8WZx9
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5x2dT6cNH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe652IQeEWx
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAjlIzZhf3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3OizYOeX6
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3do8wrhlh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuzx6iN4lF
"Going to what?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5OeYfcoSp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGqUkANhQs
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPXoj6XKwx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKv5TILkT4
"Huh? Wash myself?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79c1pk3zka
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCwAbbKWuy
"Yes. Like we did."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hTF3GW06w
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hg93utJM8
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiKTzw4TjU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoia7JuH0I
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLeniL5kVX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCyMHxDWzJ
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAeq6xCDF7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGjcS9Ylhh
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnilHxurbwX
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofWzNmWQ92
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQB9QEHfYs
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWALyjVXLxR
"Buffalo Village."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx744ES0FC2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmcJTjOhBy
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTQW6B5Ie8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD760V7GJz
"Really? I didn't know that."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO5aqX6itK
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QQrVNV6fx
Kim looked like she was smiling.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0JzkRYt6J
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqGUnVXNcr
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbsbSFKsUS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13usXA85dg
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjuv80T0U9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97dduqUei8
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk7VS2nUKu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvAD2DJY0c
"Fine, fine."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71B8597wka
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJwYh4vmAW
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYKAYwOBpb
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2Xlx1lwIs
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmwKlJJJex
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOyRizfdSw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky71rKF3Ge
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87uODIHCb8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTYF3GQObT
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj8d9IpbPx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsy8Oj5BSA
–
–
–
"...Mmm."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEExmSbEXI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD94pGmDTFh
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPE6h0Iu7Z
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMU06Sn4hy
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N3ywDQihn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD5Qq3Er1u
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuDDRn9jSM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtMnY5cwO8
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpuGbigC7w
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXBBTJu2p9
"Wow, you're hard at work."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdFVLycajS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pYSSBypw3
"Ah!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3HsMrXtXS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlPao5Hpjn
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62rbJZzk8p
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYlJGirtKE
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXQVnKY0UN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdWOQN2xcC
"I don't think so... what time is it?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPOBJwoUez
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Jemwg4bC
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGzULjBi52
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpit3ga6Nz
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7an55PVqW
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxKjKwCxVT
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FrfaaHhQe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsGw1Yghze
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxGIYbTQAv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQNFvj3DXg
I did regret sitting beside her, though.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lCGOTwAs4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mb0xbCk2j
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSJC58q98D
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseanWzgyZo
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljBDhOCBCg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi6C7C4eZi
Flinty looked at me with excitement.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXcRVqEcSo
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl95uvT50Dh
"A goal?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEcna9ZY2w
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLVFaiI8Ag
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTjuAm7YEe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CHrszfK6b
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnMAmyKYx7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtueu60HjA
"Okay, I'll do my best!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqtBqRjXTg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRYBP1FVgS
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ka1TCjNGb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfGVdJOwUX
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn4Nn9Jp4f
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAAPMGhpxy
"Good morning, Linda!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zK3nbxV1q
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg86Qcnu7sz
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6GZaQN3Gm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtMo8e8s1Y
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EGjxRiCDl
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjAkyIO0sd
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTZbBqmce2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRotQ2SpMb
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAi48rdPIe
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckSJ4nXbgJ
Friday? Today is Friday?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60S4NLjjoc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU6Vzpa12V
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKcMWTk1zM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRPPCnLa9k
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHp1sI5Kxc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC53q2DewS
She looked at me curiously before answering.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsXxPSMGER
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuh1cFaXqk
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4NgtPoi15
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQlQ7dADzj
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu85dME40lQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wdGLFmOBv
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhsc2lfvqC
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW0URn2VrY
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmObXeb1QOR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwJVqydbsv
"To whom? Those at your home village?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTQLKJnOz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6gpRo7dHY
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGRgSnF4op
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKSuaxgQ4j
She lightly smiled.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gekGAzhZm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUxGmE9aMi
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpMD8f9T2U
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX9n9kpli4
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0MM5R3wEN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVmNOovfBK
She shook her head from side to side.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iVBsN9ncq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6doaWvk8m6
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurVsEZAUAh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj76GUGxnS
"So you decided on living here?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPUb9ByklV
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36SEsaQ33b
She nodded.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytLV9UQ2mH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s2aNNomQw
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6lu54cp9H
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFTT47YmuQ
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNbG8i5D3s
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ZKAxopyj
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj7OEB4x2K
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1XgeBQa5W
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGirKydhi7d
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cc8c2FIm0
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsawCPzue2
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zczdse2AC
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQZPoaGqCE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBOs6xsT2M
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHXU6e27gt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yRtejoViy
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPMunlAv3a
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzqfaGGhLJ
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfAjNNh0L3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIi5OjO0oI
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBuTNa8Mzq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn8HIRG8nr
"Hey, Victoria?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkfOCYTa4J
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08vd15y7rE
"Yes?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSqiRX6NIa
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t6ktm9qEY
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiEdFHOy33
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXoTglUBFF
"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!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw84XOegCOI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6PX52InsZ
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HUzqYygf7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbDLUODZVo
"Kim, are you good?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoXqMAQURh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYi47J4N4V
Kim just finished packing her bag.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NFCuz992X
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXsyiJ4lWW
"Yes. Let's get going."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFf7WOOhhm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5Ne0HDkO6
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDjWIxbp7U
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XBoJ8ZrO6
–
–
–
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJHmm4PYVI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq15pnXwxrc
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0MTbISm7v
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aus9xabAy
...She did do that, right?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sQKQ5QNhS
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZFaNbzLF2
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlEBuV77wm
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kh5HaW1Zl
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTZUBR7u3Z
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWKjxn75N0
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Td6SdhjnA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylzCdQB9Uw
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WDCbyunlv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6H7o3zoIY
"Hmm?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh73oyX0Aj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFckapaPV4w
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLXkq7uZeJ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8IcpJ6SCi
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QI1d1auox
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHP47x39ND
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv1neou71b
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr1EfoABcg
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsonPaUc56
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHDPfPRoIm
"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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Sd81ZHyKu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv75ojVzAya
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KGsbSrUdu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRu1mAFN1K
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMwYtMapIu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2UIMZEHhE
"R-Right."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0kjdjjeDO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VcoArx5d4
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ibTwMbikI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8RidUbbwJ
"Any objections?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2GlDAKmC8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2yUD67sAz
None of us voiced any.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrEDEsEplh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwEEpFXtBU
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH4pG6LFxR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdQ3A8Vk52
"Of course."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO2oKjZgKZ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ38Zupk6lr
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXJTlcWX8P
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae82uO2ngV
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFSdsUiDHu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwITNPuOae
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSKHPJn1pI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcav2IY4I0
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUXmiY4vZ9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8taEp42zhx
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw63Drl8n21
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqZ4tb3Clo
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZVbwLDHDn
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRiGPoTeb9
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizJ6bHdD63
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBsu2rEfTg
"Hold on, stop here."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpijnt0nvN
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO0U0ILfDZ
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwbFKE0FmQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vIFUbvlLg
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf79LQMyCjc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh1uB1oGwi
"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95osKJT6Ld
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl95vz6KHVl
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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq3JH0gs3k
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVovQMVLbBo
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAzfOLZCy5
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4ffWsm1ny
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VsBmHJofo
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKgQen7JQT
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U5kntdnXT
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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?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEVJ5PZ9pm
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKqVXUexi7
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK7OSvRH7V
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BwScEsKjw
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ376aNCwu6A
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt3duWyUJ7
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV6rUaYoBm
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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?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfWCMQqHPT
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"Heh, well..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnERBHige5W
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCRC4k7Gvh
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"What's the hold-up?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz6UdSJLS9
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nz18EQmnZ
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81sQKPGEpy
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsVHGhofoq
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan9kkVtymv
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"So, what about you?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2IVpQyk1c
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO8IR7wv6M
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ317Syscd6Y
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl60XpwRBGb
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwxgklA9Ug
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dkArhax8R
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"I can see now why– oop."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2mXS45VTf
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9xL7eiJg3
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfybf4XUlKI
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All of a sudden, a voice.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1FHvn5iJk
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"Something... I feel like something was here."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9JrcL9And
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bj9qbTDyo
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmYYVz6YdX
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISpCL4mzXj
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ5bsaHviK
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCyhAFhWVc
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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.
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