I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs5V2ZX5rR
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KjKzf248
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG38U8OF42
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlBMrcxMRK
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"Something about this is fishy."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBMhAYreQy
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2jtHUN3GV
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbQGL7Q2YQ
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39kmr9VKHG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vSvsgw5t9
I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTGCGktGc4
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXneS2g7Tm
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNRTTTxPVk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP86VkNyJE
Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZTfVzpYwW
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And then.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxIYgd0ORt
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**SMASH**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvs3buLXj8
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiUOOUmEvh
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXweqkPqJ5
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLkRYWsKpm
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"..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjrAYYSmF6
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDECdJaGfW
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJV7ceqfHV
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"..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u1gjZYu6n
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjHKFPmLCk
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ6cp3amgd
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMADi8uUt8
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2zNcK89TG
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBm7PdZwOA
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2twy4HmATP
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSdNZbSxee
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtK6qM30Tt
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAssYV5anZq
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzet9ghRUP
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazThtspRkC
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"Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5fezboODb
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEIT34NqDt
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"What is it?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKYDgFLXgf
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNyIOGmmNv
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKJ0P42GUJ
"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPQCHURiSm
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAqiQqkWgI
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5korDJltz
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7EIVkKBrp
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcWDbznJJ4
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeNUiJTq8
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaRfsT76Ne
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qdo2z7Lqg
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"W-What?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS0fopBLTj
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"Are you crazy!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjOU12cXfq
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4JfUaWYl0
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYEUMcLyC7
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpdjSPIQBj
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjKFESRYKt
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ9KorXsDH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyHIHXCYXX
"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj8zgrF6nK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58yjsLTetR
"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu09R3s8Gb7
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGJK5P327I
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMITDq2QVM8
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD2ZDdIHNL
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I tilted my head in confusion.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKGVKfRMRe
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4JjVxqDWE
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPavp13WmC
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnfB8Z6mb9
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvAlLw39km
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"Of course I do!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh3NoruPMC
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbgidby419
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kDB287kVw
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDJpt1QqxX
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZkWV8Gs91
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNHhcoVOnl
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXAiRoPRlG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWWqhABfpl
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvBLYjzVZK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6OoO1zUNi
"Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnVGjEA6P3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ6KJ9419P
I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5tAIbrSbW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfwyYYCqsO
"Flinty? Are you serious?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDckqURLvO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQf1JQSrEC
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIbmxO1M7K
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSPYkEAz5o
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7nLTcT4AC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySXTz0p4Sv
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExPButVKDu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB7bHx82gc
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDTbL7yFAI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzdrsKEmgB
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJqdg2RLTa
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIEaHUOQbu
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8jINDSsVJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCSs1O9eVi
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBB9Zk10LJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLpXy7Q4gb
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMgwoQKwdT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdvCJR71oa
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlv7OUndEM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVoWwwTeaH
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtDle2WNKt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6CFWqR9Z7
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34dQ5cLtvR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IDAzkwzOa
"...With money?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmgLg812NR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxwPKGxnSJ
"With money."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3DRYa3Zc0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf75J70Ni8e
"...I can't say no to money."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ967rCw04aS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63HXF7fvBM
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXgzOnMb52
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3YdOb52JL
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7VYCX931I
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDwfSeduXS
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFzU33lzoT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM1tLKbwc7
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce7bMV2YXM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTWYnX89E5
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB6UIbRnyt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFQmLiLkbL
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RXCUo4fIQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPoxGffZlc
"Let's do our best okay?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL7pJqnRuH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs68ijSey4c
"..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxJzYJ2ZGI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeApZiYf97F
I still had one more concern.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7CVCd4nLz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpkwcRYCBH
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gh86c5x4H
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8Cctwbxqk
She averted her gaze.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCOhqYromD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7m7kcIpps
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLCJ7kamBA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBerB5wRvVM
"I see."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOk2bD3AZ3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzIfytrcvJ
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsyuTihQtz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikJPjxOvZb
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ02xGQYQG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQrMfGaCe7
"Uh..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlKca9427e
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LeZOr7Xv6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUCrKy0x9Y
"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9fo7Rr93a
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWiCjQN6Ah
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VPFuiKYkl
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rKfx6Up05
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj79lRAm9JO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWlHSU7HQ7
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjARbQLsU2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPYSTaw1Ep
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9nppNHSHC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1fWYZLcEG
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w740KjO3c
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiZJHs5EzH
–
–
–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm9Z9StkgL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rdEc6Pe3P
Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2WTUEi7Yi
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bCkTVpGil
"How does it look like?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnma2IC0d33
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiwFyvifvD
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N1iSaa5ML
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBrRCGJ3jB
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs6h2Kq6oc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbydUN0eXG
"We're ready."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLQxnxrWkt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYQCaSCI1s
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt2nphBBC4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0oIunEIzM
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBTZMZwUIS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXWwre5bOw
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmwYQH7HmG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyQeX1gNem
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccCXbJsgAS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4a2jiwjRH
"Then what do you propose I do!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBpQuV7urZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WqlR1JTtb
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDuUmcbDPU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnOo99v1Hc
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5pRXxYmBq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxQ2wGubcY
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdhLMusFjk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheJE9JFGVH
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sqKWVXtRZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjrkgwttFA
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w5mNgh6Pt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IwgdWtUU6
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TzL5ThYTm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzxOzUKDiS
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTLvDmwuid
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1jDGMCT3O
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElCvdO8V52
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa3KZeBRgk
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweMv9HPODC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK215R9K5Z
"Y-Yeah. I know."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzJvnonFhs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECoN5x8Fn4
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZZy5c8tnM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZESEeXYLX
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG84Tx0apiU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTNrGwHCEG
**SHATTER**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KRMeO6T1I
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTP4rI9w0w
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuRN6niXWP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbYl2HG77u
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8YbxjfRkF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOlpLxD0m2
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxFAek27tg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYVXKMChjr
"Now!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOOTlY94jH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyU2ogHlO9
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ZvFbSt7T
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYd1SvbxYC
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsSTptoJpJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTnGL9qbzx
"What are you waiting for?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YFqXePaVc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTX4cjqxbO
"I still don't trust Ng."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZgYYf49Q8
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA4663Y6In
"Fine, then go after him!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbdNnKJwAD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qmWWMFj9Q
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCwvePHgqj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJIgfgu3aX
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IRz37i60T
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc4AwFt1eg
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd98rL85JlC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxa8Df7W8I
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBV1y6qPaV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DvTh5HM8q
"Are you seriously crying?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR4WjHqACE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBUsQyjyHM
"Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINtwWTx994
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29m2F7Tw1y
He tilted his head up to me.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhan9RbfqjB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwUuZSvtVl
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oZZYTK2IX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5huDwLBEn
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYSF0yb8y2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvFK7AmpkC
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHggI7kJwuB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODOJssas6g
"You, are you really on our side?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAag4cQSFWN
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bz3wtRCn5
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVgzIyC4wq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv16EYcwq2w
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkGfUTKl9D
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Sj74Sj6Q
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpIOb1D4HQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh2Uhd7fhO
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkPJu8JdeX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWg0h2RcQc
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW3DbaNZ2d
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoldXcJV3pH
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSWpAA8qWc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4OplA0nJ8
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRjUHuDgj9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvHqGtYSn2
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJcEnAj2pC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrsJxAihnY
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74wdvZ7B1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ583N8ozCa4
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jIRdaAYRd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqjRyAKc8n
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mqZ0yIIsK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6wrRIecph
And then, suddenly–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ672TkKyxW5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw5GryYt37
**SMASH**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Qm43BrB0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueiEk74IJk
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl535TokIs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqfVfhF303
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP2pU2Iewl
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"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMtV6l7xVd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ755hQo8zzK
Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ngb2a6rgS
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"H-Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vgphW2al9
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAN23XfRox
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1AIcjP7v3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYO6Um7PcJ
We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5wmDlL1ff
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaCJQTvg03
I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR1kXuTujv
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h96auYrBk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBTPR5rVTH
"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlVsR0hb6e
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Iw6dwt3pk
"Like what!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNatKyHDEm
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"They died last night!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Lbxcv1gs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa7FbsOAAx
Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVZI5zdwO9
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Wait, escape route, of course!187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx4SpoM3sN
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKrYedhx1k
I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPOUlfreQz
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"...Did I do it?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFMa89cbab
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykOskDwWWn
Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO1gmcLqgt
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"H-Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XGd484KRC
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She offered me her healing potion.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnx59Jntuo
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"Here. For your foot."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjx4SJR1wN
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"A-Ah, thank you."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlbM5I3eKs
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd61YBAxPj
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"Haaa, ugh."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfzbZspcD5
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I stood up with help from Victoria.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdsrYPx1Jf
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKIeOlwd1x
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMYUVna9uP
"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43vZvTnGO9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkA7Fv84Ok
"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZy91Ayx2U
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEhQOtnJDq
She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkAcuuga7N
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"Don't let your guard down yet."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE8NYTlAPs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp7AMajmwT
I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcx86WqBYD
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"Crap. Crap!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuh0jNlIr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKs5TVSeE3
The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd4Slca7gp
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bGj8L1OAj
I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRvHUB9Iyg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNrlKitBQC
Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4DZ4V4rxf
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0T3txCPiW
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9WTnfSP70
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt3QFqny1l
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC72VjjiTb4
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s1wXuNqrc
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11eU2jqBbl
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"If you can, support Kim!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zcPqbkRGc
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgDwYAdm88
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYWwJGeJbt
"W-Woah..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1IQ6g8Cr2
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiufZqYUz4d
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"KIM!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QzMdCT5iQ
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"Right!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg5u3uYqWP
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0unHr8xZI
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And so, I released the spear.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPIuz2oT1P
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**SMASH**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZLYdczS5B
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0pFJfPJN3
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQWHU5Pvju
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGbtMhvIQq
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRWaBctizi
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLrSfghG9G
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh324qIMzcp
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"No, what you just did was incredible."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISCNcKVbcx
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWd5dyNXMc
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp8uFHekHC
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJTcTO8o6W
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jjRQf8wYk
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"Unfortunately."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehsucXQMA6
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXpvpyt3el
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"Kim!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSohuIzPPV1
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Fo8yySI5
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The tendril was bleeding purple.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuihVNLcAr
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFaHUFTUR2
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**SMASH**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDR9jb8rSk
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUan2qGT9TK
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7JXl9Bb1a
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcSLOFPuuB
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hufYmkCZ2
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYSoD0jrCp
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTFGur8e50
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33JyLg6SPL
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"...Ngh."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT74bKBYKmv
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHmtUjRH6
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldx3EO2e8y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBlxCJQZxd
I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmzD0wVcJ8
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxox18Pkwid
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0c6tYuavZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ059UGktFy3
I felt like I was going to die.
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