The fire cracked and popped. It was already dark out. Four hours had passed since the infiltration. Flinty, Ng, and Kenny were sitting beside the fire. Victoria just returned with more firewood. Kenny took a tiny bite out of an apple
Victoria sat down. Everyone was staring at the fire. The silence was oppressive, but Kenny didn't have the power nor gall to interrupt it.
"...I apologize for what has happened. My cowardice, my fear, it all led to this," Ng said.
"It isn't your fault," Victoria said, "as much as I'd like to say that it was nobody's fault, I think all of us messed up, hehe."
"Perhaps it was. But still, I feel as if I'm mostly to blame."
And thus, a needless back-and-forth started. Kenny didn't interject.
"Seriously, it's fine, you don't need to take all the blame."
"But–"
"Guys!"
Flinty suddenly raised her voice.
"M-Maybe it's Ng's fault, or Victoria's, but at the end of the day, Kim is still in trouble!"
"Right. Of course."
"You're right, Flinty."
"So... what do we do? We need a plan."
"Well," Ng started, "Jeremiah is formidable, but one of Panz's beasts has already been exterminated. Panz himself is also injured. Once we regain our strength, an upfront assault may be the best course of action.
"Right," Flinty replied, "Kenny can take the blob on by himself. Do you think you can do it, Kenny?"
Kenny didn't respond. He lifted his head and gazed at Flinty with beady eyes.
"...I'm not going back in there," he muttered, and their eyes widened.
"W-What, why not!?" Flinty cried. Shock permeated Victoria's expression. Kenny put a hand on his knee.
"It's best if we leave. Everyone will be in danger if we go back."
"But Kenny, what about Kim? We need to help her!"
"..."
Kenny turned his head away. Flinty's words didn't reach him. Frustrated, confused, surprised, and worried, Flinty didn't know what to do or say under such pressure. So, she didn't.
"F-Fine, but if you won't do it, then I will!"
"Don't! You're just asking to die!"
Kenny spat his rebuttal, Flinty flinched, and Kenny returned to gazing at the ground.
"Let's just... get out. At least, I can guarantee that you'll be fine if we do."
It hit her then. Flinty understood what was wrong with him. But still, she didn't have the words. Still, she didn't know how to convince his friend. Still, she couldn't help him. Flinty was dejected, upset that she didn't have the words.
She looked at Victoria. She was at a loss well, Flinty could tell. But, Victoria was older, and Victoria was smarter. Flinty was sure that she would think of something.
"Why don't we sleep on it?" She suggested, "We'll think of something in the morning."
"Yes! That sounds like a good idea!"
Flinty peered at Kenny, waiting for anything from him.
"...Fine."
Flinty felt relieved. Still angry, still worried, but at least she had time to think of something. And thus, the group readied for bed. None of them had any blankets or pillows, so they had to be content with sleeping on the ground. It wasn't comfortable, but before long they all fell asleep.
All, except for Kenny.
–
–
–
I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. This situation, this incident, none of this was like the one with my parents.
This was my fault. This was undeniably my fault. From the beginning, it was my fault.
That bullet. Why did I miss it? Why? Why? None of this would've happened if I just hit that bullet. That damn, tiny bullet made of stone.
I should've made it bigger. I should've been more patient. I should've gotten closer. I should've just used my tendril, or used fire magic. Who would've cared if I killed him? That alternative was so much better than this. Kim has been captured. The wolf is still out.
These thoughts, they kept me awake. I couldn't even close my eyes without that scene playing back in my mind; the bullet. If I just didn't miss that bullet.
"..."
I needed to take a piss.
I stood up. I tried not to wake up the group. I walked for a few minutes until I found a passable tree, then I took care of my business.
"...Crap."
I was already feeling groggy. I washed my hands with water magic and walked back, but stopped. Somebody was walking up to me. It was Ng. He stopped before me, carrying a makeshift torch.
"What do you want?"
"Kenny, do you mind us having a chat?"
I didn't even have any suspicions. It was ridiculous. But, really, talking was the last thing I wanted to do, so I walked around him.
"Kenny, what has you acting this way? Is it truly today's failure?"
"That's none of your business."
Ng followed me.
"I'll be blunt, this is abnormal."
"Shut up."
"Whether we escape the forest or not, you are the only one who can do anything about it."
"Shut up."
"Are you upset at me?"
I turned around.
"Huh? Why the hell would I be?"
"I see. Then, Kenny, let me ask you this; is this truly the best way to go about it?"
I didn't say anything, just tilted my head.
"You clearly feel at fault. I know, I've been in such a situation before."
"--!"
I couldn't say anything more. I couldn't even pretend to be mad anymore. I just sighed.
"Kenny, as an adult, allow me to grant you a piece of advice."
I didn't respond.
"I don't believe today's incident was your fault, but that is irrelevant. No, what I want to tell you is that, if you truly feel like you're at fault, then atone."
"...Atone?"
"Of course. It's simple, isn't it? You apologize for your mistake, and then you make up for it."
"...That is too simple."
"But it holds true, doesn't it?"
I turned my head away.
"It's..."
Ng walked up to me.
"You have a lot of power, Kenny. So much so, I'm envious of you. Perhaps you think you can't use it, but at the end of the day, who else can rescue Kim and fight Jeremiah but you?"
I turned around. I couldn't deny his words. He was right. And yet...
"That isn't it. That isn't it at all."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj1RIFwznE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIH5ECiedj
Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5IYFwbAvH
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"Then what is it?" He asked. I had to take a moment to put it into words.
"...If I go back in there, then all of it will hinge on me again. Your lives, your well-being, all of it. If I go back there, then all of it will be up to me. If one of you die, then that's my fault. If one of you get hurt, then that's my fault."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb9PDubQxW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEIVYoBIGV
"That's not true at all–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RdGf93cvx
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"Let me finish! You, have you ever had a feeling like that before? You said you know, you said you've been there, but you haven't! I can't stomach it; I can't stomach that feeling that, it's all up to me, that I'm the one who has to be the shoulder for all of you to lean on! I can't, I just... I just can't..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWJjkHb3uw
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz2nZbK75c
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"All of you say I'm a genius, but I'm not a genius. A genius wouldn't have gotten us into this mess in the first place. And now, now that I at least have Flinty, and at least Victoria is here– and hell, at least now that you're here, you're telling me to go back in there, and then just, risk it all again? What if I mess up or, God, what if I cause Kim to die? I-I'm not– I can't do it! I can't! I can't do it alone! Kim is already gone, I don't have her to help me anymore, so if something goes wrong then it's going to go terribly wrong! D-Don't you get it? Don't you get it, Ng!? How am I supposed to do anything, absolutely anything, knowing that if it all goes to shit then I'm the one who's responsible!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CA6xttSnX
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I fell to my knees.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM55FILJgJ
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"K-Kim said it herself... all of it, all of it hinges on me... but I'm not someone to make that bet on, I'm not... I'm not..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuEA3lLDW4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaRfN1gjU8
I fell. I was in a fetal position and the top of my head was glued to the ground. I couldn't hear anything over my crying. I couldn't even move. I felt something touch my shoulder. I looked up to see Ng's face.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJMRI4NLkj
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"...Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1svymwnHlm
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"What!?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagV17DgDZt
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLCaidLZo7
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMs5mqN39v
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYVz115Ath
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"That was quite a performance, but all I'm hearing is that you're just going to leave your friend to die."
...223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGirBRAoGZN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26rCMg1LNH
I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu3YoUEZ5y
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjZSN51K8b
I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17vFPc6Mps
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UWOz1X6nK
"N-No..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjYnmvrJCJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cmEsGMU50
Oh, God.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HOIoECvk7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfxGS2TVN0
Oh, God.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvJJWdqFRi
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Q4hmhcLx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Jg1nMbnV
Ng leaned down to pat me again. I slapped his hand away. I scurried backward on the ground, panting, tears still rolling down my face. Ng didn't look like a man to me anymore. I couldn't identify what he was. All I saw was something I didn't like. I kept scurrying back and I hit a tree, then I stood up, and then I ran away. I didn't know where it was that I was going but the light from his torch was fading and that's all that mattered. I kept looking back and eventually, I stumbled. Right, the roots here, they were massive. I got up and five steps later I tripped again. The exhaustion from before still hadn't subsided. I could barely move. But, at the very least, Ng wasn't here. At least Ng wasn't there.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViFE61mQuw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ4BnCeJkW
But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW6uvD942u
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvKulpdlQt
"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05b9GBtzuH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFaknErkf8
It wasn't the way I thought about it. So, here I was on the ground, affirming myself. Of course, I wasn't leaving her to die. Of course, I was just trying to make sure Flinty and the others were safe. Of course, Ng was right. Ng was totally right. He saw through me, but worst of all, I knew Ng was right, I knew completely but that didn't change a thing. I still couldn't even grasp the idea of going back there and fighting and– and maybe Kim really was killed because of me, because I couldn't do it. But Ng was right. I needed to go back.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMufvHW8WXT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRNzV28M5k
But if I went back then what if it goes wrong? What if I go back and I see that I've truly failed? What if I go back and I see her– her–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3RZCyueqB
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"--Hrk!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpU4oaDYM6
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I managed to hold back my vomit. Somehow that cleared the haze in my mind. I leaned against a nearby tree. I didn't think. If I thought, then I would've heard Ng's words again, and if I thought, my anxieties would've crawled back, and then I would be endlessly running. So I sat there instead.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYkH0u4P0r
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y6y2ZXQex
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"There you are."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2WRp8kj3c
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Ng already found me, huh?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmgGseJYAs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡualCNMxUSV
"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaS2thF47I
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIBzDl4KE5
I casted a gaze his way. An indescribable tug on my stomach was telling me to forgive him. It felt terribly unnatural, but I couldn't help but give into it. I didn't accept his apology, but–223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzGj9WzCKp
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"...Fine."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LaasdhVRL
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He offered me a hand but I stood up by myself. I followed him through the woods. I was staring at his heels. Sometimes he turned his body to me, likely to say something, but he didn't speak it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCy71WPtQ8
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdaWxzwFkn
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Nevermind. What a strange question.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuesluYZvu
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"No. They died a long time ago."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3NJ9I0Bzt
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"I see. You have my condolences."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxSmIWaA8V
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"I don't need them."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPni1wuQNiq
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A pause.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSduCHjlvsb
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKinQN07CP
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"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTMKbWku5G
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I stopped walking. Ng stopped shortly after. I don't know what it is that just happened, but a button of mine was pressed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84RlFEzSf0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlzbN0XATZ
And then the memories came flooding back. Those months where I refused to walk outside, being taken in by Anabelle, and lastly the talk. That vital conversation I had with Anabelle and Jackson. I started biting my nails.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpsOJzLmgG
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Despite it, nothing changed. My mind was still at odds with itself. But I calmed down. I calmed down a lot. At that moment, a bundle of warmth spread throughout my body. I was feeling fine.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMgVK4Fezn
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"Did I–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuh3tUxiRR
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"I'm sorry Ng. I still don't think I can do it. At least, not now, not by myself. Even thinking about it is making me shudder. I can't go in there."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbpNwa3hHg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVGoQprMDs
"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1T7hZDdVP
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I had to make sure I heard him.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqFFmjv8n0
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"Assistants?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FZ9DbTQxl
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"Of course. I can still use the mana here to make some. It doesn't have to be anything powerful, just enough to grab Kim while you're fighting Jeremiah."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNEUymvPpD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvbQO81r8x
"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF23F3Ym342
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"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjE8JGgcMz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSed3CrhfO
"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3UX3rX4z6
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We kept walking. We didn't exchange another word but I could feel the air around us lighten. Thanks to the campfire, we made it back to the others.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLzwrsVWKA
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKwG6wgNlp
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubjHE6ySB5
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Flinty ran up to me and gently hugged me, patting me on the back a few times. I would've been embarrassed if I wasn't so bewitched by the presence of the third person.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcoy9Gt13J
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKvnRkZIcM
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–
–
–
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We were all sitting by the campfire. Though I was sleepy, the knight's presence alone made me unable to sleep. I had too many questions to ask, and it looks like I wasn't alone.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5I49bIsV8
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIuE2iCKml
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf3Wk5NZ4r
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"Of course."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEErQ4Wtjym
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX3U2wkDKx
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"Ah, of course. I am here because I've been tasked with tailing Kim. My reasons are secret, but I assure you it isn't anything malicious, not from either party."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AKFc4AaiT
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Tailing her? Well, if that was the case, he must not have been very good at it. But when your target is as disguised and inconspicuous as Kim, then even a knight would have difficulty pursuing you.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLVaw0OB8D
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But, no, something else was bugging me.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AwrLVZJNt
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"How did you know where to find us here?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2zLbzI6MO
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"I simply spent the day searching."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAIEYXjMfC
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"The whole day?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoricuuAHZ
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He didn't respond to that. "Victoria's mother informed me of your whereabouts. This forest may be small, but it sure is dense."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7nRAoYGxm
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2efTU6OEYE
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJpK7DoLVm
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He sighed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEFEN9J5Gy
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh04tKT9jv
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP9B19um1z
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"Oh! Yes! Kim is being held captive by a magical beast my ex-colleague has created. He is formidable, and occasionally reckless, but not a creature who would intentionally kill. He wasn't programmed that way."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWBEkxNLi9
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu0zXmBmcf
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"...Why do you ask?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGkBqDZh4l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JNhvdNhtT
"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwTS8ssHPH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp25G9KAcNO
Those words made me perk up. They had two meanings to me. Ng went on to explain the blob's ability to contort its body and produce a hypnagogic haze when injured. Skylark didn't look intimidated at all. I didn't see him in action yet, but I imagined that such confidence didn't come from foolishness. Skylark's presence was still strange, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have any suspicions about his relation to Kim, but– frankly, it didn't matter. Frankly, I was just glad that I was able to pass the baton onto somebody far more capable than me. A short while later we all returned to sleep; aside from me, of course. And, apparently, aside from Skylark. I lifted my body and stared at him. As we stared at each other, I tried to unbridle certain words from my throat, but he talked first before I could.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmPPSPKcis
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtA6kZsiyo
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvklKgrtWH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZRnM0TijZ
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB0gzacPpZ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TOQeoWVCo
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GtgdOggSR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV31YXM4rtk
"I see. I'll get sleepy eventually, it's just a matter of time. But since you're awake, I might as well talk with you. Talking with people is especially exhausting."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMweYKfMeZW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFaxRDl7eK
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiav3CxyR3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y4pSwvnHY
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqlkQv1oCK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRtwV8GUwt
He put a hand to his chin.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvhiFrYgKF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gIqUyp9uj
"...Well, I'm sure you in particular will find out soon. For now, let's just say that I was sent to defend her, in case anything goes awry."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9WnHLIG9c
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4ANa6LfVl
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbzt0mWSpI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5aZIfVC7H
"No."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6PoTojnnk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7taBg2U32Z
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKGqj9Yj1P
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu3sp5ni2x
"Do you mean in the woods?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo3VShrTWy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QI52ttNJK
"Yes. I'm just curious."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0c209RTUT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83rBJNXoXx
"I entered the woods two hours ago. I was told by Linda to wait until it became dark. Honestly, these woods are a bit of a nightmare to navigate."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiunC8DH1b
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGZDAzCkoy
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArG05mQqe8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHEnRh9BJO
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8QRFAiSlz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7JMHNVx6C
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16HhbwRBGx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5MbcJJcX9
"Me too."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRITur840z0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQLdrdNG4e
I realized how strange it was that he called it knightly duty, since he met us by coincidence, but didn't press him on that matter.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQwAgLicq4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nZ9q4hd0W
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnc689veWn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw3jdzJLOD
"Yes. For now, at least."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWav4XP9xco
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMQILmooUD
"Are you sure? I may not be able to answer all questions related to Kim, but I have a lot of knowledge of other things."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf2iTi0DEc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxwGQTFifp
"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZEVeaOlpM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpvghF3wM8
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3biiEBGy6T
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MIht1z6ZA
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8PgoMg303
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gMZIzAyJp
"...Huh?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMuoYIfnFs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ4ZxxH5mx
–
–
–
There was a gap in the trees perfectly positioned to where the sun hit my face. I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my chest and had difficulty keeping my eyes open. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well. Despite that, I was feeling fine. Everyone else was still sleeping. Everyone, aside from Flinty, who was not present.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ664ExMxm9w
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpYTQaKB0V
I thought of the worst immediately. I calmed down once I heard a sound nearby. I walked towards it and saw Flinty standing with her arm out, creating water balls and... firing them.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJKCAFgxo7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWFzqol9vF
I wouldn't repeat the same mistake as before, so I stood by the sidelines and watched. She didn't even have her eyes closed, yet she was able to create a water ball and maintain it for twenty seconds. And then, she fired it. It was a very weak spell; it hit a tree and merely splashed it. If it was another element, it likely would've only scratched the bark off. I was still impressed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFqNb9ET9g
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINjtafq87F
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yxo8Xwjkb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K7drmnLYI
"Good morning, Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNBaoDQKx7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHC24Rs0fE
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1etnhXqqG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNugPteAPl
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4VwbiBfrj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6UQ9Fdm3D
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgtkSl5kqg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWdjq6n8NV
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloCBuIvn5b
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhVr6agpYk
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZBYTS6xoF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQp1LPBlZV
"Yes! I have, ha!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wzDlRl4Qh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgukgO3LUz
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE6H301ogW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzOTTDMtoE
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmquLSXgqzG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed4iMi2gv8
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeJIlfHevD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXpU081BcG
"Thank you, teacher."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG9DyD4Ow2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsSvNePC7a
"Yeah. Don't call me that."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW6drzXcHd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsktVavgrV
"Okay."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3YiZ9ZkGD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdA17FYubI
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSR0Zm077E
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG0So3bZMT
"Hm? What's wrong?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTXiUjQ3z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SM1KC1YMJ
"Um..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBssyUVs3Je
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5qGEucwxT
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuEaUefmmj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m4GLPWNT2
"Here. Have it back."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBlpwqAPFx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZrjqb4Swt
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpavt1BhIK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf38LXV7eR
She shook her head no.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET395rSanE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cV6iG0UvH
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssC9MZSO0r
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdCAhNiFmg
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsMyqIbBBn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRVALeOdtv
"Thank you, Flinty."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6Ns0ULFk3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3QUOjdZkU
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI2cG0FrTr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoyIytF9vk
"Kenny, do you feel better?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeavlzogYKb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7AJfmnFv0
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAulNBxJrd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zFfmgBP5I
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPWXn5A2Na
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1sBGpZenZ
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHIWODJqgK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Aj1NKLykY
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEOuPQIMpE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAph9VM04zj
"Good morning, Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YE4HQx0CJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkvLu5sdUi
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbqVTA3aFv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenyERFb57F
He nodded. When Victoria and Ng got on their feet our strategy meeting began. It was simple; Skylark would enter the compound and battle Jeremiah while Victoria, Ng, and I would surround the building to capture any escapees. With that set, we began our breakfast. It was just simple rations, but they tasted especially fresh. Flinty and Victoria were engaged in conversation while Skylark vigilantly watched our surroundings. I looked at Ng and was suddenly reminded of last night.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HwPO3SV4X
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxuLLgM2dM
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCOxcTIKYJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RlO7cajVM
I scooted closer to him.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVJpMApMfi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuSiE3argC
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zTpeFQjAL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gm6Ywdqfy
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYku6CymQt
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AWfZk1aRb
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmGdlQsSqO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnUF95DFRS
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFkCY7osPk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbBsBYd5MK
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDZplN8cXO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NTP3LRnsL
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5muQcArY0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1QbLkjlNY
"What?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcARLJGpZ1Z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm8K6CB4Bw
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJlhuJIZQo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nLyo3vN5i
But then I thought about his behavior back in the cellar, and during the initial stage of the infiltration. He lightly punched me in the shoulder.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VZ7NcejFM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysyyXKgJ6k
"You and I are alike, I've realized. But unlike me, you are powerful and gifted. I know you can liberate yourself from the fungus in your brain. You are still young, after all."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rIdsqz4CC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJKYIaBucZ
"R-Right."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW8ZFdvTW1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsu2hfcDuz
"Well then, shall we go?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjdsEXruJh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8np3B5vtA3
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwZ76CkJ8K
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz39JJ8nbD
"Alright."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyOQu78N6R
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt8Vt71kuw
We grabbed our bags and left the campsite. With Ng leading us, we arrived at the compound thirty minutes later. Flinty and Ng stood nearby in the woods guarding our things, and more importantly, away from any attention. Skylark, Victoria, and I stood before the broken gates of what was essentially the compound's front yard. Skylark took a step forward. He had a rag covering his mouth.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemD3QZ2TBg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk76D1cdtOl
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ThD0yZlOE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRmYu0r5WM
And then he walked across the field and into the building. Now Victoria and I stood there alone. I felt a hand on my shoulder.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsTsBbTW6S
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHakbrUAIHJ
"What?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcXwAwDQzs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOT39uPGST
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47gJbvsRa4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos4W6EgDce
"I know he will."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeCR3t3GXk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5ETJb2zFP
"Then why are you shaking?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMonWI5AMpd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfSu32W47o
"...I just can't help myself."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJp019T7ir
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQNcieYFim
I walked to the walls and sat against it. Victoria joined me. We sat and waited. Five minutes passed without anything happening. Ten minutes passed without anything happening. Victoria was jittering a little.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2cTk8JV5Q
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw3JDeIFEO
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDtpolsvpJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttEKzaKsJV
"What do you want to talk about?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBkR7oXp2F
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPkrEGB41j
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv7qaexXjI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dUIlBPqGT
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTncD3bIzH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM4AJ7zQ1p
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTECd61hURK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaLKlBfbxX
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1YyaMdNJn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOjobTGIBA
"Ha!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglZmVk8GmC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNpfObEPIH
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8cb4uo9Qr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqaBp4Q2Lf
"These muscles came from all the work at the farmhouse, and fighting is something Mom taught me. Y'know, she used to be a combatant! An extraordinary one, too!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU2NC8bPYK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ55s1sZAyS
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AnQriFg2g
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4knd0uR3Jk
"Hehe, something like that."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ke4jjtwZE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunw19vfRc1
She didn't sound confident.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uPfc1vJNO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uinkGRrya
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWOSkD3IPg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7t0TM4Tmz
"Ah. That makes sense."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSr1d78rkE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl0TlY1seO
I was very close to saying something insensitive.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsZBd94lxl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU1mJQiy4X
"That blob thing was a bit too much for me to handle. I think though, if we were to fight that wolf, I would be fine."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrdgDYIKEF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RvE5UIW6D
"...Wolf?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYdwZ2zVvg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdqVtKXWSD
All the air suddenly left my lungs. I looked to my left. The broken gate. Its mauled doors were sprawled on the grass, and chunks of stone accompanied them.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2j8HxxS4q
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5myPYGpjv5
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8ezm1PIZ5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqyCfKXVx6
"Kenny?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7h9a5j5B8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtcu4g69qk
With how quiet it was in the compound, I naturally began to theorize. I did not doubt that Skylark was alright, but we should've heard something, anything by now. Because we weren't, then Panz must've been hiding. And I already knew from Ng that Panz had the ability to summon his creations.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsPmLzL0QJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWFP2DJVDz
I stood up and walked forward.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD8wkhY5Bl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2NDuAorP6
"Kenny? What's wrong?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc42RbTa3h7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKmfoHFfgC
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G7qpjbN0a
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WZCF2xqwQ
I took my tendril out and grew a Sunlight-Blossom. I snatched a seed and stuck it in the ground, then grew it to full size. I clasped the flower by its stem and aimed it at the woods.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH4xBjidme
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyL6ZX8npa
Victoria stood beside me with her hands raised. She caught on fast. I keenly eyed the woods, almost like a hawk, waiting for anything to flutter.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzzdVr5jl0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6zYvdpozv
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EHb9Hk0Xw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PmlmY9vdb
**BANG**223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF95VMDAgc7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6mUlu2qrC
The Sunlight-Blossom's seed rend the wind and trees. It left my line of sight in a second. I didn't catch the beast, but that wasn't an issue. A resounding wail echoed throughout the woods. I saw the bushes fly in the distance.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyfxkrEQul
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH0o0dXmUX
"Victoria."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEG1hPvsfZ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefp5nPWwQn
"Right."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ERE1gkfz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLP0vfyQUT
I had to think fast. I produced a Freeze-Dry and encased the ground in ice. Next, I brought out Dragon-Maw Jr. and raised the tendril over the ice.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTZO6tZNYy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxVo75cdkW
**SMASH**223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47KuSwsZav
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8r6M4Q4sn
There he was.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJviOfVDlg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeeaSnqzZf
The wolf crashed through a tree and landed on the ice field. He lost his footing quickly. I lowered the tendril and Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped his jaws immediately, nipping at the wolf's back. The wolf slid towards us with his maw agape, brandishing hundreds of sharp, unsightly teeth.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXywmzzmldC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUmJwnOMuz
Victoria crouched. The wolf jumped. I retracted the tendril and prepared to strike, but the size of the wolf surprised me. I hesitated. But that was fine. Victoria clenched the wolf's neck as it soared through the air. She slammed the beast to the ground, hardly able to keep it pinned, but she was able to punch its snout a few times. The wolf struggled and clawed Victoria in the chest. She winced, and the beast escaped from her grasp. He was bleeding, but so was Victoria. She reached for her pocket and doused herself in a healing potion, then threw the glass bottle at the wolf who stepped aside to avoid it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB8wRGeaA5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK50i9sauC3
"That thing is strong," she said, "We can either wear it down or pin it again, but if I do, you need to kill it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J0N8aeShu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSRSdJg093
"Right."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy3picKCaY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb818GX1uUb
With my other hand, I began mana expulsion and created a bundle of thin, elongated rocks. I threw them at the wolf one at a time. He avoided them all, but as I threw, Victoria inched closer. The wolf jumped at her with his jaws wide open. Victoria stepped to the side in the nick of time, but as the wolf landed he turned around and leaped again. I struck him with the tendril and he spun across the field.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9O6dmVHR8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEVCsxXht8
"Thank you!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PRXk9qGNU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7OpXr2eef
I nodded. The wolf was temporarily incapacitated. He was still bleeding from Dragon-Maw Jr's wound. Victoria and I were unharmed. We could do this.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse8sNHIQKV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfl7MZitpD
I began mana expulsion again, creating a stone and suspending it in the air. I covered it with fire magic. The wolf came back to his senses and sprinted at me. I stretched the tendril out; he avoided it but I struck him as I retracted it. I threw the fire-rock at it. The wolf caught it with his mouth.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiDPi2RwmV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKOdcg0DOR
"Huh?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJky7weK7wY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB3G6n9YMJ
Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhP0epdT1m
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBxbj5aAjD
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93oFfN9HyB
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZimoBNJVv
"Shit!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoas20Khrt
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfigKfM8tkn
I put my hand on the floor and created a small wall of earth before me. A stream of fire pummeled it. I wasn't harmed, but the heat made me feel woozy.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZOUHjpnnD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTK6qqzyqN
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZZyikxt3s
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAECuo5PQX
I removed the wall and began mana expulsion again, this time, creating a ball of water. Victoria was beside me, her palms open and her fingers strained.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3donbkgIE9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm96toMppo
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo3XuVC4Ez
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn9Zkrnuuo
"I understand."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjQ9xX6PAH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjZUF3Ylrh
I retracted my tendril and began mana expulsion with my right hand, creating a bundle of pebbles. I shrunk the water ball down and clasped it with my left. A pure-white water geyser erupted from my palm. The wolf avoided it but found himself on the ice field again, and thus lost his footing. The geyser ran out before I could hit him, so I created another ball of water. The wolf blew fire on the field and melted the ice, and unfortunately, made the grass catch fire as well.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxkFyqaMko
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI17YPaVOP
"Uh oh, Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHEQ6TQaoT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5NjzRhoaS
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY9KVbJHYT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUD2Wwl1Pz
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXSflwFCB5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2gkWXLggF
I didn't clasp the ball this time but spread it out across the field. The fire was extinguished and the wolf was now wet, but seemingly unbothered. He started charging at us again. I scattered the pebbles in my right hand with intense force. They were small, but the wolf would undeniably be hit and staggered.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PnYCA1jRR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFA5rQjRvs
But, though he was hit, his charge didn't halt even a little. I panicked and brought the tendril out, stretching it out yet again. He didn't avoid it. Instead, he snapped his jaws at it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1drtu89vP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw1FtaZ9Gg
"Hrk!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxDBBwW5SN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92SOsT5qLo
Pain permeated my whole body. Maybe even my soul. It was terrible, but the situation wasn't irredeemable. The tendril was in between the wolf's jaws but was still intact. I quickly thought of a way to retaliate and produced a Flash-Bloom. I'd be lying if I said I expected it. I hurriedly held my hand over my eyes.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMHVWdMD3v
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDqpjrZXou
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEB8MFp52L
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZL4A1cIQ
Even with my eyes covered, all I saw was white. Pushing the Flash-Bloom beyond its limit was exhausting my mana supply but I didn't have to keep it out for long. A few seconds later I stopped it and opened my eyes. The wolf was still gripping my tendril but was nabbing at its own face as if the light was on him. I produced Dragon-Maw Jr. and he bit at the wolf's nape. The wolf let go of my tendril. I coughed out some purple goop.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa3cyop3LJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xy6y81Dw5
"Victoria!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PXmoRwh3h
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwasPUQ2oVY
"Right!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1lsO4ByGN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8lBzzfraP
Victoria ran over to the wolf. She didn't pin him down, but instead, grabbed one of his oversized hind legs and bent it in an impossible direction. The wolf opened its mouth and wailed and readily spat fire. With all his squirming, Dragon-Maw Jr. could hardly keep him in place. I produced another water ball and flung it at the wolf. I managed to perfectly land it inside its maw, and the beast was forced to cough it all out.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjckvATpIJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoOhK1vKFm
Dragon-Maw Jr.'s teeth sunk deeper into its neck. The wolf was still desperately clawing at its eyes, but each succesive swipe made it obvious that the beast's strength was fading. Victoria broke its other hind leg. The wolf struggled, but he didn't attempt to spit out fire this time. The wolf simply howled, and howled, and its howls grew weaker by the second. Dragon-Maw Jr. kept clamping down. I noticed it myself, how the neck was being sluggishly pulled off the body. Victoria clasped the wolf's snout. She began pulling at it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWT29lgRiu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ65mZppcz
"GRAHHHH!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXxnohL302
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw9scMYNb9
A warcry. She was a total barbarian.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGIOV5slnj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0YCDxYyvy
With the help of Dragon-Maw Jr, Victoria tore off the wolf's neck and threw across the field. The head crashed and spallered against a tree. It immediately evaporated into the air, and the rest of the wolf's body followed suit. She grabbed her knees and began to pant.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrnTkPC8w5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYTMgS173m
"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxy0Czdqz0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMMqWm7tMg
I retracted the tendril. My mana supply was relatively plentiful. Still, I plummeted to the ground, face-first. I stopped coughing up purple goop, and a minute later, it stopped oozing from my chest.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZoVWMJy0b
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZylfNdOY5
I had questions about it, but those were for later. At the time being, I was happy. I relishing the moment. Even with grass pressing against my face, I was relishing.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFLbUBCfkc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jvo87vtKN
We did it. We really did it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAIc2qkzBu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7l6Hob4Hl
"Kenny!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TtjgMUSNB
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouQmuPdaM3
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsdBg3b6L0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkjbiPPqy8
"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3leqBhfvNc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq2R7Y4bpi
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPuv0fV2Cs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErCLtoOuZu
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuT4u3RutK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0gK1cDyQQ
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0aBhHxhuM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VpMWcANqO
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUFatPJ5kq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xH6INmtQm
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUeLq0Kwlp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe9LFjGpbz
"We did it," I muttered.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKTEiIljqv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvgrjGmK5a
I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZndu8dxtA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpEdmiZA8I
Right now, I was immensely satisfied. I glanced at Victoria, and she was fine, and I was fine, and the beast was dead, and I was satisfied.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcmoAmdFn1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHx2ZNoGtr
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0cOYqglQG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Cp0phSGe
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vt14jCoIc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXbjMgJZQI
"...It could've been a lot worse."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H0Q9S8RkP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKYJSUpXxY
"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMhsR69MZN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOO5C3qwm
Victoria looked at something above me.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhNcgsf22k
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh0kdDkVs6
"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hPG4hgK68
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qTIRgire6
Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFkkojda3e
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkJKDl8bS5
"No. Why do you ask?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1a3gGhfQh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjrigz9Xre
"I haven't heard a single thing coming from the building. Our fight was noisy, so I thought that maybe someone would come out. I'm starting to get worried."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxOtQBP3fT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOtQQnRBSf
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFRAqytP8l
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjCKTcyXjx
"O-Oh, sorry."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF7qIUeF4W
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeEmjXfMvJ
She scratched her cheek a little.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8OCjDvgGJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpDYdrZgXj
"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMNT61leRJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1fS01ynHx
"That's just how you need to be with monsters. Equally brutal. It's something I got used to. I watched my mom fight a lot when I was a kid."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjnpioodeQ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABNOCLPuWF
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04lJgx5nz0
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExgWOfe7UT
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbvKv0KRM5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkFUcU2udt
I sighed. My face returned to the grass as I indulged in the silence. I could feel the fatigue worm its way into every nook and cranny of my body. I was surprised at the toll the fight had on me. Eventually, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my shirt. It was even more purple than before.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF1rZcJ3Pz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuha5AirUk3
I helped Victoria up. I limped to the busted gate and stared at the compound. A weight formed in my stomach. I almost began to pray, but the doors to the building slowly opened.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xb1vxK0oy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ2FMB5RLJ
Skylark was there. Kim was on one shoulder, and when he opened one door wide enough he grabbed Panz by the hood. He had a lot of dust on his body. When he caught up to us, he frowned.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTym9ixtKe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBtXV7g6Ht
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIecv2c4xE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbYGn4StV6
"We fought something, Kenny and I."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXVLsXv7RL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SZaDgN3an
She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQXvSBAnQ8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcft6JeyJg
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzlK6O5gAy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwhpUr4oSX
"How is Kim?" I asked.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl0DueJBuU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb2heSx1cE
"She's fine, just unconscious."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDdreNinsH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9zcyPjqFq
I could only say one thing.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj5Anu3lLL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3xexlyZiB
"...Haaaa. Thank God."
然後按「加至主畫面」