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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFj6hAZa3y
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDASbjOalTp
Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB696Gjwd9Y
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU46DI5WnS9
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"That's not true at all–"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53VpZgtpwr
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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..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fNO0BCMH9
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrsleNDeZm
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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!?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG9hBxHKCN
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I fell to my knees.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvRrR2cdwL
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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..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLG2oicwPJ
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw64FsyI1DM
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"...Kenny."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzbeIG1Tlb
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"What!?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Hw7J7WEV
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncy91ScU0a
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hfRbsE4kr
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYUyX7dubZ
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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."
...128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sknXjhLrl
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I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7yQOronLE
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEaswUs9fp
I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3GNG3CVsS
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"N-No..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMbrdM2nWS
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Oh, God.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvppQ3DaIf1
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Oh, God.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnODzRLhz8D
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq95hbQQjC
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK8A7RIA6O
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But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo2FUDUWfU
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"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaBH1VGpUT
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYGpSXjYgt
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4jyRqwiO3
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"--Hrk!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GXPlDaH99
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEY4qARkB7
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkzCuEKLuI
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"There you are."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jdHIUP0Jm
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Ng already found me, huh?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BerNQtP15
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"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjspQPC2qt
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6wPoxxp9k
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"...Fine."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquJzrlc3tA
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwUdtIwuPs
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgL3waIuZH
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Nevermind. What a strange question.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdpJgQAXf5
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"No. They died a long time ago."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMOzxRWRaf
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"I see. You have my condolences."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SGKFr6SZq
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"I don't need them."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fnqNu4rIw
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A pause.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJKap9Hw3Z
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkCjtx12uN
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"..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM55NaGcwg
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyi2nkZMC5
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNbrScCz98
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCHpfM7cCb
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"Did I–"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHqxwqpU23
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRDuinLljU
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"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r4qjkQflF
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I had to make sure I heard him.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYRLVP6a8
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"Assistants?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKXnuI0Qz3
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpWsEXZvjs
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR1ar7tpUN
"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkp8bHLxje
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"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRCcX4gwId
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"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9AjDKHywt
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfipdfDDgW5
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS8P5WoTsF
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLTBo1aQ5f
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9thaCvwc4
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEic4kJlwpe
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXlagczuWk
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8vnmHcAWS
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUeHDgpcT4
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"Of course."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUpIyepWiy
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHighiiaZxc
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2khPsYITu7
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ngnTrEdj
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But, no, something else was bugging me.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNAgbaNJxO
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"How did you know where to find us here?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUa6mDeqqX
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"I simply spent the day searching."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNAZrWemQO
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"The whole day?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToYObuOQ2a
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeJM6gedmN
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWuMzxWStJ
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8dIkxj4Zb
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He sighed.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYY5qfh1fW
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOIY03PmF6
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPYPto5aM2
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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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7Mt6cPWzT
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbquCnZ4BBC
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"...Why do you ask?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLA9TWt9w7
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrmDJ7rCWp
"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBognbi1Dpo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5EVMpI173
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bLqieEtEm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ3QXSQA0o
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq3k8Q88pg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85zQkSF9CI
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8r4rfPpnL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dg28rL346
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnzlUs7JPm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZIgGwOlM2
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxJLccdMLu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr4lmSoVFl
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWrRyMIN1I
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mnBdTBxB0
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJBi1ZQomj
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VJRoZ8GRc
He put a hand to his chin.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbcFsYXgOu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnTeEs1fMl
"...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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G5owXBxH4
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bpP9H6gO5
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk5bgzefua
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpZlMFVFhR
"No."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXA4k7jZGP
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z1N0Z2M5J
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ42wDAH5dk
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvSfu3WruT
"Do you mean in the woods?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3x56Lok5e
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MFxjKJjNT
"Yes. I'm just curious."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRBrS6ipyF
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4nh4PJo4K
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuZO4nh7L7
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxAgJcyxAT
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYVppUC3ye
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOeSH3JWF3
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mi480sEA5
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumQ3Tur6kv
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0FHFsHMgW
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoLC4sHzdK
"Me too."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOGqJ6jAA9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIJGRdLCvW
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt3lY7zR4Y
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpjhGDx5an
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79k4AvgDC9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDZnxtNkWC
"Yes. For now, at least."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPx1N2k7wv
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVjxyhvXl7
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3janJ8dz4j
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKzC89YhwU
"..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc2oBNTqnM
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRQCDdcZRA
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpkgxBDwWO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iDv9oESZR
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLshRhvWxlO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGymEtboSr
"...Huh?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiZ63nKsJI
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDpo8J6vdS
–
–
–
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzia3zEFhaQ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7xdkBWocu
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjky7NMQn2l
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIOs0EhlYL
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ChKi07coX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKKpu5qtQe
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kfUSfnJ1K
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMInMiWxUy
"Good morning, Kenny."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtu6V28OKt
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS6cTdG4xI
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1waENB4LH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzBnjqsXYV
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWa0BncHlC
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qOJejCfq1
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq72Rj0Zku
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmS3o5xn5Q
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6aByPlF0Y
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtLN6rvDGW
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxocHvf5VRm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCnW2rKEqw
"Yes! I have, ha!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58JpX2pYWp
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSY7kIVjHR
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhPX7VqF11
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOX00iP2lz
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0a915p9DZ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMspy0xyZcj
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmKtyxwQKR
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlLG2ASeeB
"Thank you, teacher."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YdrDJRUMm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENgeyksuOE
"Yeah. Don't call me that."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNhDjmQdUk
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGliSnhvqP
"Okay."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFJqxhvhJN
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNolCgYRX7R
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nGk8adeHm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx2XugNIE5
"Hm? What's wrong?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfNVeaS7uG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg7bip2f4z
"Um..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmzLWndPzg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4rBazeFhb
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUlkUN3us3
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjE6riKkGq
"Here. Have it back."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXBOOIZ6RQ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwnjUgS3Jz
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzxj3IxH8r
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpj0NXVYaV
She shook her head no.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TJnu4J5c2
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQFwoC10zV
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPJw3c0YSM
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRfxSpttpe
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitGySyCigc
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIWWhsNxfv
"Thank you, Flinty."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbQRQGNOQs
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YTXUEKwfa
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw1im20ySv
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsaVHmZDOu
"Kenny, do you feel better?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9d94q1PFh
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7gDF4mgp7
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YDysOk8Qg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRl6ljx194
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTZ0XN03wz
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpHQqaUyte
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP59HKDckMj
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXZPSDScay
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v2N6zc2nV
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r8fXkguR0
"Good morning, Kenny."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNHmbPWsf2
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJi0BgZNY2
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jz0YL37j5
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabQnWTFxUo
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUKv3dCmWY
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk67j33Zh82
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvzIjvdwZG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j1IlTi50I
I scooted closer to him.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7l04HPW32
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQlgAHmaEi
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlbDwTG5ch
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ChJJEn9gh
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv5JQO4WWb
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdAYKUI16R
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO5QpNcRS0
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdJ6NnRy1V
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjmqcYBaMm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4DznhG2V4
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6c6rkH3tA
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1QQEvxPqr
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8h7BqqX5O
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZgqjk8U4u
"What?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsSxVKyqc8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3zfyTTvSi
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8baw87iH0q
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFBYMLbOKn
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FHBPUgH7g
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEYx5yS7lz
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmem4Ae4ggs
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMmgYh4iQM
"R-Right."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cREIGLQjN
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC9mh1FiWB
"Well then, shall we go?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVEpMUr0lW
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4KKPwcvLx
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcinRl1dqfU
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7GFRvMDzS
"Alright."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiic1cnJJd
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQw1N2IMqF
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b81n3lSji
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ6NP9WQhK
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjTUCtxGJ1
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRjd1Dighv
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFZD3dRBLm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0BbZZtoPz
"What?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTzCyRBLHG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvtCqVT1q4
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAIvUyTKNX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrgc5zoj4F
"I know he will."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTLW1cZ3zQ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyGEHHy5T2
"Then why are you shaking?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwTl4TE4QJ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz5EBmTSLC
"...I just can't help myself."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflDSeCanKa
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqeUHMQYyH
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdqzc5aHzf
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms7yC8AtFG
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaAhvc4vEK
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ejb6ofhnK
"What do you want to talk about?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0zByyc7Nv
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVOkzK7GLS
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GXlgzlswl
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKptU932HN
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIYG0s3pnT
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz5JjtF2hm
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Nl9cS2cL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchibGEYIB2
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubkdZzYk0V
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1V3pntEUB
"Ha!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7INohyGm3
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ooaleHiz1
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj12lg5jN6
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAUESKJvFu
"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!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lHmwvbrMZ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKdTXoGMrC
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNALTRmp87P
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt982CpsYam
"Hehe, something like that."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmwEa5mbR9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCR1jrtyCk
She didn't sound confident.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUG91qetdG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3g8NRe6Gl
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9jBABxib1
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPifId8ihXr
"Ah. That makes sense."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpARryNIiPc
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0peRFFbbzs
I was very close to saying something insensitive.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU2bIpZJ6X
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafzFFKi4FP
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IYshz38Hg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpxjDwjzvb
"...Wolf?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXjZJSLXB5
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbSW5j3y7R
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq0urIAlAj
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPWnl7oyeX
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1WqgBIQfV
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BSA01HnFw
"Kenny?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55cDkIoyS8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMKMOA0hDc
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCZFj4oYCz
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK90EulT2H
I stood up and walked forward.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvqXnvdzjW
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9CEat8QJg
"Kenny? What's wrong?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uYvzineVZ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicnRKkJzJG
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTLKsCoCKW
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FP1deow6c
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wTXS7YaiL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wLqE2QpaM
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OgSeqG3BH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoDhtm3Rou
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Bk3Ck8hm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FpmmOroWN
**BANG**128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyeQIL5xa8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrJOxnCZZQ
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSItKgQTzJ1
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHuTjObR12
"Victoria."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZK5opGMI3
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Jdns2XJz
"Right."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpsN8OS7PY
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g6hb61nzB
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklCrRRtGZf
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieCZKt4IuX
**SMASH**128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXFQJqkTTV
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqGgy2jKQS
There he was.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasN1vVdZto
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhbayNrGPM
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP1bgybjHO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aOpffYohe
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6zpJRsQKH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XlbCKgmMf
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi0r8B1CEM
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdbZw9kLN3
"Right."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBqDqXTD6W
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DmpcTvgmv
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTNlIBmNCc
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3gMqhndgQ
"Thank you!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Mc9jdfeq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnpZx7mpt0
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJt6PPMdqo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBulJrJVE1
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ58tF6L4p
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A8xdb0TgH
"Huh?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi04v1ONZu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aWjECPilM
Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7lT8WK0FR
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUJ2n5GBjR
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2HnxuIM0w
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkNrBfSCLJ
"Shit!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOz9b5PW4G
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFobnu0rWt
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XmRdrWdkb
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSbmDvJWqN
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZHdcQbWYX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvQv1vnOz5
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMMADALFGL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEyfqk48aN
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SemHrDnpH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hIx9G9nBq
"I understand."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnci7T2yqv
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwjc57Lkcd
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FGYKGCrch
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS1MPWNZlm
"Uh oh, Kenny."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu8SSsUqcK
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Y7RfPUnE
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkheSzugkq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJVpeC6y1z
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvIQvJRKX2
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDjvFKwLh2
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFtDbuSm78
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZkQMSEnGr
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwOAG1HG0o
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtITrkOw9Af
"Hrk!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRtMsOc8i9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdYJl0vlaV
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneQdoodBpt
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaZ7nfCnFV
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu3KIfg6Al
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg6YMcXnVm
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPY6XI6ieJ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuhvd2rifE
"Victoria!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX5Rls0IxH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnYa1xIE9o
"Right!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQx9C0TubF
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTB0d4XtCC
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7grLzTqhZB
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuCT1JTNak
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR57jAxwu4
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UrHexZPR8
"GRAHHHH!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPDTZmO7s0
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTjdVCSEle
A warcry. She was a total barbarian.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11BoDi4YZo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjSTi9GJ7w
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3JhekE743
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM9iLU1u1J
"..."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz4rOxBdRC
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxdXsbyaJf
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf8TQYcAyt
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl28c3RBhR
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sarIaUlDt
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA78s3ibUN
We did it. We really did it.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt3JyzX8ZF
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHA5tHJZpw
"Kenny!"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S9uhcM3ge
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM6PeLGZnk
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRHP4L4Ibb
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi4FLk9k5N
"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib5obT6HeJ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnajPLJaNxV
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2dW0GyIox
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvI7eCvogh
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHj0AgE7Of
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzl4uN0atk
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtoAcB3UBZ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDez8jiPxuB
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEwmkWC2t5
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE2h6zSqed
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB6xRbN2Va
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtl4gxxGTl
"We did it," I muttered.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3SSHmqMgx
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahtFqd4Q4C
I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RPtDgj4t0
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYphszF3C6z
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXAezvVh9e
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9v9lTIbuz
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe6CXLJcBL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKVxqporPN
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V94nudjM7
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzI9BkgO9z
"...It could've been a lot worse."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rr658vp4V
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVMoJhVlLW
"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87PYFcqCO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBPX6I0HBm
Victoria looked at something above me.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVBVlEoifN
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2pLS5ZwBu
"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FMg1COgdA
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj6QSd6zA8
Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsOMDanZhu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNgaD2YPBz
"No. Why do you ask?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbDL4T9Pck
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfmiBqwNb6
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnDPQ3BaeS
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuEg17nsq3
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfjoHRkilm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2xZvJOS9k
"O-Oh, sorry."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizBu3sfOfL
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qSkHGu9D9
She scratched her cheek a little.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMXAbiAqQS
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVSRX2IZAM
"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7ljk9qYGR
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChTm5DFTSY
"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."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzUeGYB8Wy
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3HKW1gAEf
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwhKEyuUBA
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNnyQSoBsw
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBwg1Mbiwh
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ5I2X63BS
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCKhO4uMJV
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv7OvH4DjI
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcskEPXPPb
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIQdE8iD7F
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv4eLjnCzi
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2K1TbHcj9
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUWcoNxYMN
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLJqMuYxkK
"We fought something, Kenny and I."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5ZVqyLuxF
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rZjSTRDfT
She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx5CPaskP9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkV84c1FGF
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGf80stKOU
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt3TY5sndS
"How is Kim?" I asked.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy8ydMdbNw
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOeYTi2Fml
"She's fine, just unconscious."128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGZoHGGlD5
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfS4ND6EUM
I could only say one thing.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sRIL6Iq8g
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOcXTOzsY6
"...Haaaa. Thank God."
然後按「加至主畫面」