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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnpzeTTsaL
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Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvwA6oWR5n
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRg6qUaqWG
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"That's not true at all–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVJaBFKmz2
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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..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlZnJ0XM6J
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyitvmh80D
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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!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaISG11KcZg
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I fell to my knees.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6NPVSLF7e
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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..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5B8BP60rA
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOuqJTZPDn
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"...Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86mWbAbjJt
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"What!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbT8HPnXbZ
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X5slX2Vde
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rHGlBF7xz
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4T1nCr5UI
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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."
...139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAyZ50IFdX
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I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTAlN8mPEf
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I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvy3dIs1zE
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"N-No..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdPE3G18pe
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Oh, God.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3FhECmDrt
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Oh, God.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk44IYyjqBO
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZvR4z6RRo
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz1jRfYGlA
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But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAXtxdrLhy
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"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt0SweCKja
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIU96nZjMb
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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–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93ehsyGBmi
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"--Hrk!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGYNTcPXvH
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN6GbleAvs
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzknhsXLJt1
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"There you are."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYzhsbARyY
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Ng already found me, huh?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O5QdituSA
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"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WrTCdg3gW
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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–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5LoiAPIt9
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"...Fine."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUXCP4bHFG
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHuBN4DVPk
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8vev5mvQi
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Nevermind. What a strange question.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eNYuYtIty
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"No. They died a long time ago."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4dTQibz53
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"I see. You have my condolences."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIjyUzrmCm
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"I don't need them."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBq9fbaBuS
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A pause.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFeYrsVshf
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OEKNa7rX3
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"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjEiRDyPry
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9C2MYegbK
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgotlT8WS0
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qXmNJm8GM
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"Did I–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtiIRm650t
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1a4Kn5Q33
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"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWZeTRIhvO
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I had to make sure I heard him.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh8l0bVzuE
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"Assistants?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxXGdVIg7i
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oXMXtGvOP
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"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsZeKewt59
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"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssoe02dByw
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"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlFhvt8OqI
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbCJ3D0py8
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFzhbqgmOh
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGc0JyrD0a
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJXaf0yI5O
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwccVxxpbk
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBizKFI8Bvj
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7xvSA8wKg
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8GLDQTWW7
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"Of course."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa6XeaUOmv
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH6Q1WQMsQ
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLltUTVxt5c
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3f6HLitNW
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But, no, something else was bugging me.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh4XDG3d6I
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"How did you know where to find us here?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dnEfhc6wW
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"I simply spent the day searching."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQRWt6HyKC
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"The whole day?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMbsr8MYfH
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7F8modvcm
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaiwkEe96a
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHI66WU0BG
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He sighed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJpcxWeWt8
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAwDjw50Yy
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBns1EqKy5o
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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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYpotQKXE2
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62MBvGNyY8
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"...Why do you ask?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAf4h7v6Fu
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"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoadqkFZmV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XW4xc1G4h
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbUC4Gconf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7FWqHfkqk
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGNDgDB64A
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LACUsy6ml
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yEjGWeVNW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrksev0XeK
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXy9RyCp3G
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuzD4fLJjJ
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS46AdjcSt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrS01W0Ped
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESfAnjrDFV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJndkzngdhY
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGtzQq91Ga
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡligCsfFMcK
He put a hand to his chin.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlz8n78dPJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3GoHL6yZI
"...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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVNayPDTnw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoPcVpJfLk
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELylLOx1Jh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOXfeXCqB9
"No."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5z7Dmv0BV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYwjbEi7fs
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuF5B87IuF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7O6JXDGpO
"Do you mean in the woods?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuN1f5ICGn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuV3Zu8AJv
"Yes. I'm just curious."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiRZiFEFSK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsnnCJCvuv
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiVWPPxOBK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRfVmjT6f7
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdurC9WpZm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEwrnkL875
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ333z4UP651
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd78XhKLvb
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeUL53bWx7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcELpGDzktB
"Me too."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtsQuWkyQ9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KuGNIV1lx
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxlF1mLn8q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQWmuG6hYd
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P2ZGqWbtX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb32LUJZgxn
"Yes. For now, at least."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzrdRns0sm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEvkQvu8X7
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBKOf15Tqv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJXq8QSXrk
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO90J1Ld1dA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPynGg74p8m
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNVMDw6r4o
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaZOqtFHKK
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2kPBkAIEH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64vHeUmxIw
"...Huh?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXjMNMzq9S
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeomRoBkVd
–
–
–
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT82IKOfdK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERHgLMLpm3
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqAjqQlpsO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuhnCRxySk
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenVVA1LyvI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8QEyjfKXq
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouz6M7Hugt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiAlH0bjgQ
"Good morning, Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8zkVxO9fg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XXCamAKf5
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnhzqSa4jr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj61QNoFBc
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj8I5FUYL6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k2cLduaem
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4raNPw9ig
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7bRsahklJ
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNiUP3Ii1s
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfVyL6q2wE
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8qhGbTbJX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8TD8Wksul
"Yes! I have, ha!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewPgxoehbe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarZyUjb2CB
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfZRJW6Del
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SYJlnx4Pd
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6K65kHEwt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXfNUGbzTW
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBOVWsVWDy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd37liwURV
"Thank you, teacher."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRq5xfhaTY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbaat17uDw
"Yeah. Don't call me that."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU57fYTfyP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYn8sBLdqs
"Okay."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWeUzhVMam
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVCEFESzRy
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1T85TqIQg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ8e411KzP
"Hm? What's wrong?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ525W5UNR93
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHlBNpUuti
"Um..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AGUwNtEKG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmrytPDynT
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucmIMfosA5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXBHEiZ8za
"Here. Have it back."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBky1fmezQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQISjZmeiPT
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfbSa6fGKm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oGazHdADy
She shook her head no.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz548ECCII
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfAvL6OO81
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR4wNSzdTr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Nps1zXOjC
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2M2J45UDx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdMg8H25KJ
"Thank you, Flinty."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZueXivgS1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOQ1wrqorQ
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm8ZxikzBJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vlufbxvea
"Kenny, do you feel better?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQsAnZuHLF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYWtR1jF3P
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOCapu86NB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VkALu21De
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EZAH4T2XP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4hdQO8IAq
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9NZav3x1S
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqdDtY9TnH
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT2HTaGrlf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdwGZ56oVx
"Good morning, Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKHBzarazs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GEgAf6W3p
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z4EMbSIO1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjXStEpMFf
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiVO3GqNNF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15iJyzqAIZ
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqna5oiCBb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5xwra0WK2
I scooted closer to him.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKqM5TpgYr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbS5ABgp1V
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnExRkuki1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBtJCybxpp
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZhfuyHc6T
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhTWG0P2xb
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBffjVWbBS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDd6ez1IsA
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0lIbxXUwp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KU0psJxOD
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTV3XT4ahI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5rsINXKie
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Zreztwke
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEjXPI5m3j
"What?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGxDefxrTs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Z5USUx7D
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrFlsVzpSu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcFJYae0a
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp53WgiNiu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVa25Gm9bB
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkVYitHQFG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrZepxfkhe
"R-Right."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNq8beuben
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QRJb9SEGU
"Well then, shall we go?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbpg84EreE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vTqF10EOa
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfrh43xFUC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNokjAV6waH
"Alright."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQsGnsJTmP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUEAM7ywmh
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaAKuoqgPK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclBMt3hulP
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx1CYeaMYZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqTembfDw
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP7Q8EUjl5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlSL0Ipzzo
"What?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsYhE8nQFW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z3rMKOwmm
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqnQDSOOnp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73rnLpc8iT
"I know he will."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTQ4DX7teX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGvakvdAYc
"Then why are you shaking?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo67QjN3itF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ANB8itSg5
"...I just can't help myself."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXePfm08sU2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAuzRZiqcq
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w2ogi66hK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWQKvtX56X
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4w3lZl8x2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KdMMxSan3
"What do you want to talk about?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfd204jcDt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6dsAueQ8z
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlicjHFhwJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoLIaHWJt5
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M2p0zMLe0
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDmoZTWlHR
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WmvqZIFYy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeScq1W7AH
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm381zgpAt2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSBjebDr7S
"Ha!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss35jP3wnI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tYXkvZHkp
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmUpU2pios
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch9gskMJWf
"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!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNzl5y1osL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqxMNNKEHH
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6xm0P6mHK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIJYcBfhIh
"Hehe, something like that."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SGuAiJLbG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzwYvcY2Aa
She didn't sound confident.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRIeQdZmRa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwVafsj9Pu
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS7K7luNiT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzNZepQXlT
"Ah. That makes sense."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2y989Z5zp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpq0cJRvDy
I was very close to saying something insensitive.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnDm5aE6gy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pYZQtTyOg
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0jKwPptL3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELYffpH3pZ
"...Wolf?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx4mJmyyMY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZEXEsB06p
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg4GrYPwFE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdHoCmSoiO
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYZe5lsAP1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSJgxLasVD
"Kenny?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oPNcMiphN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJmfii6RYN
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk08Vv4zUWa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jgy4i87lM
I stood up and walked forward.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1UUJZh92A
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"Kenny? What's wrong?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo84wPpDqT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ROkGeuK0G
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv95tBVAvCb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFxyjHfMLb
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGOSjdskJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhDvzZfLSc
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyKyI6uX6r
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsymagJgfd
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVCv6LWeoH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rrXcrGB65
**BANG**139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFe0qZF8tm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSllvINxhT
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAx5hCzebG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H9d8GLQKg
"Victoria."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcUflE7mkt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1lKHAu5PJ
"Right."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc2l7FOsyv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18h6EyP4m4
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6dAudHyuY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oMCxGw0k0
**SMASH**139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPmaOG5AY2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCbHMFmlpZ
There he was.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPic5sJa1l
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiKeKfzMdB
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfR6cjJasg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVBUSo97q8
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWDlaucdcA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdGI0CTHjm
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY53xgYZRDI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAl22jfBw2
"Right."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJcyNIfjGB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uohBtxkqL
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4m9b4I7Db
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt1BzywWX2
"Thank you!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBzRw9Mk4c
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVlTGoZcZ6
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm3ltfBQk8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uYBSLlw3x
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkeRSzCZNc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6guOz3Lg2w
"Huh?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl3YciEW4L
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOZtTrRsZ2
Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh6ydwHMVI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3ExWU8nqJ
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkxuN6OCxl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7aSeoiQU4
"Shit!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYRfm27CaN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb0UyfOnSv
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ58ZVgrBs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU7FJMSDgc
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDdPuyzVZY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAADSdf4pyx
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KQZf39JkM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB0WNNuH8J
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyHTo5A0Pc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JSJJcn8iT
"I understand."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOx9zr7jr7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNlSE2NXCr
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3FG3rz1Qo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC7x7qxic5
"Uh oh, Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPx60ZWSBB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaFrashHBV
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvjFPj9YQC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FCgzgpu9g
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSnfrOWkBH
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eey9baVH1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakKpgdTFCz
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLGUeGLbIj
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aLYJdGIP3
"Hrk!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVO8m34pO8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10C9wwzu6Q
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXKbv7jB8g
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoYll92gsw
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdTOqNbbk1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVukY46Dr3r
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB3lSGr2P3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS1rmILGbV
"Victoria!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqcCMCPwha
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5DzM7LUX6
"Right!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX7PpeRc3O
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY6DLqZCgY
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsxML8Q2DI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdpMoT78JW
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycSloKyzMn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWvABTSLEP
"GRAHHHH!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5NKBKe1EQ
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A warcry. She was a total barbarian.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3xjGihel6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFbW1AF6MM
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwQMhilXQs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwmDLMHeJB
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRSpyjuS92
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zIwPg01Rd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhroRs4zblf
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcyFpT4xC7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyCqJZi7Is
We did it. We really did it.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0oppe4zJr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8p0k5xoEG
"Kenny!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxcbSukgQa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW18ELf6lV
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTF3lvkhZk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg9WM4E8G3
"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnodqch3p7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmqUOIDqXD
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOS75ns7Ho
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaPsS7LZEL
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5HOuIY44u
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXwKt9isaX
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyWMCrM6D5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDhKAv5w04
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtLf9z1sPw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8RxenFhoQ
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdATaMv2Dqt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35esWA3bZP
"We did it," I muttered.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekHCDc8hTl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquZ7ZcuAhG
I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU6dZZHorN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYJ4KpbzX6
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLWEZvqkGm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedDnMWgTVr
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobU4nfXcpA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQgABz2t8q
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTApKv4KRFm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXGOvZTdeH
"...It could've been a lot worse."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn5BPigN4Q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbWD3ZIzCi
"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltpyIkFQMP
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Victoria looked at something above me.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9HXTuNAxJ
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"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65BrATRUU8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86gm1MMkFv
Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7Yb2BmNYx
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"No. Why do you ask?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp5h4ODi80
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"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IiwaesnNx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvEnzyZAzs
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A2vxN2V63
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OVGH9ACgR
"O-Oh, sorry."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelQfxu2zv2
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She scratched her cheek a little.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbnAuIRF5i
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"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y3qBtHGfr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn40KOPmGuJ
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt1160jvHZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF0LpKfEpI
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIW0LURGDy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGarRgARsFR
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2myDtoV8TD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQJ3gx9o7C
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo8AEjgQN9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhzUpouGRm
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAOyrfjD5h
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBfWIqGFoi
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKFjlrzMEy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4WuW2rFHY
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtskHNYK7KT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwLYwQLpPq
"We fought something, Kenny and I."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFoXPmvg1q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl04zzRk81y
She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPmisMw88W
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEaoKLEcq2
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8KwLl3nmu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VIOYnRGan
"How is Kim?" I asked.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Wx4kiB8y
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"She's fine, just unconscious."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaR6R47MOZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK91wqQSxD
I could only say one thing.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIWS5pbCec
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"...Haaaa. Thank God."
然後按「加至主畫面」