Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmEHG0hG60
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZtTPwJ9qw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ffJv42Joh
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7QvJC0f4x
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"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2HxiHwIHE
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0WYrLjB1Z
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DUr8HIB5O
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Flinty shrugged.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QNZFs1GkW
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6ptVrhZ8R
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjikoHWi7d4
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsYywkSdFp
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"Why don't we ask them?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIQOwDHQu0
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"Not a bad idea."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAO8GmMMau
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZY0dMlPP
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My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OiIr3TsD0
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"Wow, is this a farm?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfkDHIzz8I
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1soFSZFzd
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzo48a5RB3
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK6434tSQG
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqskELBhkOO
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"Uh, Flinty?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkhIxOqj9L
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YbEOV2YOZ
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"Kenny!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL8WofgFbZ
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHBvx6tISR
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMAWmz35cu
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVdXifiuOD
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXEVnM3Km1
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPG4yEPCJb
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"Okay."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qxBDVqxvg
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K86Kr5HWb
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm2p5bV19H
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvNE66Motv
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHNdLJZMQU
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbvBumDk3H
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Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6qBjuH6ux
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"Vikky!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypALXjv9Qt
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyoAvtcwUG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoxDX3MPxG
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5dQMMr6nm
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgrwbxzb7p
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She looked strangely amused.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeahewokp3
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"Full name? Alright."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJifKS8lKWH
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy17Uu3Ncn
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4lrMzZOe6
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"Yes."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbwo9UOSDp
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"Then let's get along."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdJ1RSK5iv
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggNNIh82Ql
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtOMNUOOyt
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRtZwu9PYp
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HmnXTPy9L
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUsC6DHGKi
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchNx0hiyC6
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwtfylbusR
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnG1liMx1Z
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"What, why?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsSISdK9ko
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx7Zd6yeu2
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRrL7gyCI4
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsStPrbBL0
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl2JCpvLBP
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp3bRNwTp1
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGc1sFL049
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhatdV6jomX
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVtfUGT2nA
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LPqgZVkBz
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbgyhyU8ss
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZhFu2iksS
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuMhaSIIB2
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I made a grumpy face.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoaBPp1C33
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7FMMEiJLg
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzwl58kz6l
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkcB3Pa9Es
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmobwq0YDO
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHaSQ5goB
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It's worth a try if nothing else.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5NnC1zbH9
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp7ekyrxti
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe94Z2t8Kpd
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQsoK43ArX
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe64REGuzB9
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"Yes."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrsGYRH3p2
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"Can I see the crops?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GhhZf0xS9
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"Uh, you can."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNocC0yycWf
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw47VnZ3Uwf
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbXexnWXLO
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GTAeBT9EO
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppadRqCVlS
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"W-What the hell is that!?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I3eCIen0a
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZMkx308ws
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Ka4KiItU
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVKuBHp5yv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfWRUbQeCy
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BgmUYKXkE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTMcpqBFk8
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7UUuA7Rjr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl1vix3lnJ
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f90TvouB3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zWNALgeJ
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ601k1YHf8o
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeMuY5TV12
"What are you doing?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5FhLGRkJH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NWwPaHBOK
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPI1mIYNlq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbp4juiJOK
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTNyj0wVvO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVfqCzCDA1
"You're an angel."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNvT5YRHS1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZF9RtlLPC
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf2qYK8Ozv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgMJ5jIIdC
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSX0h4KqHC
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLofhMv81L
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd15jPEzCyw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoeBlpupI6
There were very strange people in this city.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Y60LsFoR
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGqhh6ml43
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOym3DEFotO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpORqn71O4s
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTaXXlqROb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaefHJHInYH
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cvMIiQTpj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiE3scNYUm
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcVW8oV8l7
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PD5jG8EVq
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYfW1jAfEd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iX14vtNfw
"Really?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ8NBoLc85
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO0mbT1qgA
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9zAPeUdDr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtKNPnSzDu
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4JvIh70eA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHigeW2YpqU
"Yes! Let's do it!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo2Rlw4X89
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm65BR7ZzM
"Fine by me."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcKjLBNwuj
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ223qT4myR0
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxliR7x42Y
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONxW29rrga
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3pnjMEMLv
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpVjoD0TKc
"Is something wrong?" I asked.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM32xCikDx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAXFCRojLr
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO1UIVog9N
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSucOyRPu
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOIfzlj00E
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO89q2nSd00
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMlelDlomf
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0livuOWhT
"Is that so?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y9raulRUL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY8nbFCg7q
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUypQoMYPJ3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCPFCrygRJ
"Please, enter right here."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoM69Di2PE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzecJbXX6H
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6sSYTu6N
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFHfYBbmb3
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEgmbhdIxq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdflbX1KfPI
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmczpsygibp
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nLeUvT0Ar
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlt0wQ1zKG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImiGG314Dp
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRne4i6IFqO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iEqkbMhKh
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xQ9MSd4as
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjrTaw5pyj
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFcsAUDGbd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3RQNDbUtD
"R-Right."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhiVq0svdY
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8VEHkMqaI
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXfkNjJ3OG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofG85DFHVI
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVqpbw129G
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yCUn6Ub3Q
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrbdCIfaqh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r3S6SP3ci
I nodded.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD46zVCG0F
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguGl7O7lsU
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3aXdzWETr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejvARdUQKi
I raised my hand.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuznUkWS3eM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjqQ0p3wnE
"Yes, Kenny?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPp7agNSv6
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YzUJiI8yi
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFhlpeF9km
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGkxhcV32v
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwZVVoiAI4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9JB36DCUy
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iiq2M3Wt3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQhqeNvvH4
"Allowed to brew?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovd8tfLF7D
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUx05q0iST
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9u7CXr83w
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P6krmVyGC
"I see."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUf4CrR97v
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CcYOsrqdT
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxmNW5f6My
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsSaK6xSSL
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uEoG0LJ8L
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryoV3jHDAm
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp5ekhn091
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs1D0xQyJZ
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJnIYi5vg8
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoIX8ddI6m
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGt6d2nNbr
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudOXL5SKG8
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSppMJh0z3v
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR7KAQi2I6
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0wQ3weGzM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tSqYpu3Aj
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pnFnazEix
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbT3MKIFBa
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuISe3VVumG
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUof7GwqygB
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fTLujCvMz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy0XNqEy46
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhKP5Ngrbx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo0hz3z5cl
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdglbDZRHq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq4WJ3jz4m
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzLPTvLmFK
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwwsi0mnxC
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLaClV92rM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfbdmTJvT9
"...Wow, this plan sucks."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5V2oaBAMu
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8g0GlirGj
"Kenny!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCKmPCZ3wc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9J4GNThuz
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ht83AOoc
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8yVICwLyL
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcHvwKK04j
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpOkb6GaDZ
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FC9deoH78
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEZHi8Phek
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4j0xJv05Q
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyUqU7yp5d
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeFZ6Xd1Sq
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWpEOr8DFu
I nodded, but something was bothering me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhLQF1DdLh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsn5e4tCKu
"Will the people really all come together?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnfRI72jDt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6WYwyDIbu
Linda stepped in.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqw1nkYbi1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ305N54s9dk
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrZxohjMB3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nNYh59nB5
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38nJ5XpxG0
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkceFXDAIz
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvabQ73XO0b
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGxXGBoaaB
"Mhm!"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs8Jg0VIt4
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOqP9I071i
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvRP79Jcfk
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCepnFsgsh
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYibKXvoKli
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCQqIJVRdn
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzYGx9He4V
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcAcTdTJYQ
I was having second thoughts.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACk1L9hEUL
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aSNGUGSBq
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xstvKRz3p
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip1xsudNz2
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHW4KUyUtC
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhexjhBsTvH
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw508TiOvY
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u49X8nVmp
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbJEJwiNbz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimSjbvsArM
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe49CKFiWsQ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HoyQFiWWG
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLcn7Mq7oM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn8eUX56tJ
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapuec5u5jU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU53uiSDrL
Phew.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkiMFfufvx
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WwelfZUa9
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP2fWAdzqh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3yQMseodA
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw70uabNhY
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCqHLqL6EH
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSSCqgnIsi
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWdgubiVrq
"Huh?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cBm1OnWWb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUKonIsfAw
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR4D83CSsi
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvdwdsH9TT
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf7Zb1Hzzt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTNQzpgC5h
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwCjBGuuTw
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHkeVXEFvv
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWZHSr28Mz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzDbFEJWrs
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARRhXm4cYd
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRGv0Csggi
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYhs4WDzrF
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KDZKGugLr
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgLM4Zng2u
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IZqh8afeE
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5aNaEbzRA
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIOpbzxdDG
She looked suspicious of it.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZGwbLlYpH
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rGCwbKGVe
"How do I know it's safe?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMSipua5f1
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAklNpTFWkD
"I can drink it right now and prove it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB8vhnBYyt
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs52Taw8yDP
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cY66arfs9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaw7ZIh8Mo
"Fine. I'll try it."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIopj0Q00K
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEVRbZWgqB
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtoD3CgwC9
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIFzLjmJKq
"...Okay, fine. It's good."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijTWwiXt84
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSGQqBuaqn
Yes!160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq46BXPWRfE
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0BrpzvHYI
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4v70OvW40
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGk34XFTql
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiyYIp76Cz
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDKbRk0wGd
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL6fgxvYzI
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR23exgOxL
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK9VtfxCx3
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYCCqMVfgo
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjGoONIqGM
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2qycHovEK
"What are you doing?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnRdikYKct
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcqbYSAedt
"Passing the time."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGis9doq36d
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw0bhyOjT8
"By making fun of my face?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6HrwwNvMJ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM3dUAF8eg
"I'm not making fun of you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1pxpggueJ
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwpKChCTLi
She laughed a little.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSUEHj0IqU
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswkkGN5RdZ
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgItcs5Wlb
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPklXqZo0I
"Of course."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2rhkTJL3k
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jnYPEOQ6L
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsfj2Uj8qf
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGePtOx56P5
"How'd you two meet?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0vNK0rb2w
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBecbnhgBxv
"..."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBEkHRb2EO
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCVMVwAlox
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
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