I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvOBscMKmd
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS2PBx8Wrq
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJfdoSksfs
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y5q9vNJqt
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"Something about this is fishy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV19MadVvyv
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoK3qHCCGp
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirTKeyJHfP
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0kxJHQ11W
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMsWflR2eF
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UHVf9inK
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJvguXr19M
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18Qdp365dj
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And then.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR5lrJkW44
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**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSaiLmW87r
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7MROdz4cc
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH5EELVZQJ
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDPdJRfCVX
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"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOSSEoarag
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl9WIl1XzB
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoBCLYqmRl
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"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ82RT9NV3
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv1JHg5Z8T
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IAEJnfRGA
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWIzGMPSHT
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Wqn0YbfD
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl9U0MTWar
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrXi6vh7bJ
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPJqry2O6q
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAzfp0SHdy
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIHuACNyxp
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnZZ7JGWbB
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBOyt8f4xq
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"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy5ktZ5TJG
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5yvkmL9e1
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"What is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHF9gOdxFc
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bIiIDQewx
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2HcUfo92g
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao444eF0cZ
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCRal3trTB
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfYZSgrHxc
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ1BUQqpsx
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvtLrPl3p8
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNrRKmdBlA
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF4wFe5pkV
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"W-What?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ZAQHCqJk
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"Are you crazy!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuR0Yyv6lS
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc2h2wGBw9
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRsRkwvEw6
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZHHsyu3Au
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Wcbfdm0P
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjqQrcFVcm
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM6HmPrcnG
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIYkdAajuD
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UPOdIsJ6V
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84c0zqhqhL
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1tTelhmvU
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I tilted my head in confusion.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yvKPYZpqh
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLkVEnNiDY
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJQhaLc5sb
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcqG0y9Hnb
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2Je2Y1Wo8
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"Of course I do!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgCS4g55ax
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlykm7UsYT8
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBnPBvIqRQ
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMSS1PFgRy
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FhkYDMwz
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2R344zL8K
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGq1IirCoQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtfzVlhqpj
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaSmulginx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OTWxTPUK5
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGRe83tay0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFnW0KOaXs
I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFiW7blSMe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreWE5XY7Xg
"Flinty? Are you serious?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv0HQWURgf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe5wCE5jw6
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF0vZuSXrr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6e7WhR0yA
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhAPsJ0VhH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYhvtkLo7E
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt6lnh02dK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyzM7Nwa5z
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOimx78Im0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAFvlwSsvK
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg37RqoyCAz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ1R1xhp0s
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVYFRBy8PD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFhgcnzNZ8
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCuGIWHXMo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjslB5msOPY
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNagKbnT6Mq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3FZPaqNWi
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGsWDXP02N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiAwsdMEYz
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFn463AxIZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXtshV4vF1
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVfk9I0CkW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJVgjWu1G6
"...With money?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNB51Eauxd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbxHe7WLef
"With money."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqFbOnU9rW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDdIrrvlNT
"...I can't say no to money."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iwNLZWouK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6BMxhg0e3
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfrtNzzEq1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjxsl9jSfl
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P9i1nZW7X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Avkj4MD3
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmmjnoBFRY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TQhzIxBUT
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbngq67R2D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1jrf5N6Hh
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT8NTVAShu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C95nJew2L
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l0xat0dNN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SGvfMWVkp
"Let's do our best okay?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVBH3WZgnb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9mgecZxFt
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk6jXBtGJY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusoi3OCNnA
I still had one more concern.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE3ZDZRIi8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fNb6IxbFY
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc3shkz0O2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUZzt2P4Rp
She averted her gaze.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgip2ArMtE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjs1cMQ3CS
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZBakZXH5G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUwNnCD50Y
"I see."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8KMaH3Opp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H5FKFdzS6
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0uiKqzVZx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyCoEw45dy
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eSNXP9dfL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyALq9qtpWY
"Uh..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MFY6Do99C
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOdBkU6aRu
Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXr0bnA38d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJUttRDP37
"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXOHQhrsNu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpjwCtNW12
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKzdUmfKKl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZFPxJBIM6
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLJtdJSbOv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSARJeYyYd
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3yuTk2Unq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTznwtsx4E
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hh5WVQIip
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7BdbMIcbd
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Yy43g3lX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz93QoKf5qs
–
–
–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU4T4cyGla
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLKnoRS8Xs
Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH0ev69TOJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwiorZZGXU
"How does it look like?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGaLuT1AAW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oua9wgYAF
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1FVmvGJBj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIntJyxzsAe
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwxZlg4XmQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPyIgW6QHP
"We're ready."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPUnmJkoQL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0bxDoMwLz
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELL35SHSlD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mRjNJYXfO
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHQCaAQcMu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JwjYKQ4KZ
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoT0KRJiFt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm7vu4M3iu
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkOLYDxeTf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn58wgKdct6
"Then what do you propose I do!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvQV9bjO0Q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8Zhk1S4UW
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jPWxkOioB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK689lEofW
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXm13BlS1h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSYiWoqwVu
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8XzfL6Hmk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oonc6WQMh
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcynB2kZd35
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAkvq2DM6E
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZWTXGPAjH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK22EWMqDvc
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgYwnyMnyR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ndWbFM3Wi
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLyrBQqHbM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxc0llk7qQ
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFo1jCESNF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn56l0URl9
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemS8tm4euQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTEBmzlQTR
"Y-Yeah. I know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRzxU0n6Zh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn8iosJQ6T
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMZSt0xCiH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZNf6ZfGra
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmIKFiLFJD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4J1cZZtTj
**SHATTER**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLquqDXlNPJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9DruM6dte
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZMavouxWR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡargONpR9Ds
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqPGPR9W9j
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHzLukFlti
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkPhfx83LK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmYNyq9xoV
"Now!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0s5O30KZb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmitRy3yvF
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmjmf8g9Y9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpigaqKR81
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzx7DZZhPY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcauEKXTFs
"What are you waiting for?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRudKNW16v7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwKovOmsyr
"I still don't trust Ng."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ILZ6teRr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphnTMse5NX
"Fine, then go after him!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCtcajU7Jv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA12xRdP13
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDQQU6OBmP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPx3luG1Kl
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqr1CdjLgy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm3skWnzEl
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53pcAwJuSI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb8EnONRxr
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg7lq8EjPP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZLy4gGXee
"Are you seriously crying?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaO5qh1t6L
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2w6Si6Gcg
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NixiUib0C
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeM84zEgcz
He tilted his head up to me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmQ38qlffu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCFIknv9xQ
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl9wrpHeh5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nUVeLSBtE
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmucmewSaH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnrYI2SjNK
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxFbeyqtJ3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTwcgwXt9m
"You, are you really on our side?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03Orh4SOfe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbQjpohunJ
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimPSwSZ5Wo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTjX7Kw32K
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJMW0p7eBU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEMDkrBzwW
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwET5gVcosd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB3a5XxhOy
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7XvyUhi1F
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRERrPnX7o
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuxcnswly8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSP5ZX19eK
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBltz4Z5ai
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QCTZ8rgVh
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf29jry4s6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBuRwwT2U1
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9PctZGP1i
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNmfBrE3ws
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsRwSXxuDn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydXbJ59gv8
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpZVfnVzIf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiAhnaJgpt
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwC1GoewmP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxTiHpDhCk
And then, suddenly–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oCvXdIF8W
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR2Turebsi
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJZBCfBo15
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V9tI3lXUR
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3vbnA6LZG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK3d0Qkt8i
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2mGPBqNAk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2h6pQFbt
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5NI0R2X6f
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F0GOYl5mm
Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLbSvOmFqT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ObfJR92HT
"H-Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWT9hnCQUY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKvAOnys5q
The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0iM0m7ul
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1qvQPOQMs
"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW59CX7OBSf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPHuogdFGG
We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB6FhtaUCC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVIfeuxOCt
I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6YKzhskiI
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVzgQp27pS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOWRCihkZk
"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZdNZgOV7G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbjAUNQQzu
"Like what!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7UgETagKx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao4Yi9zd1f
"They died last night!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YG5763VZr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G63ebLH34
Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XikuqEGHs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBtFCIQeT8
Wait, escape route, of course!190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB2OD2B8PI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1USK4GN56m
I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYocVB9LEAL
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"...Did I do it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFDJgwFr03
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKmQb0CHAh
Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH09XCBfBow
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sEVGgIwz9
"H-Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZvugWoxyw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaLRi4rMor
She offered me her healing potion.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRa2AXIxBW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1ABlI7yI5
"Here. For your foot."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENjVoRhMqm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzpasFeUOX
"A-Ah, thank you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYf0vEP9gw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWlu8ko3sa
I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDTlZiG3NQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdrcpWWJBN
"Haaa, ugh."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhUx6eGXPe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EAsFj8oUe
I stood up with help from Victoria.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5QBQ9EEyd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKrCBCzBb5
"Sorry. I didn't do anything."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdThjilT313
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSnxr1owMX
"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce1P88NiqL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI8lMtj4gO
"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzugmnRMUU6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqS4zaTVcC
She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpupSyAjpE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yEeoSPHX2
"Don't let your guard down yet."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr21O569Wig
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLk5YmoqLG
I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQQkqgHvJJ
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"Crap. Crap!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5UlfRPjqX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK1Ars2jUl
The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TwlFVzjzz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r7TriG5GP
I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUo9spSVN2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZjq4XuF1F
Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSy9g7Hy5i
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GHQuz9347
"K-Kenny!? Shit!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt10R2OETB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0aLTo6zU7
Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3BFd5hhf4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJf8gPkvYE
This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaqw3eeKaF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5oHefDY9U
A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFmhjsEIy1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLW7N87uk8
"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gWeZcaXgL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT4bJcR5HT
"Huh? Y-Yes!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvHBARNNa9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8vVk5tbTg
"If you can, support Kim!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDSE77GRKk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J7BKG6igK
Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2xs8gFKTA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl49RURVhF
"W-Woah..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqfzTOi8pR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh1IqupbeT
I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJx4hQXmeu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEKdelgakc
"KIM!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Aml68LB1U
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DG4Dzz1uZ
"Right!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeCQ6tFUFs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4fwVFe92p
She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNdxhIv2AO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuUriN3kTF
And so, I released the spear.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDYZaujG6O
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO7hPPMYoA
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMQ64KScsS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXikkPPFngf
The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAP7kbBcQj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFzSaR7GIW
Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWojVWNJVF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EFHWbauTH
"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1lm8FVzav
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KZUFw4hH0
"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFUKEMwH42
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJULVpDrAq
Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB4TBN6AHk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZemesKq5t4
"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9pRAEyZrU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1USHxI5L8Q
"No, what you just did was incredible."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e9fzpkIKe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnWFAtq1q2
"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztO0MuQRAj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfST0VPaxI
I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAwfaN7zkP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChEBGG1ea9
"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt1949eQ6R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEeiagpT2h
"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHuzTZEi4J
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iLJCo2fQ7
"Unfortunately."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsScqYmZsM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ZFa1OI1D
I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMm3ZYtfdd
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"Kim!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqGG8toc18
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbtFVtx8T3
Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yUQLiIAcl
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The tendril was bleeding purple.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXL4eND88c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7gaWFjW8z
"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLvMNt0jMS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZYDpnLfF9
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld9az9qTH1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JaWVWDve0
The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZZqbJFxig
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7Z7ebhSzC
"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSqVE0PCo4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsoJbKcI5H
I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatmUKbbeKN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfveXnHzjB
If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RNGdmRvcv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRaRswiwZr
"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KHGwClWom
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePfxhMNIa9
Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mpgc7triG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoDm1zgJyM
Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmbFqgPNUh
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"...Ngh."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZBAv3cHFC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEirjmkV64
It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eAI5BRaeD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvzFpv3wmd
"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yhJ5sqYjc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs1XP8t3ro
I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5Vir8Igot
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiK8i7ITV6
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE4biS4qRa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuO7c7MhFb
I felt like I was going to die.
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