I couldn't even take comfort in the fact that the woman was surprised to see me, too. Even Flinty wasn't that surprised. But I was standing there agape and looking like a moron. I shook my head and slapped my cheeks.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhpiIgYdvV
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuS3yGCF5P
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkxpCFaiCY
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB0aQq7F7G
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivqOKD2tf0
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdmb7yAl8D
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgXb3npmRI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6RjjnFxCh
"I helped the bartender deal with the rowdy customers after you paid for my drink. By the time I was finished, one of your friends came and asked for help. I couldn't just say no."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7xWWxCc0K
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSh1XX0VbO
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkXAarXraR
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJepNogw4Rz
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIGF10fu6Q
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBlmYmSjmj
"...Sure."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVFX9vQHKo
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1XjjozRPV
She offered a hand. I sighed and reluctantly took it. Well, I guess if she was willing to help when it got so late, she couldn't be a bad person, right?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3hwkpzamZ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4zUvP1BuW
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3ejJS81F5
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2UuSmp7yB
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NCRPZKC3O
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG1muFVut5
Kim, Flinty, and I all sat at the circular table while Victoria and her mother left. I couldn't get a word to come out of my mouth, but Flinty was happily chatting with Kim. They were talking about the situation at first, then Flinty moved on to talking about how nice her cloak was. I didn't understand at all, how a conversation could steer in that direction so quickly.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHhCrYyCX9
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVIXNY7Grz
As I complained, Victoria and Linda came back with a bunch of glasses of milk. It was warm, too, which I appreciated. I gulped it all down and continued sitting in silence as the women talked.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX9WiGdi9J
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Ub5oe90U
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cxjNxiRQF
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78M6BJHQ0m
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuCw6oHGCU
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyQbOWLjn7
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMIDotW7so
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wD2RZusqm
"Wait, what!?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM0ybWs9gK
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhybQN03Aet
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuHqCA74He
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMujoDy3KEN
"Why not me?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiGxuBXQUc
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhjp7gGeWS
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNg6EAwBMM
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp0A2GxkCZ
I wasn't going to mention how I didn't have much experience fighting. I was hung on the implication that Victoria of all people had some.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRLiX23ekd
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJSfxpLgmg
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiC1rdVXFK
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJYotFqHcV
No, you didn't.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5f7wKIqpk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK6uuubhbi
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6ofUYAtRJ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fFoNpfyZN
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6RGoNZo2T
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWHk5zhHtI
"Huh?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxPARyxPWs
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NXfSanaKV
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAOI3qiVWr
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOZm0JSUsJ
"Uh... Well, Linda, if you're so sure of mine and Victoria's capabilities, why not let Flinty come along anyway? She might prove to be a valuable asset in other means."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiybr9PRdJ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptHoNvaItu
"Mhm!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDDvnSfPlF
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmJ0AtCy3P
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5bBw90hdO
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehHv9cIrIv
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhipZa3z3IV
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcbicVZZ14
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJO8o7p0CF
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiylI6B4xQK
"...Fine."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Z6Yk7sXi
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSxWnneipE
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCDjSbaFcl
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIDARYpMXV
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZxCY0RxfE
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOGoMEhb8B
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uayTIat8e
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBrA3RUxw7
"Right in this room," Victoria said, "This is where all the guests sleep. I'll make sure to wake you up early, so get to sleep quick!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKyjC9v2Dj
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkl9CLKlYx
Kim and Flinty nodded. They stood up and stretched. Flinty left first to wash herself and all that other routine night care. Linda and Victoria left the room. I wanted to ask Victoria if she had combat experience before, or if she was a magician or something, but I missed my chance. Worst of all though, I was now in the room alone with Kim.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrnGz6jQcS
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CjTss88Vl
Fortunately, she just waited by the side of her bed and didn't talk to me. I was happy for a minute before I remembered the assessment I made not even ten minutes ago. At the very least, I should try to talk to her, shouldn't I? So, I slowly got up and robotically marched to her location. Even through her cloak, I could tell that she was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMl1lNrfaq
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxsUzbIPNM
"Is there... something you need?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgFVWMWsVU
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwyfPowTCG
"Hi. I wanted to get to know you better because... yes, because it's a good idea since we're going on a mission tomorrow."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli5QSHRgXL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DzG2zrT2d
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMLiVl5EwC
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt5DUMPSlS
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNu18dto4K
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB5deJRatX
I took a seat beside the bed next to hers. Scratching my chin, I thought of a conversation topic and blurted the first one that came to my mind.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYazwHPPCz
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcZhd9O4RL
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2t7KkVmvk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyn20c64PI
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgfh15tJb0
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3lbRQqmgl
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jpcv0SJvD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq9tC5WJzN
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hcNKl1y9G
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OfFJV6pIo
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCNKxHX6R5
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiVZIXdlCr
She giggled a little. Creepy.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRL73QxCXY
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesnJgcaLPx
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZev2qv93h
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJDVOHnogu
"..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU9w7jznLD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoyUxFeHrt
What?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxvGNAIzm6
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9slhgI7zM
I didn't think that's what she would say. She could tell I didn't think that, I made it obvious. I struggled to even respond to that. My heart sank even deeper than before. She noticed that, and suddenly became frantic.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtJ6TOeBcU
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVF3tFmEq7
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmzANcjAEG
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRzgindMR
"O-Oh..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE8NUYbVMy
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QNJBCqfGl
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01n8r7eaH6
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuSNT7prrh
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRd7wvO83S
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j88CVszIK
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKu4aB9Uy9
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCl2tjxgBP
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALuusyfXbi
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczrC1UjWjT
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXqR7vQo4o
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVibC3Pg06
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqTNExyYam
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPAY0cVHCF
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEpPNyWlvB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE3yuhSL9D
But, can I really help myself? So many people have been telling me how great I am. It's bound to get to me eventually.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUksu8mvxb2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw33b8TXwyr
"You're an exceptional kid, that's for sure. I've already heard a few rumors regarding a boy who froze an entire block, and I knew that it was you when I heard them."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXOyJtNvP1
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMKAGIDNqu
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EPWaKtv3d
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEBKHW95Qy
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMDE1ejWPk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo5AQuvs0L
"You can't weasel out of this one. It became front-page news. Not everyone knows your face of course, or your name, but they know the boy, and they know his attire."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4ff7SCB5b
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbaxvfReBH
Front-page news!?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cbgz5rfM4
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNGtHDoVAs
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuikqm4oflL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4loXQL5I2
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOcXXdgeAO
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTemDMKJ2M
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeV7Yi8XE
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnOPT31YNG
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBMdA6c20o
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3rdYIYm9Q
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeU13q2ncv
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd2qVq476G
"No, I don't."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUjspvjrqL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRO2yVpOmk
She answered with a straight face. Phew. She must've just had some insider knowledge, then. If I had the whole city looking at me like the people in the meeting, then I'd probably run out of here. Wait.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd941iSu97e
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAfuLjnZgI
"If you have any influence over the news in this city, please, please don't let them publish that! Or at least omit any descriptions of my appearance!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme23wZavds
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrzhJqbUDi
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pPUKP4D1s
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7J5TtePWG
"Thank you."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXg3ITDI5a
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU5PBy9vl8
Our conversation stopped there, and though I wanted to continue it, I couldn't think of a new topic. It didn't matter though, because Flinty returned to the room. Kim stood up and left to do her night-care routine. Flinty say down at the bed parallel to the one I was on.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaPfspDQvc
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllrBcDGpCb
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuRSQEpli1
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt6TY6tYtd
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHQwcoYNA5
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmKAVCMyOw
"Oh."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnCmCntSh7
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhePTbgg3A
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeejo2NuiD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClir6rh7Ni
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1gAdKCJKb
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt1V1oHIh1
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzJIslZN1u
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTAPk6AxxW
Her face froze. I sighed.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwypIyEofLg
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS6MqVpFGo
"I-I'll do it in the morning."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9OGbhot9L
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOqsA4PINc
"Good luck."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqUtZu6NDF
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacDhiOAFws
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdlSc1sfhA
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1DZMLT58F
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDjUkV1SZu
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPak1G3Fa7
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEFu9I7Mrb
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr3olGTOrQ
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx8m8CwbSq
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIjDu2KaGp
I nodded, agreeing with her assessment. Flinty picked up the magic book back and conversation ceased. I stood up and laid on the bed next to hers. Kim returned to the room. Flinty explained her plan to her, and she calmly agreed to it. We were ready to go to sleep.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX7jiNCt1S
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB9SMRIN0C
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7unCGkeIW
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8H4sXWFYf
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aGZ632KbB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVyQIv6Vmq
"Going to what?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTEpne5XSu
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOleH1v0v5N
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuicspWHDI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0URZ3PJAmR
"Huh? Wash myself?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVSwMwTb4U
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5csmUXlM3
"Yes. Like we did."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbg4HB0ZSJ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMccKbe6DZ5
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwVLGa6API
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hDxfj1EFP
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuROICQa74
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNBC4DH4t7
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS7dTcovtn
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSlNmW5bxy
"Oh, then that makes sense," Flinty said. "But, I thought you didn't do it just because you were tired, or because you were in a new place."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob9vuDxu7i
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM0NvS56qi
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTdVn0Yd1r
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP1wh93jRx
"Buffalo Village."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMkFgBkIC4
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKoU5CfBDH
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQuGOetbXw
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bw8tCrgCA
"Really? I didn't know that."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTKClJvrD6
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9kAedL22Z
Kim looked like she was smiling.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkmfNQQzdX
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8c7P6h02k
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKKXiGVtAB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoaHYczEki
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthGubSWfjB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xWdtaOPAz
"Anyway, Kenny, go wash yourself. I'm not sleeping in the same room if you don't, and I won't be leaving here either."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwbSoI8ToA
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5USKjEcD0
"Fine, fine."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiY94wcX9V
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemaG3wBA56
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCYYsr3wzP
"..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleYnYnM04M
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyiRYIihDP
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4fmDUtQ0C
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrHkmyLvHP
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0AGjFiQNe
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1XESEm0d3
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kepkYCEFA
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNJHo5i6Kp
–
–
–
"...Mmm."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQDIOdJX0P
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwxDiR2Vmj
I woke up feeling slightly groggy. Last night's search for the restroom was a lot longer than it should've been. By the time I was done, I had to tiptoe to my bed to not wake up Flinty and Kim.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4lXDxq82m
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ754D7Oopz1
I yawned. Judging from the sky out the window, dawn just came. Surprisingly, Victoria wasn't here banging on a pot and yelling. I must've woken up early.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgNX2xn4Em
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpLn6lN43k
I looked at the bed to my right. Flinty was missing. Worry rushed through my blood for a second before I realized that she was probably just outside. But no, I was wrong. Flinty on the ground, facing the wall, doing something I could've never guessed.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerAf9uvVo6
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufqpOKO0KP
She was making balls of water. I could tell that she was drenched. She took her vest off and laid it on the empty bed, likely to dry it. The ball of water she was holding failed and blew up. But, considering the last time I saw her use magic, she was doing incredible. Not only was it a modest size so as to not consume so much mana, but she also held it for five seconds. I got out of my bed and walked up to her, grabbing my coat and putting it on along the way.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEw3eGgBdi
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfhQTfMBCf
"Wow, you're hard at work."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsBPXwRkDB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9NjygEd4S
"Ah!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSnGf4ukaD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx5vXKz2Mx
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFrClvCBFL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQItmB2ndH
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eihOWjB3c
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ttNEiLNHg
"I don't think so... what time is it?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7D55fqymq
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tRQQWPkXU
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYjcdUcFAs
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYSYoni9eP
I sat beside her. She stuck both of her hands out, closed her eyes, and performed mana expulsion. A water ball manifested from thin air. She furrowed her brows, and I could hear soft grunts. Eight seconds passed before the ball erupted.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe2Sp67wQP
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRfwtDnjWy
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFGPigg5Sq
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeguDROgsQq
She jumped up ecstatically, celebrating her results. I was proud too. This growth was by no means shabby, especially since this is her second time even attempting magic.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUwfSe6lgY
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DH04E1TTP
I did regret sitting beside her, though.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnOay6v3rj
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1LssmftLj
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5zqX78u1c
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMEHgieu3p
"It's alright. I'll go dry off in the sun. But before I leave, let me give you your first... let's call it a goal."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQNPeKsS1H
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEBFoZR7Ax
Flinty looked at me with excitement.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSPtxdYOde
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSHmtuzu3F
"A goal?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkxisyrlcw
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4R7zUjpkV
"Yes. Not one that you need to do right now of course, but one I think you can reach by yourself before we start lessons. Try holding a water ball for ten seconds with your eyes open."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSr9n9k3Xl
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmabpcbg7F
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxEmW3FyJn
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQtFRjfGRB
"Okay, I'll do my best!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XsTgMRczd
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgOb88y13w
That's what I like to hear. Flinty is such a good student. She was talking nonsense last night. I got up and left the living quarters then exited the farmhouse. I was at the side where the fences were. The dogs and farm animals were eating their food. I thought of sneaking up on the puppies and petting them, but something else caught my attention. Linda was by the pens, washing and hang-drying various clothes.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TvjfKMfgF
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbTfGo1p8Q
Wasn't this a little too early? Not even the most dedicated washing machines in Buffalo Village woke up at six to do their job. Well, since we were both out, I figured I might as well greet her. So, I ran over.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡily6NvwF4b
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwRgn33skK
"Good morning, Linda!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPi5Yfdv91
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkHdi78IOc
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qS45tdeGm
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7jtPGkJ1t
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw99Fmv6Nwn
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIDnWy8uQW
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMtewCh302
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkrS0mFmXC
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGKxfd4hOt
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW8BKVo5ob
Friday? Today is Friday?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDjX953ZgI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdjhwwJoJw
I lost all track of time ever since the carriage incident. I didn't even know what day it was that it happened, let alone what time of the year it is.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwvJKtj43X
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r0mXQGF4v
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkAClsXWik
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCKgnNVxgb
She looked at me curiously before answering.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRvEZdIb4m
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJyNeTzHhx
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIPgGxJ5gc
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlzwibzHHi
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xOsw4mR1B
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmRYgwov6l
If it was July, then that means a month and a half passed since I left buffalo village. That is, if my memory is serving me well.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP99Rp7reEI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYry5lD6cc
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe81SWhaqez
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmcJOGWq2j
"To whom? Those at your home village?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVcydRwN9e
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxbG9KHRb7
"Yes. All the chaos that occurred when I arrived here put writing a letter at the bottom of my priority bracket. That was silly of me."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIhv8oBVn1
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyovhkKQuX
She lightly smiled.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jnhufpvwP
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopvtVxYTcO
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX755dqGtMU
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGiP7j86CQ
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxXuv3w6eo
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiscqFSlA8a
She shook her head from side to side.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumktp3bLyi
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBIANIdRk7
"I was originally from a village lower on King's Peak. Around 20,000 feet high and 150 miles from the shore, while the Zariel Kingdom is standing comfortably at 25,000 high and 200 miles from the shore. I do miss it sometimes. Being surrounded by badlands made me feel homesick."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5BouWZkmo
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhdRSQcWCv
"So you decided on living here?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsrXPBOhEZ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgOlQJEjHb
She nodded.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThD3wlhrzL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB69GLFRZf
"I already gave birth to Victoria by the time I moved in. She was a lively girl, even at a young age. I just hope I raised her well."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9M5jqUPbI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvD7rHHsqU
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMpBk6BazG
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLHKRdZ6hY
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvTmaQld5W
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLP33KDNRV
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxn0kOA8G2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEusSZsmqc
"Heh. I think you're doing just fine. Now, Victoria should be waking you three up at this time, go back and tell her good morning."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvXnVsbI6D
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3m8aFIvGo
I had a feeling that she was trying to make me go away, but looking back at the farmhouse I noticed Victoria ready with a pot and wooden spoon in hand. Am I glad I woke up early.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijPBQPWsGX
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIPGFhDLwa
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8EE4Yi9Va
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKcjLfhNyN
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd5C72FmBN
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhSRaOnu6Z
Flinty was the only one who raised her hand. Kim joined her, likely out of pity, then I did because I didn't want to be glared at.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NV2uqn97w
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9O9zcnkJZ
Breakfast was served to us in the living quarters. It was a simple dish of eggs, but Victoria made some mean eggs. After breakfast, we all received a light pack filled with bread and a flask of water. Except for Flinty, of course. But, noticing that she wouldn't receive a pack, I had to do something about the lack of materials.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFNrd8ZPH9
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eQ8L8LoV5
"Hey, Victoria?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosemPVLi3u
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zRPmrilKo
"Yes?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj9ScCcTx5
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRciCTIQhzw
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCit6FYray
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuZr03DcQ3
"Don't worry, I'll be bringing back-up food and water right," she paused to pick up a large, obtuse, heavy sack sitting by a wall, "here!"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrDygUt59n
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ46Tdp85J6
That at least quelled my worries, but now I was a bit wary of Victoria. That bag looked and sounded like it was no joke, and she lifted it like it was nothing.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNw1ayGJwI
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiohnQVqoXS
"Kim, are you good?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhbKJz30nd
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qdwxVNKz0
Kim just finished packing her bag.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruPH4DwR4a
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC9sgrZkKB
"Yes. Let's get going."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZSbIxawku
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2V7zo75sx
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLW2ikh3pc
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53cMVG785g
–
–
–
We were heading to the forest. Kim and I were following Victoria from behind. Victoria had a lot of energy in her step. I thought she'd be taking this more seriously, but I guess getting pumped up doesn't mean you're taking a situation lightly. As for Kim, she was still hiding her face underneath her cloak.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmbhEuVJtQ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODN6OnlpRB
That aside, we were on the other side of the crop field now. If all went according to Flinty's plan, then she'd pop out of the cornfield and casually join our group. Of course, that is, if Flinty managed to talk to Victoria before leaving.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LwZUtY5wk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuAOIpSXPW
...She did do that, right?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcgZS4u5Cp
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAUQlpMrgs
Looking back on the events before our departure, Flinty's only chance to talk to Victoria was before I woke up. But, she was practicing her magic.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaWTb9xTVO
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq6YIaR6pa
The doubts mired my conscience. I looked over at the cornfield. Flinty's body finally popped out. Kim looked at her as well, but Victoria kept walking.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJfVNwLlch
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVa0WyV0wu
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsdly7urpL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn66Ewhppz
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyOmcVZia2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsBYX7V6gr
"Hmm?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3QYbuIbiY
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHMh23VMkY
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAM4RPx9kn
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHAQpLcDKW
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0KPwdxe7g
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdirH1ujoB
Flinty nervously giggled. I let out a breath. Phew. Phew. I was relieved, but now I was curious as to when Flinty managed to talk to Victoria.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjJduvj43a
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7ZgAb3CQi
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v7U1JPjTA
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejlAEb9eJX
"Alright you three, here's the formation. Since I have physical combat experience, I will be in the front. Kim will be close to Flinty, and Kenny will be in the back in case something sneaks up from behind."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh0j79SdF2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbU8VozWCk
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsYWTUPQSb
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCY2DvSymW
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWfsWCWeA0
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrRZCRYefJ
"R-Right."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP9i28NhgC
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8C2qtNWQD
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlWI62g1Ok
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDttjBu951W
"Any objections?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsBBHiJAh3
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpCCn0fAbh
None of us voiced any.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI2CgnULTB
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgZ2jjCc12
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIndbI9mOn3
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3ewOBKt9T
"Of course."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdo89OWFWL
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVqgkS9rkL
Victoria turned and faced the forest. She ventured in, and the three of us followed.
–
–
–
The woods were a lot gloomier than the ones– or rather, the sole one I was used to.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8LDVTLUci
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadoeFBoutV
The trees were taller and thicker. It wasn't particularly dark, but sunlight hardly pierced through the thick roof of leaves. Stray roots were frequent, and the grass here had a nasty tendency to cover them. But, worst of all was the atmosphere.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Yc2emOEk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3iQjA9a05
Since the moment I stepped in, I felt the air around me become heavier. Anybody could tell the mana in here was different. From what I read, a heavier atmosphere means that the atmospheric mana is dense. Though it did make traversing more taxing on the body, at the very least our spells required less mana to be expelled.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HxJcFnunC
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZoNteBfRX
I was steadily following the girls in front. Because I was in the back, I enjoyed the privilege of not having to watch out for roots. I puffed my chest a little. It was a dumb thing to be proud of, it was just luck. I couldn't help myself, though.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtwt92Ko27
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo0q5UXFEE
That aside, the forest was peaceful. There must've been a lack of hostile wildlife. All we've been seeing were squirrels, rabbits, deer, and other prey animals.
"Watch out here, this root's massive," Victoria called out.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGws1jpdHv
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEECpC8g8On
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bukTts7KN
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSLlvbBQ9b
Now, that being said, my shoulders were getting sore. I didn't seem to be alone in this. No, never mind, Flinty wasn't carrying a bag, I was totally alone. I didn't want to hold the team back and ask for a break, but if this kept up then I'd have to.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y7eibBuXZ
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPwHRkrSSa
"Hold on, stop here."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubvWnYUPQS
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTREh9nRrp
Fortune smiled upon me. Victoria called for a break– at least, I thought she did. She was peering at something from behind a tree. When I leaned in to take a look, I saw something shocking.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtRHjihyDt
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB7nTXCv4b
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqgYPQEVsu
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqAlWf7dho
"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFW1YwtOhq
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGS9MqymbB
I nodded. Our pace slowed tremendously. The buildings I saw were all plainly made of grey concrete. They looked ancient and were missing roofs and other miscellaneous chunks. There was also a suspicious amount of them.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC84dK32FAH
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPoHnXMgUh
Aside from the sound of my breathing, I couldn't hear anything, but it was too soon to call the environment safe. After all, this had to be the base of operations, right? Victoria would occasionally branch away from us to check the insides of the buildings. They were all apparently empty and looked even worse inside than outside.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaOQUcYy0R
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCWb6yhWAu
"Not to mention the smell, ugh. Y'know, I don't know who left these structures here, but I wanna make a complaint."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrrb7QPBsS
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyJzf4rLq0
"Does it look safe?" I asked.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwuFF4H81t
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9efcQaxdlV
"Well, we won't know until we check them all."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyUFNAkEPe
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffUskMh7Dy
So that is precisely what we did. It was a slow and tedious process, but eventually, all twelve concrete structures were inspected, and nothing suspicious was found. Relieved, we took a break inside the sturdiest concrete building we found.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulzJIheHOp
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0WFq1ACJO
"The presence of these structures is suspicious," Kim said, "even though they aren't inhabited right now, there is a possibility that the perpetrator uses this place as a base of operations."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYaRtKA51v
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJMZMXeA2
"I'm inclined to agree," Victoria replied, "but there's always a possibility of something else being in the forest. It isn't very vast, so we'll keep searching. In the meantime, would anyone like to eat?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcsK3aqZKD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYLENOhKvz
Flinty walked up to Victoria and the two of them shared their rations. I wasn't hungry, so I was satisfied with just drinking water.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WVEy7tH7h
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdbtONfqTV
"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwiMxDzTQ9
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS48QfDfkpx
"I'm not much of a mage. I can perform mana expulsion effectively, but my interests lay in alchemy and magical plants."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dirOklmLk
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SaIKFU1w3
"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGveiLt1cc
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzbLUAztG0
"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyNyWC6ihu
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyqBVbwGMU
She didn't sound very surprised. Her voice was getting squeakier.
"Do you use a staff?"
"No...? Is that a bad thing?"
"Ha. No, not at all. Not at all."
She sounded suspiciously giddy.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpru7Mw9sd
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlicCw9HTIq
"Anyway, you're one of the few people I've heard of that dabbles in magical plants. Are you any good?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBcnpWst6H
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMu5TBnBoR
"Heh, well..."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH77nhMHIeV
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqc3hWKrSG
I wondered if I should show her the tendril. I felt as if Kim would freak out, but considering her stoic nature, it was unlikely.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ080n7uRIOW
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvB0Aq5z0v
"What's the hold-up?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThWjJ5dHEx
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGA9tAIvBT
"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPnNaMI5vU
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fuymf75XF
She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9d1pVkNCG
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jH1eJQmFy
"Think of it as getting to know our powers for the sake of better cooperation. I'll start with what I can do. I'm a Grade 4 Water and Fire and a Grade 5 wind mage. I wield a short sword and have dabbled in swordplay considerably. I consider myself decently agile as well."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm46iCsDa2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFodoe2YPu
My eyes widened a bit. All things considered, a Grade-4 in any element was impressive. I didn't expect something like that from Kim. I wondered if I would be classified as a Grade-2 plant magician or something with my tendril. There wasn't any point of reference, so it was possible.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiAK5Qfg6N
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIplxiye9BS
"So, what about you?"224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExH7yZ0ryd
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF0xZOEr9d
"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj0rHgQGcS
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6072Ilmafa
She nodded. I let the tendril loose and it wrapped itself around my right arm like a snake. Kim's figure froze.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1lfucKGVW
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6zCi48FN9
"This is my tendril. I can use mana spinning to make one of several magical plants grow from it. From there, I can keep using mana spinning to force and amplify their effects."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23SdVoWGGT
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ePqD4USWE
"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4TJrBADL0
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFPw0T7DJc
She sounded genuinely amazed. I scratched my cheek a little. I produced a flash-bloom from the tendril, and Kim sounded elated.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6EB8gGAXr
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4NavYXpWP
"I can see now why– oop."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4z5W4Xlv2
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhUoOS7mlg
She stopped her sentence midway. I was going to inquire her, but then Victoria suddenly stood up, squelched my flash-bloom, and put a hand over my mouth.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T8SZdKs5i
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvH7XCn9WL
IVictoria was eyeing something to my right, where the entrance to the building was. I couldn't see it, but I could hear it. I retracted my flash bloom once I did. It sounded like a noisy beast. It was dragging something, likely its own body, haphazardly against the ground. It stopped to pathetically wheeze. Then, it kept going.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjodWXULLu
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGn16s3Hl6
All of a sudden, a voice.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJMYaq4PRr
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vpcWnk7oM
"Something... I feel like something was here."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bf3pxbhkx
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H6vYeUkTz
It was the voice of a man. An adult, one who sounded far older than us. Victoria's pupils shrunk so far that I could only see her whites. She put a hand over her mouth.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS9LclsdfN
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImf7SZnHVV
I was feeling my heart race, imagining just what it could be that Victoria was seeing. The man's voice came back.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls9466HmYD
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1tXsYBH9e
"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0b2yks0KR
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YcG0fDbq1
The beast growled. The sound of his moving limbs was so... vascular. And yet, it sounded putrid, like the beast would fall apart any second. All the while, the man loudly hummed.224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu10dFtcYB8
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeURwXo0sgN
I looked above us. This building only had half of a roof, and though it covered us, it was anything but assuring. I looked to my left and at Kim. She was poised with her hand on the hilt of her sword, still inside her scabbard.
"Victoria," I whispered, "how bad?"
She gulped.
"I-I'm trying not to vomit right now."224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYharxPAIYp
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2eimBMI5E
Cold sweat trickled down my back. My heartbeat was getting faster. My breathing got louder and louder. I was sure that, any second now, something would escape my mouth.
I had conflicting urges. I wanted to stay indoors, but I also wanted to go out and fight that thing and do good on my part. I had to wonder: Was it that bad? Was it so bad that my tendril couldn't do anything? That my magic and plants couldn't do anything?
No, that couldn't be it, right?
"...Huh?"
All of a sudden, I felt a soft touch on my left hand. I looked and Flinty was there, grabbing my hand with both of hers. She looked terrible. She looked scared. And yet, her eyes weren't wavering. Even with her shaking body and sweaty palms, she looked at me with confidence. Our eyes met for what seemed like forever.
And then, she sternly nodded.
"..."
Right. Of course.
Now wasn't the time for this.
I was admittedly still shaking, but I was standing now. Kim stood up as well.
"I'll join you."
"Thank you."
I looked at Victoria. She was too shaken to battle.
"Victoria, look after Flinty."
Somehow, she heard me, and she nodded.
I took a deep breath. I produced a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.
Three, two, one...
"Go!"
I rushed out of the building and Kim followed after. I aimed at where the noises came from. I had to pause.
I understood Victoria's reaction entirely.
In front of me was an amalgamation of black flesh. It was a gigantic lump, nearly three times my height and as wide as the space between the buildings. A man was on top of the blob. When he noticed us, he looked shocked.
I didn't waste any more time. I shot the Sunlight-Blossom seed and–
**SPLATTER**
A yellow light zipped through the air and straight through the blob. Despite the seed's small size, it created a hole I could easily jump through.
"I got it!"
Kim rushed towards the blob. Now that it was dead, capturing the man should be easy. But then a bundle of flesh emerged from the side of the blob. Kim reacted accordingly and cut it off. It was still alive.
"W-Wait, you two, stop fighting!"
The man started frantically pleading with us. I switched flowers into a Dragon-Maw. I probably couldn't reach the man from here, but if I closed in I could grab him.
And then I stopped my advance.
A purple haze leaked from the wounds of the blob. The blob let out a bubbly wail. Kim suddenly dropped to the ground.
"Kim!?"
"Ah, you fools, you shouldn't have attacked! Damn it, no no no–"
As the man kept rambling, I avoided the approaching fog of purple. I switched my plant to a Spore-Blossom, but the spores did nothing to stop the fog.
Crap. At this rate, it would reach Flinty and Victoria. I doubt swiping at it would do anything, and using a Freeze-Dry would mean Kim would be caught in the crossfire.
With no other choice, I began expelling mana from my left palm and quickly created a fireball. Then, I morphed it into a thin vertical rectangle and let it soar through the haze.
I heard the sound of my spell connecting with the blob. I was happy for a second, especially since I couldn't see the purple haze anymore. Now that I was in a better position, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
And then I started seeing black.
ns216.73.216.238da2
