Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnZsWNfwVL
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KTGOq5zRg
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesqIg73q2e
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrQNYRhKpd
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr99TiEHpU
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzauDSuDQw7
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM4OhFR50T
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0kcyo8KkH
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vnrThYZhN
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Flinty shrugged.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNmGFRTEbB
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLlJtspyHB
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVDyhVmWHU
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZKmv1saIh
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz0vte11vR
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT5JypI6FZ
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZZxFrlpj3
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZTajRh1mE
"Why don't we ask them?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DGiJw6rHm
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlITFgc0bhN
"Not a bad idea."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr7KIyEKqs
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8bp8A90Oi
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtEiebTiNI
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhUxKZ1JEX
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6jVRaWWNC
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"Wow, is this a farm?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKUjs3yZKi
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1we1Vw1uw
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiqrDX7GQF
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6US5sr4WCl
All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s5R7xBhF5
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AGsoadnIN
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRtAitmbYJ
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"Uh, Flinty?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMkgboq4ox
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6PiA8Flc7
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"Kenny!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU3IiQJ42Y
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYPy3PY2tR
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBizhsjYZcR
"That dog's name is Kenny?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRJxgOTwsX
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWXYeREZkg
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil45yJVWPY
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMV4VgzoO8
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDgEjTehw1
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSHpD6DoQk
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6iG7w5VTH
"Okay."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkI8SXHsah
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgrwMo65wO
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1FsqHQMDK
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDGUJpAqrv
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPJUNVncOW
Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM122Ece8j4
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDlAcs85AJ
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nnfJfgTXb
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkT5v5ZGwV
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sRjWMtOmz
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcQFMpWj09
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"Vikky!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI2vSTyWNN
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeg0406kUs
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BDBo630QK
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKISZi9mOHo
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtT0OKcK0H
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQEvOezTs2
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ747JGqFuPK
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKsLTUFNiR
She looked strangely amused.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoe7t1KyyQ
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"Full name? Alright."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TnQVzOdZC
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLI4BmEXjG
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i927MjuOd
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWotlhka7r
"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8r9cQp6K9
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI2MAvqMYY
"Yes."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb7oWpAAts
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxDB5D3TYB
"Then let's get along."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2eE8YgZ3e
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ZAXvadFh
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0Ljc1kToo
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6Jfqnz9k7
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNgDV1zDQH
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNYTLIknoe
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL6ggcPysQ
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeakiOTWP1a
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qU4bFkzf6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXLHF4OWFY
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gBTsXYeVV
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw987D9L57
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUe1GToe0x
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qtCB20W7g
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdswiBChbFc
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMztVTpX6qS
"What, why?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5wIkwJp60
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMaKK6S2oB
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l76ArOhCv
"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6gNjTa2hH
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE8u5024on
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnm9AfFNIE
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEG03Q3vF5
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3yzv3tgR2
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W0Lu4fR6M
So that was what the lady from before was doing.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3P2s8tew8
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzePQ4xsLV6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhreaK45eoN
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLaEe275cS
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS68deYLFy
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAzVwQwrau
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGNqIdTeOb
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGvTrjgnYl
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IEwZx2R2R
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgKJWohNY2
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I made a grumpy face.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorE68QXBj3
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA4219jAJY
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dmk2ouLiq
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTuyjToLXx
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7wcttVm6x
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZafDgOXcxH
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It's worth a try if nothing else.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERRMdmAPWi
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbWCguTQcH
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qw0yMK3Yf
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllkrQeCGIN
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf9oT765nA
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"Yes."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VSeXHitJY
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"Can I see the crops?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1e0oTyzRC
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"Uh, you can."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk8KXSsjA2
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6o7CqBdsk
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTIb1NwuMr
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCrRsZ7Pta
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelF3PaJrIG
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5KP85tzK3
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"W-What the hell is that!?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IEWwiSijf
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xjD5ZzFlx
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0BB6VSLWR
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdRzNqUBlj
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl5IVzXqrH
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMMTUTzstd
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jpr85mbee
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OuqyJ8oox
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLDYxxDYID
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HN0VZ1hqg
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mta3Mt9KC
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwjIxBgwzs
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqULJqMQXy
"What are you doing?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIEMhEnHg4
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1QW5US7M3
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LDsKoeaEB
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTxdFv3VGy
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2EkikVgyf
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsNUSPVyf3
"You're an angel."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3DjRPG6vi
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0BC4JIgVo
"..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1GICeDOyE
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfP3ca3g3G
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PjvYBQTa3
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W1MbwfvAS
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5PgKGtWn6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6GSsejRRQ
There were very strange people in this city.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxii70BIdYi
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuVAJq04cf
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbXJZiM26L
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wjWbQzbWV
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wUd1ykDqv
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5z7SbgSD2
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmgI82k8m0
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKt2M3brtz
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRz5aDsW2y
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHhY51ZUWX
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUYb0DTaKt
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sUQjb2CIv
"Really?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcxPI0Ehqe
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlJpzWnTia
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99I6oKcILZ
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BzHRR6Kco
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrvMhAFr5G
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWxFmGfc5g
"Yes! Let's do it!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtcimOspEY
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRKmxiejTf
"Fine by me."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnQzhV6Knl
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C9oFQiAbZ
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPGAEBRjy
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp65hob0Ym6
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWxWq78HH6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ6yhFu6a2
"Is something wrong?" I asked.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gGCFKKccs
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9ywIdB4xq
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT7352XmxK
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKoX15XjNb
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiMubd6S0m
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI625o1s0v
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt6bp42zCA
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMGGnz8swV
"Is that so?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIvvboiojZ
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCPaNiB2ak
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqV4zpkHei
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqUzp30YrV
"Please, enter right here."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtKcxNupzT
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl4Abv7CKz
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3IkcjJ2GS
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFDM7Q5cEi
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYKos7UHdJ
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA9K2cYzg1
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rXiemWB6H
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNrqy4CSlA
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRBz5dOPcL
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0i5gM52X1
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFCLX0HOm9
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN33GsHXGve
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCQlAY9DuU
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN12bwU2gN0
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSrALsZGnl
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSojrBSN5g4
"R-Right."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvprRuq9Bb
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZZsgfYSLk
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE5rqmmEgx
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZVrIwQ11d
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8llz6n7Ej
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF70MWoYjd8
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxl7Im1jNI
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqnkRtmNGW
I nodded.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiE9fpZDIr
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBLbyLPbqy
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6G9qmgp0V
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDTllksIrz
I raised my hand.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09dFvrCpMh
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zIDHV76Oh
"Yes, Kenny?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx6ZN69Hq6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq2lJlpYfX
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFesEMgGPR
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoHDd1rLwY
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyBwbjhChH
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGapqM9X9XG
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNXL6REeJb
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl1YIEvGRU
"Allowed to brew?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJxDGyWoek
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTIZpreS4N
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IwEM0ebxk
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkhdB5tTck
"I see."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr2qfR45h0
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW67nwrZcjF
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxdAKY3RrG
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gm5XLZqJD
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4jiUaZdIC
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXQc16t7Yq
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTZMT2SAPG
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5nTlr1qmI
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEChH5d6zW
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTig0bjXeh
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfNWgxINqn
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBMtJ0yTyq
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbEQ5JszLb
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHXDbVg0a9
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnTcWADVZS
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWnz4XoHOm
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFu09A2IQd
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNFjNzg8KF
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBaCRtExMW
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGboOmgrt9I
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW0XnJzmTR
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc0lvJG6f5
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjkfwo6TfD
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPrwpX3tsJ
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WPjXi2xA1
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnpHBxJ3WN
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe7A3TYbFj
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2JhxeQwp1
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXilmgRN0Q7
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4hEZq8LTz
"...Wow, this plan sucks."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQGxI7bFbx
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtACq0YeqO
"Kenny!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVA74x6Urp
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvpdAWH9Wh
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH9y4QKY41
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwqzXTkjBx
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GE7TPkTbL
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0PHoyB7iK
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP79TWRHIKY
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSSMjsPfQl
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbcafCaAWP
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrzaGlHekT
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xgu7iSrTv
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pTseM3mc6
I nodded, but something was bothering me.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT4ojk71Zj
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsqd8Z3br8
"Will the people really all come together?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFzLws2F9d
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIylAgujcTa
Linda stepped in.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8cXnKdq2B
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv3xsoZQ7x
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCej1NTaHn
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx2tTHazUh
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR7NEgtWZe
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJAnO9UqWq
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm794MN8zo
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtxqsYQRLM
"Mhm!"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNfY6o5Eds
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu0WT5UZdI
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ6aybe952
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JQv2tNJMV
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOrwA28lKO
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx9dlfsLwn
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKZgkSzB6O
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0yeuzs42f
I was having second thoughts.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y3vlAwULG
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVL2UqxF55
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqv5wjSaNW
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFM3R5phTn
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XPlSHyzdO
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJzPqusUs8
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7IGYDm9kV
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIcncnVXrt
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOUaAKZq7u
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBJSay1NUA
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPCk8ADmG7
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpaeFaaZsV
"..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHq5srBUp0
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vU7d9Gpqx
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6SSVHEYHb
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81fXIqyY15
Phew.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWxQOrDsFf
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORz3RR3gsQ
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQmAwIcIQ9
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddgCqUlxGh
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaEnHWkmus
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY1NNfswoS
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNc8FBVXHi
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62WCEhPxoX
"Huh?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5JIHx3Yh5
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuynfgt6sz
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhW9h4PYmf
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7K0M23Rtf
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnoL8daU77
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR1JARAGNq
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfXKOMf1UL
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU8h1z4MAA
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qwLtkfK13
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKXXUSJxpr
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ2ujUQBy1
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YkpiEo4bz
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIolosKeSyP
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdHCWRyEuP
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDBv9QT5ZU
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwALscNQOBS
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5fu9HLyLF
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgG7jrOzz8
She looked suspicious of it.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36w9emLY9j
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqhpJeJh7u
"How do I know it's safe?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT0GPC8XJh
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasCFSx04sS
"I can drink it right now and prove it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdLmhqV8Yu
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QqKmt8Jq0
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudjGsi27c6
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF202zgrhy
"Fine. I'll try it."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmipBLJso3
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbKlcVcQVH
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeGDKwcRcr
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFEi6vEfGA
"...Okay, fine. It's good."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwgUGSu8Sa
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPPLwjIFs7
Yes!168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BxFS7isNi
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoju1DTBz8M
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04XAQ0Nzu9
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s2NVXsFim
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoKIxbofDV
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekumvR199y
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevGlwOARVa
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQzUFdPm2H
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ydIcX2edC
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7IMG4njSb
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVqrkDW1eB
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ2ijbPAH8
"What are you doing?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF5RIWp3q2
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQp2iSxTZW
"Passing the time."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZdkH4pAgE
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR744zSNRKY
"By making fun of my face?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCwz6an6Bt
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTg5kl0zs0
"I'm not making fun of you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9ycToaV8O
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08PIaEtu4c
She laughed a little.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLA7KvoJzf
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xaKSFWbOS
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxxNeOVkcO
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P6sU5FL6D
"Of course."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsfi0BS8FD
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHUY9zdxU3
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh1o7EOj3C
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t3cklkheK
"How'd you two meet?"168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkMNNbIKhT
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeu0oPZdFx
"..."168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvBfZ3oWaV
168Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYRKqJYe7W
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
