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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNR9o1YidC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcLWZyxZFy
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpJnpLmQWs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2GeibVCom
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK9B2XJEnI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIn7Jh7cxF
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImgvthCdWM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqEK0S6sMl
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dNGD5yKhm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJLoZxBtVD
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs3bry7Ooa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7fDPNc6sq
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWga4i5SRLc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBlBU2JBja
"...Sure."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFNEg67Pkb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w9KXiw0fq
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?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFSkhOzrY9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5klPlPXUzq
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYQptXkm9b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzveYj1o85
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC0BfGUv6P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoZTeo8R3Y
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z5kfP9aYk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CGTfsdbL9
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6DHcakNFB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm0E8iA5tQ
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAtqZdm370
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjieWr6qCrU
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYODAfTkQ3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIgLhOc5qb
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhh38zQh69
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhoViECYuS
"Wait, what!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiJcHOOOds
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKvmvwI2U9
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22MqFGAijl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmntbQWTHBV
"Why not me?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqqPCi5T3y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17AikJtCoy
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28kWpAD7SW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ofwtdzqA7
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90IwliH4lr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILi3aYjsiC
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4d9xBVjzg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR7frPhCxx
No, you didn't.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOj82Yq6Ia
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQSdbNDhYT
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfNh0qrOa6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemtMhNRC1a
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB13LjtpkUg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK8F9Xdzpk
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj0iRgZhMY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76p2TXYdjC
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MCzOWDi3x
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3iIoFFeZE
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNb7irkIdg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd61bjC4i0S
"Mhm!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09sKJw17d4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA722g4Lt7m
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VF2kjDB2G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jZqPW9zIW
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlVOM7PpgV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P8IGoqpZF
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEZnovTC17
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvuh9FZqE5
"...Fine."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrRmgeBvjk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjt6oEUPBY
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI58Ae4QDW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslgLIqRt93
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrOS8rXVxP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHc7kl69ae
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTI6bnvjZ6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPlJonbsvi
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmHBW638iU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysIDJQFLtc
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzpbMhuXSK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNDrnSVpKn
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NFtD2GsKa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJi6Vd5EKV
"Is there... something you need?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHlEAOgxge
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG0XqcpJDn
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGtGDNHQm7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3eFdoQSeH
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1F9GKGgdq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLDBDVlKXi
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYotXJ8oCl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpbxpw0jXh
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVj19ZDB1P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBDr6iM3Fm
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65rWUQ927w
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZRy2p1lVj
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWoXidtWYs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VYZSbWH3A
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYEbRbenJl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BkFPxQgOa
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHCPfOkH6h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXqsG5JV7f
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj44ZblZba
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ74JnwLdzD
She giggled a little. Creepy.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56FIih1UmL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkZOQuZsVE
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhkhQTjJk3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdIjkg5gKJ
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhufMIK5BKO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYNt7Wqxpx
What?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0P8QNlaJr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6evsxOcBNq
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUEBJbe5Bw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPDiC5NXSz
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W1RNrVfbZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSaKfH2wj2
"O-Oh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7shXdutWdF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6CViPR6Ad
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYTZTzC1k
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8SNYCOA8I
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiKwZTYP8o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsohbBXEfO
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmg47fwDxR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneiheCzQVJ
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjQ4XkbmjW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj0N6nzAWm
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2v1xXYCdz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8xKePoq4J
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb57qOrgI0c
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM78hkwkJEJ
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcVKOaWqL2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9TwNwYhHJ
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3wn41IKF6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8otd8Xu8Q
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWRNlZkhzB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIwpfDL1S3
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAsyqYUonD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH4jN1gTaF
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wxHhAZ91o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECVfoNgaRg
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlPJzjX2zS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4gCcLf9wD
Front-page news!?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizknJ9UVxE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KE1Kt8iKY
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVreFwvmJvd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFxfoLHfNg
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXS2DTRj6N
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjWhR5K3yt
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoGaForAMR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8dTW8RJ0R
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcB0Xc38pn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwD8w7PPIE
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eY5UudDWE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7FbTxHWju
"No, I don't."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFLUjQEtqm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2JyqDIbzi
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfkR6dxQM3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EUZCwnrL0
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP7NNtibVo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfOK9yoVNW
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwEqhxIHp5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZQl7Fp1m3
"Thank you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemvS0qEpIa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DTPvlTcoT
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u4waMiUqT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxszCbaC3xY
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVjxXHvjDe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOtE56Tdro
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5dzKmD2dY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHt7jc4WQG
"Oh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd3hV5gu15
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOKAALrndc
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BvQVUW9qO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4tkQDAJkf
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtrh4kfq36
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryDogWkhGF
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO8Www9pA6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjRuJUQBKW
Her face froze. I sighed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyzSMr5gOo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXdAciPoLv
"I-I'll do it in the morning."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFENbSWJiA1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHONjQWPiS
"Good luck."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQOfUmj4VH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJZLzNYPFL
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO7HFpRnMP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d6kazmY5z
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSdhx1yrWs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RyC1nj6uH
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmzMGq22pk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpehjqrPL1x
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7lXEi0h6e
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp2vMRXTQd
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv7RcW5RxZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLenkpF2eNd
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfIFBV5Sun
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzAm8AYq27
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4T8D7XlUq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGzlAVPAlF
"Going to what?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Oiu8Tq25y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4XE9LkLrV
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuCIT2Z5z1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuxnTTUemg
"Huh? Wash myself?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovg1NUQdeD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYq4Ih3b4x
"Yes. Like we did."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL0u56bYWk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBBwQBq8Es
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7R1VJumem
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RQxKXwNAp
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMXSs79XR9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CwqG5IMp5
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNNKZ1ENJN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYTYXINrhd
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4olVA0JndH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k9y0I0Ppv
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zz8sOSbvZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NLYNjdwDt
"Buffalo Village."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zm9OWaXQ5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo5bmIbzuZ
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroPLW2JpBz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCEwsuNxo7
"Really? I didn't know that."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5qCo30BET
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Kim looked like she was smiling.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQHlXPyFcm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSFY5Rh16j
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfUEg5ljjv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Bvctxo1W
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtNwLfSqzl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSaakaJaon
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfqCp39OCx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNdnluyyd3
"Fine, fine."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQlzWu2GUk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYdg0Ivfny
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO907c6hY0
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mPBbazBUc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDq47JZ0Ec
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZneUUajkOP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgqwgbf2uE
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqnJ97nwTQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KXEBZRVAB
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyspd5MxZ1a
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlQOt9s0Ci
–
–
–
"...Mmm."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55SgE5s3lC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VQA3mEPBI
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRn7YhZ9QB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUJdLkdapA
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9uezBGXWL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJzjDSFV2C
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjsMUTZwVM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kOQWYBnaH
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ746KG1LYH7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclon4GVMpq
"Wow, you're hard at work."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0loZSxxyP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh18y2S3wuU
"Ah!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6HSnuJWCa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSckUL55rR2
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH08otaFULE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuOnY9xMmf
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iJKSNriWp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZLwL9nLBA
"I don't think so... what time is it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r8A0x98Nq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdQIudf63U
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQBvWmERvj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdNpemJSsj
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogU9JR6X6Y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1Bkg2tszq
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwudqBkHsl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1lhdVRD7R
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ897OZckiyE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4ozfsD3l6
I did regret sitting beside her, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgehIyeHYs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13aMQODMjm
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WYXnjNlDV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQJeBvQ46X
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkCZeLHWkk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVxExQypQv
Flinty looked at me with excitement.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bi7yJiFpM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUiK4POU4H
"A goal?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHmlwbIkU8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4eogoXAyF
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPnyjKpZPi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEDmVkXdjC
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapQtn8W6rV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2uXrV1pm0
"Okay, I'll do my best!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrYMXQ7nU0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16fg85jVdc
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNOUf1hvxp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2jY5zEh65
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiMksN2kun
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSBpFsdB0v
"Good morning, Linda!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvirhoxuq1O
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZhR7Iy4S
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx3IwOKQ0u
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8UcDgDRh6
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fkvIeBbw1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqynaqPo0p
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSbRE2wkm8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQsyUx7ioZ
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1IaxJdYVO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yCiRut3jN
Friday? Today is Friday?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZOx3XnfOg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P3d7fwivO
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlYyNXElJP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKpgOj0yEx
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSstFIJ4B11
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGmcsGMTZp
She looked at me curiously before answering.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjJYN4sEec
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdydIdUdJr
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMN4VHUhZz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgbDGp7vIj
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iefzTFTcb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDhJJ2rwk9
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9tr8nWHD2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTCcX56Gml
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLirXsqxTKp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lyBVwv04G
"To whom? Those at your home village?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR2Ho0dtng
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgnmBLTzcX
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUp4mxm2eR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkBKqBpPcC
She lightly smiled.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJhS88bAbm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlyYcWHCza
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7hS3cqtDL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQodq8XZdV3
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL2XuPwkzg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwGO9ta6jb
She shook her head from side to side.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjhiYIObRO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0tTLUaoZ7
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnGH4Ktkps
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1235xMo9Oh
"So you decided on living here?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVefx2P0cdc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkIPMXUJ4k
She nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGgdHZYeQy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfaf1m4Dx6
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClfIhGF2We
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGetrWARJE
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE3DGm3JFZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5v9ZpU4K5
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZPJTo8QbI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z5ULkM3yC
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSfgfysL0O
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YVwfuRNYz
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbTZEeoCaT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qYd21hD1A
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiIIyDBnte
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbTw6ohqk8
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt236q8yWg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6euHjQZlB7
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhylnzotps
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB03xF6vkd
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5PoyQ4NBB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA3lsMzGIk
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEgWElkbCp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwamkJQyCF
"Hey, Victoria?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HYlV8wG8Z
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaHgggIoGi
"Yes?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3FueCATIs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlooJSyJbb
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS4hFNZrM7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkpCng5qzu
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzut2KUBiS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fOLem1Zzc
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9VNJnYHjv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf6m3H2mbz
"Kim, are you good?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MUost52tD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nyRi2scL6
Kim just finished packing her bag.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OY3Vh9QXX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OyW26j2BT
"Yes. Let's get going."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNC0XzfvtR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRvHddBQpk
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lmX0n4c5G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QGYeJ8okh
–
–
–
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi3lXwv1QS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvcxEpImWd
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIywAgVnU5J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSaATtKPcT
...She did do that, right?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjKQ6CwzZL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPXJx75LmE
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1aMFp332T
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qypiwkmWc
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwFIPKoExa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHqDoBE0ZN
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoqGdYf7rh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIVVsaDZaE
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OjWwLjjsL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dtQMskIQq
"Hmm?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9363EYs2zk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qqyvB32Or
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6uag260ir
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKLfmzfRkB
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHU6ZGabE2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg8sORX0Ig
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjb9fBkdr4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAGitBKPGZ
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuKkQK1UpP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60zourOSc5
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NVvfdUNKq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCojBKfJMX
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltjTPe0ETB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2Zbc5oYFW
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xRKekfBSv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJiNX3oI3r
"R-Right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbn5cGqham
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs9a43Hvjb
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7wUZfK1XZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVEy4e76zQ
"Any objections?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJuJEgriC3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4tFrGQYa9
None of us voiced any.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ApsBz0bEH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFbHs5YQ9J
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MWfPXPgdP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzQXiiPH3a
"Of course."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vLTvLst3J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ708ZLVyMGO
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnBtO9K16b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVLVBSkXoB
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGv75TC5SM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJkrsD7Q0n
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DZxtFGi4l
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdDQn2f8TT
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlRUgckoXL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaajWcfLry
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVKbFofVT7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7jV43h7j7
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKPaE745XA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4vjjtllvO
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPa8JxdxeY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHaeE7zB7k
"Hold on, stop here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBPpBc7vJt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qz6BndoII
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlyMjdIP7b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunXwUUEvRv
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQVW6PvNwB
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"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOBhUURZxX
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsKQJ6jjfr
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7yj19a685
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"Not to mention the smell, ugh. Y'know, I don't know who left these structures here, but I wanna make a complaint."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ5HxoN4Tk
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu9i81wVds
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqooaIbc8m
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamoidbXQHf
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"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjtm3TgDBY
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"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZPaKY2GKy
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfjl2uKgMj
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUGrwz1d9c
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"I'm not much of a mage. I can perform mana expulsion effectively, but my interests lay in alchemy and magical plants."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAN7fb45fm
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiBTP5FDqu
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNjpmVT8sW
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBHm673KW5
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"Anyway, you're one of the few people I've heard of that dabbles in magical plants. Are you any good?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWOfAhA3Jp
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"Heh, well..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjPwPabNce
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ky766Z7mM
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"What's the hold-up?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV2jqgPvmQ
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0y6TDlwnz
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NQ4NANhgv
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"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXkhe9XfML
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VKWRhtmDl
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"So, what about you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns7Ls72jdd
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VKgfaPLx9
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She nodded. I let the tendril loose and it wrapped itself around my right arm like a snake. Kim's figure froze.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTsgUiZzJj
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"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoNrc4b62I
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh33RA48jNf
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She sounded genuinely amazed. I scratched my cheek a little. I produced a flash-bloom from the tendril, and Kim sounded elated.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1atLzpVhv
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"I can see now why– oop."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooxRxY4EMe
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkzKKluhho
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUJdr64t2s
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All of a sudden, a voice.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2rJsJGV7z
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"Something... I feel like something was here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv0e6nnjtQ
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8ekaIs3L1
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I was feeling my heart race, imagining just what it could be that Victoria was seeing. The man's voice came back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ4RWOcbfS
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60lBk5UMGU
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrHV5f2O7B
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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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WoYK7RDQJ
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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.
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