I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE2XrqHNa8
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdqpjtK9rp
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xPhWJuGLx
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AGA9VrCmc
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"Something about this is fishy."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyul159ivf7
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6mmTcKI5W
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH0y0r9fxD
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvZuJKFCp9
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7eFldcTZg
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2idRHWKnYb
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o9OTJNbrV
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOxvWGVQi1
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And then.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lYy2m7Cke
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**SMASH**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAQRcCJpgW
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DrVInIx7v
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpn3wpx28b
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPWkf3VozH
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"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62FckqsErl
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1stvsRk5Bc
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfWsvhcpNC
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"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEevacIeqFp
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87bGmVKqRJ
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX4wY4La8J
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98zLniXIs3
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyncAAmb9oq
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU1OzS3kpd
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6E3FHvt5X
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo6ttxCcHp
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucH7n4ES0G
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1RU7Jeklg
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqQmc4s4Fp
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8H7k031LD
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"Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcN2ObETFn
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuDtcYbpkR
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"What is it?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN64fvvxrCB
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPUy6DT5iq
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuRfJ85Gdk
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVzdPFA2NS
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz0Lm1O5LM
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme4vAuNk5Z
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIRlrcFrn5
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ1KXnCXge
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgXKr1Unho
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQQHFsfhnE
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"W-What?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoY96pqnNz
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"Are you crazy!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dXoJEbAnz
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh2ie0CiSx
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmISeoJ5sc
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IdyMxAJBw
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkV4PJOiau
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCJVJxUIh6
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvb1yPUKnK
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNo8BG1q1Z
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIhPyqySVZ
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAixgxezn5u
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJtpU9gVFf
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I tilted my head in confusion.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgNEikDCmS
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbr6LUqWo9
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7z9vWFFvq
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1X8ivJvL
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7PLrCYnKZ
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"Of course I do!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwKH0EJGv6
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPkFY1UmvO
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0AfW7uS4h
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8FF9mG7Gi
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5QUTDcYaO
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD3TdtIEnN
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs6UFjRYup
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fdmKgEzgs
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlElkUxyQg
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Iq777gr7
"Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m4wdlM2XP
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGpsibcE0S
I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJtPJmv80S
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFbAiq063w
"Flinty? Are you serious?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHDH2egmTt
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt6gUhlzyL
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzzDhVuvXU
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQth8QN8Mu
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyHtQhEmXt
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH7c2Y80Ml
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedUEIj0xTa
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ132cfa6Wz8
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxOmauINK1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVdCq0ez17
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmzm9zuQ1L
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LioJObj5T
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsp4AGkZ0p
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbhJVo2bdg
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrreJHMyWgk
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qz56aR3Bc
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNSfmkLTen
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU446CjoVcP
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftpJ3ONXFE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuypSvYaFEQ
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRygoijjzK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTuPMpw9sO
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNRXAknT8T
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklq130BfAG
"...With money?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhedrFnVQD
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiuIsLfjfL
"With money."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdYz2Xr5Xo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMDkg8BCmt
"...I can't say no to money."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3suO8bDrbL
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLGkwSPEbU
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyQG6O6ujV
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaTk7P61yx
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQt3jaeJuM
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She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMjpxWpQwS
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ1A5oqpDo
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP3srOdDqu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2hjYjW75Z
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrU2dekB9j
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lHsl1OpR3
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW4cQkNFiA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z9EvfGhh2
"Let's do our best okay?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdHLVt7OSx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRypaXtt7O
"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefddJhpkyW
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I still had one more concern.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgvkmKnYmH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9UgpA39rk
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDECEH2in5S
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QZqWZc670
She averted her gaze.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyZEqMO2sF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SnZF3Usef
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyNOLfmgvZ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnHqpHiuig
"I see."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7qxpbBipm
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I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGctjXcSmp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsKG6lPlD3
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2PQHV4Esq
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"Uh..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCx6yTATae
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFMFW62e7a
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"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9usGjL71h
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mb5EW3AXs
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYsgMpYUHG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80x7myFJV9
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSya7Li8Ddb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30RzKA4tdQ
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeIB3kArP0
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She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uGi4IqRvw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7bGpGZo0z
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshWfG44lzX
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–
–
–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXgEBIjlA3
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Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1BfX7Ozmw
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"How does it look like?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjYvAChJjb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZiAn4Uovs
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6KnsFwr0E
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU2VcJSSe5
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaREyMnFoGT
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUwEWNAuHE
"We're ready."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNrj9WwOh4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFmc5hVCNq
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHzCxPUCGb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsFabariK8
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUcLySlteo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVObZUHYrv
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB3BVbzNtu
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She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kBiO3st4R
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHyYKZL4Is
"Then what do you propose I do!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qRPoft0Lg
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wt2b851ll
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJJIbVUauh
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmcp94my9P
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxm6tu5A29
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrbuYW04J7
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1xH82f82E
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm2l9gw9ka
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2wSGxXB1j
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntdd1YW6dq
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoefoQNTgf
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0fnomPXg9
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09JMDD0uXP
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J9EHa2JIs
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRPieaC6td
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26I4yTfPIi
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVveDyjIeE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkDDV6uOkt
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqMO6Dy7jA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkmKLKqA7x
"Y-Yeah. I know."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtXTf3IFE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdNbQI9yz9
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZbvu5EKRK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGA9Fo5Cnu
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiRVPiDFNu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI0ldrPxqH
**SHATTER**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3XRwJo7Rw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ4KY85HWH
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BuivCW5WQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5RlxiEuRq
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5orDg4Qr9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDTkRnMa6n
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mP59NOYON
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38hka9Rqgd
"Now!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFudNkJeSJs
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfIP04whnM
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXRoHLGZ3C
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj45r6YJhip
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImLYL80Hhb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNFG58hMED
"What are you waiting for?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlf4wxzUAF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H0IMchL7b
"I still don't trust Ng."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzlGSKhD4J
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE742GHHFF
"Fine, then go after him!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBgNwtY06l
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXVxC9WTov
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaR6cbvt0B
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWSssW3qq0
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9gTI9J3lG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoaUbifVfw
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89L4HY3k7r
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV2mL4qmKq
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL76vxgkeDq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKBCFtYI7t
"Are you seriously crying?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV3ZvE66Tc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgk5Yvoya9
"Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN3dCRtsGG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBepQH0R099
He tilted his head up to me.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVNZn1VQ25
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"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJY4H54pA8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrzRvkiZjE
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5RCc1r222
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6xsAHbu5o
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDTlw2iRRD
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB4qRZKR2F
"You, are you really on our side?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1WaipGXwr
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0mFiSH0mm
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqI6TtIFJg
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUziVNNlFv
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro0EV3G83d
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKoaIRMpQb
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOmciCRLW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gjns3GMPp
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wCg4sOyB1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd41vvBbvN
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCiS8c31Pl
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokZQ7kPHZS
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInmRXsBD3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0RfykQKFr
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiXOidhi29
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJKWIQnC5K
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhMTL2BvZb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h8opUk5FP
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0pZ23lXvL
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5xZsNpFsj
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzrICfls0O
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mSQ4SFTSy
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwnGjKmzZt
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGVRcKczXl
And then, suddenly–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFimVRR2XA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZUEmvhBzI
**SMASH**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8mKandHPE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9qXP5s1ZD
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiVGaTUTE9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVP5xnkwxa
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVitWKv248
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep6OTdhX35
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR0u4atuZp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrdjJn7Rrz
Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbyUcDKzJT
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"H-Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0J9reQxWK
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH7oxwP0O0
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69rQPZBX7g
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We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvCvZ7QuU8
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I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9pUBCyHh6
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRNjIeuKcZ
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8s8TVuQ2L
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB4PSMQ64q
"Like what!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV2aF6bTaY
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"They died last night!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lq3xDAfGz
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymlmfcRuAl
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Wait, escape route, of course!251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVQC25eo9f
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I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRbzn6KUVy
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"...Did I do it?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud02Js96SJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkZOJJHIZ
Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5WG3azLvC
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"H-Huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uotLZ6Ahi
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She offered me her healing potion.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oIk0ODYxJ
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"Here. For your foot."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMjf4BL2SW
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"A-Ah, thank you."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3TvZlE44o
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg5NckqyeT
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"Haaa, ugh."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQUqz2o2Ho
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I stood up with help from Victoria.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyjmFsy9gt
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBh4K8qEkg
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2BVn4bvtH
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzXvqScUB7
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqYzI8cjhv
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"Don't let your guard down yet."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE5D5jnsoU
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFWSTZyqKU
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"Crap. Crap!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKcBebGYdR
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The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDvUhvOeKJ
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I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0PbLHwaZI
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWmcCuGpF5
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIkCgL6iM0
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhn5JZdxN
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN0mlI3hx6
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTwFwhWHKy
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYezGSySd0
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d3uaf20sh
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"If you can, support Kim!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKMUFXeNbJ
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4mjzuTr5Q
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"W-Woah..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxgbpuVkOl
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRbNIPnJCg
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"KIM!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tCwycUyMu
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"Right!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMFo8nqEnw
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8i7IxjuLL
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And so, I released the spear.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNsh9snHbX
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**SMASH**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetPJ9XqRxk
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOge68elNQV
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW3r8tx38a
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBTcOkQV0p
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCqTajkz1O
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOjMSLv4wB
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CPXeUvFtR
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"No, what you just did was incredible."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmayUAgTt4h
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBmhal4Wim
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOcrdpHJcg
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX8Ia4osDb
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKwyusNSYN
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"Unfortunately."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ2GyoMYKg
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qrJ5BDR3F
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"Kim!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgADr6zD0Ft
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hnrTYOYhH
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The tendril was bleeding purple.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yuDK7NNAb
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMt07HEGrk
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**SMASH**251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvJaa9mWa9
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkZ3A7Mb6f
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBOaY9E7xR
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zMrWighfy
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQcQyeFgLO
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasImpYSxrf
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF8mK0c6iw
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wbedszR5r
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"...Ngh."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6wU2V2VZi
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbQcdbM7DR
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiGBDE8k8F
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I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADK9Vwwfek
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLhISn0Mf4
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLrphWhScf
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I felt like I was going to die.
