The fire cracked and popped. It was already dark out. Four hours had passed since the infiltration. Flinty, Ng, and Kenny were sitting beside the fire. Victoria just returned with more firewood. Kenny took a tiny bite out of an apple
Victoria sat down. Everyone was staring at the fire. The silence was oppressive, but Kenny didn't have the power nor gall to interrupt it.
"...I apologize for what has happened. My cowardice, my fear, it all led to this," Ng said.
"It isn't your fault," Victoria said, "as much as I'd like to say that it was nobody's fault, I think all of us messed up, hehe."
"Perhaps it was. But still, I feel as if I'm mostly to blame."
And thus, a needless back-and-forth started. Kenny didn't interject.
"Seriously, it's fine, you don't need to take all the blame."
"But–"
"Guys!"
Flinty suddenly raised her voice.
"M-Maybe it's Ng's fault, or Victoria's, but at the end of the day, Kim is still in trouble!"
"Right. Of course."
"You're right, Flinty."
"So... what do we do? We need a plan."
"Well," Ng started, "Jeremiah is formidable, but one of Panz's beasts has already been exterminated. Panz himself is also injured. Once we regain our strength, an upfront assault may be the best course of action.
"Right," Flinty replied, "Kenny can take the blob on by himself. Do you think you can do it, Kenny?"
Kenny didn't respond. He lifted his head and gazed at Flinty with beady eyes.
"...I'm not going back in there," he muttered, and their eyes widened.
"W-What, why not!?" Flinty cried. Shock permeated Victoria's expression. Kenny put a hand on his knee.
"It's best if we leave. Everyone will be in danger if we go back."
"But Kenny, what about Kim? We need to help her!"
"..."
Kenny turned his head away. Flinty's words didn't reach him. Frustrated, confused, surprised, and worried, Flinty didn't know what to do or say under such pressure. So, she didn't.
"F-Fine, but if you won't do it, then I will!"
"Don't! You're just asking to die!"
Kenny spat his rebuttal, Flinty flinched, and Kenny returned to gazing at the ground.
"Let's just... get out. At least, I can guarantee that you'll be fine if we do."
It hit her then. Flinty understood what was wrong with him. But still, she didn't have the words. Still, she didn't know how to convince his friend. Still, she couldn't help him. Flinty was dejected, upset that she didn't have the words.
She looked at Victoria. She was at a loss well, Flinty could tell. But, Victoria was older, and Victoria was smarter. Flinty was sure that she would think of something.
"Why don't we sleep on it?" She suggested, "We'll think of something in the morning."
"Yes! That sounds like a good idea!"
Flinty peered at Kenny, waiting for anything from him.
"...Fine."
Flinty felt relieved. Still angry, still worried, but at least she had time to think of something. And thus, the group readied for bed. None of them had any blankets or pillows, so they had to be content with sleeping on the ground. It wasn't comfortable, but before long they all fell asleep.
All, except for Kenny.
–
–
–
I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. This situation, this incident, none of this was like the one with my parents.
This was my fault. This was undeniably my fault. From the beginning, it was my fault.
That bullet. Why did I miss it? Why? Why? None of this would've happened if I just hit that bullet. That damn, tiny bullet made of stone.
I should've made it bigger. I should've been more patient. I should've gotten closer. I should've just used my tendril, or used fire magic. Who would've cared if I killed him? That alternative was so much better than this. Kim has been captured. The wolf is still out.
These thoughts, they kept me awake. I couldn't even close my eyes without that scene playing back in my mind; the bullet. If I just didn't miss that bullet.
"..."
I needed to take a piss.
I stood up. I tried not to wake up the group. I walked for a few minutes until I found a passable tree, then I took care of my business.
"...Crap."
I was already feeling groggy. I washed my hands with water magic and walked back, but stopped. Somebody was walking up to me. It was Ng. He stopped before me, carrying a makeshift torch.
"What do you want?"
"Kenny, do you mind us having a chat?"
I didn't even have any suspicions. It was ridiculous. But, really, talking was the last thing I wanted to do, so I walked around him.
"Kenny, what has you acting this way? Is it truly today's failure?"
"That's none of your business."
Ng followed me.
"I'll be blunt, this is abnormal."
"Shut up."
"Whether we escape the forest or not, you are the only one who can do anything about it."
"Shut up."
"Are you upset at me?"
I turned around.
"Huh? Why the hell would I be?"
"I see. Then, Kenny, let me ask you this; is this truly the best way to go about it?"
I didn't say anything, just tilted my head.
"You clearly feel at fault. I know, I've been in such a situation before."
"--!"
I couldn't say anything more. I couldn't even pretend to be mad anymore. I just sighed.
"Kenny, as an adult, allow me to grant you a piece of advice."
I didn't respond.
"I don't believe today's incident was your fault, but that is irrelevant. No, what I want to tell you is that, if you truly feel like you're at fault, then atone."
"...Atone?"
"Of course. It's simple, isn't it? You apologize for your mistake, and then you make up for it."
"...That is too simple."
"But it holds true, doesn't it?"
I turned my head away.
"It's..."
Ng walked up to me.
"You have a lot of power, Kenny. So much so, I'm envious of you. Perhaps you think you can't use it, but at the end of the day, who else can rescue Kim and fight Jeremiah but you?"
I turned around. I couldn't deny his words. He was right. And yet...
"That isn't it. That isn't it at all."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf0tLfdLD0
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Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Y4ZnpRcs
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"Then what is it?" He asked. I had to take a moment to put it into words.
"...If I go back in there, then all of it will hinge on me again. Your lives, your well-being, all of it. If I go back there, then all of it will be up to me. If one of you die, then that's my fault. If one of you get hurt, then that's my fault."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhTqKkpYm1
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"That's not true at all–"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ888AIdvgAx
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"Let me finish! You, have you ever had a feeling like that before? You said you know, you said you've been there, but you haven't! I can't stomach it; I can't stomach that feeling that, it's all up to me, that I'm the one who has to be the shoulder for all of you to lean on! I can't, I just... I just can't..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga5Ozx3bxE
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XFk3wG2lx
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"All of you say I'm a genius, but I'm not a genius. A genius wouldn't have gotten us into this mess in the first place. And now, now that I at least have Flinty, and at least Victoria is here– and hell, at least now that you're here, you're telling me to go back in there, and then just, risk it all again? What if I mess up or, God, what if I cause Kim to die? I-I'm not– I can't do it! I can't! I can't do it alone! Kim is already gone, I don't have her to help me anymore, so if something goes wrong then it's going to go terribly wrong! D-Don't you get it? Don't you get it, Ng!? How am I supposed to do anything, absolutely anything, knowing that if it all goes to shit then I'm the one who's responsible!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGHVpSR0wh
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I fell to my knees.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y8Iqijbao
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"K-Kim said it herself... all of it, all of it hinges on me... but I'm not someone to make that bet on, I'm not... I'm not..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM51q0xK7dL
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I fell. I was in a fetal position and the top of my head was glued to the ground. I couldn't hear anything over my crying. I couldn't even move. I felt something touch my shoulder. I looked up to see Ng's face.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EGHmPyBKR
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"...Kenny."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ6gvVh5Kf
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"What!?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbYgRDPMxu
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZz7H5HeIM
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RyqwrFkn8
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21JvdYR0E3
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"That was quite a performance, but all I'm hearing is that you're just going to leave your friend to die."
...203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmpwtcsqcx
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I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQzK1XJuYZ
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfRi9YxbGZ
I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW7KjHwuwF
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"N-No..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V1Z7zpcvU
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Oh, God.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQECPvYK5qH
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Oh, God.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbSy1r2HuE
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVobMLec6Lp
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o159RZe4s
Ng leaned down to pat me again. I slapped his hand away. I scurried backward on the ground, panting, tears still rolling down my face. Ng didn't look like a man to me anymore. I couldn't identify what he was. All I saw was something I didn't like. I kept scurrying back and I hit a tree, then I stood up, and then I ran away. I didn't know where it was that I was going but the light from his torch was fading and that's all that mattered. I kept looking back and eventually, I stumbled. Right, the roots here, they were massive. I got up and five steps later I tripped again. The exhaustion from before still hadn't subsided. I could barely move. But, at the very least, Ng wasn't here. At least Ng wasn't there.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCjTeeI68n
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But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk7a8EuLy8
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"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZSh13rNNj
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It wasn't the way I thought about it. So, here I was on the ground, affirming myself. Of course, I wasn't leaving her to die. Of course, I was just trying to make sure Flinty and the others were safe. Of course, Ng was right. Ng was totally right. He saw through me, but worst of all, I knew Ng was right, I knew completely but that didn't change a thing. I still couldn't even grasp the idea of going back there and fighting and– and maybe Kim really was killed because of me, because I couldn't do it. But Ng was right. I needed to go back.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy1RfOlWk5
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But if I went back then what if it goes wrong? What if I go back and I see that I've truly failed? What if I go back and I see her– her–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhsFdgCjl1
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"--Hrk!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5prtGmGWN
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I managed to hold back my vomit. Somehow that cleared the haze in my mind. I leaned against a nearby tree. I didn't think. If I thought, then I would've heard Ng's words again, and if I thought, my anxieties would've crawled back, and then I would be endlessly running. So I sat there instead.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDcQqZZZLp
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWGdINCQlw
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"There you are."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHZcPGWTTj
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Ng already found me, huh?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWj7lsZaXM
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"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0HKbLgu2P
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWotCwkPFAf
I casted a gaze his way. An indescribable tug on my stomach was telling me to forgive him. It felt terribly unnatural, but I couldn't help but give into it. I didn't accept his apology, but–203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcOiiAzgkw
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"...Fine."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuWNDoK89z
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He offered me a hand but I stood up by myself. I followed him through the woods. I was staring at his heels. Sometimes he turned his body to me, likely to say something, but he didn't speak it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8b0PJkxj4
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RiweJL2qM
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Nevermind. What a strange question.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXX2dBVwnj
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"No. They died a long time ago."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgRJ3YkL6W
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"I see. You have my condolences."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0FD4HYvfP
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"I don't need them."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczQ4Vy7w8t
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A pause.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG2tY8vlcM
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4GUArssP0
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"..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbV1lPmHb
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I stopped walking. Ng stopped shortly after. I don't know what it is that just happened, but a button of mine was pressed.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0EsKyhZqE
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And then the memories came flooding back. Those months where I refused to walk outside, being taken in by Anabelle, and lastly the talk. That vital conversation I had with Anabelle and Jackson. I started biting my nails.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq7bIdoSTn
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Despite it, nothing changed. My mind was still at odds with itself. But I calmed down. I calmed down a lot. At that moment, a bundle of warmth spread throughout my body. I was feeling fine.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6QB4nS0th
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"Did I–"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkgbQl7GO8
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"I'm sorry Ng. I still don't think I can do it. At least, not now, not by myself. Even thinking about it is making me shudder. I can't go in there."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmTLHalL0E
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"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmMRxj2obt
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I had to make sure I heard him.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLptlvR44Bv
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"Assistants?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgipp0u7SwU
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"Of course. I can still use the mana here to make some. It doesn't have to be anything powerful, just enough to grab Kim while you're fighting Jeremiah."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IbntKUxcF
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"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijrberbTxJ
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjqepGLxt0
"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR5nbvPdrJ
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"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13kqmnHHH3
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We kept walking. We didn't exchange another word but I could feel the air around us lighten. Thanks to the campfire, we made it back to the others.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKdYJAdO1B
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6hZIJonsr
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHJNR5KohB
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Flinty ran up to me and gently hugged me, patting me on the back a few times. I would've been embarrassed if I wasn't so bewitched by the presence of the third person.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4aBEbsBPH
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSgjFmIJra
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–
–
–
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We were all sitting by the campfire. Though I was sleepy, the knight's presence alone made me unable to sleep. I had too many questions to ask, and it looks like I wasn't alone.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2RC7WJYxi
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFeaKd1QJw
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSJfoMV2RD
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"Of course."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F6OaRBz1c
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAT4WRcz04
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"Ah, of course. I am here because I've been tasked with tailing Kim. My reasons are secret, but I assure you it isn't anything malicious, not from either party."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnailzsOfFr
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Tailing her? Well, if that was the case, he must not have been very good at it. But when your target is as disguised and inconspicuous as Kim, then even a knight would have difficulty pursuing you.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHxtSDdT5v
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But, no, something else was bugging me.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx0u1lARn3
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"How did you know where to find us here?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rn8MHjgzM
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"I simply spent the day searching."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj6acDZh96
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"The whole day?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeX6i6DkPC
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He didn't respond to that. "Victoria's mother informed me of your whereabouts. This forest may be small, but it sure is dense."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7giNA4Ev0
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF0Z0fO0j0
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDNvmGJsOL
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He sighed.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf6oS8EucO
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZwo78vIPH
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25pLgVnzoV
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"Oh! Yes! Kim is being held captive by a magical beast my ex-colleague has created. He is formidable, and occasionally reckless, but not a creature who would intentionally kill. He wasn't programmed that way."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGfHgVbJsr
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwWT6NjSkW
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"...Why do you ask?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjydVmapGOz
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa12Xg4bDlG
"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodtW3MQG1l
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOUTWPPHoo
Those words made me perk up. They had two meanings to me. Ng went on to explain the blob's ability to contort its body and produce a hypnagogic haze when injured. Skylark didn't look intimidated at all. I didn't see him in action yet, but I imagined that such confidence didn't come from foolishness. Skylark's presence was still strange, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have any suspicions about his relation to Kim, but– frankly, it didn't matter. Frankly, I was just glad that I was able to pass the baton onto somebody far more capable than me. A short while later we all returned to sleep; aside from me, of course. And, apparently, aside from Skylark. I lifted my body and stared at him. As we stared at each other, I tried to unbridle certain words from my throat, but he talked first before I could.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpGEvKkIhw
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZUibM0ZgR
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Vx92PdVb
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbetGF45SX
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYpbitRg4p
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuRuyzGI7P
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrIYu4UyyW
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMXmswTBiz
"I see. I'll get sleepy eventually, it's just a matter of time. But since you're awake, I might as well talk with you. Talking with people is especially exhausting."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw52ekJ2Mv
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52urIUrxDc
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneuRKE2PFk
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcyiPI6EnY
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQRjKUAnFR
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJfxRju7Bz
He put a hand to his chin.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJMxxRyr8E
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZREH8Iru6
"...Well, I'm sure you in particular will find out soon. For now, let's just say that I was sent to defend her, in case anything goes awry."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUPRra2bW0
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvJq4hHAdb
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwTA04dLLa
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuob4wnBtEo
"No."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3fTG9QyuE
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtG779dajQ
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1az0F3Aih
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74ubT6SUd4
"Do you mean in the woods?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXjWsTCxya
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAFLEgCCAy
"Yes. I'm just curious."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnmCFB5GE5
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYF3wFVAOZ
"I entered the woods two hours ago. I was told by Linda to wait until it became dark. Honestly, these woods are a bit of a nightmare to navigate."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfSNDZEwD3
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RtsPAnYZe
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91IJJEyYNh
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QLPPGJFfs
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4F4OqxOyV
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L92uySnE4
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZFNpMW5Kf
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8i2BodGWN
"Me too."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYX9Rmf4uM
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRhxg0PLWL
I realized how strange it was that he called it knightly duty, since he met us by coincidence, but didn't press him on that matter.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQTiv86wt9
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Sg3r347J
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUg61KeHC
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUHjf5ZBVJ
"Yes. For now, at least."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcuNNvxpUf
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jv3CisFIv
"Are you sure? I may not be able to answer all questions related to Kim, but I have a lot of knowledge of other things."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHR07wW9QN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mfpgmFYcq
"..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTRIP9Zdv3
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CCZpfGfhV
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe664dBGyzF
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxcztqdxus
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOvSA1gFwT
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxIc8Hcm4r
"...Huh?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAkYXWw3cw
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6BoQB57Tr
–
–
–
There was a gap in the trees perfectly positioned to where the sun hit my face. I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my chest and had difficulty keeping my eyes open. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well. Despite that, I was feeling fine. Everyone else was still sleeping. Everyone, aside from Flinty, who was not present.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ntGvhu79Y
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScqD9Fe8jo
I thought of the worst immediately. I calmed down once I heard a sound nearby. I walked towards it and saw Flinty standing with her arm out, creating water balls and... firing them.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQyuG8hYqZ
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tBvUipDYi
I wouldn't repeat the same mistake as before, so I stood by the sidelines and watched. She didn't even have her eyes closed, yet she was able to create a water ball and maintain it for twenty seconds. And then, she fired it. It was a very weak spell; it hit a tree and merely splashed it. If it was another element, it likely would've only scratched the bark off. I was still impressed.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrInuBMpG9
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZMlpu8NcQ
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ABfg2kHOT
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisZj7KxOcL
"Good morning, Kenny."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvSiXRlMSp
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfazFFjFH5
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvo8qQvA9O
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gEa1tfpEl
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8llWp4hcjL
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir0vY5lWr0
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70RAkKOhjA
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvotXJ55LFv
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLgPysPSwr
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48LDzqtcIr
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDWala2Vgj
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8SpLsWYxP
"Yes! I have, ha!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1zc1q9JpC
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g02quifg2
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hEmYsrtRK
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLOrYf75Mo
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8sCQZmjs6
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaR2nn546q
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QXy51NPFm
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVoSlJZfTN
"Thank you, teacher."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw6yXxvNBn
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUZoV4mCRN
"Yeah. Don't call me that."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSsVLqkdi2
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLib0QwYsAD
"Okay."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFmv7wH3k5
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpPONWriou
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEc15vll72
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXrZ0ltxgp
"Hm? What's wrong?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkgu2OmWst
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86zG3HZzKP
"Um..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDHomHcLnh
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoDmcaJFex
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvtKhsyoQ4
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLCs1TwzSx
"Here. Have it back."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJwkoxCZ8W
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXUfIVAA9I
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMeHEzQKjR
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMxyLgSXal
She shook her head no.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu2Aecz5cI
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiKDfC6TPf
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjgXINhQO4
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTlRgu9DQ8
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDQeSZxozS
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEOr9uO0ws
"Thank you, Flinty."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53xGnMg2oA
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh965Y6ac9V
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBBcAeDpLE
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HxnfSx8yk
"Kenny, do you feel better?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb8YjTObQc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzXIFg8lXH
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37i5wKjHzq
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2EnL2bp6n
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdrLenxqyJ
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCTRKqVGnb
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvefz5A3zOi
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbqyHeHMG7
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8MRi3ZSoW
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu7fsmXfgp
"Good morning, Kenny."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPlA7PtRcG
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUruBtDCQfU
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKH0sg3Vcr
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsAxWlUaic
He nodded. When Victoria and Ng got on their feet our strategy meeting began. It was simple; Skylark would enter the compound and battle Jeremiah while Victoria, Ng, and I would surround the building to capture any escapees. With that set, we began our breakfast. It was just simple rations, but they tasted especially fresh. Flinty and Victoria were engaged in conversation while Skylark vigilantly watched our surroundings. I looked at Ng and was suddenly reminded of last night.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmonfwfWdwd
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm4E4v2StQ
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeFuBlhf9j
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkxt8T1VCt
I scooted closer to him.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqbpJU4KJe
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXuYUm2uWO
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJIrnVgmfP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggo5BEI9HO
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEat4EemvN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTJYWVfHTm
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZV6nZ5YqO
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2dLI01y3I
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc5IbAUOow
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H20xnidu3
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mC5NbAgRq
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAzPiISOVP
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumjNqyLBql
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVREb0iREl
"What?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkQE7oDb5Z
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcfGeDk70v
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLqqhdo1PL
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63u4BFvZgj
But then I thought about his behavior back in the cellar, and during the initial stage of the infiltration. He lightly punched me in the shoulder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemg3wpJA95
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8hxZmKGu0
"You and I are alike, I've realized. But unlike me, you are powerful and gifted. I know you can liberate yourself from the fungus in your brain. You are still young, after all."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KbSSIcGaq
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha8GZaiq3P
"R-Right."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxfUcVtvq9
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiAer31jqS
"Well then, shall we go?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFayroaIA1
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdCIo5gDCq
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOOpCH9Ri0
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTby00SUX3
"Alright."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjcy93qA47
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1MaKd77zH
We grabbed our bags and left the campsite. With Ng leading us, we arrived at the compound thirty minutes later. Flinty and Ng stood nearby in the woods guarding our things, and more importantly, away from any attention. Skylark, Victoria, and I stood before the broken gates of what was essentially the compound's front yard. Skylark took a step forward. He had a rag covering his mouth.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTIvO4AEVG
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6CRZ9MlJz
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFKonmdMwP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY9G9ZspV5
And then he walked across the field and into the building. Now Victoria and I stood there alone. I felt a hand on my shoulder.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS56Qdbn48
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRqztt2YLs
"What?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj6yM0FtFC
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYLevTQGR8
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bt1gtYbYB
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhXdfYW2OE
"I know he will."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DVNrrpGa2
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptKCJByjUG
"Then why are you shaking?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WETZ5uXRM
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt79tf9bAk
"...I just can't help myself."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4gKGckaCw
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QikoNPUP3
I walked to the walls and sat against it. Victoria joined me. We sat and waited. Five minutes passed without anything happening. Ten minutes passed without anything happening. Victoria was jittering a little.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN2djG6ExN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObpXPjPBck
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiHrwOJp9x
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4fcqlzw9d
"What do you want to talk about?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUTeGPJftr
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u9ZpYNviY
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18V8BVSDD1
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtlNiNzHk0
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgfTqxfenN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJwtn6EBAB
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDnaQouGTP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HTZBe285P
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ts5LAyrIb
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWURCJzSDK
"Ha!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCwjIb5t5u
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNe98Fp8HN
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlTXHcsf9w
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglFwTDaVc1
"These muscles came from all the work at the farmhouse, and fighting is something Mom taught me. Y'know, she used to be a combatant! An extraordinary one, too!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ890fZq2BaW
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB3szRWLBN
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS53Qy0Uz1O
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI9ALLo0hF
"Hehe, something like that."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrunaRaPlR
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v0angt4jp
She didn't sound confident.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDxMUJYKkn
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1jsMqqImj
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb5kDAHszX
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ214mmtJlZI
"Ah. That makes sense."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ7dI1C2De
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbsAlVvCOy
I was very close to saying something insensitive.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8guATjd1S
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMAb1URC3W
"That blob thing was a bit too much for me to handle. I think though, if we were to fight that wolf, I would be fine."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg4xHWyXL2
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ8vdQUgb5
"...Wolf?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf2QGR8hRU
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVzZLBsnUf
All the air suddenly left my lungs. I looked to my left. The broken gate. Its mauled doors were sprawled on the grass, and chunks of stone accompanied them.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PLDvDxuLc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ3p99fSRL
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHETS6XQo61
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWYbWDnDrz
"Kenny?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSTjb34tr7
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUEs5hQ8Y8
With how quiet it was in the compound, I naturally began to theorize. I did not doubt that Skylark was alright, but we should've heard something, anything by now. Because we weren't, then Panz must've been hiding. And I already knew from Ng that Panz had the ability to summon his creations.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLaXDSjf1C
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I stood up and walked forward.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yiqZgrgw1
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"Kenny? What's wrong?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvBLdolwiT
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1Ul54fLHO
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Cnpbww5B
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V4GIRg8r7
I took my tendril out and grew a Sunlight-Blossom. I snatched a seed and stuck it in the ground, then grew it to full size. I clasped the flower by its stem and aimed it at the woods.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKjNevPJy3
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxLFIV2VfP
Victoria stood beside me with her hands raised. She caught on fast. I keenly eyed the woods, almost like a hawk, waiting for anything to flutter.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJugrZSdRU
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1nZ00ldNk
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74BSgq8c8s
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ5B2SWomW
**BANG**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyS7YlTwL7
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBete9bTNO
The Sunlight-Blossom's seed rend the wind and trees. It left my line of sight in a second. I didn't catch the beast, but that wasn't an issue. A resounding wail echoed throughout the woods. I saw the bushes fly in the distance.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbRl67kPDG
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KFzyadCvk
"Victoria."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsuJLirhIe
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh9WB6qHHk
"Right."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV6mNTArbg
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgk4adgBke
I had to think fast. I produced a Freeze-Dry and encased the ground in ice. Next, I brought out Dragon-Maw Jr. and raised the tendril over the ice.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn8t3v5nnB
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmwqp260Lk
**SMASH**203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaNhwp7VdD
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn523L0hNGm
There he was.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2WDAiz6fx
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykfQLbPmfj
The wolf crashed through a tree and landed on the ice field. He lost his footing quickly. I lowered the tendril and Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped his jaws immediately, nipping at the wolf's back. The wolf slid towards us with his maw agape, brandishing hundreds of sharp, unsightly teeth.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK7c6sSeRi
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq4EkE7fKD
Victoria crouched. The wolf jumped. I retracted the tendril and prepared to strike, but the size of the wolf surprised me. I hesitated. But that was fine. Victoria clenched the wolf's neck as it soared through the air. She slammed the beast to the ground, hardly able to keep it pinned, but she was able to punch its snout a few times. The wolf struggled and clawed Victoria in the chest. She winced, and the beast escaped from her grasp. He was bleeding, but so was Victoria. She reached for her pocket and doused herself in a healing potion, then threw the glass bottle at the wolf who stepped aside to avoid it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKM0ugFs4Y
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWsp8r2Ulf
"That thing is strong," she said, "We can either wear it down or pin it again, but if I do, you need to kill it."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtG2OuKw2N
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"Right."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMngPYavWh
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXifCZSl6nB
With my other hand, I began mana expulsion and created a bundle of thin, elongated rocks. I threw them at the wolf one at a time. He avoided them all, but as I threw, Victoria inched closer. The wolf jumped at her with his jaws wide open. Victoria stepped to the side in the nick of time, but as the wolf landed he turned around and leaped again. I struck him with the tendril and he spun across the field.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88WxNCzbqI
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMlOPxf1so
"Thank you!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB22QntYTGw
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9FddwrVO0
I nodded. The wolf was temporarily incapacitated. He was still bleeding from Dragon-Maw Jr's wound. Victoria and I were unharmed. We could do this.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqS5mJ53uH
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwn0zMdzc9
I began mana expulsion again, creating a stone and suspending it in the air. I covered it with fire magic. The wolf came back to his senses and sprinted at me. I stretched the tendril out; he avoided it but I struck him as I retracted it. I threw the fire-rock at it. The wolf caught it with his mouth.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sKnrpN93i
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnEV42Je7v
"Huh?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tKrONve0v
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Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZr327H1Ai
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI736vBfOX
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEULZKLFwCd
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1cpf7sLaL
"Shit!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf4ajJ0aVS
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I put my hand on the floor and created a small wall of earth before me. A stream of fire pummeled it. I wasn't harmed, but the heat made me feel woozy.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHByscdlMr
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQGtWRxykZ
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHM0tG3QVc
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJpok7u5hG
I removed the wall and began mana expulsion again, this time, creating a ball of water. Victoria was beside me, her palms open and her fingers strained.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJJ7gYVOya
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp3E4ittHF
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2g3BWP6wu
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y03Dnijdo
"I understand."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacPmp5x5f4
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowAKmPDMru
I retracted my tendril and began mana expulsion with my right hand, creating a bundle of pebbles. I shrunk the water ball down and clasped it with my left. A pure-white water geyser erupted from my palm. The wolf avoided it but found himself on the ice field again, and thus lost his footing. The geyser ran out before I could hit him, so I created another ball of water. The wolf blew fire on the field and melted the ice, and unfortunately, made the grass catch fire as well.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0CddRSZFe
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADjL7SW6TO
"Uh oh, Kenny."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPfBhb9nid
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG8H53PTx5
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rG9HMxQqy
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuN0LyBmgX
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriw0l6ZGVf
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fHbHPiKyb
I didn't clasp the ball this time but spread it out across the field. The fire was extinguished and the wolf was now wet, but seemingly unbothered. He started charging at us again. I scattered the pebbles in my right hand with intense force. They were small, but the wolf would undeniably be hit and staggered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiJKBzqnJ1
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiL0FCegDa
But, though he was hit, his charge didn't halt even a little. I panicked and brought the tendril out, stretching it out yet again. He didn't avoid it. Instead, he snapped his jaws at it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaghHAyzDC
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"Hrk!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uX2kdRTdR
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r66lb5TV4
Pain permeated my whole body. Maybe even my soul. It was terrible, but the situation wasn't irredeemable. The tendril was in between the wolf's jaws but was still intact. I quickly thought of a way to retaliate and produced a Flash-Bloom. I'd be lying if I said I expected it. I hurriedly held my hand over my eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGilO1FjIi
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBcPYPQLX4
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0YrEG8r2v
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDDnBawomy
Even with my eyes covered, all I saw was white. Pushing the Flash-Bloom beyond its limit was exhausting my mana supply but I didn't have to keep it out for long. A few seconds later I stopped it and opened my eyes. The wolf was still gripping my tendril but was nabbing at its own face as if the light was on him. I produced Dragon-Maw Jr. and he bit at the wolf's nape. The wolf let go of my tendril. I coughed out some purple goop.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0dnGnxdK5
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0DjGnbMWU
"Victoria!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxiOtpZUEP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HgwUyeaiX
"Right!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr70OwPUy52
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3AQUvvZgP
Victoria ran over to the wolf. She didn't pin him down, but instead, grabbed one of his oversized hind legs and bent it in an impossible direction. The wolf opened its mouth and wailed and readily spat fire. With all his squirming, Dragon-Maw Jr. could hardly keep him in place. I produced another water ball and flung it at the wolf. I managed to perfectly land it inside its maw, and the beast was forced to cough it all out.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx9yaPcqGS
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1Tsm8at3
Dragon-Maw Jr.'s teeth sunk deeper into its neck. The wolf was still desperately clawing at its eyes, but each succesive swipe made it obvious that the beast's strength was fading. Victoria broke its other hind leg. The wolf struggled, but he didn't attempt to spit out fire this time. The wolf simply howled, and howled, and its howls grew weaker by the second. Dragon-Maw Jr. kept clamping down. I noticed it myself, how the neck was being sluggishly pulled off the body. Victoria clasped the wolf's snout. She began pulling at it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVVFPJuWas
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xzKJ1kkWm
"GRAHHHH!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOgPyNeuVF
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A warcry. She was a total barbarian.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvcw6rgHXo
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With the help of Dragon-Maw Jr, Victoria tore off the wolf's neck and threw across the field. The head crashed and spallered against a tree. It immediately evaporated into the air, and the rest of the wolf's body followed suit. She grabbed her knees and began to pant.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzzkfPOOZq
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"..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ar3zzULGV
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I retracted the tendril. My mana supply was relatively plentiful. Still, I plummeted to the ground, face-first. I stopped coughing up purple goop, and a minute later, it stopped oozing from my chest.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZPcAbK25S
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpHWV2HVAQ
I had questions about it, but those were for later. At the time being, I was happy. I relishing the moment. Even with grass pressing against my face, I was relishing.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nJ7xRPIbd
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We did it. We really did it.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwmh5iv7IE
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"Kenny!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnzTSKEY3J
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSpvKJBlqM
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHGhE3cVfI
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"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM3oXtribV
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt9PU6D7EE
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeFaJ5ymxi
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNotrH8LTnp
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21aflZbBsG
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoSfmcOPMh
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8WqIwit3f
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYkkb3EDmj
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1HvsCCO3G
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j1uVgs5so
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN3qk3No2T
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"We did it," I muttered.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWwUnS3fQD
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I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolta7yapPq
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Right now, I was immensely satisfied. I glanced at Victoria, and she was fine, and I was fine, and the beast was dead, and I was satisfied.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy640zrQ2l
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvdsoMT5S5
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiE7fc0HEq
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W9GnIuEuA
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k8AEJ5GUS
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx4sxvFcKZ
"...It could've been a lot worse."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RC3KSfORD
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"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNymSFWiPDX
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Victoria looked at something above me.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkmXdFtpfj
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMDBg5FOKm
"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs07yx5lSW
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Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8y80s6vOj
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"No. Why do you ask?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZYcZahlpW
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"I haven't heard a single thing coming from the building. Our fight was noisy, so I thought that maybe someone would come out. I'm starting to get worried."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s47rkbnoS
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvdTXNhZGR
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql0Xw0Qfo4
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpctCSwx9L
"O-Oh, sorry."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmKvxEYrLB
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She scratched her cheek a little.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecmgc2xevb
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FZnCsP9hx
"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20f5dCUjso
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25e0WzYtBL
"That's just how you need to be with monsters. Equally brutal. It's something I got used to. I watched my mom fight a lot when I was a kid."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzxgLwLvHI
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhZyt0HPmA
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2JRDX1Mn
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpbrtH3AMA
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsPfZWYTVs
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvSnZdEB5I
I sighed. My face returned to the grass as I indulged in the silence. I could feel the fatigue worm its way into every nook and cranny of my body. I was surprised at the toll the fight had on me. Eventually, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my shirt. It was even more purple than before.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrWz8krEBv
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcMfq4LFdr
I helped Victoria up. I limped to the busted gate and stared at the compound. A weight formed in my stomach. I almost began to pray, but the doors to the building slowly opened.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOdhpLprsm
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY36NLHbaL
Skylark was there. Kim was on one shoulder, and when he opened one door wide enough he grabbed Panz by the hood. He had a lot of dust on his body. When he caught up to us, he frowned.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizvnvFGCIN
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPuNCLx53r
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHdf3QuwqY
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZcV9XyLme
"We fought something, Kenny and I."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4QrxSpFg5
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She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJrw7kiCFL
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVopFPcfup
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH03YFzpPV3
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ8c5qQLog
"How is Kim?" I asked.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrYSL2K3b7
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx227ApWgb
"She's fine, just unconscious."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz2VsAiHck
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6irjR3sYR
I could only say one thing.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gAw1TcjyP
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xnmyOZeAP
"...Haaaa. Thank God."
