Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgxJp6tylf
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIntsBvOUWk
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She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOoSZxsRx1
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"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVZWsOlZVo
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vM9hPnhGH
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp4b149DTw
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Flinty shrugged.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSzSv6ARym
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckCqJsJpZh
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMESi5FRaL
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AiVlvhgDn
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"Why don't we ask them?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktl0kpE0Gb
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"Not a bad idea."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRa1sLy1lr
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvi3EgqQR1
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My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJR7e3sY7f
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"Wow, is this a farm?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF7Z2TisI4
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuCTbVy7mO
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWonUKTuaP
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7KgYHPHw5
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmVXAm5tdX
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"Uh, Flinty?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJpZztLfpF
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDAgbfYMtS
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"Kenny!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbOzaxEB08
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ugNj71Zy
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyhKnAobku
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxoswzkhMk
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGg8nhvNhj
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF2lgLP1VD
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"Okay."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0gu1QnkSW
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvNMkeujT3
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xw1dAsMIB
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs36AlQup9k
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnEkVJUrQa
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFovQGyVn2N
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Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RvZyMqkav
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"Vikky!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux64KqULHY
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG7ySA91hn
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Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWn6EoQrES
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItAYXHAN8s
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She looked strangely amused.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj37ykbt6GI
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"Full name? Alright."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiWvafT1Qo
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRINTtGXD22
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaE0pyJfbg
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"Yes."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5hzXp5hb3
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"Then let's get along."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJvDO96pL7
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zYMXxYuNz
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQOrJbuqok
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Ctz7PILe
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLvX2rBR6E
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX4s1QM1Mh
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLK3tmgzkx
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1qNhBdvXM
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wv1Wcf8l0
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"What, why?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EAAWlCoaH
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5Ahy0Yag8
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZpEPz3asY
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRQVz1lYp5
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIXinIlD15
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSUFvcIzhK
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3rmmUlki4
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU3zoyWPTe
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01pRDwhOOt
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwxpambHP2
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXhnle9cmJ
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol46m8ssBc
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY8eH6DtLz
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I made a grumpy face.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xQbALJAJv
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoddtbliA0o
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4OxibXXhm
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H61mLw5vc
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUY6QUygnH
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9SyQPdpq6
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It's worth a try if nothing else.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO60T2STwV
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxLg1XODo6
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrXiEQUxaj
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jLLRr5V2D
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMQr9dmX2r
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"Yes."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZdhEj6WPa
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"Can I see the crops?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif3yqKRLFp
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"Uh, you can."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaLsw6MYt8
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYqBW5vIIz
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPODe81XNKI
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctDLf0DZqS
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa9ZyqFN4J
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"W-What the hell is that!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs3WlP7CfX
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ56l1kste
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLvseNfjjp
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhlpXO35Gs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWoROPtzFZ
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoEleFw55e
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgIO0RHvkv
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA6VbXlz53
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVStABK4t7R
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI4iy7EdqO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbtZX5SDxN
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyUgVaUEMQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1g64CjllL
"What are you doing?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq6gaIIelt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOcjfrvKXe
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5nZNs8hQg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjEreEHWJi
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7MN4qy69K
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnGoligSvq
"You're an angel."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC9ymw29c7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK2i9xu1nR
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY5g3ARiPZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODPErkw3bw
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWFHy07caG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYosYpTt3vg
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QsNpC3qh0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasFZDABdwG
There were very strange people in this city.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8f2psm285
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0cVx6rq60
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnscGzeNRf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqYDRjGkyk
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t0RXtf6PR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsucvKzOcWo
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLbk9TeDj9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL77Ggd85O
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJpFgv2a6F
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdf773daPU
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnKDfdHnFF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK60HIbZRJj
"Really?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaSleMQVTP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZkrxnRhjF
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsne0maDZMn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJHs5qEPJx
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJP7EdsB7l
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC7myWvq87
"Yes! Let's do it!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgatlOBL40
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Aw4ijfIgQ
"Fine by me."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsopnVlGXyY
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jAfSHOXvg
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxYfagP943
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu3CN4a7Gs
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2PyxhSfpe
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIPWlEtBM9
"Is something wrong?" I asked.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWpqxD4Q37
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz6xhyjTxb
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bou2LJS2B
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel5HYZNOx5
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmcFfHwfGh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk86aXk97Y
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j4i8703fr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDUv3sZUQR
"Is that so?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EVmjNMBAU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiE37Oerwa
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfhQtpDsre
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2s9lDYHQu
"Please, enter right here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4vNigU5GK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkhPAqAAhF
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNtoMc18J8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrXsOmA2jF
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkqkqajsn8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zn4fipYlf
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDoSqBhix8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ziT1a1EjP
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVB85Y59vc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y6jpJPFlW
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvi0KQeczq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe9tLlvKj7
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDEz0lb2AN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglMFLwTmGA
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWEhQRLm9f
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5g1XGxhg3
"R-Right."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAvnD95UTS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5UlTfCRfn
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VV0liGcUE
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdrQtSi1Jo
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYyktfR9R0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0Kxha3FvW
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQdUyftu8d
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuBn9WS4cu
I nodded.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1AcxcJ1Qi
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"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6wBdQGVyY
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuSZsWJfLG
I raised my hand.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CwvzR7ZVm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIZIT8Sd30
"Yes, Kenny?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bDibWEHSs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ648q2zl8eV
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYhXmbmFag
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSktTzOLO3
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjHghy5hfn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm4Ts67l2G
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNkY5A2dkg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsASySDz3Ot
"Allowed to brew?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgsCRFpZdf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaEZYMCIRe
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WjN0E0J9w
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkDVAWht2j
"I see."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHZSooHOTt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmEhG3tHiQ
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zxs0OkZPv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKSxuRToPm
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVUMMW5von
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXnrQODsvP
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVA48Th2pY
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTKTY2e7c3
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HuhOnbVmc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo3EArXeOc
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W8SE2VDr9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI5gDoh2cd
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqDd7bcqIi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0tNCgaSj8
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS6SiKaFUP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3whVBkUN8
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl1DuZuxCm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQqskBD7Tz
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lwTR1lZxi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU42BUK6Sf1
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRyHtMP3tp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWtLain0yM
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASCNuCLITv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlylTzc9JBT
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l4cZf1zgT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yLTS2rSRR
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYMu5LR6DA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7RJTJZQRX
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVJPHGK1Dd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBIfGkxE3Z
"...Wow, this plan sucks."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fmY9leNwR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoezUwlUsnK
"Kenny!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcDW6y9s2F
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KHtKKFRu1
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Km5eVDqTm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWIxU2zO4l
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBajIR9sOg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKqoSoSON7
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1HFWbpUDW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoromqQGow
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDUyzceWKW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdiJFhzLP1
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIewqvNofie
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop7kF9OYoo
I nodded, but something was bothering me.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8CfALvahE
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"Will the people really all come together?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVA4JGUlMr
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Linda stepped in.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs0mk9yQzu
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"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTSV5G7VZQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQagr1kJBVJ
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ9UVahULs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOs8oaDVtn
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc67Vfeu9u
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPuz2della
"Mhm!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHOpvJ8xem
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3dIRkWXvj
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcfEE0FiNO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7yDxxkqQR
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFKAFMlWQD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwOmYhdpeX
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe8IrthxRL
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O8oHGY4WJ
I was having second thoughts.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0caQTxCwa
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBvGrx6VZT
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSI7qlZwT4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzxxx3GCih
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FOAnyaaYO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr899TU6Ww
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ve0QVy5v
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBtWtSkdxy
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNwaOw3QgT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yRRwBwVLO
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lu6rIeh5A
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXoBWQ2tz3
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡild2YZPgzY
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I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ391ivgcoOP
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Phew.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg4uv3DTr8
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The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5haKDOKwhe
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAAbCT5GtA
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyJfsPtTYc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmMGBSXqOc
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNhom2k0hl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvlenu6pGS
"Huh?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GdQd8vNvY
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYwZO2lXMw
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP8lZEuXYz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVKbXhMDRA
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MdvHc0YzK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3gQUHgJn7
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY99mLfJPJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIfViZaz5D
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRtPki6Oau
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5EwJJTO8s
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEm9cQIxHH
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She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5JZsT1QW3
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"W-What is that!?" She yelled.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV1o4MPG5Q
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"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT4TCxrCxp
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She looked suspicious of it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8yieTYeOS
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"How do I know it's safe?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5WLH7Jx1o
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"I can drink it right now and prove it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFQBby32o3
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So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjVfhQdOQp
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"Fine. I'll try it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17AwCie0cs
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I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDoslenouW
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"...Okay, fine. It's good."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABWhnaFLta
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Yes!219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgKFy3gYP6
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I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWyphic5xS
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"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfB42hpsmK
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"Did I at least get some of your trust?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygONRBUW5C
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"Huh? You already had it, goofball."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeyV2yb2Gp
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Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnYwmWjNH9
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"What are you doing?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo65tnWChRu
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"Passing the time."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObkRbJkF3j
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"By making fun of my face?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQwnegC2Tq
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"I'm not making fun of you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNQYAtPLka
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She laughed a little.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N6gkT2a8m
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"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjhkmW0eX3
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"Of course."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGWgX5cngD
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"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbiSCLMsc
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"How'd you two meet?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWFZtiTYBH
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"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ139zos4lVg
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It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
