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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTq59K0yQA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF4GvTq0Xn
"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?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEKK2t1mpo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTLcsEIaja
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vg0De1BAO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElPpeZeYT1
"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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigmlxaDKve
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOVeuoptaK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUH4GRLy5H
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8nVOxrWXR
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Flinty shrugged.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaWVql1lYM
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnM9uMxEzy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDAAs49Zwc
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84d8y41F6G
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0wkLq61HJ
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAp8OivX84
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1HCB8rslh
"Why don't we ask them?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0zQXXxUGq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGHieWWNGs
"Not a bad idea."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV9Zo54kxY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEdnEiTLwa
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?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbKFcZv3p8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX5XdgvyJb
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQh2XUZSCO
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"Wow, is this a farm?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfGZGzwi9c
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkouQQ07C7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZHfIhsnWk
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O8D8SbfJJ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIifg71AV5e
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYbgyg5srr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcrBJuJM60
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPxdSwrgO5
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"Uh, Flinty?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHM3HxIX5W
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSnk8zH6mN
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"Kenny!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9cCSv1Zzh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79n4AQiGYj
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5EqHR7eK9
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9njNvvRXd
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXrLBqbfOt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8YbwgQr38
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhZko0HkQA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ftqgAaCE6
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR2w8jZaDN
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"Okay."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy78zhgzC74
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4iKw1CjiT
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfgMbWAZut
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg03loNpK37
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVwtf942Gk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQZ9TBo0uD
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUQWCzkk5O
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhZi1pAYoX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl3C27Tjk2
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9Y1GBBfIz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOyre0w4M2
"Vikky!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLw2x1uOjw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXWb529wb1
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCak3cqIZG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVPXdyIJh1
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm12kjl806
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4LcHvNsMg
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg35uUeGDlm
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She looked strangely amused.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDGpdggH3U
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"Full name? Alright."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLGGokpFmU
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4S09rfZZv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSBFsfGjWt
"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?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrLgIY00eb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWym0DumP7J
"Yes."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsLlr2PmY6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWbgZiQfkc
"Then let's get along."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasuJFKPfaM
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dQINC6cVf
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM3KUatxdE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDpJkOY0cb
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6hrALXNOQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOKiyKecMP
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGWZrmZ1dn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2GfU9nE7b
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxcv93Jhr8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5lj9aPMul
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZTTi8wrPY
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWr8j0XjEE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvbgRL1pix
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9ZDgytpQr
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"What, why?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUqiFFCe50
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRqzu8Yof1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36ZdV66aty
"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..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS1V2Ph4Cu
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ906PPf2246
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoomfqqybY
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgpNyHjyeS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsl3dqst8o
So that was what the lady from before was doing.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWOMrOtQZx
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8RKTSwa8G
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgJhmg2lL7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC0uXgzLQX
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRBtn8xRwc
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmjEPSzTiI
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T4JesNQEh
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3sim11sQI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzOgJSsDel
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fumGT43rV
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I made a grumpy face.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAVbFpUkHG
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZbib0iw1P
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnyIfiZYTo
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx5SnxoTy8
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVz1hBa4GB
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREuRkoOt6r
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It's worth a try if nothing else.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBVS3LcFkd
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1QIEMrEUq
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE4FlcwFLW
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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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNG8g1iYfv
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwmLOk4Twi
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"Yes."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeCPaAA5ED
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"Can I see the crops?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOFimTDrd0
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"Uh, you can."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡate02oQCN1
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv7m00KCVY
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh0xnPqJKe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw3oonGTK6
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4tcyk4TqT
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY94MiFR3WS
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"W-What the hell is that!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQJ3QprPVh
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKflnQgnjPz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSFNxX41ad
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof6w5bIJkR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg8yQcfQyk
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTs9Md641c
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvxDOdyTTU
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.
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUpm0Ex9ax
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrZVy453yf
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpooyQVtJOR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EzH0Mlxtr
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw3R5Qzzib
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsfA1qk5uo
"What are you doing?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAPEwSsV29
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPkvGMJb06
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tYMznb1xc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYmSQliQ7g
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEGjVBo7Lx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio3hi2p1Mn
"You're an angel."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQl4TvPL4R
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjyu0402Rs
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw6gSxWEJX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEjoOo4Ark
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4JVIN2nDq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9ThdaGXPa
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJXSWUVQel
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSxpa90XYs
There were very strange people in this city.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffWZdW8G7Z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH0t2OW8T9
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacbapmHJeK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3b5NV67eK
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqMcukdxvF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qDbLbAraa
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZce9f5hPmP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbOycKg2bm
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKTH0d1O2N
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuaGB0Vpre
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcDm0QMjGJ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr6ZUTtoHY
"Really?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dJWBkZ4dT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg0Kftw67U
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLF43vyh8i
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBxSTV9pyR
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpttkifA3c1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iVTv0g4gW
"Yes! Let's do it!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRZEOELpbN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd2sWy68ko
"Fine by me."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP0nGGvlzd
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpikq5vUny
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yuPkufOsj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnYOcjcjv4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGQVPDGBTv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdargOv16hD
"Is something wrong?" I asked.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEc5JZOO4O
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo3eyRDPzz
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePcDCaW2XM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsWahqEYZN
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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHsZZ0d2Sx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln1HjScmBi
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZhc0VlyLf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7X1b2tAs7
"Is that so?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrtyLjfGag
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFxZedcUwz
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMkvjb277b
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeeQo4sKP4
"Please, enter right here."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PYQPxGPRD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXbNJk7V11
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWeYLacivs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg5iaveWN3
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOoEzGENRf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqk4So0QRg
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu0JRcDCuo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fyYQ3RG67
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1H0IBB5Il
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO2tuyERy3
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sW6nMQrfP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzx7SzrhkH
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJrwXnivtI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfHdcX7Ma5
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJRBo0Nz0A
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QRTzchNph
"R-Right."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMT3485I0a
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu4TCAEjjK
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc26NZWfo4Q
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWawKWiqWUg
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3O5LTLD2k
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5CTcGJAEg
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDdK4wnjXQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiec759ovns
I nodded.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3ogXJIekR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0RHbF5CtN
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs696N2UTN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqv3bJ1Hb7
I raised my hand.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ujxdC2PI9
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcKl2Igo26
"Yes, Kenny?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQguUUWVjMN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxKftVsk15
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxwyYwIBe0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhsDb8lcz
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqKKLk4NGB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCzlBcwWIQ
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DvqPsoSxN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CKEm4Eahu
"Allowed to brew?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKGXAkaFxt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12GQ5w1fd1
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzVQk8KC51
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94V8wYgAsL
"I see."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPIICg6853
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEQFX0uhy6
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0LFv38cE1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjTTOLDh5p
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyNQROCMpr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyLJUMfWHa
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8JbXfuO80
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wDqxZmSPR
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG36xlw4G4Z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxHzcEPvrQ
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjRo5P205c
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee3yu6nnsl
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx7JPidS5c
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6EROTHqrZ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b00Snq3fz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvoE6EZGdx
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDINILRvdYO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoVKkN3teU
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4O4FU8XTN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HyiDaJN37
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsVrCLOmAT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcNlZBKjc0
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmk36l1zOy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQGjUI5Qi5
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kH1kgyRbC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWRpZBWPn0
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8vUEwEJwd
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmc9TpckVd
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSrqCI9Yha
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvDvkT7x70
"...Wow, this plan sucks."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoAC6g4wCT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZPzLbyoDA
"Kenny!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlvabP6ww8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv9syQfqJH
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEAuh4DnTy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMle5dvisV9
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIIUfGePqk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFFEyR79pg
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4hqRcy82s
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF57GBFjDW
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlrGsBl1zm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhOFtNYxjr
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxk8FelILY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqBrKV8N4i
I nodded, but something was bothering me.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRgFV0rt7E
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF0aCtlNn8
"Will the people really all come together?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMvPcVzQbG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FuTXMVLSs
Linda stepped in.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAUsRvcAHq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8LlSZrIGW
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz1y2ZCC0M
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0ENnIRHE0
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ovMRgdOFB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74iWi0RIYB
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls2c5SF9zD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEyrk9qkq4
"Mhm!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIjfgK9kl6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCP2Lv36xH
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua8C0tYPsI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdHBNwAPKT
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUwM0gqTgn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTNi8gohFR
–
–
–
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uMHoSUFrh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2os6UIZr3
I was having second thoughts.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzFffScYXm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5VXtgIKWa
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuyK81kMcZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAfPht9yiO
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?176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHSROS95O7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtrOKmYSgI
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p0nVB3doj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0hyH83tSV
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMMsFMl7P3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlAVzEhUg2
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqms5CkRO6K
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjULaej2wAb
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuFNty2VrJ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22jOKWvbW7
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcdP2Y7Fso
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFNM1uR5ny
Phew.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWMvYbFOcw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSziqFOlijG
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AhrTF0TfS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Qm5cTJjI
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMeUq0mOOb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdbCT1YaE1
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2RjuvcLO8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9zrds5tXG
"Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqq5dvi6Fg
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP73LcDbND
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qbXuD3BX7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH1PP37Zuo
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeWMTzZFQP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfX84Mgwjo
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GgNmfrc5u
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn0wmjKIsF
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5fDVO1QY3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBzmVW5iNW
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxupodRlTEr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mD4AZ517W
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGoZb24mRl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzDWHIliCN
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcFtlK5MkW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgID1IB19q
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1txosXDV4O
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtyADc46ye
She looked suspicious of it.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDobclVqmkX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXqmb5KBED
"How do I know it's safe?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogH5XPs23F
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02MFnS60Nq
"I can drink it right now and prove it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEwos70Pin
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtudII8z4w
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwVn09MixM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n1FgeJqAr
"Fine. I'll try it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgD102GLAA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPO1mJBCNp
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhSErNHi61
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioKozyTKb2
"...Okay, fine. It's good."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ6kI374mh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiic1bJb6s
Yes!176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSuiP2homs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYGmLpRy2m
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYq9mtKqHL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLvVWuUPvr
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Atcn3edN3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hgNJ2WBhR
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgCJ2AdmKe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1uBSlzGOL
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ3rOJHGgH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIfxs5slMF
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM26GpjRRV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2dNH3Joh3
"What are you doing?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz143fpCq7C
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1M6IvhwtC
"Passing the time."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTvfMIhQA0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkHLAQdjiy
"By making fun of my face?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztyh4VyF36
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFbrfFfrYQ
"I'm not making fun of you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLEhC4F4v9
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuClsKAoKq
She laughed a little.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQQUdBZYiQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhwuSgCrMN
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb3spqTW0W
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvarFjKSV6
"Of course."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cv2OVlGcy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MD3YAw4RD
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aAWArv56Y
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIpo2dkZfT
"How'd you two meet?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvwVGdHvXL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cSxldpdA2
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoL8MyuP1p
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh9h9mJfIS
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.
