I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac0s7UwDwK
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nm7JIeQUE
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTE08jbSJ4
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaENtlBslR9
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"Something about this is fishy."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9awU0FN2D
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPGPgL2ITS
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwKJdzP2ye
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nGL1fr0Jv
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2JI1Tm4xo
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKD4bSyxEJ
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4rgLqBRwY
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu0HoT9S8d
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And then.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsXaNnsiO4
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**SMASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC0JYPzubn
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs0SWRLAJm
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGouIRg9yS5
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8GQj1pOxj
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"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcRx6DdqUt
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG9b4SZIyz
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY4vxL7lEb
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"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0ttbGOAQX
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiOXc2Vvyr
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsEr2KIvSj
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoCj4IuaxC
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVjXayhlPD
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp9dG7rg1z
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0rNRnbywB
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriiyPfTRoY
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9ct9dnTre
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGMBT7O1AX
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbECg6w6p9F
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonWoJxhgDO
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"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDCxl7Y4oz
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYfw8Ze0CH
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"What is it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu5paM0CDV
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDQd8XU1Uk
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFb212uQbr
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEbmqDfxZJ
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyYCwopLg7
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGrZ3x8Oc2
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxzcbxwEqR
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn4CoXOTax
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf32UlV9Mq
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yZaknAQcd
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"W-What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5dhExqdM1
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"Are you crazy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTvWz79FXt
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsyEcBDYpT
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVnGj6c0gl
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCRpHLzC4E
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX58wjZ9Rsa
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutaIPbwipa
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh4KwSLHyD
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkHcP70CiT
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ycKiIyWV
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtEpzcdH2z
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs23wDuhKO
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I tilted my head in confusion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3gU9Wb00p
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEakaKLWVnM
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP1VwzYq03
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzGu9EnDqz
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvXHBJANIN
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"Of course I do!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcknAxKHU3
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy68BSF66X
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VQ6G3nol2
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERn55uAotG
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE0KuGeAJJ
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3vSOry4cg
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTArpiWQAM
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"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmsTwH4NXh
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"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TNEqi193D
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I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0Z0EsBIsz
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"Flinty? Are you serious?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM98Ip4w0WM
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"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4HcyxcbXD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeyWLSeHy3
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0gfHPCTdf
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"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTVu91SY2F
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfxOi39yYN
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnyewElKe0
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"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93ecHbeGo1
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Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH9Bf4DUN6
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I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSN2XaFUHI
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"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8C6J7CX0P
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Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUhj9a8w7D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBVLRbSr2H
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7iUiKbtTh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD3bIA9INt
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2zzO2eFYl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVSfqw1Igb
"...With money?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2yKmBQDZU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRqIlJvVx1
"With money."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9YLBCRxI1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBACFleXZou
"...I can't say no to money."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo77pqdJpEA
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For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8aYK5xbj1
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"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyrXcNK1dL
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She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMFq4oVICp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExQR2pi2p6
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd7prfwivv
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"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6pEziQQkN
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Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRSXN52WRF
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"Let's do our best okay?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CDq8yQxcD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXkaJB46lR
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot86TgBF1n
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I still had one more concern.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57bsa7Au5N
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"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8HYthJ6UR
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She averted her gaze.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpEy7649Zn
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"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8YOpHMZyW
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"I see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlUTrAOWdy
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I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JDuXh8N2S
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"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQqphwT8jO
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"Uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd4qZGusoz
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ERDDSm5bD
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"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNjUoaM3Ho
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA14ZEOD3r
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueTu8VzzlK
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"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnYJiqjdZh
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"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkbsokFOv2
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She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzOaXSfLOx
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"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD4cGHllmH
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–
–
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwI9sV9Qj5
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Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SI6A6SoxN
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"How does it look like?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0GEc2BxYG
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"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBbwBKaP2Y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbctE8Fn69
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iSbTcFCgN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JLIR1OU47
"We're ready."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7iOItFoQ7
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I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWEMIIQf9P
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The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9mtgUtUV3
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"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ya17h0TX9
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She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEiUU8kg6z
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"Then what do you propose I do!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJzmQz9GjY
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I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwC0cyoweu
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"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ztoIIzaks
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Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUJP0odGlp
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"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYFxlFQTka
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Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoPDxKJuek
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They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TgVl2UkxV
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Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8hH9EUugO
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"Ng, come on. I know you know better."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFpv5rp3w5
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The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGnwpPyAuX
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"Y-Yeah. I know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aprK94Ott
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I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cPGkAM5LS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceLFg8Q9be
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvP1wzBaB2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaj4LQcRyY
**SHATTER**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpvh8kPyjR
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I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeaLYyZS5U
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I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9g4M49MHp
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Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWFycmfcb0
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"Now!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVyl6Pk9Tb
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Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnptYlQe1U
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuzfXs8ViZ
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FImvfQ4tV
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"What are you waiting for?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c7EBh7U9T
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRi51HYGXW
"I still don't trust Ng."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS1QwxkXOV
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"Fine, then go after him!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPvdc6CZ0P
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I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpBZXnLxnw
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"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDPMlyT0LC
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"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5asrHey9W
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOuz6APSBO
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxkzY0X0fN
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"Are you seriously crying?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOomAVQlHx
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"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPCyIEV9K8
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He tilted his head up to me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSJAdniNAI
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"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQXH3zVPrF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23nZFHh3Yf
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbUx1jLizV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4HghDJake
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsHqz821fJ
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"You, are you really on our side?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptue0myDA6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44rVmlSHoa
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwub3zQHET
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfPXW2aPH6
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOm67e8yIH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38Rl1Bk5c3
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AOGR3g8A3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61IzJVQuOL
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQr1TkN2T0
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"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3MrMsvDYV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04vL3Cyu5M
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQKMwN2U0m
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZN7BfwfhK
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIKWER70KT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N2IARGugZ
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNMLx8bA23
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJik7TSfYDX
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ5Fvtae8r
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQDGUAtAwC
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv33ZmVE4pT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHpzfQbOnz
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukSHyfg1fy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SXdqaxual
And then, suddenly–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCzSm1TjG5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdEHCL9P5a
**SMASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpCz4k8IGz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNPpcnpR80
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0CIbbxnVk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9kBAftU8Q
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP55ewcopUP
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"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4RblyZ0y8
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Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd6DnQeAB5
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"H-Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hlr7Zm4yF
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRiMQB7tGW
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmMw7s02Za
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We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtkwaoeJmm
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I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpIctYSaBn
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqeN9eo4Ag
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcqSMVSv4z
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"Like what!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNbYlQXn2b
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"They died last night!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWHkBeYqvY
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5fhLQa96n
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Wait, escape route, of course!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMz2g178xC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O7ajOpwhy
I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWTxfcQYTa
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"...Did I do it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8hjYtciLq
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Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbJh5lTnYh
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"H-Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ooN1WuDKr
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She offered me her healing potion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrXcyZAEIw
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"Here. For your foot."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKzyC4dEpS
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"A-Ah, thank you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFLmDcOv5x
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsD48vT7DE
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"Haaa, ugh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgrEXtmRGF
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I stood up with help from Victoria.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGPJMezkHO
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMrZVZBEGq
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y67pz7B6s
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gU4W0VcBq
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvEpZphJyZ
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"Don't let your guard down yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpPnfLZzS0
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHwNQ5D1V2
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"Crap. Crap!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7vvx1vMSu
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The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEAyOd5dUs
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I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUCfsyhuKv
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UqeVignNF
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1HGnZtgHT
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCnFZSZD96
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14bW0jnxXr
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIQBUaRqWL
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfEbKRqQT8
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx1vcPwegG
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"If you can, support Kim!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaSN1xQjuB
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1blacGmPX
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"W-Woah..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUHwpOneGu
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoC2F6EcBR
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"KIM!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9KVA1gYJ3
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"Right!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokJMlXEQXC
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7awDX2xww
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And so, I released the spear.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbk3eKtd9x
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**SMASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZrNhC1SNu
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHHQhcrHpL
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpPCktTu1R
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRgLlbdFuM
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VY1kL9dRf
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvnKLATwbc
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq9QeLkNHs
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"No, what you just did was incredible."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGV9UVSGC0
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouigVQYCPC
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdj7nuuRMo
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTDroP8dzD
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiHlthN3H6
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"Unfortunately."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvMpiaazCr
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaVaAVQhd6
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"Kim!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v12UvJQSR
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqqHWF0xpf
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The tendril was bleeding purple.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjFFzfGTBc
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P3sBMpVqS
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**SMASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwzQiqfuGw
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO13OJaGSeG
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWrRg1nKFa
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYCcdWPTpC
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KKWg80qVU
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bw4bJyXI1
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeQ4lV9hEa
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE2zYIUd7O
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"...Ngh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf5PxKgL6l
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthXVgJ93DE
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGxcPQ2DR1
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I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuxfiQroS1
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P2BvcJyiO
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrKt1TetZc
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I felt like I was going to die.
