I couldn't even take comfort in the fact that the woman was surprised to see me, too. Even Flinty wasn't that surprised. But I was standing there agape and looking like a moron. I shook my head and slapped my cheeks.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZffP35OO1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjWA6fYVaw
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi7nYbmxxC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56ZabkgapT
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcAMm8wHWl
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBduTbfetz
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxjOB7EFxw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6wTagYcDZ
"I helped the bartender deal with the rowdy customers after you paid for my drink. By the time I was finished, one of your friends came and asked for help. I couldn't just say no."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp7LhLtmg5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqozxnzwKUy
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrTJVCe332
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DkN0jMkem
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyTX8EqL2d
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gU86RmkMi
"...Sure."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WGejbYRFE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWj1oPM2UA
She offered a hand. I sighed and reluctantly took it. Well, I guess if she was willing to help when it got so late, she couldn't be a bad person, right?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHRjxpcy9N
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9waYvYITVR
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ4nHezPpl
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt51eDQQVab
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKPsa1bw4v
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KBPmbwf5q
Kim, Flinty, and I all sat at the circular table while Victoria and her mother left. I couldn't get a word to come out of my mouth, but Flinty was happily chatting with Kim. They were talking about the situation at first, then Flinty moved on to talking about how nice her cloak was. I didn't understand at all, how a conversation could steer in that direction so quickly.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuXd5sY8Hc
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRnnIMbH3p
As I complained, Victoria and Linda came back with a bunch of glasses of milk. It was warm, too, which I appreciated. I gulped it all down and continued sitting in silence as the women talked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaFgakjp0S
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOOwx5lLPu
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9HdXK1Xfy
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9508vFoiz1
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkxDl95N0C
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN97C8JoxDV
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFEdxbSxBU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaWXBAWLTI
"Wait, what!?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw68h04H8RF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjudSpxuYI
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibKOLbIWRK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtuSj7git9
"Why not me?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKOa1j3goD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit4U9W8RDT
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwxMrtpa1f
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiZ1kIiVLc
I wasn't going to mention how I didn't have much experience fighting. I was hung on the implication that Victoria of all people had some.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvd2rVX7zr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPocFK1wUC
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRZFdDcnNQ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENUZ68b6Cf
No, you didn't.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l1du7LEam
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O5OA4FVyA
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jNyRaQHgX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftHyhOeFqn
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJR516Kv3Y
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOIFead5QW
"Huh?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUAw3bh8lV
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI23Q5Ez7q
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO69b56YHnl
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1URQLvBWVw
"Uh... Well, Linda, if you're so sure of mine and Victoria's capabilities, why not let Flinty come along anyway? She might prove to be a valuable asset in other means."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBajcOWJsC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha20mIxhDj
"Mhm!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV8f2iXpIY
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqFaw7x3g9
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzF5D2LGJY
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Cn32EwGJ
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWtuwn1cxm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kAnhIOSJR
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg6THw3VR0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZACUziAu2
"...Fine."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisYLQiefYx
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0hTyjrlru
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BUEq5G9bx
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMevpb28nDp
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Qhxk9zjj
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqERjUOj2F
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79UayC4fwS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoALZROGG4
"Right in this room," Victoria said, "This is where all the guests sleep. I'll make sure to wake you up early, so get to sleep quick!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicJBaoKFE2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiiwHQvUka
Kim and Flinty nodded. They stood up and stretched. Flinty left first to wash herself and all that other routine night care. Linda and Victoria left the room. I wanted to ask Victoria if she had combat experience before, or if she was a magician or something, but I missed my chance. Worst of all though, I was now in the room alone with Kim.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodD1ZLDxuw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUFlvQIZPt
Fortunately, she just waited by the side of her bed and didn't talk to me. I was happy for a minute before I remembered the assessment I made not even ten minutes ago. At the very least, I should try to talk to her, shouldn't I? So, I slowly got up and robotically marched to her location. Even through her cloak, I could tell that she was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8x5yfZDjI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUwv5X5lk8
"Is there... something you need?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jewTNz5qN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS18R69j62
"Hi. I wanted to get to know you better because... yes, because it's a good idea since we're going on a mission tomorrow."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIn47jpoTW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKvPVfSviO
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMvfBQwg5b
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbv5pjr0aB
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEX5Xfbo86
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUM3LMJYZe
I took a seat beside the bed next to hers. Scratching my chin, I thought of a conversation topic and blurted the first one that came to my mind.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECSOphB0BZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPla57QiSk
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX7P5EVqoG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0CwrvEUHe
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmjL48NLcm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcldDorIbR
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5nrgVuhRG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4naRccsTw
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEboHT1v08N
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVtv68QkWT
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqbDFtorMV
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBqo2G9VCs
She giggled a little. Creepy.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h0Jt2yWIJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnafKwxEDHU
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtVz0vHxm2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPlSLahXuW
"..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c2692kRsE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHNTMvszXS
What?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p0PDhsduq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC03mwPDa7I
I didn't think that's what she would say. She could tell I didn't think that, I made it obvious. I struggled to even respond to that. My heart sank even deeper than before. She noticed that, and suddenly became frantic.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI1akWwtVq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwxoTEaAMe
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkOspB1g11
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4j8CuR88b
"O-Oh..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDO3wWJX2D
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cg7YTsGvO
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7nYTZYSIC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf9uP9JsNh
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKO0FiOhqb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2CcGRYio8
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04H86OsKLs
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgxn384mtO
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs5VEKI8EE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXNsdKwktv
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DuElMQTio
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGtmi6TyTY
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDrHXLpZhM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbgmU8YOMf
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXopWYPGMYW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI9hK2hYq9
But, can I really help myself? So many people have been telling me how great I am. It's bound to get to me eventually.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBrOGPVxlD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEko4xGAWQD
"You're an exceptional kid, that's for sure. I've already heard a few rumors regarding a boy who froze an entire block, and I knew that it was you when I heard them."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wp5Urvlwb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DGdfhPMiz
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfvK6inLG3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWvBEXxYG5
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkfC0D6R9h
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPbIX3XZxk
"You can't weasel out of this one. It became front-page news. Not everyone knows your face of course, or your name, but they know the boy, and they know his attire."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBbMJOxerB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1orbA4Rjk
Front-page news!?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT1kFXxLd7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwptN3N4JxR
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE9tsSkYzf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEs6JCcQNU
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzN7zE29kt
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ9Tqaunl5
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROkxmCZLyr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmYmTMlBDK
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf5gwcZErf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCOo4wi6mt
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX0qTPKD88
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0IOUOr39o
"No, I don't."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVWbe0SVBN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq6AfgdleR
She answered with a straight face. Phew. She must've just had some insider knowledge, then. If I had the whole city looking at me like the people in the meeting, then I'd probably run out of here. Wait.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg1v7NlgHU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd4MM7E9PY
"If you have any influence over the news in this city, please, please don't let them publish that! Or at least omit any descriptions of my appearance!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfOPdmGfuA
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EtMBqypK1
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3WQBrWvyf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSbg4Ba8td
"Thank you."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3cxZINgjp
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq36Da1VPCM
Our conversation stopped there, and though I wanted to continue it, I couldn't think of a new topic. It didn't matter though, because Flinty returned to the room. Kim stood up and left to do her night-care routine. Flinty say down at the bed parallel to the one I was on.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPaLtLe029
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO73PUdop2h
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnXsy3Nvui
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jW1H15dhh
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX518wU5OAz
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"Oh."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpwCULHynJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBzEOD6BtN
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdAlGZmeFZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmvKPJhKW3
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HBDnrv0gD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPFaXA6JII
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR3m5bhz2t
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzectW8JrH
Her face froze. I sighed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipelHcty50
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9sEzGEy8x
"I-I'll do it in the morning."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpDFd3UwAj
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzlXRk65fT
"Good luck."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0XMKI43yH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrVuEy2MmO
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwrDEgBWe9
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UFgOcFKps
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGwkoj3vDX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVkznWD7GR
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvn9PgOUNk
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHvDumK4v6
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEUCXGMcN0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXtSbOgpjA
I nodded, agreeing with her assessment. Flinty picked up the magic book back and conversation ceased. I stood up and laid on the bed next to hers. Kim returned to the room. Flinty explained her plan to her, and she calmly agreed to it. We were ready to go to sleep.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHyTcGehvI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7HzhUmLpc
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadpqOz0HjO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBeORLeNlM
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVHN9dr4Bn
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXsG5sI7NL
"Going to what?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJppTQrxDb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdNnBvAuQ3
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpMVmWliSP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuJ4aKqNhf
"Huh? Wash myself?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszvB1EMS2K
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb2XAn9G0t
"Yes. Like we did."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfaZRXXrmv
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xijoB6M85
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmLhxFWU2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxZPE7zgeg
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EjAJkQFEH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruROmsutb4
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYihpz69OTf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDJM7i0G4U
"Oh, then that makes sense," Flinty said. "But, I thought you didn't do it just because you were tired, or because you were in a new place."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILFv6xE7uU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6jT0YbP0V
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7HzMfipXl
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5aJ0xGlRl
"Buffalo Village."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjzTpUaHBZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dpMWnVldE
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHdSJ00IBv
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWfQat9KcW
"Really? I didn't know that."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI4uwl42EN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh9Quy6DlU
Kim looked like she was smiling.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxnjjlwXtI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX6bC4BAra
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2SNqdaiu
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR54LrYGlRr
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68RJSteuaN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6P2GBnozK
"Anyway, Kenny, go wash yourself. I'm not sleeping in the same room if you don't, and I won't be leaving here either."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLGKb4N3bb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1bptHUQH1
"Fine, fine."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS6CyxAuDW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ0vFx0Ivs
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4quIdNGiz
"..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq8B5HF6vT
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5HVBm7uMx
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqedDrxvH5b
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcW2XyjOuf
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITAwd7oJZs
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vYnSjl6wY
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlAcCT9TjO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dgw1ejvGA
–
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"...Mmm."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXBhEIVWxW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvHLcJGdbE
I woke up feeling slightly groggy. Last night's search for the restroom was a lot longer than it should've been. By the time I was done, I had to tiptoe to my bed to not wake up Flinty and Kim.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtD1hRDQNu
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrjLTztXHc
I yawned. Judging from the sky out the window, dawn just came. Surprisingly, Victoria wasn't here banging on a pot and yelling. I must've woken up early.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6QOYVyM6e
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2HIsxnYXp
I looked at the bed to my right. Flinty was missing. Worry rushed through my blood for a second before I realized that she was probably just outside. But no, I was wrong. Flinty on the ground, facing the wall, doing something I could've never guessed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJVyWg2t43
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB9l1vnkvE
She was making balls of water. I could tell that she was drenched. She took her vest off and laid it on the empty bed, likely to dry it. The ball of water she was holding failed and blew up. But, considering the last time I saw her use magic, she was doing incredible. Not only was it a modest size so as to not consume so much mana, but she also held it for five seconds. I got out of my bed and walked up to her, grabbing my coat and putting it on along the way.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sij2hoKfX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxXNyE3b8Y
"Wow, you're hard at work."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6LiyXbpg5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCH2priD3
"Ah!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aFenSpXiD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9oDVy0qUc
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6Z7kHWmcU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAlbLa1h4I
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wfgjeUhLY
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1PnjH9fR7
"I don't think so... what time is it?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsArEzJDhHp
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rav8sUZ0o
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4sjOlHlNS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdutyheSRY
I sat beside her. She stuck both of her hands out, closed her eyes, and performed mana expulsion. A water ball manifested from thin air. She furrowed her brows, and I could hear soft grunts. Eight seconds passed before the ball erupted.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9Lz8BqSGe
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJYmbv0xxw
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmymMoLV6q
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ21wofEMm
She jumped up ecstatically, celebrating her results. I was proud too. This growth was by no means shabby, especially since this is her second time even attempting magic.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIP7bl0SnH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpRs7OBEcx
I did regret sitting beside her, though.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSx1SWzLBt
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCu6l23AeA
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo80ytRR4c
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36ikOWqXXm
"It's alright. I'll go dry off in the sun. But before I leave, let me give you your first... let's call it a goal."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzQDGdVU6x
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1GRh58yOj
Flinty looked at me with excitement.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3naa4IjbE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Eo0QMEwbV
"A goal?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QhuN2ekMP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Wgz61ZlD
"Yes. Not one that you need to do right now of course, but one I think you can reach by yourself before we start lessons. Try holding a water ball for ten seconds with your eyes open."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8dhKlaovM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQiRvi37FA
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveZWq0XUvv
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnKfxMSwVM
"Okay, I'll do my best!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhNFNZcnhD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQkKncAwfu
That's what I like to hear. Flinty is such a good student. She was talking nonsense last night. I got up and left the living quarters then exited the farmhouse. I was at the side where the fences were. The dogs and farm animals were eating their food. I thought of sneaking up on the puppies and petting them, but something else caught my attention. Linda was by the pens, washing and hang-drying various clothes.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzxaVS2IV3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdlvZm5tGu
Wasn't this a little too early? Not even the most dedicated washing machines in Buffalo Village woke up at six to do their job. Well, since we were both out, I figured I might as well greet her. So, I ran over.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1c0AhlPDr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsphQRPRFLE
"Good morning, Linda!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0B9LgKpEL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjA8PPPgP9
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc44BLAH8E
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP9YkdVEok
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlHKoBDklS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh40JARbWz
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w4VqaAOa8
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpknYbNCI9
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PcptYGzq2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ2qvu2Cr8
Friday? Today is Friday?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeqRQFl1q4
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B9I84x7dz
I lost all track of time ever since the carriage incident. I didn't even know what day it was that it happened, let alone what time of the year it is.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA72G13eT6
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqjnybnqou
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPerNGIEAji
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g4Vs5GEHp
She looked at me curiously before answering.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9t9DcKQDK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QQ1QSifmR
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySCatJnLle
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fIG2xNq5J
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZc4KierxL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ORlGbPqir
If it was July, then that means a month and a half passed since I left buffalo village. That is, if my memory is serving me well.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62eoo5jNCS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JuXkzeccr
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp70AW2W3Sq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxrXyWuKQ
"To whom? Those at your home village?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaVEZkZ2A6
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCNQj8vcJG
"Yes. All the chaos that occurred when I arrived here put writing a letter at the bottom of my priority bracket. That was silly of me."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzCBVgbO35
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Sr3V0HlEU
She lightly smiled.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzoRWmXJnn
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QlmQXZXZS
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB603g3wmCO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPosFxDYYFK
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmsdbjTnM0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat8XTUV4Qq
She shook her head from side to side.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dWuWmjVki
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VgGlLFCN7
"I was originally from a village lower on King's Peak. Around 20,000 feet high and 150 miles from the shore, while the Zariel Kingdom is standing comfortably at 25,000 high and 200 miles from the shore. I do miss it sometimes. Being surrounded by badlands made me feel homesick."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq94tcSVMC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv1p7q5a1x
"So you decided on living here?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubsU3RCvWK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2CVS8AdWG
She nodded.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg1Vz4U629
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyoZFhSZS3
"I already gave birth to Victoria by the time I moved in. She was a lively girl, even at a young age. I just hope I raised her well."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ8zoluE0F
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfyZ5TN6L8
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3XNxbay5V
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE3Lk6w7FN
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ2X5gRlC7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZnNsKm8AQ
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulETkTJkHE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXuSgXEkKz
"Heh. I think you're doing just fine. Now, Victoria should be waking you three up at this time, go back and tell her good morning."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgE0o9aVX0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB6iwdovIV
I had a feeling that she was trying to make me go away, but looking back at the farmhouse I noticed Victoria ready with a pot and wooden spoon in hand. Am I glad I woke up early.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhsqB6zE7a
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSky2LHHvM
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GEUXUtS56
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j7NgzmDst
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFuV3ecW1I
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpV4SXRyqO
Flinty was the only one who raised her hand. Kim joined her, likely out of pity, then I did because I didn't want to be glared at.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDZ85lrlni
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ489w4V0U6U
Breakfast was served to us in the living quarters. It was a simple dish of eggs, but Victoria made some mean eggs. After breakfast, we all received a light pack filled with bread and a flask of water. Except for Flinty, of course. But, noticing that she wouldn't receive a pack, I had to do something about the lack of materials.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu4VQyrKLM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMReVBj1nOK
"Hey, Victoria?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlTnmtbOxf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpae0qeVq8C
"Yes?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTW8HooiIM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAZ2LGtVOD
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqWNnuOKRB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8smwPAWhN4
"Don't worry, I'll be bringing back-up food and water right," she paused to pick up a large, obtuse, heavy sack sitting by a wall, "here!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNZPy8ewKa
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYhWrDuixG
That at least quelled my worries, but now I was a bit wary of Victoria. That bag looked and sounded like it was no joke, and she lifted it like it was nothing.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFwIrPnUEo
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE8lCE39k6
"Kim, are you good?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6zlN0quHy
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG2ZEeY0dp
Kim just finished packing her bag.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HU6jB35h4
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNcgdMYDno
"Yes. Let's get going."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPBykiWwGB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUULbUcw5Ws
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaHjXzCyib
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSJ6qGrrKO
–
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–
We were heading to the forest. Kim and I were following Victoria from behind. Victoria had a lot of energy in her step. I thought she'd be taking this more seriously, but I guess getting pumped up doesn't mean you're taking a situation lightly. As for Kim, she was still hiding her face underneath her cloak.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliI5aJg7CU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaULrY4fUxU
That aside, we were on the other side of the crop field now. If all went according to Flinty's plan, then she'd pop out of the cornfield and casually join our group. Of course, that is, if Flinty managed to talk to Victoria before leaving.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz8f24ZnBT
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMdJ97nuZM
...She did do that, right?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKttSCJy3c7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObEB0AiZ8s
Looking back on the events before our departure, Flinty's only chance to talk to Victoria was before I woke up. But, she was practicing her magic.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfheOFozEV
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88xpcAS1o5
The doubts mired my conscience. I looked over at the cornfield. Flinty's body finally popped out. Kim looked at her as well, but Victoria kept walking.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2xwDk8wOT
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTvIIrUnIt
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pekjMBCMH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCR6XFgdi0
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfeQ9q72wQ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ljZTLnea0
"Hmm?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tL167Phbq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvulJzyshT
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQhsaB0EqF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb5jryXpHX
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYaBnVIMvP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fkHV1zMw9
Flinty nervously giggled. I let out a breath. Phew. Phew. I was relieved, but now I was curious as to when Flinty managed to talk to Victoria.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2P7sDkRw5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt7mJnv8Yr
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkKHEvo8qU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b7eQowNVE
"Alright you three, here's the formation. Since I have physical combat experience, I will be in the front. Kim will be close to Flinty, and Kenny will be in the back in case something sneaks up from behind."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdMOEXpRmB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AyTBFJmDt
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmVWYNnTKM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYrHYOiIOW
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexO8XIDfxC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlCY6Uo3qM
"R-Right."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp7VEUX8sN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXDZlDjLFs
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw04AYzEX4k
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvcPbOmpM7
"Any objections?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkTBMn8s2n
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeCskcGgzD
None of us voiced any.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i48yc4nr1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtJD9fKH8e
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF9j7w7ycN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpPUCLuLfr
"Of course."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFawra5ZxUF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UlvIfCkL
Victoria turned and faced the forest. She ventured in, and the three of us followed.
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The woods were a lot gloomier than the ones– or rather, the sole one I was used to.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nOePhysKB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9giMRsy2B
The trees were taller and thicker. It wasn't particularly dark, but sunlight hardly pierced through the thick roof of leaves. Stray roots were frequent, and the grass here had a nasty tendency to cover them. But, worst of all was the atmosphere.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4iVpJ7lI6
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6SJpO7b3r
Since the moment I stepped in, I felt the air around me become heavier. Anybody could tell the mana in here was different. From what I read, a heavier atmosphere means that the atmospheric mana is dense. Though it did make traversing more taxing on the body, at the very least our spells required less mana to be expelled.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf5KYKDOlM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25wVBbkntx
I was steadily following the girls in front. Because I was in the back, I enjoyed the privilege of not having to watch out for roots. I puffed my chest a little. It was a dumb thing to be proud of, it was just luck. I couldn't help myself, though.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynV12tBpaX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra08f9yWYe
That aside, the forest was peaceful. There must've been a lack of hostile wildlife. All we've been seeing were squirrels, rabbits, deer, and other prey animals.
"Watch out here, this root's massive," Victoria called out.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT2tgfRl90
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MB8Em7pR4
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQgqGfLPAY
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc5n9tcFx8
Now, that being said, my shoulders were getting sore. I didn't seem to be alone in this. No, never mind, Flinty wasn't carrying a bag, I was totally alone. I didn't want to hold the team back and ask for a break, but if this kept up then I'd have to.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYswXEQI6WN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1QQpMKuL5
"Hold on, stop here."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kSbyfj0L0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedkimgBDJY
Fortune smiled upon me. Victoria called for a break– at least, I thought she did. She was peering at something from behind a tree. When I leaned in to take a look, I saw something shocking.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplVq1EBvV2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5QWu8Ak1i
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy06RwFsl8
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"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9glV76ZIV
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I nodded. Our pace slowed tremendously. The buildings I saw were all plainly made of grey concrete. They looked ancient and were missing roofs and other miscellaneous chunks. There was also a suspicious amount of them.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHob8GBkNK
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Aside from the sound of my breathing, I couldn't hear anything, but it was too soon to call the environment safe. After all, this had to be the base of operations, right? Victoria would occasionally branch away from us to check the insides of the buildings. They were all apparently empty and looked even worse inside than outside.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjvd0rSvXV
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"Not to mention the smell, ugh. Y'know, I don't know who left these structures here, but I wanna make a complaint."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwailmM3Mr
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hG4E6qdjH
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoMOo0KSTm
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So that is precisely what we did. It was a slow and tedious process, but eventually, all twelve concrete structures were inspected, and nothing suspicious was found. Relieved, we took a break inside the sturdiest concrete building we found.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZLsaYiXnD
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"The presence of these structures is suspicious," Kim said, "even though they aren't inhabited right now, there is a possibility that the perpetrator uses this place as a base of operations."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs9j4we7S7
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"I'm inclined to agree," Victoria replied, "but there's always a possibility of something else being in the forest. It isn't very vast, so we'll keep searching. In the meantime, would anyone like to eat?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtEZDT8VhU
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Flinty walked up to Victoria and the two of them shared their rations. I wasn't hungry, so I was satisfied with just drinking water.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEEnNQik3a
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uFSbNSKb4
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"I'm not much of a mage. I can perform mana expulsion effectively, but my interests lay in alchemy and magical plants."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKr5x3tG1R
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPppOVaIjZs
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3q2sXoc5b
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She didn't sound very surprised. Her voice was getting squeakier.
"Do you use a staff?"
"No...? Is that a bad thing?"
"Ha. No, not at all. Not at all."
She sounded suspiciously giddy.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0BXLelTx2
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"Anyway, you're one of the few people I've heard of that dabbles in magical plants. Are you any good?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli2ScZOoJ2
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"Heh, well..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2XV05RKg5
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I wondered if I should show her the tendril. I felt as if Kim would freak out, but considering her stoic nature, it was unlikely.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDqYfvmxUx
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"What's the hold-up?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8UvCZiqeC
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeItkOSU4n
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL7nNC0uv5
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"Think of it as getting to know our powers for the sake of better cooperation. I'll start with what I can do. I'm a Grade 4 Water and Fire and a Grade 5 wind mage. I wield a short sword and have dabbled in swordplay considerably. I consider myself decently agile as well."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6gcydCmFE
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My eyes widened a bit. All things considered, a Grade-4 in any element was impressive. I didn't expect something like that from Kim. I wondered if I would be classified as a Grade-2 plant magician or something with my tendril. There wasn't any point of reference, so it was possible.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XX2YCeJrf
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"So, what about you?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJsmhVXiy7
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYT2R6nq8p
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She nodded. I let the tendril loose and it wrapped itself around my right arm like a snake. Kim's figure froze.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiwbWbjjBM
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"This is my tendril. I can use mana spinning to make one of several magical plants grow from it. From there, I can keep using mana spinning to force and amplify their effects."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjOBNE4NxX
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpUoHPqgtz
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She sounded genuinely amazed. I scratched my cheek a little. I produced a flash-bloom from the tendril, and Kim sounded elated.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0DJfJXA96
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"I can see now why– oop."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2fqDTAyiu
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She stopped her sentence midway. I was going to inquire her, but then Victoria suddenly stood up, squelched my flash-bloom, and put a hand over my mouth.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe85zji6zKM
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IVictoria was eyeing something to my right, where the entrance to the building was. I couldn't see it, but I could hear it. I retracted my flash bloom once I did. It sounded like a noisy beast. It was dragging something, likely its own body, haphazardly against the ground. It stopped to pathetically wheeze. Then, it kept going.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7sEipi325
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All of a sudden, a voice.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCb31947KL
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"Something... I feel like something was here."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphHS9oH1OX
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It was the voice of a man. An adult, one who sounded far older than us. Victoria's pupils shrunk so far that I could only see her whites. She put a hand over her mouth.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifcrLEUkqa
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I was feeling my heart race, imagining just what it could be that Victoria was seeing. The man's voice came back.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l7t07Y6rF
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYv7UEwZZo
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The beast growled. The sound of his moving limbs was so... vascular. And yet, it sounded putrid, like the beast would fall apart any second. All the while, the man loudly hummed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1y9TNlv0t
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I looked above us. This building only had half of a roof, and though it covered us, it was anything but assuring. I looked to my left and at Kim. She was poised with her hand on the hilt of her sword, still inside her scabbard.
"Victoria," I whispered, "how bad?"
She gulped.
"I-I'm trying not to vomit right now."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWtGInYcIr
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Cold sweat trickled down my back. My heartbeat was getting faster. My breathing got louder and louder. I was sure that, any second now, something would escape my mouth.
I had conflicting urges. I wanted to stay indoors, but I also wanted to go out and fight that thing and do good on my part. I had to wonder: Was it that bad? Was it so bad that my tendril couldn't do anything? That my magic and plants couldn't do anything?
No, that couldn't be it, right?
"...Huh?"
All of a sudden, I felt a soft touch on my left hand. I looked and Flinty was there, grabbing my hand with both of hers. She looked terrible. She looked scared. And yet, her eyes weren't wavering. Even with her shaking body and sweaty palms, she looked at me with confidence. Our eyes met for what seemed like forever.
And then, she sternly nodded.
"..."
Right. Of course.
Now wasn't the time for this.
I was admittedly still shaking, but I was standing now. Kim stood up as well.
"I'll join you."
"Thank you."
I looked at Victoria. She was too shaken to battle.
"Victoria, look after Flinty."
Somehow, she heard me, and she nodded.
I took a deep breath. I produced a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.
Three, two, one...
"Go!"
I rushed out of the building and Kim followed after. I aimed at where the noises came from. I had to pause.
I understood Victoria's reaction entirely.
In front of me was an amalgamation of black flesh. It was a gigantic lump, nearly three times my height and as wide as the space between the buildings. A man was on top of the blob. When he noticed us, he looked shocked.
I didn't waste any more time. I shot the Sunlight-Blossom seed and–
**SPLATTER**
A yellow light zipped through the air and straight through the blob. Despite the seed's small size, it created a hole I could easily jump through.
"I got it!"
Kim rushed towards the blob. Now that it was dead, capturing the man should be easy. But then a bundle of flesh emerged from the side of the blob. Kim reacted accordingly and cut it off. It was still alive.
"W-Wait, you two, stop fighting!"
The man started frantically pleading with us. I switched flowers into a Dragon-Maw. I probably couldn't reach the man from here, but if I closed in I could grab him.
And then I stopped my advance.
A purple haze leaked from the wounds of the blob. The blob let out a bubbly wail. Kim suddenly dropped to the ground.
"Kim!?"
"Ah, you fools, you shouldn't have attacked! Damn it, no no no–"
As the man kept rambling, I avoided the approaching fog of purple. I switched my plant to a Spore-Blossom, but the spores did nothing to stop the fog.
Crap. At this rate, it would reach Flinty and Victoria. I doubt swiping at it would do anything, and using a Freeze-Dry would mean Kim would be caught in the crossfire.
With no other choice, I began expelling mana from my left palm and quickly created a fireball. Then, I morphed it into a thin vertical rectangle and let it soar through the haze.
I heard the sound of my spell connecting with the blob. I was happy for a second, especially since I couldn't see the purple haze anymore. Now that I was in a better position, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
And then I started seeing black.
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