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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HC3UOHI4Y
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMqgKG5mGo
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkJhvIUGNo
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uxqLjbi8l
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8ENRxAShP
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gIe0vc0nb
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Ck2u4qKM
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvqGilYOX3
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE4NyRxDLj
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz74h2hDslt
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqKVoeQEHB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhEY5vhfRx
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXI0gRilxK
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEuGO4PmND
"...Sure."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFhGUjHvSt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsuNmzkFTW
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?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QFYeW2uMJ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEEZNScKuS
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH3hVqIvXu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wdg1uZdQt
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZF72Hk3dq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTEQ7Cbrj
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5frduqkwB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzxJw1VN7c
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvodx8PmlF
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3tpDrTWwF
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LvpdVGCpK
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYWPoFusJt
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw86HuTX0AO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUUQepw16A
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF0ifDp52n
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSVR7uNjKs
"Wait, what!?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAW74M5bZz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZMn5W5yJl
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo29ZOkiEV
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ephRzVRf9
"Why not me?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUx44SoDE6
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlL4UB1jQz
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKdd0dlxGQ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l4Qk2dg99
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Iw41bwhO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5gZHcDmCQ
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsOzx4Vybk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpayg9acW5O
No, you didn't.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfxStwXpiH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpD93MMOhB
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMwnIkkFNQ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHX9t9sl0o
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEe1Af1vTD
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11d7gUmokc
"Huh?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc9TqmPXnk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI7QsKNU8e
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRnJC9iE3s
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYIEER2nCA
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRoB5ktKOl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSIkhSddUm
"Mhm!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaeX8vssyp
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTfp74ZLWR
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerDgm7kFYk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8XsblOWA4
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PxwrHmO6s
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnQnMrRYkM
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT0Yx0LhLz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4AJSZfgK6
"...Fine."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqfzGsVQ7n
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduJDn3oL3U
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1rekCvc9z
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0hn2HA7jp
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9WkUeC2ke
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0lu41atFB
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjKSdDjadR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMHsDNZsk7
"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!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrg8CLBZvZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltaNeJUJ3j
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg6Erry8s1
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxLQFUb5ab
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcFWpuqzyB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpYpVy4PqI
"Is there... something you need?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvymUhaE6I
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoidLivkbsR
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16wc0NziXE
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIjddwZN8a
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxj3D80Hrp
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04bbXJn4iY
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6zNupjf7f
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX9yFvIjMx
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSZoS502Vq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VBS7gVfsr
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIczjKqunu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcXYFpBSyQ
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3rKptk7gG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ8ELtEg9b
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jz7jdLUW4
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSMkkARnX9
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkic85td4xU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hTXNUrkcA
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYaOZ6jKdT
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ4OnTebPT
She giggled a little. Creepy.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf1gsb6Gqh
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxw5o8apGc
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUc6yjFyrt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeveogwsfL
"..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXfoHGB9JU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjEkuTmfkm
What?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc28B0ShAG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo1LMNIUkt
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlTuMWm6Bo
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KkYfb9RmG
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwduOcy46Qs
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQnBElHT5V
"O-Oh..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOZAWmg1RW
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Q3nnEcOp
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5de0lwHui
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pj8JjEThg
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv0vFdW6PZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsnBy5LzRk
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlusWHoaJDc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsxmtf9xHS
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFAg2A4Eb9
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjBtksFcSl
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AhhAp9ETF
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAslq9QMrrT
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGpTOxsVXb
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TC8W2y8WT
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MsXg1lfIu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfxa3Xyu2S
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38QmfPdOU1
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnCJExAHrk
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD3MkhaCk9
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqqpMqgTR6
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6BjIGWHfY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPUhS5HhHD
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcIRvaU1YZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq9zxUavN1
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv63zRZZptG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpF9E9lE9X
Front-page news!?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziSX767sXK
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR504Gdy1t
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DvJr61FU3
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy3aDr33ao
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7q4zviJDz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ux9aRkZn
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OsFRB1VsO
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VrTFrQSe8
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT5HdQCZoA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlDb0GHiwf
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lPQd2chnH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGozdhEqkJ
"No, I don't."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQx9wAHXZ2
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLystVWIm5
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyrl4edj37
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgXrv1Saqw
"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!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tpSSml0yw
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbvj5anQue
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT27aP0fyB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yi4vrtAFh
"Thank you."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50ZoTMAr0d
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77c6zPyzhG
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2FU01NJVL
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CVjeyUUcz
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVeSDsqwRr
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaEtgd52sf
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo318QDy1AR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzXy7CDdWX
"Oh."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzGr9EkCsc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsT2DC3i48
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM28kfM7Se
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ecPOWqcYP
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXRlLrnjm4
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInXrUMoT3z
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0CtBSKi5w
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsSrUrsper
Her face froze. I sighed.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQzqXydc4T
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhtb95OxeI
"I-I'll do it in the morning."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnU33E6wIt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlVFKpVius
"Good luck."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1urt8oRyyq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjtQznEPi8
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QQfkaoanl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdKH5kDMfA
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLga9iNVsg
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VvRiSlX9F
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iJyaCm2Xk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi7vqg9Aoz
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXnQNfmkCe
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2c2CfEJ6D
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85HHHDAqJV
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv4vbjiCBf
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeSmhPrKxu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBYPq1AwfT
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEO9mj9M9x
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jny4bu6q2
"Going to what?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR24lypKbOx
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKOhzfxtn9
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEzwui9rdl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmk3XctsVJ
"Huh? Wash myself?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Ccbz7NII
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecx5CqOzeE
"Yes. Like we did."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtWKM5b2xr
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbItPbrgfk
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYgP4Ttgx3
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7W211JJn7
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUqJMqyTWt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYYNYsmQk3
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdEVTcQprH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo24g4VyRc
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh85rFXCGN
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFXJQKbEA2
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtNQULvlkA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk4oR6YD9t
"Buffalo Village."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoS74DxNmB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xz9gpAACt
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUmli6l68J
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM7tExV7fv
"Really? I didn't know that."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPaygKS6cz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdeWaVpmkA
Kim looked like she was smiling.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoM5jGjG4o
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPv8W1pMl8
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5asvpth0Qc
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn9IBP6qqW
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi0UYPHoZY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhvuyvVesn
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsjeMe9XUd
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRk8ptRVND
"Fine, fine."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IwFML8u3z
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9nNGvvEkp
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKMl2ipgtU
"..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8Y32kBIdK
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE3TB2Aae7
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklxI1nNWLW
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Yk1JM3pla
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrmFJ35Mvd
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9AwwNTelb
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIh5zZ9LuE
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSeCUdiEMq
–
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"...Mmm."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbEjGknU5w
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsBR14vqVi
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW9fzWIIqV
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDs3jUQJ5c
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7rtXxzAlh
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFtYZWyiVi
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiPVMDfuW3
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC4yaa1crh
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRl4JHQJYl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwxzY9zjdx
"Wow, you're hard at work."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqhR3RH6iC
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIipIRaW6fH
"Ah!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOJYA7Hja8
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgpPT9aRZm
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY29WV4IGT
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrEN91zNS
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCTgfgvJyJ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdpjUjz5KI
"I don't think so... what time is it?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzOyITXiYF
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslUvPFLw91
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9dHqwTlyu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn56J6sXJs
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WlpqvGis7
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8HSuJddDT
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KjBIBrY47
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kJXcR4Z6e
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddEwsQ6wlH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq8QSFZjKB
I did regret sitting beside her, though.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H9l1QVgW3
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc2OAuqBa2
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDJxBzr7bN
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVchJwLwHhH
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFqcQnSbx6
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F0y9wfMwJ
Flinty looked at me with excitement.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkzkkt8J10
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoMmPx300g
"A goal?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFg9zQUaQh
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tMLQGgibP
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxCovR3we2
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodSI2eN8iL
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJLK5MQdIa
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MxixZmTKA
"Okay, I'll do my best!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZWcOynDoi
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g63icgyXg
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u41FKexT5
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUHOqLVmAi
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnCRuHyigU
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EcrwUqeah
"Good morning, Linda!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB1cCW9dDS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqpMeJSkyX
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K615mUrEk
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBfoIgjcQD
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArgWpcpFCn
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVscMbKX9C
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFErv5EVKJY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQIezWuB9f
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SpBt2muBi
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVLtYSLygn
Friday? Today is Friday?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVjtbmQAuw
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGdlQsIbaL
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3O8vU2b7u
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiZ1h8v9EK
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5Ww73uyRi
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwS6FH3ksG
She looked at me curiously before answering.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgf4IxwW7m
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLG2qZARDM
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhp6SAOCJL
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CElCNHrwE
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIAUunzWro
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGDb9Cwatd
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs4vlIigG9
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptpD5ik4Ps
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjmlVraBt6
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ORNO2lejK
"To whom? Those at your home village?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqULsyA33pw
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZED72QYMQU
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACC4ar0o7h
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuupdE7F88b
She lightly smiled.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3k9ifjqF2
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtw8CteAgJ
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqWVJ4Y3aa
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADpFO04vFC
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RFXi0qg6F
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7R6xO1sio
She shook her head from side to side.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKUm6gyW1o
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9w1HKmhvn
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHBnRXv2p9
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4kQPWHFgF
"So you decided on living here?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKgl5BfkRl
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRKCVijaEi
She nodded.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGC2I7Wg69
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUGCJ9ZSVI
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfeYSB4Se2
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRlFDKkcsO
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwRMJFEoTf
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDN7s2EF3T
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RG4M53j9B
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUUShFJK2e
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEsvQBWS5X
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuznpopOJrz
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDRmpqKQ8w
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbeOaTeIs1
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSetZvH3X7
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tVY6ux4b
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggh48eMttZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdSathDJUK
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBUxAhe6DA
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgI6Ricszd
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Utq6Zed8
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVky152F92
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhaWyDZ3Om
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXYkPnBNrI
"Hey, Victoria?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjaEf0UXrt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4sbAMISw4
"Yes?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoVQUmzZ1o
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3myWLA84gO
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjtcCxNTB0
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdBAjfODmz
"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!"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzWMQatRFI
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgodxs3hvYe
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzcHkUcrlY
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU4FjrFuLi
"Kim, are you good?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOjldBBUH5
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3UE4MoY3p
Kim just finished packing her bag.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYN6KMvfNm
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mpIpsJlIT
"Yes. Let's get going."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgMxn8Gslj
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5DdTfhW2n
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbgnBgLsYR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBk5wze1oE
–
–
–
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIaT3e5hO7
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uDY52qEX0
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH5tV52vtm
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCBsSbrJBi
...She did do that, right?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVqkdn77YR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhDgTruReE
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BRFwaJ0Vw
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugTyTfPcam
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMCKQoGVvN
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLsQgbvtAP
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4mFGUrxvB
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LBxrOmjJv
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kzAxvhP3W
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPNCmhlreE
"Hmm?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D5cRxtHqt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVmqtrMlaQ
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FOiY9rdNz
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV5a2bRqUc
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6wNdT7aEI
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhvlTbVh4
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ydP8MkQh
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr32h7UWkVc
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnKqi40TmL
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE3LIK0koh
"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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0lpd5jU7U
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XlzrXvx2c
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMRtvbckrt
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SVM7kSolN
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRkmyRf3Kv
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqv7FzcuSh
"R-Right."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGINyo2dRnS
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKZxnl8Ugy
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA5nDtYRMR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BVDCaZYqp
"Any objections?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6g3azsrAH
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO4XmJpxaZ
None of us voiced any.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUKcOW9TfR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtwEPqkzj
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvXSJZItuR
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcxkQAHs1c
"Of course."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlP2vUEnDZ
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfMxzACPSv
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngnRKonsA5
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz1VtAbxnA
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6wHkg4Gvu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgd0ut0lOl
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCbXrDU1Tx
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1J6uRyEkq
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCozygAqoG
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ffBCJHQBR
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQqMuxxzrX
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABIvI1cJf2
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNx6LX15tf
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv9w1B8Ysd
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlcB1HE2lq
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6weF8sEDYp
"Hold on, stop here."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNIz1wEdDu
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEgGgtCg9R
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT0hXuVtFD
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpByTPYROwp
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW16uWGtFaF
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR2rw19MWS
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1SUJWJhNY
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWUFDaHlKa
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VbdV9HGsv
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICZhUj7kwT
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvLLrW5YCB
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5DbfYpDI3
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbEdyjZwmt
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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?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMslhJkK0Gf
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u0JOmkToF
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzg6tnjGVu
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlHR5PTEok
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyLpj8z7RX
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx68b32unZn
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm0kBECMg0
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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?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JS4iOgymK
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"Heh, well..."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt0ihNilwZ
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjZil9zsE5
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"What's the hold-up?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUOBxglqNw
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKukGSpsyQ
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2VajoULA7
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZc9t38WwJ
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83lQGIxcYB
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"So, what about you?"137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsFvZRiZiq
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVU4bcojWl
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGaBmjgkXw
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvTRbd43cX
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKoE7Jsacs
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWovodXOrS
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"I can see now why– oop."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvICUP8BT9
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFMx9kKVKB
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIpRo8CWts
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All of a sudden, a voice.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIZrTjKBBb
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"Something... I feel like something was here."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4MVN1eHvO
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRoS10f2Ql
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0PBzJSr9J
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaSmtj8yx2
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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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmLqWyDiaq
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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."137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cTgC9QyjD
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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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