I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8TYPXHRKj
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBqj07U3Gw
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZTBzGFvvm
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo94EcxTJbR
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"Something about this is fishy."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fddT3yEbH
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HLDsM9IU9
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb3XCIfRfH
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtZRqb7WPy
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD8KcxD4Wl
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxveI466R7
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjGeHp5I3J
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf3ImNwpH9
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And then.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVIFrS2sAu
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**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNeRyfEjeG
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkZSKbsoVC
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymJD6EuwZm
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBwjIwNwn3
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"..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx512vH8htr
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Go5lRefLR
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtlg11s1hq
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"..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorkWMuIyT7
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzD5OA1EJ9
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwh2qIWUlF
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5YZDUdXMq
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7suiJy7i4Z
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn7eGIjYzU
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoipGYKhcIz
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXM9DuTlbD
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zj9RDQjov
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjbHOLCoXh
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAcl6NY0P4
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7PUQDa09s
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"Huh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPOP2zHHUK
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQevqkDBAf5
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"What is it?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7HyBETcLH
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOsoUlB7mM
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzSurhCdzO
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqwqJgUFSm
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfMZnyNwNR
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcovT26z9A
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3DY0BhfiJ
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wbc9qDK59
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA93Fpf0rho
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p0cMfhmfp
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"W-What?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPo1zeeSYr
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"Are you crazy!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G4e0R3WhP
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPHELvDOYU
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oyOP9tHt6
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOCExxfAeo
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzxlwQxhEa
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDCWY8gSun
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdaV2x4xRp
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uq8sFFahA
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdPkMapmea
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kevcgDSnN
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79jYH7GxXz
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I tilted my head in confusion.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZUNuAvIGG
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zrp3IFd3L
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2fem5GuOm
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkM2qtNHdf
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCligxpXiJy
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"Of course I do!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvSod0oqKw
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wL3W68osV
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8177MMyrad
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kxv99grG4
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTMzTH8hQg
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecHuJ8BNli
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanAQW5s1p2
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiNlqlxMC0
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgxGJ2rLZm
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"Huh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1voThZA24o
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I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcqxMCZcF1
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzzWuIKQvU
"Flinty? Are you serious?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1sADEwwRt
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7roeQgG7xz
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lKAL2Fw66
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZSJRU3PHc
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lhUlw9gMT
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cwZsbCQfQ
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WxXcB6q6K
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbWQYhpihk
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPilduh3ha
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O7g6OoskT
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyyTvKK6tG
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Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXj4Yr6L6w
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5PeZyzy44
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8dRmJbENo
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj9IyWQyXL
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHqGjK6GW4
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uzqGdZlWe
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5E6UJgH9Y
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"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC2Kw2XW8n
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlWcfKdHtu
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnJ2XDVH0B
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYoj7hCPdx
"...With money?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwjZdkjrpG
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMXzH9Jzi0
"With money."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CvAWMuiBF
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZguEIS58uh
"...I can't say no to money."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EwYXxNsTY
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L7xt23Mch
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7zrGspJP8
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqj4WzHqSw
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVCWhw8C1o
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4wtOaVOjT
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX336xdp9p
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgAbNe5SIC
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDv8dVJv5u
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxed0qTf2t
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H0B7kSkEt
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVwBBqE6Mq
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYijtHkxUxy
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOCpWWeVFk
"Let's do our best okay?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsigG0p1UQs
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIPK5TVIFh
"..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVoN8rHHVs
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I still had one more concern.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYeFVXP3qx
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"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB9VfZAR5O
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She averted her gaze.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnARFM1c62
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"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFryhkAnzZ
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"I see."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ5XNmiJ3R
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I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKP1U3WH2f
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMdsdmnELp
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnWUW5xfOE
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"Uh..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jWTyuLIYg
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmFmhkZbVH
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"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEpUIkPoxw
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp5od504xM
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP4kDrd7RO
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacNkkNs3Pq
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCiH56CiR6
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81446Xfn4D
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLoBnEeSIc
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsFSm3nBSI
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hN9ZLblCd
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTlk8YKH8L
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdug5hhPsu
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–
–
–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1SGtpeCVg
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Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyqxiMIiur
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"How does it look like?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7vp29leE7
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"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi491oNb5b
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8UKSGm1Gc
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh72rkup24
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISJu5VRmeS
"We're ready."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVuTeUwFO0
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I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Arb6hrAe
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z6qgdDwsc
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMRsAAsTCh
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx9w2IPMhf
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Q0iVxdeP
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcBctY3Bml
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuEUYJNHQy
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"Then what do you propose I do!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnHX5DGhkN
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I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelR4Qu7m93
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo9JlnDxsX
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDguWhpiNRe
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmmlL2FAYD
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsELgNQcStN
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"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BwW7ypPOM
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9zqAxcMsr
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNNd94lGsD
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They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Q25OlnHL
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0R0lcC0J6
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2ISmDJfp0
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"Ng, come on. I know you know better."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGIQdh6Spv
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfJ3iixAsR
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO05H0NECn
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"Y-Yeah. I know."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16C27O979j
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I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6KIkpoZPY
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8YMiUbFDG
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkzoZIHndv
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6f3y1ApLe
**SHATTER**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn4kfRGqDG
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yxUhfO0LK
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8o2uaYjhu
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyiUeIg1T8
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNwDNINyhn
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMBjf1LBtv
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYGoDO3v1E
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"Now!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzPd7vwOF4
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLU4Wf6SVw
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYySF7h8m6A
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkPr6usfSS
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXDyd0uJjj
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"What are you waiting for?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvhKa3SvZU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMbkXbSCoZ
"I still don't trust Ng."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nLg788zMj
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA0XY5HLea
"Fine, then go after him!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0kBOePAOY
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I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5z42UoCVY
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbOPYmXs9v
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2LJq9fzLe
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"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKXiPLNOge
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVjN9Thj87
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkRwSPx4PJ
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7hQRX5Ak0
"Are you seriously crying?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7bmio90S6
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"Huh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyzI3vDMEA
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE516atXPd
He tilted his head up to me.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzKg2dUjSE
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"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuzXpn2SiU
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7mQXGEHa3
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90btJ9yfiX
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrI2imNdAC
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PpRCbhSpE
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"You, are you really on our side?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx85iRmOpkE
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdgq4NIIHD
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1vxbmETv9
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bnmEEHl2V
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9khQxON8r
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSNMnlePhV
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpoze4wPd1
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX2iOsnL5Z
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKBiGo0yV5
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I8EMCdV9R
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXRJ1gS3FM
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Rxx5VfZl
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDuvO7DMfH
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTl0eJ8otF
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrC6zULDFr
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJvmTacUHH
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6jm1j1QS6
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCfvO41QdL
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh8iDx1FGa
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzPXKmMTiM
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiUV1yJdb8
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2hClUzQvN
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBhCMXYGBR
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzPqU5cNuM
And then, suddenly–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt7TMPtAbE
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziTpULFMLy
**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz1ohXAEja
147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPm9SHHyLI
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHNxvJVPM5
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By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNRJd3Dmzg
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"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlHcoCX3Po
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Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcs4aKt9lE
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"H-Huh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3muTLiudFF
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8ZDSchDZE
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ovdmstsxf
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We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMoJGYBPo4
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I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7lS4CgH6O
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VBu7AdJvb
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR8An7vLfo
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"Like what!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHG2EmXIr0
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"They died last night!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypinRHxrlC
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzb8yGmbg6
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Wait, escape route, of course!147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLOcS5119r
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I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHehWv5mS4f
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"...Did I do it?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYBBzsylmE
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Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUZQmWiiuY
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"H-Huh?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uY5Pg7mZU
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She offered me her healing potion.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhMMCHGXyB
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"Here. For your foot."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6NxxCOxDk
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"A-Ah, thank you."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp0kIP4ng0
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS6AkAkGre
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"Haaa, ugh."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3p2SOmlA2
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I stood up with help from Victoria.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGICZK8OdE
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tKqllzL7j
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATWU2hydkP
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsK0xkkvhX
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWVRnZdPld
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"Don't let your guard down yet."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeu93dRXjK
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciF6dRz1Rh
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"Crap. Crap!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLRpLpBczO
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The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV6KE7MKcY
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I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yu3K8nqmw
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwc9GSqMHg
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRNEdH8BU3
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPqVa4gUp
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkwg1FI8Tv
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbIULk0Ta8
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9E422ZIft
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQzNwMCP9c
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"If you can, support Kim!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXSdFfupuE
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUBHoFQL8m
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"W-Woah..."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAFvxBP73B
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0FPavS7c7
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"KIM!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFl7MgMpHg
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"Right!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6lWkPtK2z
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcDxkhV6n3
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And so, I released the spear.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv01riRGuh4
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**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuGafpfO1f
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7PerMZYRQ
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eS1cZ4G99
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbiZfTWjvv
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ArEb04xTn
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W62ECRVZ9
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5pJzzN7r3
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"No, what you just did was incredible."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZXQIUQvBP
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9G9VBQzhs
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGanu3sLwIx
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgObkOWM7Cb
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i0sBKjqXq
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"Unfortunately."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCsX7DNTRI
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ5nSyRkLr
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"Kim!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyyc9gUEI6
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewd7X3XEgy
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The tendril was bleeding purple.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q2eY55J09
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBzy6mAnbS
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**SMASH**147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGGFJtNkGK
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkNlQ2otCl
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13McM20Ajl
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR7INkJ1Pk
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb6pQ9lXTx
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJqQi15EXX
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG2oQSGsQk
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBPCjni8Rv
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"...Ngh."147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPscPICSiUn
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJaW3A5dRJ
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUSxAITDJU
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I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis68jjac64
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRIEVgXcb2
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.147Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrcqkBaJL5
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I felt like I was going to die.
