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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCTMm7YUMA
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyCN7KjoFG
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqOlE2LJXs
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63rKxZX2Af
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8lH3NfepE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKiFwOEQNh
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTNhKQ7IvZ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2VJNsTZLd
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEe0XqSWsX
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr8NNZYe4j
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdsCIQG7uW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YMigvYwa1
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5q4GAjtDh
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xaagnY67f
"...Sure."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFFM414ysP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1kHqTJGDP
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?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW32SgQJMz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw9LQ5dAJC
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ6aTTo7s4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNqd2gezji
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7lJyapzqi
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3dhfPAtg8
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNftFVqjy12
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEYR2rlIT7
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBTI7nDQWi
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRkI7isnxF
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBLhRczcFm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9utvWdO1b
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtgzRwMTX9
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zMk4quh9
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLQIBFQT0z
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau7ctUTUT2
"Wait, what!?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEJUHY3OBT
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleWggcjbVG
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCzKCpbS4I
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZq2kARttQ
"Why not me?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugH3LnUSzM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunO2kJwmbb
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKuMjfFFVY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrN51GIPhU
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ng2agepQW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEDa12Y3AM
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9s6IUPxVr
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43nlwaFiUT
No, you didn't.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QBCfNw916
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk7HwiiQvq
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qbk3ZGS4S
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXf8dyJMhB
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimMlryn17i
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNHX6Vt8It
"Huh?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmERE1Z9pi
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkpl0ROOdU
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4SS8thqu1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVX5am2Xep
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasjKBS9HDG
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SDAPSm5jF
"Mhm!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVhnd9PYhh
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqRuFygm94
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaasrWZOfNj
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdXvbwOukf
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdICnKtIHsf
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu72i0woRBE
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFxz3ne2F4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu8hmJoWs7
"...Fine."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgoFXwxogY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvJ98ShjE0
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE36qCFJ4Ov
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3VaayAN1g
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAUNgsaAaE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DgFB0WEpJ
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31FPmzMF6T
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKLOyI004E
"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!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHMl6DBrsU
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhANJ98o2H
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YRUseS5YN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F4FgWtC0S
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEufntcaNF
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTIVL2esqL
"Is there... something you need?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZluWuLT6uo
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xJnV7LcXe
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR4hdbzb0I
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUro2xH3Ub
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXf4iOZaAN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj9xgWdmvx
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwpkHRJq9M
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00LzDzhQNP
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTdTQ3PnQ1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq02Y7i1Rau
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7i7LQlFBB
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh7PtbMfpu
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjNEMoxuPl
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She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eUVDAiyh2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoShghl5FA
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRMLDd8eXH
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX1rL5JXJm
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSdGj9L9Pb
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA5tXqR0zk
She giggled a little. Creepy.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0MIvDRBEw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIYRFcHqTA
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSuZpvcGta
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpB4LxA7mj
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIy9ajrdh4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6B7BL7JI2
What?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijJMmzYLtr
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxXzVraSnQ
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1IumVpZa0
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPQ0bVN42c
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs64thRrbab
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMLkEmxtP
"O-Oh..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkriDcl01XB
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She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWWrNhc07J
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5zHNd3EXD
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qyoSIoHgq
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCvoohNIkZ
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNtQsi4ydy
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPQ49yA3Z7
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJrprvNwXi
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYK0kzVtKt
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4Y4zp1Oku
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRfIga2xK2
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFDZbYUZ65
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RWke6UbMU
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6QXSyDsCI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfkeHCulJ8
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYSmoPCZS7
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnoYMXDDG2
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRagiKzJ5H1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWe8SWxSZj
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSVqv4tptu
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA6tfh34Yo
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7AxJhS3NN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfzEMKmsRc
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRimzkT2yk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbgvrTSWNO
Front-page news!?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZQoUTW18k
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDTMqmh9iR
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSxUIs8UZ0
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGYYgCZaHB
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjlWjysIER
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiebjpNbnQ
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZIMLTsyqN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBCVzhJEVg
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIcB342ubG
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezY3p90PNI
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGi7uj203w
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFc7eoIm5T
"No, I don't."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8vOOvcw7z
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXSsq1WtyF
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWaEUgH6c2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWzOF0oOEB
"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!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwxbrcDCQP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs651zHIgXl
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ926GJnHzrW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvcf3QaoGQ
"Thank you."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOL86ZZ1CM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF97vXpBCLm
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZPFNbKqWj
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzH8hxHFuy
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdlGIN5piR
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpepQaHXPn
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7lakthvQ5
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"Oh."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFkELaoC7f
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If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3uBtp3uMA
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxJZhEzOGf
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj59ZC14v1n
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSu9CdhlRj
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYKs2h0VAI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDAYTvbqMt
Her face froze. I sighed.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTMeExO0GH
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrGvnB6FMn
"I-I'll do it in the morning."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd4e5qWBNR
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeo0hkDsms
"Good luck."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLC4oRsQko
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIj0kFnR0x
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPocUrN4OF
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTsdoPFLnf
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHCDx6Yt17
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmBlPYLBEj
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sdDgPV6bf
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75kdDweSRj
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5booBTK7C
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcur5GJVscK
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRM9qNTzVw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAPhvGJFyk
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpELRsXB1Gg
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq9l8D9eyg
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1vQvurHBy
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUwg9KyZ20
"Going to what?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMKntA2RYe
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpasW40KoEz
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfINgF1x3oJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKgQjbNRf7
"Huh? Wash myself?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2uwf0UCmV
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iyUP1tDdT
"Yes. Like we did."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbf0KCo6HK
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIVzOgavq9
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dywwWrf0P
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE07QQE4x7
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOPo5bxdXx
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdIW9xpCjD
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKlizKJVV2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN3s8jO2Cr
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fvSMBYNaS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPRfBNhmQc
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRneywkvS2s
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngVGYoxfBy
"Buffalo Village."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe6Oyx5ALY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5J1kg41zO
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcWgDrQGxt
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlNFgOqNMy
"Really? I didn't know that."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO71OBxU4M
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygwzluxIco
Kim looked like she was smiling.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknsUPp6lCo
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen7w5zs9Ck
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySOzMjB1P5
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IsBrf1Xck
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQvxMIByPE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETDzkBTBHg
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bUgC3pK2M
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ETWNs9YB
"Fine, fine."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkEDjiIhjI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmqhlG5Kfs
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSFsR3PCdu
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HGU85jpzP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sWZjeZHXA
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8wIPInXA6
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVfWP6q27x
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZxvwXxKZe
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDHgG5cJGc
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm8I0DwEKI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54pE7l8yu9
–
–
–
"...Mmm."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxVoQB0EHJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz7cg5c8Al
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiHchpcJTC
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvZQnuBWi2
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18mN2IKf3P
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfx6FJcF1t
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4fv32QYos
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoxvLpfnNd
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSICYlkf1E
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuiq6AIn7s
"Wow, you're hard at work."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9N7uUcN4Q
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PRN1Mls2E
"Ah!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXelCkJMdt
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJWxAJT8b0
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5JtMqyPXc
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3F9GECWhM
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF9DeQrHoz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nG1IRoVFP
"I don't think so... what time is it?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMbcDQWNmi
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj6tAjyXz9
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfEOiTN05H
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZJ3y3zYKe
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjqYAP6eKG
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBV4vfqfdz
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmn1XstSLt
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQdYqIgTel
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkPUAClyMI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhejAvQYarw
I did regret sitting beside her, though.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqNu4nC4bX
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuZSsGP1AF
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7XNfHyvwV
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKiMnPwnFZ
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ583dzPOYZf
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjHrvHzYNZ
Flinty looked at me with excitement.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizJs1JWhv3
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabnqrPkjAG
"A goal?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsHQSZVI7w
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVnJoPOiXw
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv8fC3TBoW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0fAxBRqOW
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTeYLmv0oT
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGShP3bIIgc
"Okay, I'll do my best!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcT5XHDX6Y
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlElfv6cJHN
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7CkCULfgs
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnm6V0SpGq
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9s0GHrDY4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvnDkhtzn8
"Good morning, Linda!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxADGW0lzK
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbx9M5a26B
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PdFzDeqfg
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXsfXDyooM
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZtvtHUiJ5
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtrczHjb0v
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcFhvdMSzk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivRBsi7wIo
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcZxq1MZZz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qUVwqrELL
Friday? Today is Friday?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4xtaV5ERK
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCRy15DHDF
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHDwHRRubr
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtVNJNv8WV
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sxIS0gWjW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9wzNfQzGa
She looked at me curiously before answering.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMt2mzgYdv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxY8wUXlNU
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56GiwxV8NU
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MItGuSX95
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL6DYYtObg
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL4GLRz0Is
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJKiEjmIYX
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrWhb6xibP
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1eyz2wlVD
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtP1PWYlpS
"To whom? Those at your home village?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLvryohZnz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbp3GMZ7y8
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0GYfawI59
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8EAMlaHYz
She lightly smiled.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryRppvRWqM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNMx14Wi3U
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvzcoMfGkz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtOOA5D7ep
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJkpzD1mVb
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM09HQttkt
She shook her head from side to side.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q0QV2s1h6
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApJOiK5nec
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW2vcPzBoG
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLScsBtazCn
"So you decided on living here?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fRWNlY1Pz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx872nf6tS
She nodded.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOBdZiMrnS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAWMDqSasx
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXKcndjqyS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewcC1mBoiM
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE5UT2mJIN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZCPmLqB9I
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hfw9xHEzZ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS40UQlRrr
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaxEwJd1Zw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGb28dWoCm
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9j5c2tXKm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLML8NYX30
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZKhWVMkzN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6VNwQDOFT
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyelPCnKJYJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQVHUSUQIh
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU0rOVkAQQ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm951nauYH
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAywr4PN5z
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pXkhZyhTg
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ775RDuoGdS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T6oqKQAMl
"Hey, Victoria?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnX2YVv0y1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t6xq62cz4
"Yes?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiNBNDxffw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4GymjJHbv
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmWfvtVOSv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs9SBE9bzS
"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!"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnXYhJ8M4o
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5L5II7PI6
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCexdbzhtJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07nHMyXz2S
"Kim, are you good?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYtDAIQhoa
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm1lGkAIfK
Kim just finished packing her bag.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQwrWuyqbm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ypwMpqbAC
"Yes. Let's get going."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5m9LlL7Z4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTjq8kTzWo
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWL74vtNxF
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxk0w7ONfo
–
–
–
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8gPkOP3NT
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyAMmLkKUx
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXx5TTddE7
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6FGYZ1q1b
...She did do that, right?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfpzjYm524
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVY1jIWdfT
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VPoshWdhk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtt8wZK7Ay
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh6VsBKUNP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpcujyCPUo
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5djEAlxae
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLGCw8aRl5
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlrD4VhaxD
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvAZxnMsik
"Hmm?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdXAf7NEnn
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk0VcNryNZ
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ20IkhGhb
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFg0rvS4sK
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1RLrHBbE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmf0tSX8UJ
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvw8H4bREJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp5KODTQQF
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqM3XtqtLI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nPN2a5fqc
"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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3rOLHI0b3
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbJIeQC0c6
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLgUos6F2U
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHts5wEONTJ
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KncZ5iQCj
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLuPeZGYzU
"R-Right."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFXmC4CBwR
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dYqlwWWq2
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9mURaelTC
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAepJM9wkC
"Any objections?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jyhdm6rEw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGSisp29WW
None of us voiced any.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cWfRzGhVs
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOCwjLxTKV
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2MnG9012o
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1ouVmHZw6
"Of course."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX2hzFNdFy
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ycll8YE3
Victoria turned and faced the forest. She ventured in, and the three of us followed.
–
–
–
The woods were a lot gloomier than the ones– or rather, the sole one I was used to.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3qvgDC3wL
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOhms6RMbS
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9FTcS26H0
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c5Iwl9oa9
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB4IKMN73j
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzAWAcATvh
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3AsiQ6yQz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOepC5qrSt
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPpkEMzqYP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvn0pUUcsy
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZqQeqmpv5
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK9i48Aibv
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKf2Xw0LYa
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtLbw480ql
"Hold on, stop here."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSVhBLoBqu
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hZiX8pra0
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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA7YirO2Tv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe0jBjwpCm
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNtFPmZtVc
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzovbfSwLyM
"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHwlxD8sdp
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnLIzt1Fxk
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4QDFOBBhc
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI7fs1bwAQ
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"Does it look safe?" I asked.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vOglovLVm
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"Well, we won't know until we check them all."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvYC1tPEFm
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5WY9FsJDw
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscAa4odySg
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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?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml5f9isgId
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlquuO2W8xL
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"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzG0cieQrl
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp0Y2esNlN
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"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgXb9fmXn4
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"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBD01NR7Sg
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc45h5vj8Wh
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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?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv5GvSZ0ax
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"Heh, well..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw0DyfpuJc
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLlY47RiJL
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"What's the hold-up?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4xmXKo12q
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"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlBps9sqAZ
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She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCcOLjL9Tg
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMFs2EAk5j
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewQSVYmMtT
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"So, what about you?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbSB4L9w6L
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"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubXhs2tREP
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXXSY5oSpN
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGtdzReQs9
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"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLn5hKcxaK
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zyLU5UvDq
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"I can see now why– oop."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZNmt8Jyl9
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjbekc39Ee
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKUBqh4pkG
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All of a sudden, a voice.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K8k88CSiN
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"Something... I feel like something was here."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCE2Flf1fD
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaRYXrqTcA
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AyuzlL5aX
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"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W9w2r2qv7
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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.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqymKGPWkz
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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."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDZg2lphOm
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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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