Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJmlz44uCr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMcmrZCyus
"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YZGn0vItt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQljQ3TM5C
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BQSy79GSz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW77jc34k5v
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdCpJmgyj3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeF4ZehBCz
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRy5LdEJja
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiRIR7x0MT
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cTP54nV64
Flinty shrugged.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6amD8UMwL3
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasMk4xpioL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRg3HDTzNz
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoBzpAEwtI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wrKu1VoK6
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtklbFcfSp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP8LyDTj11
"Why don't we ask them?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSNMfKS7RP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeT6YHDcm
"Not a bad idea."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynfUsGXkx3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMoapvNVlU
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboRZGklRLP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBziUiN9kgc
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfTRDCUENI
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"Wow, is this a farm?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6qP8RIHdc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3SDBzsFYT
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKD6UVBhP3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQFGf8Qy4a
All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ368spbpSaD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBgSnzOouD
As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WfatPwMFR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi5TXKrm4E
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZtJS5woFh
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"Uh, Flinty?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp8xVvVxON
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6fWCKcR55
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEamgZWqPEj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaspMw8sn6
"Kenny!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnzsw4fIqJ
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1GvHo1phX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuqlqzRU3n
"That dog's name is Kenny?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73dIRZ6vvG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP2F37KiMN
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kAEC5HLzE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zgDKJTdeR
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnu1T9owVF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80C1oInb4C
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52wGEg5gU1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjZObrnZET
"Okay."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2AZV7HrP0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahJS95nfK1
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYL6apaMU4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD8W1OwUUH
"H-Hey, that tickles..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcW5OEj36p
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjvJ1xlLhd
Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Se2ys7kx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXAnrrxFIt
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUA23OiGXL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEBiBYzT7t
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ReF4b3wjg
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf0vB7MxgI
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwBEkn9nSi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmh6y32Z0H
"Vikky!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDdAS7CAyF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPpG3u1DYz
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHzGh6xR8x
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhyr425nLx
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbf4efc0RJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwejzxwcSt
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6Y4JwW1rh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3KLfeyAz0
She looked strangely amused.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tbsRMGAhc
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"Full name? Alright."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6r0sWJ8K4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TAHQIgvoG
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwql2TRnix6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVj5I5DIko
"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGeXIW2wDw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWlLMh2Miu
"Yes."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FA3uwEOLR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAfiQG9cSD
"Then let's get along."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv8Mg6KHza
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73x7bI9ZCw
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmiwJRkgGP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ARXC6fYZv
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw4aLBrPGu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjcW28PlYn
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXw0kPdiAy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEizRbq1C2z
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVj3CsWmne
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3OB71aRDd
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMFANyX7sO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD0Qc3ZXpc
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX0HfxzfMQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX3q5erKAb
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VKcOgN61x
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"What, why?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFA9WIPsNO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo8JOMWdhd
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAzFOJWDVR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNVKNPDM3r
"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkExiGAPl90
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lPvGN4WUr
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGksCsAEXch
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHJGuqTLGs
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDWn4t9tFu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KDtPn2kcW
So that was what the lady from before was doing.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMrZfKAGXw
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8WdL62RBz
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj64JaGs5J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl1dQvxBDB
The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfWbBjInrG
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIsJAwyrVj
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMmK5xxsKX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuDRzdLBM4
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tIsN4J2pJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MMKqcDAT1
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe8ebmS9pk
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I made a grumpy face.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZqdbf9u6e
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDRTcvGEBz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WSsrYSAQU
That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd23yCesBQ
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyRPoRtE9m
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmGax236sW
Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQzQL16WnL
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i7UMhqD58
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It's worth a try if nothing else.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUGnHzfDN2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Ipz1qJhR
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iXSYOTUKY
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvdDjE28Hz
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJlgI2TSWN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTrbVU36L6
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I9dDMIqtt
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"Yes."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWMcRzQwsV
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"Can I see the crops?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ogvaw6FCJ
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"Uh, you can."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNTNkO84ts
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsonir4i2oC
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaYtOVNO9X
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTEk0wgNQs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FQnEQMDH6
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZD7X5IxcQ
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HhVONC5Pc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo0lBi0EHI
"W-What the hell is that!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGU6ZuJxW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fLb5vhbwv
"It's Kenny's tendril!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrxL5CZdM0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gfGqWlWI2
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZwEAvNKvr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21ZDEd4E8D
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpf9M8craZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5MgI5hUTU
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTBsgtm27S
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMDd5tVcXy
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtwlTd2TGw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75Tc3H6DT0
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil8reXomz5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BwfJtfHqX
"What are you doing?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqrBcqvupC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKjsp0n9nL
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZOg7khChR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnR9kpSdwx
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoueVKOl1R
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnFL4MvHFN
"You're an angel."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMKllO6dSl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w6pCeFwgn
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qUxtsRMtV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqmRMsd2mV
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKLp2Tp2zI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hst4dIuzH
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zEcx47gal
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZSCwXuzn4
There were very strange people in this city.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjQS0eCSDQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DdRuas4sn
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs2wAbaHum
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnayXvxHtAm
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ncP0D79uF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRaZ7qEg9w
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ598rN6fcBM
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOsQLA9d1p
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Dx6mR1O1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUYrhRl8q
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sVc6Gxwep
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrwZLFEvjO
"Really?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0b8zoQsP1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbbxDQ2CNL
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVTawX2Ik9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX93xRsnJop
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQK2roVMzD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9Wl4tyPKy
"Yes! Let's do it!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpaztE3HwI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ngDkmFKyK
"Fine by me."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRp88gUvrS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtL9OaBYgp
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxei6s8N4A
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFpeiVZgrR
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGAvrf1FTO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGegNsnHQQ
"Is something wrong?" I asked.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KEE3T5JNT
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGMarv7eh3
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbmF6jxrVD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmjEuZ3DmA
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQy92JJwLO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcV9DVWq0T
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfWZ6R1bIa
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFMjCXohtu
"Is that so?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSxb4a0lYx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ea6PcJGkH
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qesfWVek5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI46XDZ1gz
"Please, enter right here."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1TuisJnNV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0BwLesIqH
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31qJjTLiEf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xpeKCxhSm
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj96BZZ4jZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITBdhfjWQz
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8wnVaB4cv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKFdXVPtP1
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJG8j0wo67
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mGYNZcJTH
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwOCqUbNfi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf86bLJnFn
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTquP4Rdmd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NAY1MhyeY
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt2C9gPWz2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LUOVJPSZ3
"R-Right."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapkLXXJKFc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRMbimVTcx
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL1sdTtalD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm461ieJwb
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzLu9Trq8S
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmkvyIAg3w
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKkN4TRHc1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q2M8RLU8B
I nodded.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qE715mZa6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T3tZO6Pvq
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtWI2KkI0H
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aQbwY4abY
I raised my hand.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWc1mbYb4a
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm41sfiebXW
"Yes, Kenny?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoUeaxwx8T
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMTzDprRgE
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43x5uRaH4J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Hw3dIGOc
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtz2EhKmgI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQreHIeHt4
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAzTVQr63e
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmszshvRr9G
"Allowed to brew?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTRHXZTt32
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5DdZuzTQb
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxajOwAieP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0xmxTfHaZ
"I see."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2xa9kw5uH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwSWXm4QRS
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnEmOIHxpE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRW6dEM7JQ
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRreo6AFku
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkcHyrGbHA
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpBXoeO68Z
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mMR9QhvkY
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13tF0AiK1O
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq9ke52BJN
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0WJ0c7O6U
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJjLPg4iPT
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2XxE9gSRC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfEpM1x6TE
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnGQasdv2w
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszFrQ5Ipp3
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW5obWmFKl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zIoNoTgLo
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFJWVPHSLt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZGH2ReQHh
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkVEz2z1wK
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJC0knqUo5
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSBWLbXnq3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwfNu5P4Ia
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPJeRwTqZt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWnl4KAxTg
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HI6z7Rbd3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysqa1ZXOOq
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHceC8ZSaic
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BRYbaSflI
"...Wow, this plan sucks."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1eASaQ82w
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWKVtNnQE5
"Kenny!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEeRw6ZdmB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXbx7NAPka
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fApEmRB9S
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH3ie0IgJc
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERjAWfuDis
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhYVGeCzjD
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7phRclytk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tTOx82Gc9
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2fv3JUtkX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOHBXrW690
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyXpvf2XOO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWp11k1rnl
I nodded, but something was bothering me.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKRJ4uoKMj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nqEfnlekg
"Will the people really all come together?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg8ymwIlAM
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2arM26f8ck
Linda stepped in.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzscEMWkSUy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gxwtjodHO
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOUKrNk94j
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZUolIFyKl
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpbvGsJEjW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQEIhVwco5
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFurddmMFh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNqPIGxYRF
"Mhm!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS3Q6wGNQF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MQgqTapvd
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h5RZBpUsy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUrJHhSGf
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWpeEgmEY1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtv0N6deEe
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgxEZ7CVqW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc8zJd4wxJ
I was having second thoughts.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLhzNnNtvA
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoj5EykYeH
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKRdkr68RP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUf3m4Zxo7
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuJKQyURdf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1Z1B8cUgp
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SB1X0WcrN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXatwnp1hn2
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OWEvIHAGp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb0obQnD6G
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEvSXRutoI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoFZcMZ9Fq
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1teIYmkBU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yQUpA1JXX
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfWWpNizzs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6RU2UrmuC
Phew.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik6jhLXeDj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeMTkdGujF
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJYWE2OIlB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XcDHlNiP0
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbRpqKW62n
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIkCghANCn
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2EegIlqEH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1shcDoX1VR
"Huh?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bLEDFUJNE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZLWkV0azV
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxqFVvntLk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9l99Q9PzU
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQaNVR8qzD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4noeTzYZy3
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRtJrPv4Yt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1YlRc04s7
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzNA2pTcHJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFKjj6XySV
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4192YD47I
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4ekEHjmXf
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0COLow1Kdw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj204sPKuS
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwitXF2z46
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFeeMGGBQI
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivoqiYJLi9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dFEZhhUsr
She looked suspicious of it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14X4OYx92k
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4WmiULjXG
"How do I know it's safe?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTlWsxqANt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwUBSR0xlp
"I can drink it right now and prove it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE81ojj3IgN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pkTrqIbCB
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwuGnoOaYs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9wxpEBWjf
"Fine. I'll try it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgca0LdZQAz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW95Otl6KLl
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQx3Ud55uG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCatEB5QYn
"...Okay, fine. It's good."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaL8RjMkwd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4uimr7DyE
Yes!164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFH0vSClMy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvzjYDWxde
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0mxmYTq52
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZlbwpLHdM
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iEdd4eQTy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtOuEJZidT
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO39ojcU7K
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S3E9gQkck
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C1QS1jaBd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WbEXiEBpi
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf22uT7TPsS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zMcv5fNQZ
"What are you doing?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUDERlVSc1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay1dTbSwrc
"Passing the time."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUJYMUKQ8W
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVywy2g435M
"By making fun of my face?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRkty48ZR6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgJXTleQse
"I'm not making fun of you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRBa0DYHfh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjSP2pIpjy
She laughed a little.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjchOnYcYza
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBF13v60mQ
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIorQtQ8lTR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD8GEC2sKj
"Of course."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS0iVuCSdw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8M5XTzd98
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbqulszuZv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL1bR3iiuL
"How'd you two meet?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRoJTP74l5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhsznKqRN
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOat4R8wIa
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC70JlJIDur
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
