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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTqhNvLsEi
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"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?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXHEciDqYL
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQYoILHJVm
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"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU6aeOoodV
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24ekFXT16t
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW7buzGZIE
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Flinty shrugged.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYZ3F5wAVK
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiouz24GI4
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrLoueLkDJ
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M4zXobTDp
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"Why don't we ask them?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfYi8dRgnj
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"Not a bad idea."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeAUWLG8mr
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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?204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsDFPiwCed
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTZQkLd38z
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"Wow, is this a farm?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrighPmi6K
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU7wLXdOju
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7WzyoEJee
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8s58bs3hF
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZHy18bwnP
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"Uh, Flinty?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1LGI4CF3J
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf56MYrBuTx
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"Kenny!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMbBvqW4cg
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr7l2bkXMR
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0wjim4f1B
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2RHvZm3oH
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquOU1xkdjn
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uy0hTJ25B
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"Okay."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTjcaAjjQM
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOSVnUf40D
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXvKhphuXm
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jw9feyT1R
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5fyjABaWy
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8bvkXZ3SQ
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PRq7cCTqx
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"Vikky!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn2ce8H2GB
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWj7jaIqFY
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb9T3fsxZV
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOcub7ALaq
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She looked strangely amused.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj7ACibRtg
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"Full name? Alright."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJcYLQXsjJ
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i0JSUt9iz
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"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?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpFXdWiW9f
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"Yes."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ4m9FXrtk
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"Then let's get along."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGRYGVxsUq
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo4UPEQfbP
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFZYpTDxyW
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTov1YzbX3
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW7SlsTI2y
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNW36NLDXn
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhLM1cHc1Y
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGobFLWApk
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKvS736jQk
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNrwJovERd
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"What, why?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOMhi8d87Y
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqCr1qcYw1
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"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..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3d3c5tt4t
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiRyMTQDV5
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"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AXErWFdHc
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFgZVkmsUK
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv78LlumCz
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YZVTHeT8X
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sTZkiU4s4
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxREpXYw1hD
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25UQHilGMx
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX1jOAfiAr
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBD83vD4Ne
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I made a grumpy face.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjomlZBZllH
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHv3Gq5tUk
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCZZw0kPDo
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1gCCMB1l8
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQcq09cwHE
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqO1K3FEmG
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It's worth a try if nothing else.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtnMq5jGDg
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhq6qWeQXG
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXpLS5FgUg
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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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jCbAUz5Xj
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZwU0FLhQI
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"Yes."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN8LbuwFk4
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"Can I see the crops?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9EVQikTnj
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"Uh, you can."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36f3f6kwkM
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65AsbsYdTF
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RjEB9CKfR
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FQEfQGVqz
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX6OClwt07
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"W-What the hell is that!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1CHOmXFym
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyp79Fk6qp
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeAS89f5at
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zfmefztx6
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZEynkHuIl
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJJUt1m5jq
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3WSkGVhx2
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.
"..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx2bGKaaD7
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskmFl1OANL
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cti8MX1mv
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcYPaPuYIh
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLixL8moGG1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO0h9GQNNH
"What are you doing?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrFMAYnEu5
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7JBcbg5NA
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NrgpEBWLG
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5XcinT3lx
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztaiAk95FX
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbds0f7DOR
"You're an angel."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7zPJyPr2N
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS9WkJat82
"..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oSiXfXvIc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQ4qMaGGI
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYseCPQEGn
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHGodEOfFw
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQXpkjIzr
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAr6jynlCW
There were very strange people in this city.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI6mQLFxG1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZUod0AVMd
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTsyk7Yx8j
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHiuOk288l
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLiXQhZJqx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡberAHIoI4u
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn5tzZZwmY
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1fNLZRkXC
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8QqPJx4f7
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hfiyqp72q
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpdMEyu0Sp
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbstamiIjl
"Really?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZzrj95IRD
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She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Pl35UpWlD
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZgKKoSdAi
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryyD7MoTnu
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz2sGik8kx
"Yes! Let's do it!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ5PCJ1fI5
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxeF03jxXS
"Fine by me."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBVhiNNhAh
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL3zibbjMP
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWSrEeNpMB
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ImkFhmWB
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhW9tH1DFe
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MIAQVMXma
"Is something wrong?" I asked.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ97BqnbXm
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNinBIIHzH
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSYD8LOvEZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH7h081fuK
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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXGOHiLj1c
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFs6ArdhiB
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D6eo6YP7N
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcidZVrohHP
"Is that so?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjovRac4HlO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACtUPUntD7
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35bvkCAT5X
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOSOA8zPxU
"Please, enter right here."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDJoFJ3jTg
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGMlFwY2Ij
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWsUJ4vuki
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaerLajASm
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgzGkadwOb
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVc08gydra
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJHHD3wnyH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH87ZIe7YjN
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf69hWzjKq
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81JLacKf2U
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2wkjPjHm8
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXjsQtpAJz
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6agh9w2Ad
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21XEaopyhg
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHH3x809jA
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPFtQdC71B
"R-Right."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqronvaNiWl
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtAP8tAHsQ
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodantRcOCQ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9j5Yhr6QR
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfXxwbyKxS
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrpRDe3Vi6
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuvx1Z564U
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKol8J0nkC
I nodded.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DxTUnOz2H
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f5GxgvcOn
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZw0MwJ5Ej
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkMVSmQTlz
I raised my hand.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJawyZ743j
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrwFiibptS
"Yes, Kenny?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8juqjLAbCQ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNhwpuRpSF
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIIuOUl6sI
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3DTtm3Kjs
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbFST7skX0
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Qoh0EgaW
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K7uc6DhBv
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC7iQ5z3kV
"Allowed to brew?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04PqWvc484
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7KYO62JtP
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO2yMY9TW9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXjXpVa3sF
"I see."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSet2LImlq
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9hGeiFoip
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–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5XvyP5YGO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFwbrPhc7E
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75ItXNJw7d
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJamcbjg6oU
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKmohqExYP
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqXK2q3hJZ
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA36EJtrJg3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcMWVVLw51
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F0syRAUu3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ654tEc6VWI
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ1sjLtxzJ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXlw2PhchJ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqxae2ZTRM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGp0QGDxZ9
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWsa37lgzO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhFp1Zwt00
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3pEovQSCx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqo5uKxQ8K
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzj0a6nE4k
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGkw2Sm1D4
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwVgGV8rbH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4nELHKZHZ
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLzVTs7ucK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfijTvZtrOp
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U01OUKATb
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAq36CXxX7
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSINL2mjXEL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LH9ztaEdg
"...Wow, this plan sucks."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcIzBp3i9h
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FvprBpBcR
"Kenny!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqzcYXvzjN
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMozQCaLuDY
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZagHToF15
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOlzxMWaMt
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaeaHkxpYZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIz3azmrT3
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcKFdNhDu6
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKIs1CjZt0
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCpzXBKFdN
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZPNyPwGhe
"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU3Zy9gcKl
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UusgzYoKH
I nodded, but something was bothering me.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfYg8moi1J
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"Will the people really all come together?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZOArQyQJx
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Linda stepped in.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPBjHKjOG1
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"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUVLv70zQr
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRM74VpFfo
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCITHj8jMSc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVp4EjpATv
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYaOIjyj7d
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEedDKtWAS
"Mhm!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlUjOmlSgp
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCEGX82Yy4
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2tGXEVzSe
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nAxeQrBpK
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yI1moQzbg
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9Ps9yW2PW
–
–
–
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXRj5kbwNT
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl5cbtBX4f
I was having second thoughts.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FHYdBEYye
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4pZ7B0oRw
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG9GXhtykt
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIqnfX1EjE
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?204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTvvPVB6GH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eGnju3bJg
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nY4pkc7WZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oVsL7SNaz
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSYCiZEDi6
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr8Xf8s4WA
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ5fMOV3EM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrHhZu9Ejd
"..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXlPnFPjja
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfhRt3gQWN
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vIYOilKur
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06abJ2EGND
Phew.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jhN6LJtvk
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWQJRrXD1I
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbDG2SArsv
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABAeK9HF5t
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQAGfXOpar
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lDtGZHBYI
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrchk47BYD
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JLOBd4H8L
"Huh?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYIdjmcRgi
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGpYSxK8iM
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvno5OtGCK3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUkr9Ozbsu
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48A94bPciv
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCQgTFelCB
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCWQwmkVee
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMSN1ujAHw
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpnaxWcN3n
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH8VHSkXl1
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzolZD4tYI
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonYNdJLR0q
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW8xLAr45G
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"W-What is that!?" She yelled.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73HpeurPQh
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"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRZJrWidHK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeuzQWI4TK
She looked suspicious of it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQIcH7wDXL
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"How do I know it's safe?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs2lsYtNXh
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgOI1cCXn3
"I can drink it right now and prove it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVIUFzStoP
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zrEzWE4MR
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5ehTu6pGO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm2KCbdJfW
"Fine. I'll try it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IR2Y22ONF
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUABVeeSk4Z
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf142TsIHbW
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"...Okay, fine. It's good."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4WMbmGiCc
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Yes!204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWrJfplMOj
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr09osRQPCX
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZWDlyuY5F
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"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEVD9px5Qw
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LXjMlvBhV
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyORYRT6fB0
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"Huh? You already had it, goofball."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoz3uUdryK
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNSofli9jn
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"What are you doing?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzGgh6OL9T
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"Passing the time."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXb8HNxfQn
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"By making fun of my face?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdASjT8Wkpo
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"I'm not making fun of you."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8zTkTO4qa
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She laughed a little.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5YJyy1QxP
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"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KPtdqojFS
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuv7PKNxBd
"Of course."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYnaUZrn3k
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeoZ91A8rr
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUv2BWoi7f
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiRlo4SNmz
"How'd you two meet?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETTRoiex6S
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"..."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZjzJUfmAG
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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.
