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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9xepWVuxZ
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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?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sG4WmON3s
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTo6s2uY90
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CrjljBhF2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P7LBMgm7f
"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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuWxLcw5vk
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzrUYqJlyf
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOKBXLE3eK
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Flinty shrugged.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5iEy6W0Vm
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WSDlbCYcf
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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...180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZKLbevONw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oBFVgGkwE
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOSV1IYG9W
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"Why don't we ask them?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8mZKCSPnO
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"Not a bad idea."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvh1Jj74Ng
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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?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fgFaYxA5W
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hoLpRetHG
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH94Be5aBZ
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"Wow, is this a farm?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFlSQU85qL
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLMHMLkSPr
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD7l7OGtRt
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72y5jv8Gxw
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gfSYtjr3s
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"Uh, Flinty?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61ovB50oiN
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMTUeeFq00
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"Kenny!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP1uVoB0gq
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps790lwyMi
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2keGV667W
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxKwsJl4aV
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5luYWDvkl
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOQL8HcuFm
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"Okay."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDblmjD3Ok
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk5bQQIlrz
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ10cZoFjY
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre7Ilqpfof
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YdCqh0bEm
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWFcKnCxvF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWnkqT76Yu
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG2CXtQG61
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"Vikky!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqH1jmJe7I
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTVsHRkg21
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFtAEsYkEI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdGBB5eqg3
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w0to4ai1Z
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgo0fqmUh5
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0IdAAxxwK
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She looked strangely amused.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos1ONKziQT
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"Full name? Alright."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg8e2uB0f8
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJHS414npS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEVjk7lOMu
"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?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QKAlke8RH
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"Yes."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ251RKZ58hh
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"Then let's get along."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dREKnST9O
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHb2Rwgu1h
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItVZYepbH4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jWW29sb4N
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMVPZbTYbl
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3fMlaTIeS
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh5Ty8WNvQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MoLemIMpL
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCSen33AoH
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB5OitCEJZ
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqbO5Mj3o5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57HQoSVfMb
"What, why?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRcNKrjUfO
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwA45CVTlI
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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..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtNuliJvgn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06DODKgGtz
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBp6nXQIHd
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnelH9OEPw7
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WJ01nDH83
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9v9z1tjQS
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1YrcOfEwP
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXuwXdKvbu
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe3RDiuagm
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4l2EZ46ET
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GQxjtYxMH
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ6jsNpg3q
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I made a grumpy face.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiJsT1zHwL
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3r25bOe6U
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mP0NRiBNT
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm3NPI4zph
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlcAP7yJwI
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz81GSVtUb
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It's worth a try if nothing else.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLClVhOPPm
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6DfSY7miN
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImGlq4Dd0M
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAIrJxhQpW
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxUJfQPz2m
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"Yes."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm1l0jKtoP
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"Can I see the crops?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMUiWnw8hH
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"Uh, you can."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zhdNtQW9w
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYSzUF21Sx
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7673TNRDE4
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UxBgVfhdz
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtc8R7T8tL
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"W-What the hell is that!?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijerwgTMyG
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseLsOKt4qb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L6spAVkM1
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7QJsiE3Vq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yHFt2A1CU
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliitzf3mGd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kC8F8twyy
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.
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnUjyTCgb7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TMD4k103M
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6eLw6MZn0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD0McvXpeX
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBapT5ZgOFF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbKvCG8fiu
"What are you doing?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f440MljEC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUZHnNqGt6
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBIiRE8lRU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkfWiYCqbb
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBweMSAQDml
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5bE7JOgYx
"You're an angel."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YbMHJbo8T
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKoZ6PIS7p
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoktd1HPeP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhQVHfxiY6
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oUUF0w2Xf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL42oycrWex
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x5RJHCjY6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXckzGAC5D
There were very strange people in this city.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl42gRhl2On
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ2J94MdRx
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g5Qtdl0J5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIzwc3wPmF
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDXawndbIQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mT3tKxXWP
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqnzebYs89
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZD5kfoeJ5
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU4LRhkY0S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rSm9u0qe9
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTmLFlJFYI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiBD5BvYWp
"Really?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGsD0YtX93
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MQUZWivFz
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMY64l1II7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs9lKMsTVU
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxLGl4oxLN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTQDP7WDxX
"Yes! Let's do it!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yYG32lwGd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87p43DTkMn
"Fine by me."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmv2MW2MvO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTf8mwjiWd
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wv2E8HZ13
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLMSAlPedS
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihQ4a1ff4h
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vL8hCGPVD
"Is something wrong?" I asked.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoRw6fQTxq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZxWJuiVq9
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg3Yae45ti
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIUA1yTtyi
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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5otHBBADE1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVslkelqIZ
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6FkvTAsQz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAgyrzQkmq
"Is that so?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB0ttenaVt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVegdM0soij
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigPrSMetLl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tmXJlOyAT
"Please, enter right here."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OGkR3dDkZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG485ODZRM
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRHB9gbgVg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovZOvzcrKC
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FhCbGELU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM38RN4sg1
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlZJy1oakF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpojpOQK2z
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeM14ciKpt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA38J00WHm
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1zmdnhuwW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCudcIKzOEd
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF6jL3Hsaf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWC5qI4XhT
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwpR24iDUR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DElccXD8M
"R-Right."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytwUiUE1F1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUb0EXTtBu
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJuczKcQaJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrZHyILJ2b
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ji6DMnNfu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe93KyxTS8
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpoAn4yVKj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw5PAqOzoA
I nodded.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjB4Dm27mq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGpLoMad2c
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpEqo7nHK4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTamWcGdqIx
I raised my hand.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN06aFIwRp4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A9oWfPjNK
"Yes, Kenny?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMLIQoWjh2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT7y7K2Yg7
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIIxTkMAY4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT66zb6gwR
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTjJuTA0oc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifNKhrfhO2
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OtwOuNg7M
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yBYg2Doxm
"Allowed to brew?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAXOTZCLPB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D0YPoqXds
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwieDKS1ceJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHw26K9Swy
"I see."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Vtk3NmV7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUqO1vWygr
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSJJmwfhIW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPqiouVT0C
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGRllLZd5x
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbwKhs294F
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTt2jO8u0t
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZZe80Hyan
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1XdIepcJ7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfixJgVg6M
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaejZEkqca0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylU3t3FZI3
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhNBPu95u2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEewh0i4d2v
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRcyQJyK1v
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKGnmZPt1m
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEelgXdjhs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCpc6Syjz6
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY87EKQLlS6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlppWukmKDJ
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHTj6xUW7V
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYujD9qvHU
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOlCB0DLQ2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlClGtmh9pM
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9aHh7RiRd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmI7L9ZZaR
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dIlTD2CkK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHpVmMT7NJ
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkI4cPhU0p
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL78aRs3Wi
"...Wow, this plan sucks."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJh7fxs6Vo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgepsFmZEI
"Kenny!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruNnIs9kjv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWgyMsy86Z
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSI87vaqAg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO929GMvIL
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaRmP3mdMU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtn0BfA3Md
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5wHADI94c
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjPtFWip6c
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrk47VvKW4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOE5mFOwNq
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkTuDNMgK2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1mdi8mEPy
I nodded, but something was bothering me.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyZWTVnt4h
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqbGS5gS2G
"Will the people really all come together?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Vfcrwbee
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoFeAW7FPp
Linda stepped in.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfk2Ql1909
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbW9Yikv0I
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkX63svQHv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54uMTqtJZN
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg2CpK8CNl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawIXkFzBW8
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zDI1qudHt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ld4c1Lry
"Mhm!"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBvC8NjCOy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GdFSSwNgd
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZCOJoislD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZVoFvFpOM
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OpxMQkeJs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MB6hz5zBW
–
–
–
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2HjAUUNTq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hWD0fT8OD
I was having second thoughts.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtAxKd1Xa2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbqoR1S3Zw
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmi924ytcG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk11Xd5q2Z
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?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxOOox6mgY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRPhuYmpis
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUAduxwzww
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevzCFlzztX
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwLfHgB2zN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESMmZSNzgM
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeK6tSIPYP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUHHp1SaZb
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuEey8Pf52
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfBfYwOUg2
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLaPoqXK20
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDPUPyuhdh
Phew.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobr8n7Lb1L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShaE88DCb9
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4TauJdNsl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxVE2UC9kF
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7n5ERSlR7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamPdtPRDwC
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5oIviSrTT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZjOatUpxt
"Huh?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWJ3hq9CAE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4j9B3FiFz
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzXts3nE9H
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzYRqayDMt
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5c2zJkFJJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvsCKgYaEd
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0x1FwbKs5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MJZxXSWPJ
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC3J6auNo5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7PcKq2SJm
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPECjYKr67
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlz2WOioo3
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHfSpSmbOt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYB6AFO1FB
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqwyVa9Fve
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF9rwPuBO2
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkrOuYUUWr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay8dE9ySDY
She looked suspicious of it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjE3C6DKQJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6yBaO6udL
"How do I know it's safe?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5itYP9Xtc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6Hsla2rwT
"I can drink it right now and prove it."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSbNpLdMeR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwC7dhla53
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB4a1hUVk7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRp7X9sBeH
"Fine. I'll try it."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxE4Lk3TB1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO0HFW3Blp
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbqdwjS2gj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H8Axg6daM
"...Okay, fine. It's good."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh6aYKcrnA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB1Jsg74X7
Yes!180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HSi8Div35
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPInkBnzQcb
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFYF4S2zS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm9rSnFiAI
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwC57ZIbqD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGgfWYMSi2
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZHMq0yrUX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu2KZzNjMx
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNu7FPjpV4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1bfQHfhO4
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnER3F87FD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8B4bKTm9u
"What are you doing?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4G3eypTLC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnRu9t5pgM
"Passing the time."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuveCO4NT2k
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHMNjGbIFy
"By making fun of my face?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEHmmYL6uD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPal7cGHAZJ
"I'm not making fun of you."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEurRqIskLq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPDu1d9jhV
She laughed a little.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt4CMmpgv3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Onr1kk8L8
"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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBsCc9VzIE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskdsSp0Ub6
"Of course."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1k5BwS45X
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRT8VClpim
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0PwvT5lQs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhuC3KNt8C
"How'd you two meet?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9PUAqpcS4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMoZpT2Xq
"..."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iSC9XqVQc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqgOa5IrHn
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.
