I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPOg6DFceL
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYH8MS64pO
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbz3jLBFY0
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFJ16URdaw
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"Something about this is fishy."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvilwOLg6Fe
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUrXaSRq9W
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgXiAHckjv
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfW7MggvU4
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9dW3un837
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuD0eYu7nF
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mTcA0ygkj
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPink8XHOu3
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And then.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AleRKwaOK
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**SMASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvi4G4VjQI
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyIaC94iNa
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0S2BTyRWj
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPBg7fdjwR
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"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwCoLGnPnx
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA65YN8GGy
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWhXYvQ2mH
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"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtDv7qvbpb
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49aUOATmf3
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIjVvf1MXa
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q1zJQKcXS
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtUF3jU6L0
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhARgAQaRPj
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTU0CyNMue
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcdDLe9xfu
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLSAtFxsnt
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBlFHStGJ4
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl4Xqcoiga
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAzW9YugCD
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"Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55phOmma75
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u5yNM9BlJ
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"What is it?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0m6MxKCIg
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqsVNuYzTW
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDJXITB3eI
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx0cNnoaYM
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eMjOqb7Vh
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnlAQznhdn
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQIYX10Fk7
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl1BeBOqrm
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0GdnSnIEE
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFelnIqCCFR
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"W-What?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDL2dqq8w8
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"Are you crazy!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu7lSDBGYn
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWOYSTHNdn
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeuhq3Ldjl
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3BkQAm9DQ
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrVKhUMXKl
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YrY1CdXnV
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bHwHArhn2
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tEmlCE3xs
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxietRfuZh
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJjwIfpMOH
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBojBNLaZx
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I tilted my head in confusion.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHDrzoqdK8
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehj2ajHZDI
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqGoAHksMg
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3SuoE52x0
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0G3Saef67
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"Of course I do!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCo4KQZ5uj
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaCwIPGv2A
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpbS1yFePg
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5PwXKVJ8P
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGaw1hUppv
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZMSrxsmX4
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDCOUjQnKD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uRqbECdcK
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUg6hkHuW7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjryxbqcWE
"Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzx1pv1Eiv
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I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7MzU9VIcG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNIyKg4haW
"Flinty? Are you serious?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygaIKlXzuV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVZZOhXXzD
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuh5jMTCCj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxnkIMGdDt
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOjW77zgPv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1un29nPlFe
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLapPuV1aR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDDOYrTSx
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwplKUWKEC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0tdbbc5ty
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo8ajKfnnA
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlG9E8FidR
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMQZIB1sOO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBOIBq6mpH
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mOx0FLDz5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8VftCpRSp
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxQmnUcW0v
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr3nsenD2W
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElhGCkoh0n
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3DO5XJ3Sy
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQy1d3DjJI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNPsT1Z2Y9
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuY3HEc0e1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75KbRD2PIP
"...With money?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9avOIwX1Ew
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w95eakXej
"With money."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm1GFAqluG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrz6gXvY1B
"...I can't say no to money."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzUqBlPfUl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqLtbjYLDW
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rQZlJz8SU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8t1DTExhN
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtIRUFWIBu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJRk4jdJy4
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh3o6jF783
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzqd58vv1s
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrZT01qRdn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLatvObef4x
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLg2bul9z5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWh0BD8hnT
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWDwJIH11A
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0f9Bz117e
"Let's do our best okay?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFgty9XRr0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK9eUSB9Re
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYWP7efX7t
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I still had one more concern.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3pQfuny5i
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEWPdYiCP0
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFT1dzWkgU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdrjkaZqcB
She averted her gaze.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIYqp4bE8d
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa48VTmqLjQ
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvhvcqP9Bb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysDsARjRDc
"I see."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTB6v4B7PN
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I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ObYebFPeM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnjKrarL5y
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMfrtKWrSF
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"Uh..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fus3plVga
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6giH2OjZnU
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"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElWizN56Ud
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrdc5clzhD
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqmeJUGhQq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzSTXd4N4K
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntGgnD1Kus
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rFuid5Tzr
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutXAybGqBa
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88zCA9TflV
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD3rELJjdl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47XNTOBAYB
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG5CqLCb7P
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–
–
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvsPAoe9RK
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Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjRbP7d37J
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"How does it look like?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytosULR5tD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWvH4qCWA9
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsBBEVGxPj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVtC1OR1Py
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlWYkuWkAz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefqH8PeYcz
"We're ready."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD6nfWMPMM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QX5Y1JFgZ
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bRAjodxsZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCQEZyLhCd
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1WOTmsuR0
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVew36W0MQQ
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV03dHoslJL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2AgdUD0i6
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNpI0uKJwJ
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"Then what do you propose I do!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnWIISs93C
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48hyR0Gucj
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLp9DaG8IZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsl4ZkgDnE
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDN8518fll
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvjFxPfBEt
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhHlChn7po
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN2m6KBwDc
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMt46P63Bu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsgLpc7AuZ
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAcdIciEFM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcovVRftdn
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByvcDgxlYh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CiQb7WDlY
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn7wYdFkRR
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"Ng, come on. I know you know better."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhunO8h1sL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTJHymnc5I
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHS7DEMT9F
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMfbchSiKA
"Y-Yeah. I know."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjZNT6Q3PI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaOts0Xjvw
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJem0qkYE9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9O0AwWvTI
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtqWZCoM84
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14R1PzMYRj
**SHATTER**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EKKJJhnLo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMnofcx4eH
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTWDSMPK0R
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0iNLn3qR5
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp0eo1Dx9U
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBVmLyEfBL
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq7auplufF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UKphzMBOD
"Now!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzQSrxRDa4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdS0XEmqKa
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr33NwdoeIv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6Opx7k2pO
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK8BXgDoI1
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"What are you waiting for?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtWbssMA49
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgD8ePZoau
"I still don't trust Ng."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiKvRmduHL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vEGU3xRtv
"Fine, then go after him!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJGis9nm0s
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtBuey2hVU
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyxbXnqWmM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSNFyFp1Bf
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kVz8CpKiH
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"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD5U0ZogpX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T4Umiawat
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgj0TmdpWT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNWfBvpRsC
"Are you seriously crying?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzmPTBxVCj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARfo7lJ98c
"Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoODpx8WbC
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He tilted his head up to me.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUKHRkLl9o
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"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyqV346JNo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtq9tumBHk
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnReqD9asJJ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNudvRadaFE
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2vXwR3BpO
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"You, are you really on our side?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlXVmnYCy4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieKHCUqRJg
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1qqmgvl5X
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOezAYoRjr
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DhBNZvhAx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNvk0V4grV
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d7CiQmonq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWHrA6sI1f
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev0LajmfaK
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKx2Zn5GdO
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TbRSJ3Sye
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9DH1TerPx
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKDWVzfeYe
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ82bM1fGb
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77771t130O
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5gb05zcRO
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S68Pbo5ZM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Le2CT9ypM
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnwRScATw9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yhbQTlgvG
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjwD4J70al
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP4ryZFS98
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHeWfou8DP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8XsfshT3y
And then, suddenly–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tn8RvRLkD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3KH6GPTHj
**SMASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVZMIvovji
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppVNDTiklH
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hqOTR40XL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8QSvPnt8a
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhtXIb0hnC
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"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5aA8kopAy
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Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD1JrJh1Ke
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"H-Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyBfRZxWV6
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaAdSOtTFZ
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYrwfFV7lZ
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We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFysvFfPkXN
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I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaEoV7e5GX
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkR6t0m04J
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyLtERThE2
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"Like what!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oXfbOtIKy
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"They died last night!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBPucDuGhJ
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyeBjElC4u
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Wait, escape route, of course!231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3MM8mGUMD
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I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrxcgbhn2J
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"...Did I do it?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEvXwTvV0T
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Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUPBFg6a7u
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"H-Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuDIoN4036
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She offered me her healing potion.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgcrxRDAy7
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"Here. For your foot."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuyGVbhG1j
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"A-Ah, thank you."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVBdXMbmTo
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI5tyJt2Lp
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"Haaa, ugh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx2oDzBh9w
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I stood up with help from Victoria.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUaVIxRJuY
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7t8pZVsfC
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgVfYZkugL
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcuIM5gPkh
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EQ54DTiEo
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"Don't let your guard down yet."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m7WNIjlrM
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkPNfGPtdy
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"Crap. Crap!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJiJyEnHLK
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The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRJyw8ShHS
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I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXw88YLZss
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW3sBw3nEa
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB26YMdqw2R
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6SIVIYJ9W
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc3WfiSfKm
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFRye05mIh
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv3aCGJizY
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88utZobRYh
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"If you can, support Kim!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdjRs8Hu2X
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYQUuAIr57
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"W-Woah..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTLyyRdlyZ
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtYEJGkk2f
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"KIM!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiACGzrNDSH
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"Right!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUip1JtZAh
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPV9VGa1h8
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And so, I released the spear.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPiFytKgkO
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**SMASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9neVMOG0Ho
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlBfkf6Hld
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOryHTppstN
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH2aGHsH0N
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVmVnRefeb
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1yOt1ZHbS
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAxjimC7CW
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"No, what you just did was incredible."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOyRX86rdn
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LGLApywnr
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U8Abp4JZx
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6koF9qGnk
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLu7y0VqbW
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"Unfortunately."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnqK8SWChN
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyRglIz8yY
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"Kim!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7FHSD7Uz6
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz1tt1iUDB
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The tendril was bleeding purple.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT49MwI5IT
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5iw6FNGyW
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**SMASH**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCXwj0aS9d
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T9yK5E1dI
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMHOICjzKq
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjphBQnR5x6
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLxsmW31l5
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD1RKnkBxE
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWaid21Uzk
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp9r86dcXY
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"...Ngh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ3DI5uAHY
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKmEI3vHc5
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnEAMR3Lwu
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I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98UbhmKjLr
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7HyYtyl8C
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHNJVLQwyV
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I felt like I was going to die.
