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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfY3zBckpo
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsfWxXx9wn
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdDAXqhvOR
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnihXmea6kJ
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"Something about this is fishy."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcAxrJRV5W
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXlCPyvDyA
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡketPFzX793
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvVWST30Xy
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNFO05RHDB
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5nxguhDLf
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL727wN6uD8
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGkbc4NBRY
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And then.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLNuZ4A2gp
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**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEdAbjDSQj
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyOGXN3IZN
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuxd9uYab7
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzkrj9RINB
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"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yyQ3ubrPo
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmhQHM4pDG
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40hw4iM7Lt
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"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lj0wz7xkf
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkht3YcKnRE
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55FPYZuEnU
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Bxgf3ktX
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7qnN8tgVQ
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU4gVV6rlV
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rih1Biqw3
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2SnLliWU7
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKo48eDQ8B
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpbMDm313v
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6seb7zgoW
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnmnenmWvO
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"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCeorfFW4a
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtyQGb3ToY
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"What is it?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWyIzkydMO
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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?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jPNukU7Dr
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvPKGtzv8b
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg8iFO7riD
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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..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtH4dCpp0BO
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3TYQhLLQn
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCt7YyhHLC
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu3HuibGQY
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdTY0SP4qY
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5p54HZAWF
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"W-What?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldtH2wP1ze
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"Are you crazy!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QH5U58uY0
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3rRhCwlP1
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwwQmadeYi
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwccWjGrP3
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko8BZ0OgyZ
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR1cs3e8d5
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ldewn61Ig
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq7FxkiQ73
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWwftZiguA
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6SqPVtxez
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HxRkB70pW
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I tilted my head in confusion.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe8MpkOZdO
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ah6UbRfAJ
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwd9kx4U02
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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!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRfsws9bnu
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd53NfSrWg
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"Of course I do!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG11GUl8ibG
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG56d2yH1X2
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSoHic5WMu
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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!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXAptBeQUN
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclnOcpnOih
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefGi1ZL0d5
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7vZkxA4rz
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxONgar2Z0
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"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV9cdMbAoX
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GlI5yZh49
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"Flinty? Are you serious?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rzcs4tC7B
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac3yvDOcg7
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She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnaf3ULTnJ
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z8utz4jzy
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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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSJW4VBOcP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfthKHzyCC
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFGMuc7gQw
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Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwVKL50zXD
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I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3JWMAv4s2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeNlHUgrV2
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlB7qFNNfN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1YSh1OFZS
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrpOI6koO7
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOgueIYrOM
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47uRtS3BjT
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2KoHXDVAg
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIYDfAo3lf
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUVGFczbRo
"...With money?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn4ab6jZxM
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhpXLw0qhu
"With money."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfrxy5xQgR
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Im7ayRoq
"...I can't say no to money."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8PUEZylYK
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For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUVvVLFcEa
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBYnuDVQH8
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wWBuPIlW8
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She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cfRyuRTzb
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"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLDQFApV09
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"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRLL4bLVrc
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Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5UARtpvUF
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"Let's do our best okay?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz6MFVo0I7
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"..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9ZlfV73At
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I still had one more concern.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1VaVfkt57
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"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBOtWk9Wfl
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She averted her gaze.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt99xGbOUOM
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"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3osceNzob1
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"I see."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJjBblAAlE
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvo3BzBAhB
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"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfUpK24VSp
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"Uh..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUXg2r7qfL
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Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZLdpeB4Er
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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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQ6H7n1MG
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She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF5A8ZrD5o
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47VdjvZDFi
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzUuovDg79
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FlDR8zytQ
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhYzsPhkqQ
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She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKtN7IWtNQ
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"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu10LmgFysR
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–
–
–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwlThBs5RJ
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFKVCxphD6
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"How does it look like?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4Zgx7dF11
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"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyMR0riMKN
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3elaklafPe
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFEXlP9sPh
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"We're ready."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pvUtOKnzM
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I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ESSdoFGA
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocWDLbnxqb
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIX3V2YblA
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIg2sJh1R7
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She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXPgXMLaTN
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"Then what do you propose I do!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhGqB8EEeD
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I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3annqCTTlq
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMWtFF5Iyr
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RkQ9CIcty
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeN3Z7YEvv
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSeMoLcqsE
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"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWjRQerfpY
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCwfUVTWm2
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They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco2afNG1vA
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zrmzklOWG
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ErLyPI8l
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"Ng, come on. I know you know better."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvUPB0JqhR
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL7tTuJoIw
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"Y-Yeah. I know."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrCCZYq6NY
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I7Gr3CUjA
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"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomhizA4GIl
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**SHATTER**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd3kgIe677
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I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtDzCeuzlR
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I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQPuaQOAM3
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Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56DTBEDr8X
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"Now!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacbbYqvkO6
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Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfXW2rBGJQ
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uq68VMLSo
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcRYlIArJ2
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"What are you waiting for?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N34q85Cem
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"I still don't trust Ng."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEXPrkosrC
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"Fine, then go after him!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rKdkIcIgc
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I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuJI9pDvMF
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHxICZ1gyu
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxM3SzDt9V
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"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iyXgsnDp2
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SV2lsUmOW
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2fs8OFTo2
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"Are you seriously crying?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gV1pZbWUt
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"Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYH0T5ThIU
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He tilted his head up to me.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxI68JQgH3
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"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfzPkujpIE
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"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vkiSXTpd6
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He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2Lk6ILrv2
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"You, are you really on our side?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmf94wO6vE
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡate78GR5hX
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ774wY9h6eP
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPjFW2C5rS
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQRmrTkzX
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"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXcSGdPVxe
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRULeTbYoxT
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"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVBDi8COYz
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1qnARTMf8
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE7doydas7
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe97uXL3Ot
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1JJjz5RVD
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSllblsAfb3
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBTOrN42PT
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ZnLRat38
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvaMcLYqzW
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUh1JBwJ9Y
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oO6K6lCzA
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmtfJEpaLt
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH2FLmNUon
And then, suddenly–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnu4wOJ1Bd
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**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrnDAoecgY
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDpG3ArWiw
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp4Ku1t0vu
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTAJdoOLg5
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"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvtYVNzQoG
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteCuNmGfv7
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"H-Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIRFsl8xh4
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqk7OvOIDH
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlOd8UotRm
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPodXANDpy
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX6QzsNW7P
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QGvHJ8Pzq
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsJp2ARa0H
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"Like what!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zcyGGo6ad
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"They died last night!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jlKB14oG5
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQVVlClWUh
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Wait, escape route, of course!230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aAuekPjmV
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGUR9ExcAs
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"...Did I do it?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66i0qzFdxS
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NMqwPrNEV
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"H-Huh?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTsh8UgL5o
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She offered me her healing potion.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJeGbd44LY
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"Here. For your foot."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ384JX5D7Ul
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"A-Ah, thank you."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3oKTWofFg
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sUCQh1kcx
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"Haaa, ugh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi7Im01ozM
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I stood up with help from Victoria.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYKfq5XXg7
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxOAmAl72b
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEodJftO2n
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwkvcflU2I
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcxTX9COqt
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"Don't let your guard down yet."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YIKsRXu2O
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2hDQs3on2
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"Crap. Crap!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWS2Yn73Cb
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2IJ1afeyL
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn3j43CWDf
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fh8Hh0q97
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoveugp42q
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCmkojnop0
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjKKhDu0m8
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcn37yhP68
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBty6UELJtj
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yzeQjLkzq
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"If you can, support Kim!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI8BkPImx7
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J9h1cgYp4
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"W-Woah..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLtsB1byjs
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0murd6Devh
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"KIM!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd09ckPnF6r
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"Right!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54hPDyDLkZ
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1eKo71G3R
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And so, I released the spear.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiHjB1yuYe
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**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyEcpVp8j5
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXLjGOn9eh
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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?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9gpS4AQGM
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNnKS5DJTQ
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN18zEiPQDQ
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKErzemEdh
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx80MZmBtfG
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"No, what you just did was incredible."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8QsR8aFyl
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzX5KOnL7G
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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–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoepihwahg
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNLPs3W7PQ
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NgzO6FyUw
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"Unfortunately."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k4MPGegW6
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrrbKjQS9S
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"Kim!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5B8CFRaLH
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgjg4LUcPO
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The tendril was bleeding purple.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql3sV7zSXj
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1LIPnX6RR
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**SMASH**230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoayXdmNsGs
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYyffOpJyW
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejJf4b9R4k
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm57ldZWjV1
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlPqhpKOXH
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3RN9wFHfb
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksrCSXvVep
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5gZwudUo8
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"...Ngh."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHWAhu6HRo
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRxmoERvH3
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvUwkl2fM1
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChoBCxBWoa
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtN3hdqLpq
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ459dWvlLgB
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I felt like I was going to die.
