Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2NEkgACb4
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxwlN9Xh4o
"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLZAt3YoN7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjNsbqZpMh
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGfkKysOaO
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM8nyLV5nw
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rttr2uYAD
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU0cKWiKDU
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vG3SkCydy
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp6TguhTl2
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHac9VSSbS
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLIugAQBkh
Flinty shrugged.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EUVgte8HA
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3k42WbltV
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FnxXO4H1b
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEYejo9ux3
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a7QLE0WOJ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCOq6u7woL
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtK9iIt89c
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZhHQNqoPD
"Why don't we ask them?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4bImg2YuE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4rkjVLsEP
"Not a bad idea."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElmf0FXzqu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfChGnSqRcO
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPnOwlYWT4
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjL1U7rUbY
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKdXSFiw0i
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg1ilGdwP5
"Wow, is this a farm?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT9awuJ7uN
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHRstsbHyh
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aR7BFLSa9
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DU1K2NguI
All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxYiIzuv1m
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayNAaN0EYM
As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYPC6NaEhg
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE7G8tzOB8
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuz1P2l1Cg
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbk3RlxfEx
"Uh, Flinty?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRa0y1TEYa
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiHYlulItU
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qmL9uoyul
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKQS6zOKWo
"Kenny!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dzQyVkLXa
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRXIvGPAt3
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNYYdnq8HG
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsZOiQRLcR
"That dog's name is Kenny?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllFBRLecA5
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN6Zr8eyaM
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec3sqvzYSP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjv5VZZvy4
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDeiRbTQs3
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENslgpYYrt
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fs0RYURPl
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK42TuVnAqS
"Okay."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5QME7T90q
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEFggnppHA
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcbIz2lnVp
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG0tYbKP4f
"H-Hey, that tickles..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLbAsZYotE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPaplABF5Y
Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8MWI9yUjv
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3Ma9SPZw9
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbP1xvrpAt
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3dfuqc0hY
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrvuF5gDZP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6PFek8Qzk
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ3B7FcG4f
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8yK0EN37H
"Vikky!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNwpUmvihE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOsdDTHffd
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLriQfUeXE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQJLynR9JS
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxy5Dr9nJR
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWBGdLMUEQ
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EZd0lTHOt
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKeyU8iJ6R
She looked strangely amused.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlRuJVpDKk
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaxZoK92J5
"Full name? Alright."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5MVwaLsht
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb8T4OeR3O
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT1pZLCmOI
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhCpFkcLlx
"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0jchQnjGD
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6e50acGZj
"Yes."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS9IPvCyl4
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lV26yvgg6
"Then let's get along."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG2HEY5TIm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWivouChSy4
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb16xyW0WQc
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQLmFM27D7
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x8LPIdwit
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGvneIAzyz
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcXRz8ozCw
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0oQiiJW61
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4lkFP5bqL
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeWjypznQr
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGBWJI3onx
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9PPtjllyE
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzBTnRA8r1
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gAhHlfbrO
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa3Zo3H0eY
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9nKEHFB6S
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaj3GMmWsB
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrqGPLD30f
"What, why?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9YVTCHjgT
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLg05PDKSy
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNWLu4QGx3
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpbnZbbJDZ
"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZVlParQqZ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3aVI5t0e3
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OtF8bvKTo
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SvVme41QE
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWVANH8rhx
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF5IKWTPil
So that was what the lady from before was doing.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKaJtEnr4l
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTHi8xX5ty
"That sounds awful. Is there–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwzsoy0tMW
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECnkbC8j2H
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAgOWzVrD5
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8umdd5CC8C
The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk74URfnLtK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMkWxngkbi
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDimkqXSSuP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZbFIISM6
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpkqBSEG9B
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEUoPVR13F
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbWOP6LivG
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb72mhN93Z
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb6GgGOSZ3
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOKpUWBdR9
I made a grumpy face.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjwr2EPG9W
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9V0qSqYS4
"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PUSieXWoK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTZk7iM3w4
That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6UxJelhQ9
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEhQJPtCuu
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz4B4qt0wM
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD9QgNe2LZ
Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHySASm8NM
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQNlslNYL3
I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZtawZ792f
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FXtlO680E
It's worth a try if nothing else.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheiDtthHQo
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO1GzADUdd
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB6MAJPMoq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq0a6kKbQA
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhVPJB5hUQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy17anqrfB6
"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsDQTYDAlY
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcoVUccyDP
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5262hC2cxF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelTPCx6Jlw
"Yes."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNjk2io7mI
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbF56Yzu1Y
"Can I see the crops?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl8b8GaILU
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJOtmCdIIV
"Uh, you can."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKk6TsJKuR
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmgfuE1wEU
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv05SfmHvz
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuetvuBoeQ
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkp1UFzWH3
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJOmVnqjLw
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5xjLizhZS
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Gp0wy3cs
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy7PvSmGpC
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyhvksatNZ
"W-What the hell is that!?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAaloBN1iu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMe2BozNsW
"It's Kenny's tendril!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf1UJdQplp
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb7mEC351u
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H4rGXVQ8F
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UWJ2yYBGE
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MaRIWmsOt
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI9eQLFzZ9
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTvWCN1GWW
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRzUXp5V8z
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHiV1p4e1c
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZyL1MPaMm
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFJgC6Gavf
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc26ZuHp5I
"What are you doing?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KwwSQrOVh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgadNvboVdD
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE9rh7T5t0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxi6m9w7Sa
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVpO13amrE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWJOci2V1j
"You're an angel."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR0yhvrnbD
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD78CxeoNC
"..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHo5u9GszJ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd5b0o16pc
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D8TRsTqd5
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tA8i1UFdN
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWDHODQUbQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD553X16Kt9
There were very strange people in this city.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKniWvreYX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyIo0Legap
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0lwks7Roo
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFZHbuTGKy
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkiU6alDFQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEmYKH4oTx
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdJflsQY29
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME8NXTEdTz
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSisHtO9QXV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJN56VogXB
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKhX3tCfkh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcq9NTZO7b
"Really?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3PR0FxO2i
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84R3VO0enu
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV3038Kd6G
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Lin5eLlP
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KFQqCNmKC
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkyB8rpURL
"Yes! Let's do it!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Ftdc0GYd
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDQR2DQkah
"Fine by me."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf4j5Y2aFr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC8RuS1Ze1
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a1t6h0fqc
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyQ8diFGhs
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNPs7a4bqm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODGI84f8jQ
"Is something wrong?" I asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRss0Koni0n
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV505UuG6s
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3SXJzO5it
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1eWAxmITy
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolzMTLoEtd
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OJI0tkbZx
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RZCOOTvnH
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI3FuBy6rR
"Is that so?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPsCi7jLlI
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlC4e2kG7j
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9diLeri7M2
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhXTGgZ3eg
"Please, enter right here."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUft0zPaQX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy3zfHqHrN
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbzrpi8MJp
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7O1un3Kt5
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kZbYgeoA9
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdVwacfVpJ
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmJHMo3WXi
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGrFPW5PB4
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSuqmjEEzK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl3XmMVdQ8
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaacfmnFON
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCwWkThxMw
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnTre3sglB
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2z6ri2W2
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ycRBhhRL
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P2kgtVhk9
"R-Right."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUakHI07LjV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJPA4cxq1x
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIq0z8M1Iu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGz4gavXOp
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsApFHVdhZ8
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQLdJP9zVT
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyonJMjdaP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2K1Bsk5Vi
I nodded.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cms3t7rYM
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf2bNKehHi
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h39w0ijUP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYpffsdcuI
I raised my hand.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QRblFxGOo
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeOt33hM3b
"Yes, Kenny?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3fQDNFfOv
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhmnZp4YUX
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamtWduTuOn
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kl0k1Jly2
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFgJ4y7nri
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvvEcA0E3U
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpgj5pU3jq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdrI9Yovzy
"Allowed to brew?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h1wkEQ0Ua
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mTtxBgLj8
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPXu2xiC9M
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCer2Kh9ZwB
"I see."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFtOqbRmtH
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChH6f14PXv
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztu8enXpPK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylzP4N6OuZ
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEjJ1wfzwU
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp43rZso4ts
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y97gLs6iH
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cY0yMp3nt
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gFyod029n
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlEyVvfKf6
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa51rNifjXv
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9oeZMzveF
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9RF8cXXm9
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVoq7j1qJi
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5YAvwWpfC
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjAOO12cfx
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TPz5ukFQ0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyv5A9lFKD
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMQs1FwlRF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUq26tkmai
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z4xP2mvhk
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJodAs7k0SP
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnnnWrCcbb
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LtqQbihHp
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyoEfRKIZj
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvPJZKYvaw
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnywRbcc6c
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVT65JdUvq
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKSw7E6822
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjjMXCJfwj
"...Wow, this plan sucks."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk9yu964wr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcb8pSnuD6
"Kenny!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDByqGs3y0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHpBKk8Zam
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAe1FosDSM
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpKtTNLpiO
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQIRVXUrLo
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0goWE2VYN7
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFHWvmSEMu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kdWw2qhSl
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPyvSC4Nu7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE5h7wkgEh
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSd6TJaZxR
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgPN9K97XQ
I nodded, but something was bothering me.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38FuYChYsn
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxYyUwQRAL
"Will the people really all come together?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0OJepm3aU
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2zXtNNmMz
Linda stepped in.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMIygrRWMa
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwvW19KdSv
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzTAp7470e
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCrhVTyCk9
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTX1n5szIy
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwCGJKdtLw
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQFmQ1eBeC
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOz7lqEdcc
"Mhm!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCVQGZQ52u
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS69Sy1Tjk
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNq30J8tJS
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLSnkC9gVu
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aV0cLtCp5
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1oUJ33Hc5
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVchFKKtkRK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5lbaqm5xo
I was having second thoughts.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbmstj921B
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNvFQUnEcP
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEo0R4CNTh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4kVwtfwck
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI3z41tjHf
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfUilZGMSr
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaRdo85tcN
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvgSllxiil
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnrRm8rifY
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxbwZtp8O2
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssXZBRFBqd
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylYJlSWBaa
"..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC7jGp9y7A
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dxVW3XdaV
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYXbip3xVd
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUjla8uKEx
Phew.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1erYL8gnQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQrtxpppTv
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlZWc4OYQc
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuslALOM8Vj
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDc20EkdMs
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiHSTRwWHr
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqodXzrAZ7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrrrxVF2Bt
"Huh?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d44GVGcCX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE8iJQD0QQ
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaERavITKa
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf10vTcRhrt
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RzZGerQMF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaHKbUaO5g
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr0vNpQNNq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1zundfA69
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv38i9LhvSO
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrFqhquG7B
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXsk426O7n
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBSkaffJi6
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7U6eBENoE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYmtHNHCVB
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BjPKLk8Aq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSOHC8UzvN
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyrsRhliFP
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YtAQz9tRq
She looked suspicious of it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoOyIs4Y2X
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHYp8HGk9z
"How do I know it's safe?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O1rvD5ND0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOMbrNAmOl
"I can drink it right now and prove it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V1fOnyWeQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUZUoxgIA2
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUESt6UkkX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu3uUTwgb4
"Fine. I'll try it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPfHGcIgBu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjgqd2w6Sx
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ePM2AP3I6
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzksn5OFlqP
"...Okay, fine. It's good."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3TrbwO21n
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2rnZVhJ3h
Yes!80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd8F3Dd64q
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffEGAGFxXk
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2927bZ42g
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh6DWmTJK1
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uVB0BCuYp
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GBj4YatCB
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7CfMK34eK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUrGbnrbOl
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBslRfNjlO
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9nvSgF6TU
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3coO49Mp2W
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlmvo4Usx5
"What are you doing?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4G2NW4MTq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6ALwFQAOV
"Passing the time."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B7QZjExZj
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTUBJDz744
"By making fun of my face?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrQfejaEru
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrk3k54PPk
"I'm not making fun of you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChSUSvInjB
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OsuD2idED
She laughed a little.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqfKOBAUML
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg96eEVqSl
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoR0Na7rMF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94zz6zDykA
"Of course."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc5xDUoWvl
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QcWKbrPTi
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xUKoFRLq2
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3sB5fuYy4
"How'd you two meet?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAc9lmpfE6
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5GLyi3So7
"..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo06gmt7cE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIym8sBntd
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
