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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnVgLo7lFA
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z26PVHlb3
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She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGCWn8vGwK
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"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3AmVfTOBJ
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvLHPLqTUY
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81O90W9p0v
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Flinty shrugged.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ8OYwPZrK
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYjaVQlCza
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohAWaevBse
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT64JHUeDUQ
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"Why don't we ask them?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYWcfw0lJ
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"Not a bad idea."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYOnOP4zFs
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GLCpfZKcu
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My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHt9OQumKz
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"Wow, is this a farm?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gqm77tdZi
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIoOAOu14R
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlXF6eQ5Do
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY9GL4CxFT
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvizHBjK2Th
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"Uh, Flinty?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oYhkcua9C
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyunyjlqDbr
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"Kenny!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgP8hnnBkJ
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsIp7e7PhA
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgxusEhWJW
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi2Rp7A6dn
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOoEBOSOh1
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYSOwHi8XK
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"Okay."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9uajr8s4u
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX24LSNmAT
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTjrJWD07l
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv96BdNUXe
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8CMuAJznh
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsnEgRcrDt
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Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflJRT7ynhQ
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"Vikky!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc2s4wrGDQ
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YjiyyPGvC
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Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV80bF8xVSn
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3TZz4nsmL
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She looked strangely amused.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WOyNKZ94A
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"Full name? Alright."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz290Qjpm8
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUymp7Mkcq
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjdaqZA5rQ
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"Yes."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMwSHSHcdk
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"Then let's get along."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYWfm3mwlW
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZThYyuTaO
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLRJnjqDzV
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInDLHuTYJM
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKNgpIGelO
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw5bIskRHH
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcVs2VaSny
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1usSkk9wfa
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlW8udWrO6
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"What, why?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rJt0GiT6y
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx7ZWjzBBx
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tymOj45eo
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HqFYCy55q
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRO1Aw3mFA
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal6SqtZxqv
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUbPi7o5ii
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcwJfYO5tl
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQJgUpXfYI
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL87PhK4Se
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ84k9rCkmD
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaedr6oLh8b
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaBXFnOxOO
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I made a grumpy face.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sfiqfNpk0
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx46RXR1SCZ
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NFCdtfEA5
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcUUqFrYzv
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrow6App1G
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93RQDRJFxu
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It's worth a try if nothing else.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8RSBkqTAd
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X1ILQybDa
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFTSji80xG
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iZeWgeBy2
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWApcwTjnb
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"Yes."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKgF75yhsO
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"Can I see the crops?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbG5hiIdtj
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"Uh, you can."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkhxMXuC24
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc89B5sCHQ
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGO5RQVTsU
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2HefEQtKK
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYflQhvi1q
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"W-What the hell is that!?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbEDHckvzv
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jDSQkH3Eq
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"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxc09ZscL8
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dJvIEUEig
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QrrzxjiXV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiRuaVueiX
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.
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AsiuRBZaT
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdTzsfCnPx
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjqakDUQD2
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4mW2WrK3E
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PpME7LUad
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"What are you doing?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC47UXOjtf
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbBfNxF4Of
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlZ1nP1By2
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxwX2IArFc
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPjstwYIDX
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"You're an angel."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfL3rfGOVZ
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"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVH4rLNeLj
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdxHofJe9x
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZFxs4FpIK
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8nnTaxRSd
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There were very strange people in this city.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kmcD8lqs1
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"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI5KuToMgm
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlgNzjaB64
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vertmSOBq
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpw5liniAA
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRVrtoqlaz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ufQ97o5S
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP5UKBSXiP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqXu9sOX9Q
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKFX3X6ohF
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"Really?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe09qkArQQk
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She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPnrhPhOCq
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDpIlZNXOS
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCEVzAp2V2
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"Yes! Let's do it!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKirmYrDxLP
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"Fine by me."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKR2dgJHA7
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ULrvYXvn
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMhJt1aUln
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"Is something wrong?" I asked.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueLX7hiFU6
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"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPBkwkevfQ
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnAGqIo1PO
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dKo2hsmzg
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEHbQYsYEZ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B92YdtKMV
"Is that so?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMIdJhMMzY
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Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dG9aM0vC5
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"Please, enter right here."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILc6HeEdwu
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zrN599WfX
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"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXlZGpdU03
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tXxpGsoFT
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppFe1hdXHI
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA5kXI4Fte
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"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk33CQwsX7a
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pqTh36wSt
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n4L3mGu3X
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0s3pWBlpB
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjuDjjZ0s9
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AeZNAtpFV
"R-Right."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYwCEl7kph
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"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PCMfPedJk
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlttEdKS0jr
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIKKEO6n4d
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVW387Rhga
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I nodded.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoc098o3XY
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"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z9x89VRAY
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I raised my hand.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8dubRabU5
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"Yes, Kenny?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9dSLGWPun
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"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzpyl2q4wG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlgIAPkiHA
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYhBegrwmn
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB3lUhdDEs
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sn7W103Hc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNK0vLCq7L
"Allowed to brew?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9wvKw3WhQ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaja0OK7i6
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EsOOXmc4u
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaACMd69esT
"I see."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs44FucXmrK
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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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKgBSdvr7Z
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3oDuXmgzj
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2Jx4TdgBO
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"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98fM0khUgJ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMaK6QfDx6
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIzODiwQmY
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsMyclhVi2
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNqRLsnsr6
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeji1ibh1qU
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkm1uAssZg
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylmMGOG6lf
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcsy7Loy92
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHKax0aViJ
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOhUn7sg6n
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVeFi5wBHv
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbp6NDx9cp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PvIMATIWw
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppCLEQfgpP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7u2E2e53P
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn59ZOdxUR7
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRulxwnZLAg
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuBd4nfhte
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUlOsdhC3W
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxuEdepH0e
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBZul8D0i0
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"...Wow, this plan sucks."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwlEaIDghD
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"Kenny!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOhYeRHmoZ
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuwEo1humc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7yhK5x2Bk
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxVyEKsRFk
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujktPs1sH5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgoVfnSfG9
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLflo5wHcH
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"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB8UrY9eo6
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I nodded, but something was bothering me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BspqikLi8
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"Will the people really all come together?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oeJZuyZAa
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Linda stepped in.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Xz4AFDEO
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"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs7l8je3ma
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI1JKpK7ci
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkSlB9rxqH
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"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYUG7qPJN1
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"Mhm!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjZWQZZ4p
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYr3f3lkiX
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Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouTKWi9GTO
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–
–
–
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhPr2DJuwv
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I was having second thoughts.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaMZFNhbBY
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW7Y4vX9bU
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVkxwTIY7s
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?60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bbznJCr65
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTzyI0xVX2
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZauZGvrDf
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBG4T7lR56
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZYRycdZK9
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC2zxp8sI2
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"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy02rKTcsL6
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I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVJ2YeAVSx
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Phew.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EJuI277iF
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The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdmT4NaZCK
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Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WMXsryXDO
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"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7gnqEiTmS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYHOm76rls
"Huh?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmkZSZZeHm
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSHFgceEMR
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoBOTkWOXP
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"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbN0ZXKVqF
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She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8egIj38em
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"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqYS8YGgYQ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvphyza08f
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky3m9M4vU5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmfyONIS3V
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uV35dT3uJ
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"W-What is that!?" She yelled.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4XCHPrYmu
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop52fLYtGt
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5xEfR2KM9
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72cVNmoPFt
She looked suspicious of it.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI353Wghemv
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"How do I know it's safe?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcCDshYAOp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ189WE7NVqB
"I can drink it right now and prove it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pz3obQFr5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Gw0endun
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01PW1dElF7
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEaw4TXw5p
"Fine. I'll try it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPnarvus22
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ788pQofTpP
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Csk2AxIz
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"...Okay, fine. It's good."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Uyruun3k
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Yes!60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBe5pGy1ZV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHJ2ckWxGm
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx18eF2iWP
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"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgYQpkaKR5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq22NYi72eN
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43NxuDrHYg
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToHPii80xV
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb0G8vlQOn
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLUXI6WvOQ
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vKdq8m944
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"What are you doing?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyxdmvA61l
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAX6PubGI8
"Passing the time."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbpdKsX02r
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NE7neigLm
"By making fun of my face?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh2E8epCrP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWSEJQtUbs
"I'm not making fun of you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3shoiaYOQ
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She laughed a little.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZoKWZfIzW
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"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuybYOBKIwp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fe41IJ8GB
"Of course."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rKpegPS7E
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPELPTV7uzA
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCXR3ziCWs
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wJriAzU9u
"How'd you two meet?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBVlldmWcD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyVWFrEylS
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAdiVTjFOx
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rcGEkWjil
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.
