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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckf3Nlkplf
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFtK6gqEtD
"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?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbSwgI4hsr
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMo3FL2tk7
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Btut3Xs5m
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6khmrPZxQ3
"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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2TsVIZl9E
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NWsrumD1p
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI8QOECjgd
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R1VXnGYFm
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAuTWrUEzF
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb2EdQpcbq
Flinty shrugged.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu5u3ZyueP
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdFoi6C49w
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9kewibYa6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhLFwQQ6nw
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hcNRJqutr
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtcQ2SnSAI
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtO5bjUlr0
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H90wgtxfE
"Why don't we ask them?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3inJRY5dx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet3rLyLXFc
"Not a bad idea."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwMQeTzZyc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmAHJ3He9J
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?96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kMOIoCgms
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UpLIgvdlc
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKJP2SAWBD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDKm8WeJ6t
"Wow, is this a farm?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxvTzvWn7k
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41ea2GcMSj
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2ZJG9ew0Y
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSQ2YQuWFg
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAbFdKr8PA
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGBUOddVEU
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXl0YI2Wnv
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwn5nnT3ok
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXs6vKjxZD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorUrMV5jwT
"Uh, Flinty?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJe7i4AaTA
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoK47SqlL3
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZrvc9vNnO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf2mNFid3q
"Kenny!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncrikg61SO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUVwXlBVh2
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0GDScrOuO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjnEGX4gUD
"That dog's name is Kenny?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99X9AtaRt9
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNH9pBOFFy
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuecXdfcXg9
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqk6hxd21L
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4Uq3wvtsK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjvRU68aKJ
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnZc4rwuSw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMsRloWrec
"Okay."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkJWs033Wb
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFa6RCHVZS
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoozQux1D4J
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVC9DqLvu3
"H-Hey, that tickles..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnuOgHeqMj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w4WpDZxgh
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlOTfdGCa0
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwnm7vEyTR
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡontHrpyVmt
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9XWygUWRS
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLABkFzvKc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYaONZtwDo
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVwZzoP7l2
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NJP4hRFbV
"Vikky!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISl4Mnd47A
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mg2Vaqb3L
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr6DNH93uw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8viUt83Em5
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpbuWmO6DE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpAVvN3XAa
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgmpYEI1tx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmziaEq56SY
She looked strangely amused.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHNDhiumW9
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk4jD7Ygbz
"Full name? Alright."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWiAsqZMzH
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOOxnxWRrQ
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvUlxkS07v
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNOpcQ01iB
"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?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DvSCRgqMn
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ4plWkZEe
"Yes."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zf732YyMN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJwGRMsrMz
"Then let's get along."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlJydTxkN7
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPubYdpvE9S
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOed20SPVb
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd1KyURyHp
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeLBWSQOWn
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIdnUrRL8Q
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWifLTby5Z
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46tNpN82Lv
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92gqJIEPqy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mJqlcdi29
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzPqaUZ4ZE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvw657Y50w
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ETl7jwr9r
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5ObpglCnZ
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhvso39BaM
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXVY6B7kDn
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZd6aQiSzW
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKORP86iFY
"What, why?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrNkGRKqQi
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSUsAzcxyA
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt9qVFVfl8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidC6Z9WJzx
"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..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGGoBrKi9R
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrghMiZNa1J
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejLnQkrv6C
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NMAidR2jV
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j6q0EFEIX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCbQZK69zA
So that was what the lady from before was doing.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePYca1XRaa
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMmXzp0bJU
"That sounds awful. Is there–"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVqCpvQcnN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAQ2HzofgE
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF5tbtgyC5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTusISr9L7h
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNCg6nqfyF
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxBbplfHFJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGwEMC49L2
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3zz8gvVk5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFTDM0BNTV
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT78ebtOQL
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnAZbX3YvS
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsod6tvRDY
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I made a grumpy face.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEWh45TvEr
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhGAVEXuPh
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkbrL1zIHQ
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuwhM7X7Sf
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCov9e4YaU
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfyuT9CHCt
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Z0FrpoNF
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQWxxMQn6x
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2EwBBLcy8
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WnEgVbs81
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It's worth a try if nothing else.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8vdaILaSc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaivgBziYR
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s2whDHdxk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazVceRE0Q6
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQaHMfjLMX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0BY0Ek5ba
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoyRxmoiHI
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXSBSHHhL5
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLM6949r5W
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJhGcuJBCO
"Yes."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvGtFF6lcs
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"Can I see the crops?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjZZR5JanZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks5aSipoUl
"Uh, you can."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyE8doB4T0
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrltAFFnmk
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesI9In22rL
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwyT6BnLrM
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNf6B7SAiC
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWKmnGZSbZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsYMhGT1h7
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCORl1y2Ps
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabm8F7FFhz
"W-What the hell is that!?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixkQP6V89u
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Wf6FSauy
"It's Kenny's tendril!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvWLUdczuY
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QjRRbPQKC
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcVzFB1TPh
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01Q0J9jDPW
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw9p4fLS0m
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2RbYrWgnr
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.
"..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLKTCxsPNU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4BqKlp3Q4
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedhLvybljw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTydNk90ZM
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34IbEEjFl3
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbG7EOFADB
"What are you doing?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoFSAS0ghR
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2FuXrpE4i
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09b4zJfIVk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp0BGOV9QQ
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeYk7iThqj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyR699aCT7
"You're an angel."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6d5Tu1I7V
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf4LJJ5MDn
"..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnCojPZbnR
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq2XhZgv3v
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOy5Z4zlli
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8hJjA7vEX
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8cc4yTScx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v8m4SC3Hs
There were very strange people in this city.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7GByiKrHO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSsY6PBv72
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s0ysXiLGQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsl0Gg1lCa
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXk0uyRPgp
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxby2JU5ddE
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrwhxwOh1p
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5pXahigXX
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyiLIKmBKg
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkngNr5cEP
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiI9gvz9qj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl21U5yAMUz
"Really?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xj67wGzg2
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiExwSsUZd
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zplaGGEj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlfXsoHxTV
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw4xcV4MY1
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT4gF9Wuhl
"Yes! Let's do it!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQZIU8Im5K
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2jznclW90
"Fine by me."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCSRLrtmLG
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61AgxU0Ce4
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIaP2GB8C5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrrMnOWtnY
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNxplofq0N
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfA355fBl9
"Is something wrong?" I asked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOzs4MlQss
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB68TIRdJE3
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hGOrJuVgu
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjCJPqnYNS
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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlizbNPrQs
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W6kAyRkzK
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPVtu4zGPZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87dQeW3P4Z
"Is that so?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNLgWKHO9X
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pzs58iDL0
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSijWtdeWN6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoG8UHAfU5
"Please, enter right here."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aFBp6jIWA
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmxylV6rRi
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHGi6m9rud
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4Q646hWIh
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB05TSTJpT
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCey8sVI8ba
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFjLjxhWsV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJf13lCxYj
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2avj5D0UiK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pLlnsfRE1
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU7VQ4V55q
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVARKys7FrI
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj89WaqcQLg
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3wwG2XLBu
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRsDvzNdpK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2rg5lhOtn
"R-Right."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmeB5xIuXz
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXgGkfDeCc
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUnGvurZME
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaL9H5HFk0
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsBEN4QpZ3
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNa2yfgCH
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w41onG2YY
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZFDzc6lLL
I nodded.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw4eZRIiiK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmwydHPG6q
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lqa4zfmUD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0wXNRtr4S
I raised my hand.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoDYtydKjY
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaofvgvyBy
"Yes, Kenny?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sla7w0N7C
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wQRerDPc
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYc2LVK3Nw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroTEx6fTzg
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDEhAjlpmn
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGQqwGVctc
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUe7SXZxu9
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7UYJh33y7
"Allowed to brew?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiHxr0O9ql
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JhCUEchhD
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjZb7mkP5o
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjNQQstfFu
"I see."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrrXMAI9fc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwm323IP6i
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–96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmdc47LsYL
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0jOGvBkwt
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaxl2zkh2b
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBEnIC9kbS
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMD1yTX17z
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQp9JuovHq
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHGeVMOnZV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr6eWJCLHn
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2sBwBMhah
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fti5uVd1H
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DrDO0w38W
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x5apntpju
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTisQysOKTr
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxf9QyUTqz
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalIGCrfp2v
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEie0A4ykuD
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYWBjBE6HJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBAeigDG45
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkA7omVK67
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5XtaiiQtH
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyGix2eUfv
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFBhr6d9kA
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeF4gMTtZu
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUJnBoOGMW
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9HK2fxgQN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVL8jeTpoU
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZhTwDY9oG
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1yvq4ZAQq
"...Wow, this plan sucks."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVRTXHAbmH
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAhxVbQIYR
"Kenny!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcOTorAdoc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Qc4W7BlB
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW5lvmPJyk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTeCmqCMx6
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7p8tTeICV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgFqCf8gSQ
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbszZyYZ7u
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vsoxLigHm
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieFLZegYRE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDKb5EioTY
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHgDVfbNuM
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi1I0XeuUK
I nodded, but something was bothering me.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrkduKMdq8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fCdmd9l3Y
"Will the people really all come together?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFIXPkOpbg
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRkG2GlT8e
Linda stepped in.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF3suEu0u8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cREZZP6Q6
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpzmzbzmgn
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0UchotqJs
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lHhBAYGGJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoJpUaQmG3
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhahaATKW7
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECvczDNkb5
"Mhm!"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNidaoLDZSH
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1wmPKppZC
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUmB8URoqN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2BPb0SguW
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtaGB2nQvL
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvWo62kUIM
–
–
–
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS5qrOOfNH
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5osYz4yFh
I was having second thoughts.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ1vRdiDFl
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHSlUMY8e7
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYan9JyFpDa
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs13hGEJBd
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?96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASFH4PxZaQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz88Z2mTEec
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKaxfSnICc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDmJRuDlh2
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3lNCwnMCQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI8OSuzvdC
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvuTtZiWA
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpshBJPygni
"..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbDA5T3qQ6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT6lIyfXH3
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhC1WOHZgi
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW7OizIibO
Phew.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOSGe9mKeR
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkD9sn4M58
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2SSvV5N3X
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh4PTFOUwX
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa8sNuCvDz
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaYF7R7Xbe
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSYprVEgM
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn025aQuII
"Huh?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y3psyGSHJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rgwzomyW6
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTfwTMvzM6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J9RK0jfcR
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYPXePm9GK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFeQVm6wWO
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS268yu3vk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7RDdJDQgt
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14QTs408Ay
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94yHCxbl0J
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHuHFLpbW5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00LeSqYpYQ
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqbR8cNR7e
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hHtXBANjn
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHDUDcl5N5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI7ZCzVNiY
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnktgglYKhL
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuJIGeboTZ
She looked suspicious of it.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuOKdhj6kv
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOWeyK6uYr
"How do I know it's safe?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYIeoVuTrl
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjuDciCfa5
"I can drink it right now and prove it."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu3BJTRfdJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmyZ2N833B
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD81TzRhBLN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTqaVdKa2D
"Fine. I'll try it."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK001XRETu
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1BwRVK6cF
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOwI6JY9NM
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEemgJweh7
"...Okay, fine. It's good."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOPHcvn1Tj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbAKlhT9Cn
Yes!96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwPSDgd3ji
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtfHv2cWZu
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xwxAcZwmZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXRww5cEX
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07DfrcQD1E
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CILBBHdhh
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiITTZfFG2D
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMojxEwjoU6
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlOkCuRmPG
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKvgjj3e1g
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78jvEJSuTQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcPuQVBCAf
"What are you doing?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38imS773Op
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKlWmzlLBz
"Passing the time."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTwdr0RTH6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65vA7dASgb
"By making fun of my face?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0AlCvz5Mq
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC54yVzDPQ
"I'm not making fun of you."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHLnVGQqdf
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHNoJblUs6
She laughed a little.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTDzKZLFmE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZRVYPasMI
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G2BeN405p
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NsxPcAPlJ
"Of course."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI2xWo9I6W
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ0jQN1XTb
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn7gAfYsdT
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREPrOYFMQw
"How'd you two meet?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOVKIETfYw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZnVhDO7Lu
"..."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFqHPELnv5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV6c07AGrf
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.
