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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb3PUSpabb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOE8oc4KQx
"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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe95dY7xgdv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfb0eGFvr7
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMElC3qPKDz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWroAqNmYg
"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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTURB6nFew
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2I2iDxBOA
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAD1AfBrR5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKXWTOj1fr
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLFfMYMXl7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopStD43MLc
Flinty shrugged.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G6nhTsSyP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd22wo8Fwr
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPRc3aELIJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3s7INOz9L
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DMoAm0ZVm
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAUX6XgRdj
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7OPh2jaHw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtubhu6I6ti
"Why don't we ask them?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7437W19e5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVA6SXfcor
"Not a bad idea."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nsFMPM7rL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPInsgUcSUk
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?113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTan8LDmGW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2NtHNxPwx
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA24Q8YVr5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xcRoPmJKb
"Wow, is this a farm?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNoC62v8sB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNJPsLWhXi
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8wWMItLDE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aFesdtL5U
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudqLmEcLVU
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XErXhxf6I
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo727KEI9vV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z1qvCzO7I
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWpWsD5mPu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICdf95K2tY
"Uh, Flinty?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEakPb86fb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkxUunv0ET
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IfLGWWxrd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0S2oHAPWn
"Kenny!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dx2hTPkny
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nyC9DaWPe
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXrnS42hnf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CRZ9KriSK
"That dog's name is Kenny?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF9b6Pn13M
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTA9drV6qO
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug5S3kgAJe
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhjU4LsdUU
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJlxJUN4U5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdZY96xexI
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x4gIKOX5t
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPLw7ATlct
"Okay."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIqPREJD3z
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41G9uaafj4
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBH4k0twIo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWStnW0WfQ
"H-Hey, that tickles..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eLqblyYhu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx9CdtdmO3
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2L7xcsUaD
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ0NbXxDjb
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7Ej9GzwKe
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZSWbtzhAs
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLH9onzr3j
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6GnkHHup2
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYr9Y7rFQJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvdqsQF6QY
"Vikky!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6ZYwwX3wD
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs80iehD0AV
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUAsetP6Dq
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmkJ1GjoA5
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9n5xPFeiT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXTGIbYfV8
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSwZQjWxfA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGODbgo4t0N
She looked strangely amused.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPqSuCJhzT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa5C2fK7Gi
"Full name? Alright."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLLaLvpVEt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYLiOa2IdS
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YafAH2Iwl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNV7apHZA5
"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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxl25QAim1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6XjRBn38k
"Yes."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLW4dnAPyu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDIAmUjFkW
"Then let's get along."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwvdJ9cbf6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfbVPUFQUd
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TUSLUduYW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFvQKTiyBP
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9enJ7l0F3P
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89Ic6HiDmn
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpKKPsIZVH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKej6PfcLVv
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f6nEUlksn
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL2Ior6uj2
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsKIYkfNUs
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEbAqxb77y
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdnEUZKdVD
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV6oWBiMmS
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh90FFfhhl6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hCAyoJtAx
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzuLKTeiis
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbDe5VXW35
"What, why?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZho7UUa6p
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1ES9NVxfA
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ffw4YYWGU
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDMllC7tl2
"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..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Nk4g2mje
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBngS1abOos
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpu5pIW7H5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGSQCTOMRN
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAJ7MQct5q
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpHF9QV2dX
So that was what the lady from before was doing.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63dHhil7K4
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtXRQfySoO
"That sounds awful. Is there–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42FHj4Ztal
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ADYd8oeO4
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dNJ6XKLSw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvHcSxSiYN
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgY5ZpjRl9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStLNZvbqKE
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdYNi4KH6m
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxdmXmOTfJ
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboj93NV7iu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V1yZq5i0K
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DrSzsWwl7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Iz7qxtYNZ
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZhvn2M6dz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFAkhHGr4H
I made a grumpy face.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiQQRtk0aY
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhisLxqPmE
"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsv9j4Cz76
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWVwax0Wkn
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMNiJiwS0U
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0675w6QTFM
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNgY4u64Lu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJOS3Gb1Si
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk6eBEFvEt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzyF2LCSYA
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGVxGOpkla
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhqumYoAjc
It's worth a try if nothing else.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLvuCYLTML
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTP9Lgl2pt
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeBJl8Fj1P
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tzqZ3rfF3
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6numQAh6r
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXrp585Ft1
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy79OKxu7Cv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXaMIuvyht
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m0vhX6Wuf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18AW0Ude4K
"Yes."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvkARndLOr
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlKs3Nsub4
"Can I see the crops?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfWDP2XFxS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXUxbLPZY3
"Uh, you can."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoFa14nO4y
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83yAZuvseP
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoS10x6poh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzCGomQH3K
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQuqZyHaWJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBzoCnWPcQ
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR3PAAyewW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBxsdhOqjZ
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0kpRa5WUC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6clL9aCDJl
"W-What the hell is that!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztfVHOiQgw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluVXAe2i5m
"It's Kenny's tendril!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm7JmhVkqG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dEY8nrtq5
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LriSMoaiu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSidR0VeXl
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKHU6sZWbn
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqftrkVgnvb
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.
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCbIgV3FlK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuAVSqz0Pj
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJupOwro9ne
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JxsTaT0rd
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Eg7Uwwvg
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMvAtBsc0N
"What are you doing?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2iBHZFH3S
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2IwjEataz
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFMNnVudVT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX2g2FJdam
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9jwO6YOZX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ieBsh7jFy
"You're an angel."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRKsdSY0W5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ONhISDvNn
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfqckMbGtN
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlfqVNv2vX
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKRDpQnQQS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4rAVuo11J
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQCupqNBrC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dSGiryGc0
There were very strange people in this city.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSKhoHA54Z
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFULoZlC05
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjZkZDeC7X
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHajjMPZwSo
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHeoQoiawB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKdfaNX5Lj
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5wLCyHZWF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvTgbtekEU
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6Xirr6Fg8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGduF6VnaEs
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg58REUCqJJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFHLUC74P9
"Really?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRzmZAuMOk
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDA4DKXmU8
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMuLYktAgR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5wa4i3SMl
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZgEP48rLH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8daRjNTtf0
"Yes! Let's do it!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4p3UbuKn2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V0NWR0u7I
"Fine by me."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpzTe3ilCP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXIsUKLYJi
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx1hF2D8iu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuEV6JdpA4
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGWxmgwGGd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqUcL2rCBa
"Is something wrong?" I asked.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7boUKO7R2U
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZUOfRy8Mw
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7uDRo93yP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe325ID4xw0
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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Tbe4nBVu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgJuCB8DgS
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZSBYgEP0C
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqMGMUSm8T
"Is that so?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sxSTwcenD
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAjmIu9sOm
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj8NPcsEJq
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfDhkVZiXE
"Please, enter right here."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM7xoXjW8C
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirC2n9xUey
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowqnu9TjqR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QuKK1nFFk
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA22dt2DQqj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmXdoqXwft
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcVJjLLima
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0RUE01T7c
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA8DbwAGS4
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcZbgO48Ck
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t6HdJzaf2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBJi78HE2p
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MhdLUPBEC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzHNhxYsoa
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQjHiZ3VXC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsfELC0RCB
"R-Right."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjLBYZy2NE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMEfHFCRFP
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSdFwrA4uJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlnd1cKcw6
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkzjx9hdCq
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppEnaoRaCF
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkTeGhCOf7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQpBoDA24h
I nodded.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgOmNlq7d3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yKNwzKcce
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSCVYG7lhu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KhnAAyzRH
I raised my hand.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK6OSLWp0D
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzQ2n6PVNG
"Yes, Kenny?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyfuYvxEw1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7gjFbo16d
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqQmnDqi8c
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbPU83gYym
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWvqFn6yMJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESS099mdqB
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbmdE3RYX1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V3uu8Ebpz
"Allowed to brew?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wOcU6kGCI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZr90kyjsj
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy2Du4XAkG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CFBsywJZm
"I see."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe18EMwcQyJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mJJiYjVrk
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–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiNRIqHYIt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC8oxRHqmx
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDDmJZiH7V
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUT8YweZqx
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlJLvknODP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QJNuZ0gUj
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIpzJgOBJZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LwVYIV6Dh
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b4QHr4k5j
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANmnmIs8Ai
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8prc9JZJXG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1TX6qZvN0
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGn9hFfXej
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNhJrSSOcW
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcm8rdgF05
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKAQZT3eSd
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMDxvA8o4o
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS5vTwlYR6
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgPmVXrawS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj7k5lC2mV
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9XTH8VZhp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM4OmBqRrd
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQh4DvrJVd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUQwUuZNpm
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjGAvrHALf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvg388ODa1
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmLAfQ92P8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3WaFVQOAc
"...Wow, this plan sucks."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gZBwUX4uP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9Z9jpiQp5
"Kenny!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJezLM5ABB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j1OheYvIY
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLHKfLXUhp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99NDU6caJH
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK22e1R2z1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ70AOP7mIw
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR61GqQpa7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7sNQv3z1g
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG03vGIUVs7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcMFihuukn
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrny21echB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMVTmT6Hqw
I nodded, but something was bothering me.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ3rSLRpsE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvZgg8B4MS
"Will the people really all come together?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtpUY7QQEG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuDwRajjZr
Linda stepped in.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsnDAzEJ8a
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg9dYLG6i9
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMFs1dxPI7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF7AuDscgX
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23wCnMS3hF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14HuU43QEq
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAy7Rj1dHo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwwB9u0rAV
"Mhm!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ6cVZolOb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANnLUPBypJ
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7BF36PFlA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan4fbnHRzb
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiKCAe74Vt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD4s3kkJc9
–
–
–
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNOrZWYIVI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXSd84Tc19
I was having second thoughts.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sJN0jUrYG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8uTYcwHco
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoPrJuxDjU
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WNaQ2TilW
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?113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOicfkG1rTb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZlFpWS2C8
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLLdoey7XF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6oMDldT5k
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhe9IlIcLu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXuAgc5bZD
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUG3AX4hke
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZf366KPo1
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpfAiMnGcg
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz4JukAknq
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0V4h3k1sM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBUXTdcbRp
Phew.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rZeiFHGOW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYAbn1O3fk
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWbwboIuii
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BquC6Bz4f
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDKBaxk5of
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVpFv7djgd
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MkJKMz04a
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjux0klCb2
"Huh?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2LUIj9Lfr
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJcorbZVod
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IMgYKzBau
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdEeo4CWUD
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr0q5I6W2e
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuxmJoQPqN
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAUmWyVaSj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvzcL2nMox
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8633K8fYHH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxtc7WXKbE
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ujFgLR0Y9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmIQlHPG3X
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aJy0qsCA7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdOxvBjJ9O
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmg07DS2nS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWat9nhBDTz
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg35eeQTcQ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMypiZ0bTE
She looked suspicious of it.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL4MkbzM8y
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEFkpj65Dy
"How do I know it's safe?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA9M6ax0OB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZuKgcC4gd
"I can drink it right now and prove it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwseX1O4JjV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvap1Zv0okR
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFn0Efcq2T
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hWwM7LExy
"Fine. I'll try it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7homI54y5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxvthrm9ki
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f6WsapwFR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkNj9Y6YNK
"...Okay, fine. It's good."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PWmRAqZ4S
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0FjxFD1xH
Yes!113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lCyxUYBkP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn0AQLEowy
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf3CKAwMDa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWvGnUaIky
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6elx3QGKcA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP8xeF8jg2
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTZaCu51WF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsesoUPreqz
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjNOdbkR2V
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq85pwKTCLE
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOPqG0UQW8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufhQ1qGTIf
"What are you doing?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzySkvO5Oh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJsqA69Afj
"Passing the time."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyD0lKPniL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0xxB8sFZj
"By making fun of my face?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf3jK1UrPR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuQuDslGRY
"I'm not making fun of you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaCieBvhCh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9DwTzHA3D
She laughed a little.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa1Q65Ek5F
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAg3C8n0an
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMa0wISsx2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcpx82Kb22
"Of course."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX2nggZKHO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI15p2VMSk
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbaMvHAO4E
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXg5PBY9bb
"How'd you two meet?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBbXSdCmH3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlrox3OHCt
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp1qOfQnIB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWYp5vPw99
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.
