I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzymu6VVpmZ
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O8BZpz4Xq
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QnYbuPTgG
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxlgrtrujT
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"Something about this is fishy."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2r6bMFI9G
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxUwzhQ88k
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWRBMuVgqb
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡody5nUvFjA
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4sMxB89XE
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qxTD8Jd9v
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Hql0CEIc
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Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2ofx48jYq
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And then.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL6cHGNTTq
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**SMASH**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPjVcXKFi5
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcg2hakfeZ
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZBWFmWWfs
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ8MU9l2L9
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"..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY5cMVm6P2
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe6HfMwBNf
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqXUsal6ai
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"..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUVBqiQBQr
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgBeDSgwFm
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rEYloW0ap
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIsWXQN0rF
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxU9C9B5nX
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAXX2qNGO8
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJwpRr7C5n
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM7B7B1iuy
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7aN1PEJgm
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For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDZj69LRrO
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iD9DBZ19t
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNxDASamMT
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"Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYXz6yVvO9
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOghm4OOVJp
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"What is it?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBEUfIB6WI
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvR4PTiuMH
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsawCqqGM7
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1LK9Dtqes
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqk0b7xVCJ
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5iBwLLuhG
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzuU22OmfA
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ak0Lpl1Mn
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrayjUqrdAJ
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUh48l4ZgY
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"W-What?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7jUEiSMwu
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"Are you crazy!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUprA2v920b
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZPjtsa52S
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj7YStz2Mj
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnMW9ELnED
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC11sGnxxGn
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbAc6rPgyX
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc5V1PtN9t
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAatKemcFvd
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdckcfMiFDg
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFoAiaoYAO
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpVcsIV0Au
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I tilted my head in confusion.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNVCQHJEFU
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHazHeV3Kow
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXsEtwf3mX
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpunAJ0x8fS
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb4GmVeevq
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"Of course I do!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J9IaMXDNo
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG482UgoIG
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKfcDg1m0O
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCnTG0pYrc
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"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKixAofAFW
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YT1Br3Ty0
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZkhgNec9V
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvOfN91m6o
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bcucpNxMb
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8O2GZEqAu
"Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVelc6WuPf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuODCsr8UiR
I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiglEIkvepc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcie8jpjeD
"Flinty? Are you serious?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6D4Wm2fD6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMzAgYst3R
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuiK59sHoV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfm5r2KZuq
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQPl2YwA33
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmRPJsBAUA
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPa8VYIOEI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZygmD1pFY
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu80qJ8MbU5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYC7f9g8h9
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRwkJcNXDE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnXzK2H93Y
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqLVy3DHaI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnX3Yx9NSl
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIASBQw1Vv
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92W6J8zP1F
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtjhbf4Vs5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGTLFvooRL
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXL2YH6zxw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPLvqricGx
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSfW6U0zo2
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAI6LgOUfd
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiY0Lr6zHA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFpbpUrZab
"...With money?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDA06nuOMF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GMg9M57IS
"With money."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtrhYjazHL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNuNHEax10
"...I can't say no to money."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4yZXPtunC
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr5VrYYgJS
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xNhTWC7RE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDsR57fZ5J
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB86IsTOjUs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUSMI0KYAa
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJw90v87RH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kUsrNh7yY
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYLugiNlCJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xxBpanoUK
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VjE2JSvp0
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCglegyk9hO
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAREwUxYvIJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwC9qLrQYC
"Let's do our best okay?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhJ28eSzRd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ewIygtyOx
"..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrqg0TigZV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvlvOW02ka
I still had one more concern.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDl7RLoqqB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvahwbrdq8
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeXvPOfeMD
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfNQcoRmEY
She averted her gaze.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcfEULdrYf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnxDCYWuBT
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5motfcqObU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z729a64z2
"I see."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9PhYonM6P
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubHm7OuhAU
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvylsmXwI89
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEQl3Kjsud
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9g9AqHOnw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5oWFpsZFl
"Uh..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i4nwuCEqG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveq8XJ1GyH
Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVDDnDsreB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeSZmHXx0Z
"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVZ0UuwWoY
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr4UdAyz4A
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTciErDNGVt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh48hUc70Jm
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJfuGAVEnT
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeJhfc0IQP
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRzrJXmhiH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpeF8uGyR6
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD4Yb7RAAL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeCNngSIbo
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMdkR1wX4f
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X7pvYhnH5
–
–
–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRdBtuWaJ2
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JrbkKNL08
Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6dd7C8axH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyIqedkDa7
"How does it look like?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIoBjgRgmu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT6l8an161
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLUrN9N6S2
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydUWbriH77
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsmvznvBSy
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARMb5xcYP2
"We're ready."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiLz7cDb6q
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekeBmlEFvT
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8MRnVjVut
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigS8my8yHi
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpQoFs7GQG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbxHGcluQl
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fN8C80D2U
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxTguOnTiY
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ680OWC7cYi
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kvpGPDL0b
"Then what do you propose I do!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclI1yJMIr1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwZRpfbLoB
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5bZ5wrETd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40JE04NHli
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq61cAzlpeV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJkjgBqqIy
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GXtcpA5cd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiepZ7AwNuS
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNXjfvT3XS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkKZJI4E9d
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vlTZB49XJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V5B3EwdOZ
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQVMiEHZgQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVkceucQHl
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uh7N32WKM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1P5igRSV4
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV5OxBvOUN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8UZrPkWXi
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7j08PawVn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsCN68xC1X
"Y-Yeah. I know."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ucpapuInm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7N99JjPAZ
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMA2t3qeBq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMLBTRVjXk
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bH4hRP2TI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6711ZRo95u
**SHATTER**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUa8thSsGS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuW2AkOM4o
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1dufPjMsw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYvKvINEJw
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC1zVdiHyG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzHlhVyJAi
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbByunfd9s
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8SkWnUzEc
"Now!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcjo2EP7Mt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs77PNtmZXu
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZaPL8MSjE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB5Bk4ogzy
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRVXrAvEIM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ189fGkoC
"What are you waiting for?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2W26L5cTf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3fqNzwfPE
"I still don't trust Ng."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NkNi54aBk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM48FpGdrj
"Fine, then go after him!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYCgY2AZ5i
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB4EOfV427
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k0NPX3sPQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHddFDuaq2C
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax6SJq8ZXi
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAHFGclw2B
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6f14uccGT
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjcuv0kPRQ
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk815cyRAz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofupvQHcWM
"Are you seriously crying?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9CIkz9fvG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKiSSMa2VP
"Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqILq7xu4u
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkpvgGKlxm
He tilted his head up to me.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqAUE1xPfK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2IN2aE5BD
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSozh8DhNCW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI8v5ZzTLq
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbPFiB7ls3
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUlxQ7H7AX
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlSXmrFJ3A
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosKtFxZYlI
"You, are you really on our side?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh36uwqjiRR
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlhm7o4GFp
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFaUXgX7lU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1zjNOpLlD
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFE3kRROxW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLJCZTaN94
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vWRgdZXiI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bPmaL7Dni
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx31Y185U4y
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo9oe8A029
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ23ZL6tUeW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNYLYuwl3w
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUHFhIAHCL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHEzMjpaLk
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhKmoZx7oW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7iQIccwTv
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jOJvtXXpd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODpPeWIe2G
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB27ATO1m5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjnx7hHGVb
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJenTnsxk9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgid63TISNS
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp5aySxfcZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPRwdQK3df
And then, suddenly–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35sAW3wq7X
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKtvyItPJr
**SMASH**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDpjPw8S5n
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs03jfRmPU2
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZomD7fZ53
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WmDW8c0t7
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQtoMCjvej
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAQi4uA4gS
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7VmoEaQJr
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Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyutzzJ7lYa
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"H-Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmc5eg1Vu4
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ237d1xOPrh
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJHAGogHUh
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We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7AU37TsaW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavrzBZKyAu
I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡattXkxJ6OV
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCUrF3o3Ry
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW93apSTF1
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"Like what!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq43PTP52p
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"They died last night!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvBay8kWMW
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p8Xun4c7q
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Wait, escape route, of course!108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm1xvuMvSX
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I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcNaCvNYxQ
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"...Did I do it?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGESHuHz0kU
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Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBcsiwnJ8i
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"H-Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1vbURnI4b
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She offered me her healing potion.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWODJg11SSz
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"Here. For your foot."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93VrQx3mIp
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"A-Ah, thank you."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPs4txr7i9
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIUVGp2i6s
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"Haaa, ugh."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83EjDfnQ7r
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I stood up with help from Victoria.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUy4oFWkUJ
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jnIMd784u
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrlNKYpzuN
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSzQdf4dBv
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W1QBTKsmW
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"Don't let your guard down yet."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl5lsI430V
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOHNtA2DxT
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"Crap. Crap!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVKTfDR9EY
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The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsNpOiNu3y
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I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoEs9AUNFR
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6HKlVmVf0
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVZlR3LwCb
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyaASujbZH
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9g1Ujp8lm
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixWHZqmcw2
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZO5y380ya
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgGGmqIjij
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"If you can, support Kim!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTLwjnpc4O
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP44UBpSKcY
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"W-Woah..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uiyWkNn5x
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9aC79xODq
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"KIM!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN1lr2Mvfp
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"Right!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSCgTg1LcG
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm7bYNGgEp
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And so, I released the spear.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBAhW7K31q
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**SMASH**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpbpyVCjVD
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx0krKUM87
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN3ZHU9gJd
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOcPSgGUKL
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfkKFfLHaq
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYctQVJk3u
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa5407OS0a
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"No, what you just did was incredible."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LVI0IMgzn
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFuKtWYiNi
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFagPcVTPrD
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVvuls138N
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVMzKoezxm
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"Unfortunately."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zfBpNuTYW
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDNqi1ixFV
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"Kim!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWNVlhsjTK
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Np6yH98e
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The tendril was bleeding purple.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPeFBFAZXr
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQEdHH3YiV
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**SMASH**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTRNLIQxvl
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA346ikwfX3
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q5y1rSA6a
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfWXsy7Huh
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIaOtB5ovC
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcKJ0pk7jG
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uRFCQkv4c
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkQ4qpTHIK
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"...Ngh."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYf4fcY5JS
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97RlvhFqnG
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYqbRbOsZz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDxk9aK5ma
I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDVHhmXFFa
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OEcRVBcPm
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN1H2E5wuA
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I felt like I was going to die.
