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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgmw68BxNh
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXjTzlONFH
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3urc4mF9o
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1OiDUrl6o
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"Something about this is fishy."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nOjttGq9x
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozixnoMJ4s
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMQ4PS5NnS
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpNmPOObyT
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xpS9CA19v
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKASLFggr1U
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWqM1fGsTV
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa5Hqpaep5
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And then.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwkuHiqTTc
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**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMw5iWHdPf
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3PazmnXrM
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1jKG3LRo2
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His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkcJi7G0qi
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"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrsuof8RAi
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3EnlhPfsc
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIScKxn3FFq
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"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFwU5GvsHk
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpWPAq4Kny
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3f0hlpv6S
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFekOl9JHV1
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwXlPARYeA
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ432pgYDH4m
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BHxImZUJt
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Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHWAQPznJ6
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizEpYS0XjG
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgTu8IvcFK
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyPGGTPU74
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7FPLY2bmD
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"Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3GhJDqQKa
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzX9glQJLK
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"What is it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlqnIew3Hn
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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?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdqu25CgA0
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"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcu3DNuIUn
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZCRxGMxJh
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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..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPf2Fc3hhO
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnCDMhlwtb
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GIJjqo0IY
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ARJF1i4yn
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15q4jK3J94
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfHV4bxMXO
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"W-What?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1dxQBRzVA
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"Are you crazy!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk5GZcjZ3w
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5vsWDFjjj
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ029iNqPEx7
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRzuG6JfTP
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32b4SSvVn5
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ExNLhGgNd
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqgaFF3jYf
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC24d4ls3tk
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHJFvULLLq
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"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqAowlMhpo
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"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PuqCYg7Ta
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I tilted my head in confusion.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l2EpKH6jT
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF7LwEbVqx
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9LUM8TL3w
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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!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uoIZxgNYx
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"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lDb7L48yL
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"Of course I do!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR0OoE1v1Y
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF97spzLsiF
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1lOh2Pn40
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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!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG6Mfdv8tr
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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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb18DeWjxT
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRe1MPK0uO
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"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbdfukHMTj
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6epTAxstqE
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ2UFSCSJn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzEcmoiiDG
"Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuPK9Ua4Ey
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmMP3vbtUl
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkrz8o0pp3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElcIviBMa8
"Flinty? Are you serious?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2kD5Ca7Rc
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWa0tcePQ4
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMbnyYcXFF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiX95wkEdx
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe95YpTu6bZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡespId0UiaU
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAzKZNIkeC
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdqC48jmSg
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?131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEwjT7pGTy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kbmVcoGU7
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxjxpy9zE8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RKHZVtC3i
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohReEk57iy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hLTREWV66
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YOTjMIHuf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSyd8k4OWg
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKe6Lifycv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20p7ohxVs6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLekAAV5w0T
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YCrtg96SS
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysGnIfEih5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgsdDwCbZf
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeiQastJUs
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfuL15nE3g
"...With money?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANQo4Y6MR4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhcDRl9bLN
"With money."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuAUOUewzJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q6KjqQT8c
"...I can't say no to money."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4j3MD9A9v
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuTLI88kn4
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TKpHOtRNn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoURGFQxZtJ
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1BaenJqmp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGT0A4h9Rj
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTQughGOa0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvAOFtOfN7
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr1OTZWXEm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbCN8RvBHV
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLXQzK812P
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisfUpbjxFD
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yfqkl41z7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrnMY5S6SN
"Let's do our best okay?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKwdlwzwsf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlMpZ6bVoj
"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1EzULS2G5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzURNF4MFN
I still had one more concern.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz5emYOdCF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWm8fCjnKL
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM731K88I53
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIVYTYpVCG
She averted her gaze.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk74aVItfk9
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRphTz8xx0
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZBBhgey8c
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnXRRrcRXq
"I see."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqN3PVGvSR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie16NCFyLc
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE31A9gIcMM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFAYpNONZY
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTZjx1Qv1n
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aWYfsPDcM
"Uh..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Zf6V4iLO
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIh78l5Jt0
Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1HTK1SOwZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqVsCUiduC
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPOIz16wyM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xs0MWbrmM
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM13ydhwNgO
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMTjgmpcS2
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWmjphWKOO
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOSLcz0EAL
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfRDAotIYV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9l7hfYA4Y
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAby0CVOLLR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjkVqAehSO
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvUSE2n8Gk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLg0VsrinK
–
–
–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgXZr4UdR5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWvo6QJlpd
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonRwPYtNOQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXo8JdNhe
"How does it look like?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQJSdAcz6E
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgUCZknUYu
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyj6KL5lt1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM4WXeyDBV
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEj1C6NZwa
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5CRDIQB4N
"We're ready."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSA7tNdYwv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdDEgmMguU
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMb7W9Kftg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpoJgXLrsS
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgInILaFELD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fdNVEh4Vs
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMs8qH9a70
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeho2YbFJh
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEgaViSa8t
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcFoKL8pP1
"Then what do you propose I do!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt4ciMt77f
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aiRtar390
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTbYfenfmB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E20hgqC2r
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjHnIGyq8G
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5zl58mLSr
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG2bdfdRuW
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13c1A9n6l9
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Fxltri6u
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDytJixHwD
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYFeXeTC5U
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCYzSV5Hdd
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdtpvRnqtq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8bA4uY1Ho
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutYEjH0i6F
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUFNlbYvoj
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNmdpHn1Qp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fU6WDFyW6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39y9Wv4beh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA3BQnYJ6p
"Y-Yeah. I know."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6l8pgKOCj
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsvckXb41a
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P2LfmMkZp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrzEVPBEqW
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIMPY6xrrQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUtfQhtKqz
**SHATTER**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO1IFkALyQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHtAtxn046
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVWWcwv4Ic
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ124Jh1KQTM
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCgXR0UCAx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYPxKSNMH0
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr3q390cnd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKGKeUEO5W
"Now!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzZaca3oHM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkwH8wvwbZ
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYwfKGqG0j
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQr7gJHLyj
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGQQcQelLV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsspzKpDwnv
"What are you waiting for?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnbojNcPOi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXQV4073zY
"I still don't trust Ng."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4Ubx7FuFI
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7I6qmiFsw
"Fine, then go after him!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrzqtVesuI
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTdQvislPH
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjshnDat06
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1AUmxUPR2
"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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2mSmYHbbG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFoYtym4su
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9T6wgypt4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMZdgRQNdJ
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4YWMjZ12v
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyjrI2Tfh4
"Are you seriously crying?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybsPOr9VN9
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBA9oJewV2
"Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8CjTRU2D2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxajKhAKnf
He tilted his head up to me.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U0bSCUcQc
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBgYAc6TFC
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGF6wHKlQQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrH9LS16Is
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttLeQYyIoh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOphtEA7df1
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG0J0gUkfX
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kw90Uwoha
"You, are you really on our side?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpNhCQDRUf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfdX8z6twj
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa5XpNQzVj
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypMtnLotvz
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaSajRjuu1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNlCWXNWS0
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaOpPalcNB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7MnZ4l5Zj
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhafdJmn6jw
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYccWXrDBP
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFAA0duDtU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJv3OKTGyR
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ygYERHe0s
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUAR1jaxxA
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6dJZleDry
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqVYtkNkot
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wnRFCJypv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjziVCADJ4
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPl87kY3OJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQtfEh4Gb
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtuScbGanu
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69Bw9BZYrm
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYO0UXnIk8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJzOj2tOhE
And then, suddenly–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvkvYHeOfa
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFFRgA8UWb
**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicUO9IJo9G
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScFvuuQHI0
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAwJgaCkGB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWLMiiJrzA
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLax1chPGve
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsJecVPIqK
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FW8zBNHHn
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScLFolvVqw
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"H-Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzCftE6Mny
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiob2sx9prK
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiATEXGDLwH
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZQllK4CEc
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylOl2ZqbrC
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9piZz0hWS
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhbA8oPuS5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVJ61RB1jW
"Like what!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLfZ5lxE32
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"They died last night!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHv1a8yVRr
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B3cGGrfvm
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Wait, escape route, of course!131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnteRJkX9c
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWLm0FwRqQ
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"...Did I do it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTduGOrsLLM
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbIzeHXeQw
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"H-Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz0WpuhahN
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She offered me her healing potion.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcWlysqF0S
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"Here. For your foot."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAflhYe7t5
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"A-Ah, thank you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvRIcFlwLo
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB4TPqVBwr
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"Haaa, ugh."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8W2dpKe6B
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I stood up with help from Victoria.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5a4iUrAgW
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tx7pZ3EKN
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtrWFca6U7
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"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddn0p8cvah
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXsaqxeBFZ
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"Don't let your guard down yet."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhNo3iK1Uy
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFUXwL8S8K
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"Crap. Crap!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ6r9fnou3
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfzoxqCBD2
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gGFuNb9Ty
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0lfKbrW8G
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAALNXYz47b
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkHi6brqQv
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlBBqzzrm1
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Pjm3Whr4c
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe6ZJlo5Xj
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJFsudaNAu
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"If you can, support Kim!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdZSh1tt55
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMYPnDdCax
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"W-Woah..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyNFdKYwH0
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODQoCru9YM
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"KIM!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB3MEzNFw4
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"Right!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5wtgaVe42
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JnievFoqO
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And so, I released the spear.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15JBMRFZ3y
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**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJHYt5b1J5
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4vteSCgjc
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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?131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkjvTiegp5
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQY7DW9om
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPpUA9yUIb
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYXpLZ8mhT
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwYVkFXF4w
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"No, what you just did was incredible."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57nBbrY2dS
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aSlvllYBa
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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–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMZ7kWDEdt
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjyDDXrLJ3
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5Gwr1KnAi
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"Unfortunately."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGwvadn9Zz
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyD22Qfn3a
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"Kim!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlDUsknn1H
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xog0ei6kM
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The tendril was bleeding purple.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzn8ejuwYz
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzz5AzfX4k
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**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf9Xjrxdkm
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRcJxaosfQ
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcwaJYMczV
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcm4VaA38R
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqwMop1KR6
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3bFydid6E
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNITVsWcPpF
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5sRh5NI8c
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"...Ngh."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xuVfdrCCR
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyDSv1iSNz
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2S4DIy7au
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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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUXsiJzPfJ
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8n2wSZwp2
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWCVhDt1Qd
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I felt like I was going to die.
