The fire cracked and popped. It was already dark out. Four hours had passed since the infiltration. Flinty, Ng, and Kenny were sitting beside the fire. Victoria just returned with more firewood. Kenny took a tiny bite out of an apple
Victoria sat down. Everyone was staring at the fire. The silence was oppressive, but Kenny didn't have the power nor gall to interrupt it.
"...I apologize for what has happened. My cowardice, my fear, it all led to this," Ng said.
"It isn't your fault," Victoria said, "as much as I'd like to say that it was nobody's fault, I think all of us messed up, hehe."
"Perhaps it was. But still, I feel as if I'm mostly to blame."
And thus, a needless back-and-forth started. Kenny didn't interject.
"Seriously, it's fine, you don't need to take all the blame."
"But–"
"Guys!"
Flinty suddenly raised her voice.
"M-Maybe it's Ng's fault, or Victoria's, but at the end of the day, Kim is still in trouble!"
"Right. Of course."
"You're right, Flinty."
"So... what do we do? We need a plan."
"Well," Ng started, "Jeremiah is formidable, but one of Panz's beasts has already been exterminated. Panz himself is also injured. Once we regain our strength, an upfront assault may be the best course of action.
"Right," Flinty replied, "Kenny can take the blob on by himself. Do you think you can do it, Kenny?"
Kenny didn't respond. He lifted his head and gazed at Flinty with beady eyes.
"...I'm not going back in there," he muttered, and their eyes widened.
"W-What, why not!?" Flinty cried. Shock permeated Victoria's expression. Kenny put a hand on his knee.
"It's best if we leave. Everyone will be in danger if we go back."
"But Kenny, what about Kim? We need to help her!"
"..."
Kenny turned his head away. Flinty's words didn't reach him. Frustrated, confused, surprised, and worried, Flinty didn't know what to do or say under such pressure. So, she didn't.
"F-Fine, but if you won't do it, then I will!"
"Don't! You're just asking to die!"
Kenny spat his rebuttal, Flinty flinched, and Kenny returned to gazing at the ground.
"Let's just... get out. At least, I can guarantee that you'll be fine if we do."
It hit her then. Flinty understood what was wrong with him. But still, she didn't have the words. Still, she didn't know how to convince his friend. Still, she couldn't help him. Flinty was dejected, upset that she didn't have the words.
She looked at Victoria. She was at a loss well, Flinty could tell. But, Victoria was older, and Victoria was smarter. Flinty was sure that she would think of something.
"Why don't we sleep on it?" She suggested, "We'll think of something in the morning."
"Yes! That sounds like a good idea!"
Flinty peered at Kenny, waiting for anything from him.
"...Fine."
Flinty felt relieved. Still angry, still worried, but at least she had time to think of something. And thus, the group readied for bed. None of them had any blankets or pillows, so they had to be content with sleeping on the ground. It wasn't comfortable, but before long they all fell asleep.
All, except for Kenny.
–
–
–
I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. This situation, this incident, none of this was like the one with my parents.
This was my fault. This was undeniably my fault. From the beginning, it was my fault.
That bullet. Why did I miss it? Why? Why? None of this would've happened if I just hit that bullet. That damn, tiny bullet made of stone.
I should've made it bigger. I should've been more patient. I should've gotten closer. I should've just used my tendril, or used fire magic. Who would've cared if I killed him? That alternative was so much better than this. Kim has been captured. The wolf is still out.
These thoughts, they kept me awake. I couldn't even close my eyes without that scene playing back in my mind; the bullet. If I just didn't miss that bullet.
"..."
I needed to take a piss.
I stood up. I tried not to wake up the group. I walked for a few minutes until I found a passable tree, then I took care of my business.
"...Crap."
I was already feeling groggy. I washed my hands with water magic and walked back, but stopped. Somebody was walking up to me. It was Ng. He stopped before me, carrying a makeshift torch.
"What do you want?"
"Kenny, do you mind us having a chat?"
I didn't even have any suspicions. It was ridiculous. But, really, talking was the last thing I wanted to do, so I walked around him.
"Kenny, what has you acting this way? Is it truly today's failure?"
"That's none of your business."
Ng followed me.
"I'll be blunt, this is abnormal."
"Shut up."
"Whether we escape the forest or not, you are the only one who can do anything about it."
"Shut up."
"Are you upset at me?"
I turned around.
"Huh? Why the hell would I be?"
"I see. Then, Kenny, let me ask you this; is this truly the best way to go about it?"
I didn't say anything, just tilted my head.
"You clearly feel at fault. I know, I've been in such a situation before."
"--!"
I couldn't say anything more. I couldn't even pretend to be mad anymore. I just sighed.
"Kenny, as an adult, allow me to grant you a piece of advice."
I didn't respond.
"I don't believe today's incident was your fault, but that is irrelevant. No, what I want to tell you is that, if you truly feel like you're at fault, then atone."
"...Atone?"
"Of course. It's simple, isn't it? You apologize for your mistake, and then you make up for it."
"...That is too simple."
"But it holds true, doesn't it?"
I turned my head away.
"It's..."
Ng walked up to me.
"You have a lot of power, Kenny. So much so, I'm envious of you. Perhaps you think you can't use it, but at the end of the day, who else can rescue Kim and fight Jeremiah but you?"
I turned around. I couldn't deny his words. He was right. And yet...
"That isn't it. That isn't it at all."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJdYIcmlwB
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Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kwdLiy6wG
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"Then what is it?" He asked. I had to take a moment to put it into words.
"...If I go back in there, then all of it will hinge on me again. Your lives, your well-being, all of it. If I go back there, then all of it will be up to me. If one of you die, then that's my fault. If one of you get hurt, then that's my fault."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MPlYCr9IA
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"That's not true at all–"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEM2ZP0VIf
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"Let me finish! You, have you ever had a feeling like that before? You said you know, you said you've been there, but you haven't! I can't stomach it; I can't stomach that feeling that, it's all up to me, that I'm the one who has to be the shoulder for all of you to lean on! I can't, I just... I just can't..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEfEWgnP6T
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3agPJWzyv
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"All of you say I'm a genius, but I'm not a genius. A genius wouldn't have gotten us into this mess in the first place. And now, now that I at least have Flinty, and at least Victoria is here– and hell, at least now that you're here, you're telling me to go back in there, and then just, risk it all again? What if I mess up or, God, what if I cause Kim to die? I-I'm not– I can't do it! I can't! I can't do it alone! Kim is already gone, I don't have her to help me anymore, so if something goes wrong then it's going to go terribly wrong! D-Don't you get it? Don't you get it, Ng!? How am I supposed to do anything, absolutely anything, knowing that if it all goes to shit then I'm the one who's responsible!?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTbM3HjUUA
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I fell to my knees.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt8GzXIxfU
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"K-Kim said it herself... all of it, all of it hinges on me... but I'm not someone to make that bet on, I'm not... I'm not..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVm5MML2NS
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I fell. I was in a fetal position and the top of my head was glued to the ground. I couldn't hear anything over my crying. I couldn't even move. I felt something touch my shoulder. I looked up to see Ng's face.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjVCUrvuMV
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"...Kenny."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dFmo3iNkR
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"What!?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxE1LSL4Tf
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPgyeR77gD
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg5oVCYqjm
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsZdBwj1Zm
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"That was quite a performance, but all I'm hearing is that you're just going to leave your friend to die."
...51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C72yPwwiG
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I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkrXpOdVR8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACQ0eazHUK
I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx3YVcZ357
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"N-No..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3j8f4MWQp
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Oh, God.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCOn2RatqF
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Oh, God.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZUM4Iw4bH
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AM6X3lK2S
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Ng leaned down to pat me again. I slapped his hand away. I scurried backward on the ground, panting, tears still rolling down my face. Ng didn't look like a man to me anymore. I couldn't identify what he was. All I saw was something I didn't like. I kept scurrying back and I hit a tree, then I stood up, and then I ran away. I didn't know where it was that I was going but the light from his torch was fading and that's all that mattered. I kept looking back and eventually, I stumbled. Right, the roots here, they were massive. I got up and five steps later I tripped again. The exhaustion from before still hadn't subsided. I could barely move. But, at the very least, Ng wasn't here. At least Ng wasn't there.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZLE36vldO
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But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8eMKirPNq
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"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gQ9rKWZhk
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It wasn't the way I thought about it. So, here I was on the ground, affirming myself. Of course, I wasn't leaving her to die. Of course, I was just trying to make sure Flinty and the others were safe. Of course, Ng was right. Ng was totally right. He saw through me, but worst of all, I knew Ng was right, I knew completely but that didn't change a thing. I still couldn't even grasp the idea of going back there and fighting and– and maybe Kim really was killed because of me, because I couldn't do it. But Ng was right. I needed to go back.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MYUrtEvbk
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But if I went back then what if it goes wrong? What if I go back and I see that I've truly failed? What if I go back and I see her– her–51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYoz2IKFzv
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"--Hrk!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetkBHSiDSk
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I managed to hold back my vomit. Somehow that cleared the haze in my mind. I leaned against a nearby tree. I didn't think. If I thought, then I would've heard Ng's words again, and if I thought, my anxieties would've crawled back, and then I would be endlessly running. So I sat there instead.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuWeZkPni8
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb0FiXaSlQ
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"There you are."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3FZSNkFqt
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Ng already found me, huh?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhiZq9JCSg
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"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeq31IBdDE
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I casted a gaze his way. An indescribable tug on my stomach was telling me to forgive him. It felt terribly unnatural, but I couldn't help but give into it. I didn't accept his apology, but–51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xJ8enQzxi
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"...Fine."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z7xR2cvpx
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He offered me a hand but I stood up by myself. I followed him through the woods. I was staring at his heels. Sometimes he turned his body to me, likely to say something, but he didn't speak it.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oYlYG2D2Y
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAS4CpTYMT
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Nevermind. What a strange question.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZPp0Ug49o
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"No. They died a long time ago."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ETAmHD8AA
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"I see. You have my condolences."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5fKFH22M1
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"I don't need them."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6JArLsatd
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A pause.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGh7aCOZ1X
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4onjYhV09
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"..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqb3xqPhjO
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I stopped walking. Ng stopped shortly after. I don't know what it is that just happened, but a button of mine was pressed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RsN5KS7Jb
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And then the memories came flooding back. Those months where I refused to walk outside, being taken in by Anabelle, and lastly the talk. That vital conversation I had with Anabelle and Jackson. I started biting my nails.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxxugVpe7m
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Despite it, nothing changed. My mind was still at odds with itself. But I calmed down. I calmed down a lot. At that moment, a bundle of warmth spread throughout my body. I was feeling fine.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4baMCXDvnD
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"Did I–"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VUTzwBLGJ
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"I'm sorry Ng. I still don't think I can do it. At least, not now, not by myself. Even thinking about it is making me shudder. I can't go in there."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJzVvb4YlV
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"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEq1k190zS
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I had to make sure I heard him.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS622LqWtJ
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"Assistants?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq0JdJef5x
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"Of course. I can still use the mana here to make some. It doesn't have to be anything powerful, just enough to grab Kim while you're fighting Jeremiah."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcz9QQxbsd
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"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9zZJ39mvM
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"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA5YlH6SP5
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"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8zrVhsodW
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We kept walking. We didn't exchange another word but I could feel the air around us lighten. Thanks to the campfire, we made it back to the others.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ec3VJED5
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaB0NHclMo
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ70HoNn5H
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Flinty ran up to me and gently hugged me, patting me on the back a few times. I would've been embarrassed if I wasn't so bewitched by the presence of the third person.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c4IjMTC9g
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lA3Td1Twt
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–
–
–
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We were all sitting by the campfire. Though I was sleepy, the knight's presence alone made me unable to sleep. I had too many questions to ask, and it looks like I wasn't alone.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprvyMUrJ2e
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIDmw47Abc
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Cp9F1CAj
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"Of course."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOkm7CzrNm
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvB44e0Y2E
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"Ah, of course. I am here because I've been tasked with tailing Kim. My reasons are secret, but I assure you it isn't anything malicious, not from either party."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8CsOR0fdZ
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Tailing her? Well, if that was the case, he must not have been very good at it. But when your target is as disguised and inconspicuous as Kim, then even a knight would have difficulty pursuing you.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fBZBXk9Wg
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But, no, something else was bugging me.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJoIXzbamN
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"How did you know where to find us here?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtxD25aDt1
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"I simply spent the day searching."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Nf4St4oD
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"The whole day?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jl74QXlTU
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He didn't respond to that. "Victoria's mother informed me of your whereabouts. This forest may be small, but it sure is dense."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pOXbku7nB
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1vmMWf6E0
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGPhJM2PLB
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He sighed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlMDVrHiOe
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BPqK5FGIG
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yhrKKYOuY
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"Oh! Yes! Kim is being held captive by a magical beast my ex-colleague has created. He is formidable, and occasionally reckless, but not a creature who would intentionally kill. He wasn't programmed that way."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSHyweHqR6
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVrBDeymw3
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"...Why do you ask?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb9NVAapj2
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb7xxKcCyR
"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hwCnF0yGb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQhXkr9A2u
Those words made me perk up. They had two meanings to me. Ng went on to explain the blob's ability to contort its body and produce a hypnagogic haze when injured. Skylark didn't look intimidated at all. I didn't see him in action yet, but I imagined that such confidence didn't come from foolishness. Skylark's presence was still strange, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have any suspicions about his relation to Kim, but– frankly, it didn't matter. Frankly, I was just glad that I was able to pass the baton onto somebody far more capable than me. A short while later we all returned to sleep; aside from me, of course. And, apparently, aside from Skylark. I lifted my body and stared at him. As we stared at each other, I tried to unbridle certain words from my throat, but he talked first before I could.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqNQSCCJqn
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkteQB0jyz
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq1g8ZA1je
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu88U3dnTNs
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJmmBuv3gk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlNviBrOIZ
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzdzkDwMYL
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YKeCaxQir
"I see. I'll get sleepy eventually, it's just a matter of time. But since you're awake, I might as well talk with you. Talking with people is especially exhausting."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmYNWgXvLP
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRtLoUHinn
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZnjuSc3BF
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HtmPDMB0i
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL76szvv3iv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuNQfXqjrm
He put a hand to his chin.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6CIJoXHg1
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmWWUCcnp9
"...Well, I'm sure you in particular will find out soon. For now, let's just say that I was sent to defend her, in case anything goes awry."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DbTpOF2HQ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwS1Bf6LUQ
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQt9H8ttIX
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFOXKewko4
"No."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoxx14o9Hx
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQA8FCCG60
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qJvjafksF
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjWyK8J6zI
"Do you mean in the woods?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zd8fQ3Zpq
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAh8X65oo0
"Yes. I'm just curious."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3VG8oUo19
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdlH8TiFx3
"I entered the woods two hours ago. I was told by Linda to wait until it became dark. Honestly, these woods are a bit of a nightmare to navigate."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa1bls3JyE
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XHTlhmRNG
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGABovcb1K
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwb1jpdIGY
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7Xkw1CIdY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzK66JHb5I
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPCN5ZWMMT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIdgg1K5CD
"Me too."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRvF4um0mT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuS9VqmxyT
I realized how strange it was that he called it knightly duty, since he met us by coincidence, but didn't press him on that matter.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXRY2B04eu
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3nmBaNXXM
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE108XJUW7c
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHEPvryeeV
"Yes. For now, at least."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NCqaASYke
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA3qcJkZ3t
"Are you sure? I may not be able to answer all questions related to Kim, but I have a lot of knowledge of other things."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn97ZCeQxyw
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMdzpe9nK7
"..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29pmxd7yms
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrJ5GACmwL
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3hmO7eFE6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2YcD7VJiH
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTsGR48cXu
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lKFkXo5MS
"...Huh?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7oQTPVYYC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wg5cZQvfj
–
–
–
There was a gap in the trees perfectly positioned to where the sun hit my face. I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my chest and had difficulty keeping my eyes open. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well. Despite that, I was feeling fine. Everyone else was still sleeping. Everyone, aside from Flinty, who was not present.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWODMGqsnYC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXn4RtL4dH
I thought of the worst immediately. I calmed down once I heard a sound nearby. I walked towards it and saw Flinty standing with her arm out, creating water balls and... firing them.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xco54LPQg
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRI30iSAKT
I wouldn't repeat the same mistake as before, so I stood by the sidelines and watched. She didn't even have her eyes closed, yet she was able to create a water ball and maintain it for twenty seconds. And then, she fired it. It was a very weak spell; it hit a tree and merely splashed it. If it was another element, it likely would've only scratched the bark off. I was still impressed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyS34C2cjr
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCOC9I0Xkp
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB2gffObw5
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU51uj4e3h3
"Good morning, Kenny."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3j9TzgVY4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCcHJ6lZey
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyZ0Y42o1z
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVh5L7ad1a
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyADBmC9jT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJzGAIncnh
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuWi7hRDio
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8OCzMtJIi
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA8sGa5NCk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypP0nMAYLT
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaa4WzaJNU
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Fzt2JMcm
"Yes! I have, ha!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2zbkzROLD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns6GnUBGmB
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdXUwxWpjT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3F6cjDxOF
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWiadHWyU
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ITxNPBAtq
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaUBxmuV9s
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Kg0EfuWB
"Thank you, teacher."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9CQA8PUJo
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlT1QXaeoL
"Yeah. Don't call me that."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECGFrL4dB2
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIF8XkA7Fj
"Okay."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzjIBM1a88
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChYPJujnEi
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YrDrJUKUt
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKfKSpPGAR
"Hm? What's wrong?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfx81ebMxc
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl3eHB5qQY
"Um..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡookyzlURDn
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtpgBuX0GV
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugtpDBliF8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKordVCHd3
"Here. Have it back."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZk4bOjlzD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS8MnLGfun
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEz8v79XUD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKT3U3AA4
She shook her head no.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpWm5cAO0l
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvSXknNf6k
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCCexQCpAS
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkty4l2ZbL
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPtANM29ES
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqTRVQtpqR
"Thank you, Flinty."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYAUb0JS1
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvrxz65TR0
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvHpyuCh4E
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE771QlyLu
"Kenny, do you feel better?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiMIsUhYlk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRLkfBs9bB
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsnTeNtBgv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowt9hgiYwb
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9YYf6oy5Q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoohOvNZfI6
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUVh1NxBzT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURKUodMvoT
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaOfAJJNX5
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzne1HrhO
"Good morning, Kenny."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4Wx8bXwlr
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9uWRPPELB
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCFnzhpz3e
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPCUeHqHiP
He nodded. When Victoria and Ng got on their feet our strategy meeting began. It was simple; Skylark would enter the compound and battle Jeremiah while Victoria, Ng, and I would surround the building to capture any escapees. With that set, we began our breakfast. It was just simple rations, but they tasted especially fresh. Flinty and Victoria were engaged in conversation while Skylark vigilantly watched our surroundings. I looked at Ng and was suddenly reminded of last night.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdZQPNo5rZ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrihQRV5XR
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiOfrCdQrH
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXP91V6ZSY
I scooted closer to him.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b7O2a7xME
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnZUTibV68
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeQGblbxfY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tG7dqGkyT
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ufs2vTQWL
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBfVJ2Sy9M
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZaGxF9d8e
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FDKnhmtWO
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTiM208Amj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUWq1BJc8P
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnODrD61eM
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSBI4UMoWP
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIOxUxUYJH
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyrIol5gDD
"What?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP1kjPdz9O
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWs70wQYcw
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY30hx8qON5
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztSdu0rFTH
But then I thought about his behavior back in the cellar, and during the initial stage of the infiltration. He lightly punched me in the shoulder.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4YAjALgMx
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOxcOH40m
"You and I are alike, I've realized. But unlike me, you are powerful and gifted. I know you can liberate yourself from the fungus in your brain. You are still young, after all."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yJe49oVOV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNBvMYzbms
"R-Right."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHJvUo7sXg
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU3llsPRAl
"Well then, shall we go?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcrpq7RKVN
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMIxo1drG9
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuR3Fp5dez
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QfYT8vql2
"Alright."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4m7ODYtHT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihWIGJs5eR
We grabbed our bags and left the campsite. With Ng leading us, we arrived at the compound thirty minutes later. Flinty and Ng stood nearby in the woods guarding our things, and more importantly, away from any attention. Skylark, Victoria, and I stood before the broken gates of what was essentially the compound's front yard. Skylark took a step forward. He had a rag covering his mouth.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheJYikx2nO
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XHterrC8m
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTACRA3TEUR
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpND42IcFG0
And then he walked across the field and into the building. Now Victoria and I stood there alone. I felt a hand on my shoulder.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1et7k4FIG6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRDnUouJI2
"What?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMdoigThdZ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsZfEBOZ01
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonMlTqM8lq
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6LuYdcB8Z
"I know he will."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8lOlLhCgp
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaB5Lppq6E
"Then why are you shaking?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfgEudx9AV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcDUkWZAIh
"...I just can't help myself."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv2osTWTFV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9YUWxX6Us
I walked to the walls and sat against it. Victoria joined me. We sat and waited. Five minutes passed without anything happening. Ten minutes passed without anything happening. Victoria was jittering a little.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDDaXQwFTl
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKRz7iuiJF
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhgAxd2cZo
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHdxo7iQn2
"What do you want to talk about?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWiTHdkimE
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rdLlUltsS
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf6JJJprfm
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfjRn61Pyp
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JkYFiWHB6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnfFdV4lDp
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3QRDbouXj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlif8fGWF5
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRMgssHAw6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMOIP0k4Jo
"Ha!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwJdN0j8po
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwddDn4Awr
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC1slXIQSz
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyDMT7SB3E
"These muscles came from all the work at the farmhouse, and fighting is something Mom taught me. Y'know, she used to be a combatant! An extraordinary one, too!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX9PogfBTm
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KPXK4MUdl
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR9EbSwgf7
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5KCfQD4oy
"Hehe, something like that."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH26t0s17h
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0uKVbIfBH
She didn't sound confident.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsulQrX76su
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZh5foM3Af
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZt6lun55q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u45Dse1W6
"Ah. That makes sense."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MhbeCpcm6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi31yJzNcp
I was very close to saying something insensitive.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zr8ksXIaJ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE95z1mwtPY
"That blob thing was a bit too much for me to handle. I think though, if we were to fight that wolf, I would be fine."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AZgbh01A0
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQhAA32PZO
"...Wolf?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhkzwv2MRs
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KmaykFbSJ
All the air suddenly left my lungs. I looked to my left. The broken gate. Its mauled doors were sprawled on the grass, and chunks of stone accompanied them.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ205T9eKFIZ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLwKiIrT6y
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoQCyI5ZRj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW349ekZBK
"Kenny?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLjnl5htw4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwWdeKNQyJ
With how quiet it was in the compound, I naturally began to theorize. I did not doubt that Skylark was alright, but we should've heard something, anything by now. Because we weren't, then Panz must've been hiding. And I already knew from Ng that Panz had the ability to summon his creations.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltgLX2Gnwv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiog7ZP0g9
I stood up and walked forward.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1NLnpWPX1
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML14KQR1OA
"Kenny? What's wrong?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaIGFQTTAL
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30QPWzfOnt
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNcvOhdg33
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn36Z47cJXT
I took my tendril out and grew a Sunlight-Blossom. I snatched a seed and stuck it in the ground, then grew it to full size. I clasped the flower by its stem and aimed it at the woods.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGKtOewoLd
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK71SkjnII
Victoria stood beside me with her hands raised. She caught on fast. I keenly eyed the woods, almost like a hawk, waiting for anything to flutter.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX8rEdiVtk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XGXLYCk5G
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBXPgqVHMb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBq7d0AjxH
**BANG**51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmY3gDkRXf
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHfqAKwDqw
The Sunlight-Blossom's seed rend the wind and trees. It left my line of sight in a second. I didn't catch the beast, but that wasn't an issue. A resounding wail echoed throughout the woods. I saw the bushes fly in the distance.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAkdfVUtiT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScnr8WhbiJ
"Victoria."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBAyXdGWV7
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLuWKjmj50
"Right."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLmOvsRLcy
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaKRYTFZAx
I had to think fast. I produced a Freeze-Dry and encased the ground in ice. Next, I brought out Dragon-Maw Jr. and raised the tendril over the ice.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8ABKlGIZk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXBh0m49F0
**SMASH**51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNFQFWJoWX
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX3lpWDGYl
There he was.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeoo7e8VMj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH0FAYJjfA
The wolf crashed through a tree and landed on the ice field. He lost his footing quickly. I lowered the tendril and Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped his jaws immediately, nipping at the wolf's back. The wolf slid towards us with his maw agape, brandishing hundreds of sharp, unsightly teeth.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4DMzDklzM
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrVjQ9nGhe
Victoria crouched. The wolf jumped. I retracted the tendril and prepared to strike, but the size of the wolf surprised me. I hesitated. But that was fine. Victoria clenched the wolf's neck as it soared through the air. She slammed the beast to the ground, hardly able to keep it pinned, but she was able to punch its snout a few times. The wolf struggled and clawed Victoria in the chest. She winced, and the beast escaped from her grasp. He was bleeding, but so was Victoria. She reached for her pocket and doused herself in a healing potion, then threw the glass bottle at the wolf who stepped aside to avoid it.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfbzU0tz29
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjE5lOeJat
"That thing is strong," she said, "We can either wear it down or pin it again, but if I do, you need to kill it."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZbeVO4PaF
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7A5j56fCf
"Right."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgKjCNCCeZ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn6iS2FexV
With my other hand, I began mana expulsion and created a bundle of thin, elongated rocks. I threw them at the wolf one at a time. He avoided them all, but as I threw, Victoria inched closer. The wolf jumped at her with his jaws wide open. Victoria stepped to the side in the nick of time, but as the wolf landed he turned around and leaped again. I struck him with the tendril and he spun across the field.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NsQherC3C
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HsVue4UCZ
"Thank you!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WaHAjxIrS
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95AJzbW6Fs
I nodded. The wolf was temporarily incapacitated. He was still bleeding from Dragon-Maw Jr's wound. Victoria and I were unharmed. We could do this.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UzxNbcArN
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UeYoZMc67
I began mana expulsion again, creating a stone and suspending it in the air. I covered it with fire magic. The wolf came back to his senses and sprinted at me. I stretched the tendril out; he avoided it but I struck him as I retracted it. I threw the fire-rock at it. The wolf caught it with his mouth.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YOGLdipfV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiXZ6yY7n8
"Huh?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMefhFUClO
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt5JdFlwxo
Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oD0pRTdFn
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AG3X5qsJi
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPlQqCophD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzvUj2bqzP
"Shit!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6tknydYAo
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LEELGUxvk
I put my hand on the floor and created a small wall of earth before me. A stream of fire pummeled it. I wasn't harmed, but the heat made me feel woozy.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7mmImVIDr
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnotjxPrXuX
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJwFX9MJfp
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDZSaSBsu6
I removed the wall and began mana expulsion again, this time, creating a ball of water. Victoria was beside me, her palms open and her fingers strained.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkdaCvRIFJ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pr4r6zO39
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMVuqnjkWw
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhtT780dUE
"I understand."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOKBtNw1dV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpKdaFkeDP
I retracted my tendril and began mana expulsion with my right hand, creating a bundle of pebbles. I shrunk the water ball down and clasped it with my left. A pure-white water geyser erupted from my palm. The wolf avoided it but found himself on the ice field again, and thus lost his footing. The geyser ran out before I could hit him, so I created another ball of water. The wolf blew fire on the field and melted the ice, and unfortunately, made the grass catch fire as well.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVbLcfSiCI
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACIogNLZZP
"Uh oh, Kenny."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRtj9t8S1Z
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H9EivTQEy
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkGjJ0hVsY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9MHdDPdUZ
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWamFu54B3
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGXITg6DmL
I didn't clasp the ball this time but spread it out across the field. The fire was extinguished and the wolf was now wet, but seemingly unbothered. He started charging at us again. I scattered the pebbles in my right hand with intense force. They were small, but the wolf would undeniably be hit and staggered.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrhPV8ALz1
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW74e3DnqH
But, though he was hit, his charge didn't halt even a little. I panicked and brought the tendril out, stretching it out yet again. He didn't avoid it. Instead, he snapped his jaws at it.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRLeJ8K3X6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfTPJqyBLa
"Hrk!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV11WYqHgb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAKPnT6Bft
Pain permeated my whole body. Maybe even my soul. It was terrible, but the situation wasn't irredeemable. The tendril was in between the wolf's jaws but was still intact. I quickly thought of a way to retaliate and produced a Flash-Bloom. I'd be lying if I said I expected it. I hurriedly held my hand over my eyes.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlQ0UppTKD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjZV0U09RG
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBGhoNk36E
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG0UAzvK9h
Even with my eyes covered, all I saw was white. Pushing the Flash-Bloom beyond its limit was exhausting my mana supply but I didn't have to keep it out for long. A few seconds later I stopped it and opened my eyes. The wolf was still gripping my tendril but was nabbing at its own face as if the light was on him. I produced Dragon-Maw Jr. and he bit at the wolf's nape. The wolf let go of my tendril. I coughed out some purple goop.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBDgglcbs4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsfX49R7fs
"Victoria!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QroN3PBsW
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkwGEHs2Vs
"Right!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqVZaJJc0Q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBtUXvryo6
Victoria ran over to the wolf. She didn't pin him down, but instead, grabbed one of his oversized hind legs and bent it in an impossible direction. The wolf opened its mouth and wailed and readily spat fire. With all his squirming, Dragon-Maw Jr. could hardly keep him in place. I produced another water ball and flung it at the wolf. I managed to perfectly land it inside its maw, and the beast was forced to cough it all out.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsOa65TPr4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbJ1H61pnQ
Dragon-Maw Jr.'s teeth sunk deeper into its neck. The wolf was still desperately clawing at its eyes, but each succesive swipe made it obvious that the beast's strength was fading. Victoria broke its other hind leg. The wolf struggled, but he didn't attempt to spit out fire this time. The wolf simply howled, and howled, and its howls grew weaker by the second. Dragon-Maw Jr. kept clamping down. I noticed it myself, how the neck was being sluggishly pulled off the body. Victoria clasped the wolf's snout. She began pulling at it.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5JTgirorc
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MIfsqYb3z
"GRAHHHH!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNA7HbzZck
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen0MFzW8IA
A warcry. She was a total barbarian.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO11xmM2nRb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJseMR1hmV
With the help of Dragon-Maw Jr, Victoria tore off the wolf's neck and threw across the field. The head crashed and spallered against a tree. It immediately evaporated into the air, and the rest of the wolf's body followed suit. She grabbed her knees and began to pant.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY2TZUAj3u
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKTgBRTSwo
"..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdKANYQKiA
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiOULI0IdJ
I retracted the tendril. My mana supply was relatively plentiful. Still, I plummeted to the ground, face-first. I stopped coughing up purple goop, and a minute later, it stopped oozing from my chest.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTLHlyfQHI
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdo8GX02eQ
I had questions about it, but those were for later. At the time being, I was happy. I relishing the moment. Even with grass pressing against my face, I was relishing.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrzQsefk9D
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAeXjFLFtD
We did it. We really did it.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGBHZsUs1a
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFIqsuJEBt
"Kenny!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Hh1070sAf
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5zG3bq26K
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuOJOv555U
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNAsxDAGxC
"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z4BYllG8h
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFdhCgD2wS
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VCSfv3hqy
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCxrVeRNZY
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyfUQ5zH5k
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPW0fSQAml
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQmtDFTeXa
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OlXVHyJL6
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTfO9bK2SC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eiTlEKbc7
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q7qXP6D80
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuc2hWwFK6
"We did it," I muttered.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKDGXQ03gr
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fZVb7xiB1
I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKwqwfYnPR
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ01amVUNKK
Right now, I was immensely satisfied. I glanced at Victoria, and she was fine, and I was fine, and the beast was dead, and I was satisfied.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Euc01ODu
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSklQVxXk6
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE2qIGSG6k
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0mQx3IsGe
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKxW744wu3
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1N8G0JxTA
"...It could've been a lot worse."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVhsC8vyHR
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8libSfjo6
"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK4WLxfmSl
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDFeqzBBF1
Victoria looked at something above me.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzboUtona7q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwVH87knbB
"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJsJv5jkxa
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cIlweG1SU
Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAppYnyQyu6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0NdEvncDw
"No. Why do you ask?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ305kp5758i
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2DFBwyIKw
"I haven't heard a single thing coming from the building. Our fight was noisy, so I thought that maybe someone would come out. I'm starting to get worried."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ov7m7IpMH
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGuOp6rJbN
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMc1MHmMIq
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLkffRRC1N
"O-Oh, sorry."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2AGwvpKok
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOM0xDLGkY
She scratched her cheek a little.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3904Chc9P
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQHn9kbR01
"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMZjisZwTD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdBqkRLtK2
"That's just how you need to be with monsters. Equally brutal. It's something I got used to. I watched my mom fight a lot when I was a kid."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCbkQscJSg
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7nDhOpZGR
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy6JHJCsgH
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspDgD6kKRA
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHAitMft5b
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDETcZBWL6q
I sighed. My face returned to the grass as I indulged in the silence. I could feel the fatigue worm its way into every nook and cranny of my body. I was surprised at the toll the fight had on me. Eventually, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my shirt. It was even more purple than before.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgtzGrxzAP
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJFVx5Si57
I helped Victoria up. I limped to the busted gate and stared at the compound. A weight formed in my stomach. I almost began to pray, but the doors to the building slowly opened.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDpJOXG3um
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaZZeBjPNy
Skylark was there. Kim was on one shoulder, and when he opened one door wide enough he grabbed Panz by the hood. He had a lot of dust on his body. When he caught up to us, he frowned.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbWOoFaa3g
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0yj05yIxg
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRTIHx9yyD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfbugGGdfF
"We fought something, Kenny and I."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM9OaOuu0U
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQZLflG3WQ
She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARSGNJBtlv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgWld5aHLd
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OxgScezkA
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJVYbsJruf
"How is Kim?" I asked.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qxzLJCii5
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZXtm7mwmj
"She's fine, just unconscious."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p4m9lrVm8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6VgpEllU7
I could only say one thing.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuPpyQL2PS
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZimZbznyb
"...Haaaa. Thank God."
