Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aOrfV5mwF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvZ5sCFmcs
"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4VMqclpti
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoasNYPq8Lz
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJROp9qlp9e
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK11yyMWCil
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYTSdNGbeW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jIdtCJIyc
"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM7aAmaEp8
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7ancdhy8K
"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBf8dQFFYs
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiX8xoNEyn
Flinty shrugged.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IxiWQC9K7
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEu4uxwQuq
"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBbrQckH0k
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwGiQFqjZY
That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hto0340LA
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4CVt6Gx7B
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1h1cc4vek
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xoHb24ODJ
"Why don't we ask them?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrFg04EMaE
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kWd2qcLsl
"Not a bad idea."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwbRfrsNXS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeeblrfUDX
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkv88CgIze
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt4beGdSEu
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlH8Z7L13N
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw0lCQUBD3
"Wow, is this a farm?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovePVr5qBq
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ409epXDulx
"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsctRD4pe14
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0yq3Wj2n0
All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8pqatzoAU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7450ZmMao
As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGKuxpkb4X
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgY3lKztaP
It was a giant. And it was burly, too.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaexI1NkTQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKevnxjFxFI
"Uh, Flinty?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1yvH6HM8V
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiZ3f8fvMB
I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchhX01ic4V
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EkD7dHRR4
"Kenny!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTaXZ0qJgW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yvlyDkpWF
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhgacbclpr
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Hx8xG7M3
"That dog's name is Kenny?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiAnWulgX4
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl8ZbrmdoK
Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOBkToSgzS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc7kmIyjIf
After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbUTDIcqAM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf7BGrAXfS
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cEoR7RpqY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryBuOHLSSJ
"Okay."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl4RgCSx7r
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVO3FR0RlF
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6XV0d4ex6
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMGHoxrv61
"H-Hey, that tickles..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPdhbYk0pe
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMh8f9RPG0
Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPl4WtxhZ9
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKFM7MU0sX
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzZBBsWNhQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YFluuM756
"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZKw0UaKPX
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNBVkRIZQj
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNR83Nt5dk
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilEFdBB6J0
"Vikky!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuev8E8DDm
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LBDpu8zWE
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuomQnW6kbW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YArzi1px8
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufNcCZiCWC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRMixJupOF
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2HyxCaOOM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxuP45U1ZO
She looked strangely amused.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti439Ngd8k
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif1udOCVVK
"Full name? Alright."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqffHFygPpD
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeksgoVRbv
She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy2VUPzFx7
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrWJRSDNFp
"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxfoKNyATR
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtklfiMAnA
"Yes."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWidOESWwDr
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6JeMFYkyL
"Then let's get along."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsowL8O98IB
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVvjUkbWBw
She was polite. Flinty invited good company.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxlqezmQ1I
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSglBP81ifI
"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0MqY720Kx
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlpwCZ1Cr2
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt5Sxkk3Ju
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4IueVdh2J
"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO1Xudi4vm
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlRmLuZ62r
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhNPBg7yhF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfwqiIKgHL
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVYuynnVbz
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatDdKp2mCK
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXA6ii1rPZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUzwJyNpFU
"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM6MdkHtzi
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJASZ3BjHxx
"What, why?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtinJ0BXnLC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaVrk8ZcM1
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS6OgbTc5S
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m9IMR1zNY
"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81izuQ8OGr
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAlSeAVJpN
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh5Q2qs0aV
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8vgzN5Xlr
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWzwADN8WB
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinhcTlPK02
So that was what the lady from before was doing.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y0eNJIF9u
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQPB4AhHfW
"That sounds awful. Is there–"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql7nCtjnVd
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX8sCfQw36
"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdgVgqWH64
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlI3bTXuNC
The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7wnXx5yN
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWpsrh3TUJ
"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCViwNYDb8
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZE1p7YUrx
"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJOspl9Ql4
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXCRUDIBVL
"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXib5JG6G8Z
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLijZumI3fy
"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8sdWmmdrh
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjCAYomKeE
I made a grumpy face.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnltjsUH5qO
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsZfRFvsV4
"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOEd24Wc3I
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnE6LB6fpc
That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV7lHhNdb5
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsVRm22d1U
"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO00KHeDO7
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKghQduYheN
Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLki1UquAYi
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJHFxOwAef
I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUtak3m5cJ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmTBdifnU0
It's worth a try if nothing else.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmr2xzHxZS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKsQUE3gck
"...Do you want to help? That bad?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xIdHQWZjA
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnNdrqqhfP
The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsP1iRAKT9
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRrJO0wQUv
"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lbtlf6F5V
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LQCUqdIj0
"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmSkSRTthH
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqTn8z4EHX
"Yes."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKcEX7bRqx
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14LMa33twj
"Can I see the crops?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1urpeS4xmO
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68pCBTekq7
"Uh, you can."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi2ccYqiEa
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCyQbWme2f
I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qa4ZXTcwn
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM2IHK1JTX
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp1Kz17qHL
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvjqB7jbxp
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5CdAxWklo
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgiNULqnNH
That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcwasSj9wQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9u7i3XErC
"W-What the hell is that!?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt068wBzhNv
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeVc8bF5yN
"It's Kenny's tendril!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YM2LoQ7za
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ7KG7q4lV
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm5LAQKRmP
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAH4Lec6J5
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgy63q52QM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe02kv69tm
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxjzMSpdDN
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXU5HuMQaF
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOMoU5tWZM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcMnlLvFPi
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdnzN63Tfv
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfFQV8Amwb
"What are you doing?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWU3PphTZM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDkDfjY3QI
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaNMdhYOJK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykxhxmCMyn
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2FWelz7LG
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAiftLBwoK
"You're an angel."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt87Ui3HTh
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiTdklpI8d
"..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFddnD67TL
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGZBbeBlA0
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG3O89eQb7
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFKB94piPH
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyBGTCsbYF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8ACYTKn3F
There were very strange people in this city.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuOdWlwXqv
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2S4JlXjzz
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDK5arn8TZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOWbS0QKee
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ1roWanSB
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4QoTbcxCE
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6QTiMo4Zz
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsq6ygDU7T
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPgaeGd7bi
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttC6Sk8q4I
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaECdIbZiU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBlbMfAaBL
"Really?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRBWuveHoY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dv9vridh8
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxxwj5pfSo
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbQTDWHxId
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF9Oosz5nE
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SXofLDFIC
"Yes! Let's do it!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk8CaHgSi2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdHAXxcdrm
"Fine by me."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbaEhOg6uZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVfFSygKBy
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFnf180bEm
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUpK6qTCx6
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9SAfQLtKF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLgoLkBeAR
"Is something wrong?" I asked.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tBYHuKjpu
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMh85kep4H
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkjJwwyKiP
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGSb8V1fNW
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoz0qhtPXT
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoY7TH52tO
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUNdM9jnlg
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxcrpUDB81
"Is that so?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh0BoWH6Ge
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjnXXFmn9j
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqOnPxS9nK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7oW9ZzRDR
"Please, enter right here."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLlWweTjIe
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbMRQT4z3T
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vtwauJRSC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMwFTEJERk
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOmyNVhF5I
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0eOf6cTDd
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg8csSknFG
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuBI1aBl7R
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrYXbJHGeb
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFgZyhLqUf
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6JHTdTLMY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAOqbt7Zw0
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYISiXMm8yt
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpCCZo03gO
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gj8RrIjnq
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQRaXOOWYH
"R-Right."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lp9hZlUGQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bXTkHqCMI
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea9oKbYFTD
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP4gayVA50
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUREBfI9Cy
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG47DrQK1A
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ879V6JxAKs
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr90U1XQJE
I nodded.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp3FTlkdZY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8DQDfy78s
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1manZFQLmU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4acBe1toKp
I raised my hand.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KkpXD3yrh
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU6q0yFU4o
"Yes, Kenny?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZgfyR2QyE
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs4nvcnx1M
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCludAbTow8
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkkq24O0Fb
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuwAZ9GUvD
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoOw0bLknz
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HGr508OFP
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PDn9PCtbB
"Allowed to brew?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8M7MPz8XY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOdiLMavse
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObJABfdGOE
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgxbs0Cqo0
"I see."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGoV0ZBD92
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwzLOClg5y
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoChzm1THOe
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVDwrmI3bU
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRtgKz62j
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vM8SrsCh9
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3jxUO1lLx
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1BsLMdQgF
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoxzny8Sf4
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC3rB1Dum4
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1tLUVEX2Y
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FqvxECZHZ
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiYh39WpDR
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdzDjVDANZ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHy6jVUyoy
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAVMborfIU
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1IqxVA3lU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2krqFn6nH
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoTYcFqLHM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2tAfcfKMv
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlN6qoYT22
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcuHuIEijJ
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34cYZZqt7Y
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD7WqtbLTU
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeh5jLEA0S
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboxjIkxTUb
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62w8ygvULC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCXXmFak29
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJerpmPdC1e
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXqOyzROvM
"...Wow, this plan sucks."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEQqAzalDf
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qn0VBiTvu
"Kenny!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb1pB4tjPM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSyEiXCMVK
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzY1RqCHOn
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZjRfo32sK
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzfHBBFYWZ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJIAgsQGj3
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgjGo5vhK5
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEfjlKbVHr
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheylmYqHfX
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpOpufikP9
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPEDmIkBCW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpxUnuaf62
I nodded, but something was bothering me.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNLpv33pyQ
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzendyhWJO
"Will the people really all come together?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7Qg0ISqQy
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmbyoSNJXx
Linda stepped in.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ibaqAc8vU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kXZXGrXLP
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSviIDPh6r
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZXacFo0AO
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkzDIZLbq2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4UO95KeUI
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AjSi5XI8O
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGGVWhYECq
"Mhm!"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpEw2rfMBd
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRSUMCD6Xq
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRE5HFIfb4
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOclYd3BqS
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFZwWf6tvf
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn0AQ7dsDh
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfnsL0T0xl
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbpd8feh4X
I was having second thoughts.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS24XpNTWGc
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0B4TnEKs7
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvhLfUkvmU
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNLqqpiEF
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruqf3TAKjM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfN5pGNmE7
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz5u7L0tPo
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Yrr2nAUc
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcikE6CBCUN
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0kyAYwmgf
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkSlIyRboB
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ectPdLiG4
"..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMVE7vxmnz
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvFJIrTp7r
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPPq35mkNC
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaL0mdKvLz
Phew.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWshWu4uz6
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPnd3LdeZB
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcXyr5oixY
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVicxARwZ6
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8t1HkEKeu
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0oMvAP0IO
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcXats4TWV
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqngujrCGL
"Huh?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zUkxQrOBI
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U405FWw2i
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamfBaKp5PP
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEMzMTswmG
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsxieQIvI3
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHAYPUhNH7
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iS0kHQt1j
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3PWcacU1A
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xzs3NbFxr
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNPgL1Lz3t
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7heyBb1jML
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLgrqZsCsd
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiExkwt69ZM
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ6uKhEzxC
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzR7NLyeWz
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZzEAxd8td
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bf0Ndc5E8
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQzbUJnov
She looked suspicious of it.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHHrnnV67U
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAX7St5FsB
"How do I know it's safe?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVopAMXgUR
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexyoXiOJp0
"I can drink it right now and prove it."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5mc0kfyPs
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZrHqiwJs3
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkRoJUdFfA
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpTNIE68DY
"Fine. I'll try it."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aNu4FGCHF
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJxVkh1o7m
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5TlLKDO1d
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPOU9ndIef
"...Okay, fine. It's good."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeHwMvu3qP
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7G4QsZqJo
Yes!430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4kwlblMLp
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rmhYxD6nw
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfM3dmtsiu
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rHxUDLKSo
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhynlbDX15u
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t2RhAyoKy
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I6fwkiPAS
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKzf87YSRC
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdhkJ7FRMa
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDyxDehdDj
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUmCzAVCxK
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVRHzEYzdK
"What are you doing?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtYQicOKDp
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkPUK1jukG
"Passing the time."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCZpGJA0t0
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPsw5GpDK2
"By making fun of my face?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8qO6CQpo2
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeDxPvfdqG
"I'm not making fun of you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT9W6iUTkW
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oo3kdPx1R
She laughed a little.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ha3Nus4oy
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTwb5DsYLq
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkMFaaWOpH
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6s9KixAft
"Of course."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVPjainzIB
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ghrfd1OVg
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFe7BClrnT
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCSPfc6Bc5
"How'd you two meet?"430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d2AdhcHAD
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsEbEGuXVC
"..."430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgqS5skNOn
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBQXAZ7PCQ
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
and then Add to home screen.