I couldn't even take comfort in the fact that the woman was surprised to see me, too. Even Flinty wasn't that surprised. But I was standing there agape and looking like a moron. I shook my head and slapped my cheeks.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCnAi1C1dN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB9XmF45Rz
"Hello. Kenny and Flinty, right? I assume you remember me from earlier."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5Hj4WYVbX
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOdq2h2AvJ
"Yes! I had a feeling you might be the helper."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PBf036Ssl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpCizfZz4U
You had a feeling, Flinty? Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you leave me out?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEN84o3l6L
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V96aninnV
"I helped the bartender deal with the rowdy customers after you paid for my drink. By the time I was finished, one of your friends came and asked for help. I couldn't just say no."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wo7aOC4Dy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KHgMqcRBW
How noble of her. Hmph. I looked away from the lady. She didn't take the hint and walked towards me.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRoaoOzA77
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vOlskRRdQ
"And you, thank you again for your generosity. I plan on returning the favor."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2DqrgLipG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUZTzzu0Ay
"...Sure."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4lCrzVTq6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6vJgzCLpa
She offered a hand. I sighed and reluctantly took it. Well, I guess if she was willing to help when it got so late, she couldn't be a bad person, right?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnX4oTH5w6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJJxAefiDF
"I'm sorry that I cannot give you all my name. But for now, you may call me Kim."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVvvRVgqHY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxZRY240XR
"Then, Kim," started Linda, "why don't you sit down at this here table? I'll have my daughter bring some drinks.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKAkAt5U9T
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgSuThW4h6
Kim, Flinty, and I all sat at the circular table while Victoria and her mother left. I couldn't get a word to come out of my mouth, but Flinty was happily chatting with Kim. They were talking about the situation at first, then Flinty moved on to talking about how nice her cloak was. I didn't understand at all, how a conversation could steer in that direction so quickly.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmP5YDt9Jn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfObTwisjpL
As I complained, Victoria and Linda came back with a bunch of glasses of milk. It was warm, too, which I appreciated. I gulped it all down and continued sitting in silence as the women talked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb7C3jjsb7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrNmpepV4h
"So, Kim, how much of the situation do you know?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2A5E2SRYT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uphyUsuKV
"There's a monster that was just extinguished, and you all are trying to find the culprit."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFbmPnJYqn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR0rzo6GVa
"Correct. Tomorrow, you, Victoria, and Kenny will venture into the forest and investigate."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEungYraq0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qtd2yb23k
"Wait, what!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1FMvvdxme
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYLwTVoS8T
Flinty stood up and slammed the table.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u9bkp2nOD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy2ntXYsnl
"Why not me?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCuPvaA6JF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjWVtDDKf3
"Well Flitny, you are still young, and you are also a far less experienced fighter than the other three."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8OEHpoipF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSH2VoiHJs
I wasn't going to mention how I didn't have much experience fighting. I was hung on the implication that Victoria of all people had some.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPLNSUtRvo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUxtil5vMj
"B-But, I can still help! I know how to use magic a little, I swear!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrfwPt1vAK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGCiAAfohT
No, you didn't.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O3msryWL7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWTOwEo5dd
"Sorry, Flinty, but even then, I cannot let such a young girl go, even with the likes of Kenny and Victoria."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXCgYFqKJd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXAMwQrNRE
"C-Come on!" Kenny, back me up here!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumnlX2CCfI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5qN32z7az
"Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWaQ2bxXSD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyUQZZMCSQ
I was taken by surprise and didn't know how to respond.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFlXoubWg5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXzkAKVj6s
"Uh... Well, Linda, if you're so sure of mine and Victoria's capabilities, why not let Flinty come along anyway? She might prove to be a valuable asset in other means."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG4vujysvT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4hfFuOQT6
"Mhm!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyO031mQmP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2COYX64Z4W
Flinty sat down and stuck her hand out to me with her palm facing the ceiling. I gave her a high-five.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwU2IWE1rc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKEQChykyM
"I understand your reasoning, but I disallow it."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0jLaFSwp7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LHqWBCygK
Flinty crossed her arms. She was looking at the floor with a frown.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ7Y5H6RNQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcobtiP2JI
"...Fine."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdudR8uVJn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51RpxeR9eh
She glanced at me with a wink. Ah, so that's what you're getting at. Alright. I winked back. I hope nobody noticed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eaWPr0kZo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD0eAFQJ4v
"Then, why don't we turn in for the night? The earlier we wake up, the better I say."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKZAI6I8q7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNf1Di0Eri
"That sounds great," Kim said, "but where do I sleep?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnywcNRNTwj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iJ74AiHln
"Right in this room," Victoria said, "This is where all the guests sleep. I'll make sure to wake you up early, so get to sleep quick!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l5uce6AYv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIElBzuCkX
Kim and Flinty nodded. They stood up and stretched. Flinty left first to wash herself and all that other routine night care. Linda and Victoria left the room. I wanted to ask Victoria if she had combat experience before, or if she was a magician or something, but I missed my chance. Worst of all though, I was now in the room alone with Kim.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpkV6nvbqo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oD3m1R73D
Fortunately, she just waited by the side of her bed and didn't talk to me. I was happy for a minute before I remembered the assessment I made not even ten minutes ago. At the very least, I should try to talk to her, shouldn't I? So, I slowly got up and robotically marched to her location. Even through her cloak, I could tell that she was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYesH4age9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcTKGH3XcF
"Is there... something you need?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKMfrJeYCd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe5oU7jsel
"Hi. I wanted to get to know you better because... yes, because it's a good idea since we're going on a mission tomorrow."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsmicykyi5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEKfoRLIzt
I was starting to think that this woman possessed a curse of some type. I never struggled to converse with someone this badly.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq8VlaKqZS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqonUNwDyU6
"Oh, that makes sense. Then, what did you want to talk about?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4O5AamyHn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAtR6pActv
I took a seat beside the bed next to hers. Scratching my chin, I thought of a conversation topic and blurted the first one that came to my mind.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKjZHNcA24
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArC9iMOOHL
"Why is it that you can't say your name?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMsj2MANV9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghgdgcNUa9
"Ah, of course you'd be curious about that. Hmm..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvDG1vkuJ2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll8EnmTV5U
She didn't immediately refuse to answer it, which gave me some hope.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8GJn8EukC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpUuTzA95A
"I can't tell you, sorry. But, to make it more fun, how about I give you a hint?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrSooRlGnY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkVMzKUTlo
"A hint? Sure, I'll play along with your game."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVapdIGPHFf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkDiEutOgE
She giggled a little. Creepy.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXxm9SFuyi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zUwYOAoLR
"I can't give my name, and in some way, it's because of you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12v0cLotkK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgGLnnoJsT
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfoCiSvYgH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRmuz5JP1k
What?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq43JLE3bD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlR1OScsf0
I didn't think that's what she would say. She could tell I didn't think that, I made it obvious. I struggled to even respond to that. My heart sank even deeper than before. She noticed that, and suddenly became frantic.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT5Gih8dp7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68FqORv08E
"I-I don't mean it in a malicious way! It's not for a bad reason, I promise!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ROli5NBFK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPGCbfhXp0
"O-Oh..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpbwDOIW5s
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKU9KfC10s
She sighed and mumbled something under her breath.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnqFIZ1PXe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsjxdRWEeI
"Sorry. I forget that you're still a child."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nNzzqcaq4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBADSSmE8Lr
"I'm aware of it. It's a perfect excuse for almost anything."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmj0DkBIF2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRglysvSeVz
"Heh, aren't you a little demon?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CXflpl3lO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDUKFg6SNJ
"Nope, just a kid, that's all."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdg7gYJhVs
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqsDWJ7Tem
Yep, I'm just a kid who's been accepted into Talbot University.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q6lLgeIJb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllFZwLfGpu
Okay, calm down, let's not get all haughty. It's not like me.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK19n90dyMJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSuUiyNmqj
But, can I really help myself? So many people have been telling me how great I am. It's bound to get to me eventually.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfDkCdUrLj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG4TAn0OKG
"You're an exceptional kid, that's for sure. I've already heard a few rumors regarding a boy who froze an entire block, and I knew that it was you when I heard them."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMiGsOSxMA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mTDMxxmpJ
See? See what I mean!? Wait, that's not a good rumor at all.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTfDd7ODVO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyXqH3OWfG
"M-Me? I didn't freeze a block, what are you talking about?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV0N6jjcfl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8omsg554X9
"You can't weasel out of this one. It became front-page news. Not everyone knows your face of course, or your name, but they know the boy, and they know his attire."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVriBPeSi9Y
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHp4eLuxhd
Front-page news!?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L5jf6tbW6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZtD6dyQKn
"W-Wait, nobody confronted me about it, though. How could it be front-page news?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQutb0EpKk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l7QeUJS25
"O-Oh! Um, uh..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1tNHp6Pbg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDcrGmDY3Y
She started rubbing the back of her head. My suspicions were crawling back.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4YoV1Nffm
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd02LOe5Bp3
"Don't tell me... you work as a journalist?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxd9fIEoEA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUOzKxET20
She let out a breath of relief, for some reason.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLSUZBgIOl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWqCdyqHsp
"No, I don't."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrMQFxrTEZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF2SV0RaPR
She answered with a straight face. Phew. She must've just had some insider knowledge, then. If I had the whole city looking at me like the people in the meeting, then I'd probably run out of here. Wait.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimT3rfE9Cp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6YT8NSNfl
"If you have any influence over the news in this city, please, please don't let them publish that! Or at least omit any descriptions of my appearance!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2snb4fiMB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnh1ewW6Z6
"I-I'll see what I can do. It will be posted in two days, I might be able to convince them."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBeeOMptxS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqT2YneEhw
"Thank you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhrEAAYhVn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J1N3VT57R
Our conversation stopped there, and though I wanted to continue it, I couldn't think of a new topic. It didn't matter though, because Flinty returned to the room. Kim stood up and left to do her night-care routine. Flinty say down at the bed parallel to the one I was on.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNjq3o1nIV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDJ5FWPy7d
"You look like you're in a good mood," I said.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyg9A96p3Z
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkr6sfdhWF
"Do I? I'm pretty nervous."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6obZqlDjBn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IqA4HYUd3
"Oh."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOtAHkm153
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyufQ5fgsu
If that's how she looked when she was nervous, then I was jealous.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjAMlCEOae
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQkaeZBoSi
"But, I'm also excited. I'm gonna be sneaking into your group when Linda isn't looking."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarjTIkDsA2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cKCXeVBQK
"Did you tell the other two about that plan?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydYw2DDRH7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cHSoyiA3W
Her face froze. I sighed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG6zxzEeBJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEStNvlGQIk
"I-I'll do it in the morning."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagu241UEL3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzwqTDOGnA
"Good luck."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QU5TCgT4M
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuZHpgBTqn
She puffed her cheeks with a dainty pout.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9kumhzNK5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVMQPRWeER
"It might be smarter if you tell the others. You can do it right after you leave."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAOuFhObPK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXMjZ0acRm
"I don't think Victoria is going to like that. She'll listen to you better than she'll listen to me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh6xAC7qTj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkZYgzK7wo
"That is true. I'll have to wake up a bit early, then."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrKA5bnp72
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bs84GsuWq
I nodded, agreeing with her assessment. Flinty picked up the magic book back and conversation ceased. I stood up and laid on the bed next to hers. Kim returned to the room. Flinty explained her plan to her, and she calmly agreed to it. We were ready to go to sleep.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj722Oxb77U
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTHxrgI3oo
"Uh, Kenny, aren't you going to..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pCzzL32FD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGDLZbUEgH
Flinty was asking me a cut-off question.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07kWQyJRkT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa33sA49Wbh
"Going to what?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr38S2JUjma
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmQpavEe06
"She's asking if you're going to wash yourself," said Kim.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbrph5uTbq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2JiAlNkO4
"Huh? Wash myself?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnTwiPxUB7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qL9fowZzN
"Yes. Like we did."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIes4XDqth4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDjhwMdwrF
"I don't wash or anything before the night, though."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F61mH6VYG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1slFXFwop8
Kim looked at Flinty. She had a mortified expression on her face. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUk6A2pIo7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZHv8kT7oG
"L-Look, they didn't do it in my hometown! I didn't know the culture was different here!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7eXzNDbvb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE51t0RgM8J
"Oh, then that makes sense," Flinty said. "But, I thought you didn't do it just because you were tired, or because you were in a new place."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn3tbqh7UE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbXLDfKk2h
"What town did you come from?" Kim asked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1ARmi9nIh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07eTepuqAQ
"Buffalo Village."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnp5447qUM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55Ki5oROFH
"That's far. That village borders on Ferdinand Kingdom's area of control."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6SVpaJiOh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBYXeLndgq
"Really? I didn't know that."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuCehtChTz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNePvlHGk8
Kim looked like she was smiling.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBoWglbB4s
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa7gK6Rzba
"Well, that's because Ferdinand's Kingdom controls the lower parts of the Southern country, with a few exceptions."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RaO0bQhiK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS78RdV5d0
"You're really knowledgeable, Kim," I said.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zPsjHK2Ls
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtr3nGnSll
"Anyway, Kenny, go wash yourself. I'm not sleeping in the same room if you don't, and I won't be leaving here either."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiKEjjjNlN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB3oHdoKjM
"Fine, fine."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eveH6DBMP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjxPjmemzP
I got up and moseyed to the door, exiting while popping my shoulder.
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM9v1JMEWC
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCAsh6LDJq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhThvyWToAQ
At least she bought my explanation. I didn't want to tell her that I lost the habit because of... well, I knew why.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse3xgFSm6L
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWvFSijfRz
"Now's a good time to get it back, though. I'm sure Anabelle would be proud of me right now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiET9m1GUtp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpbhtKqHVl
So, with a raised fist and a smile, I went to find the shower and restroom.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHdSkWkZD3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg58UKLXhIM
–
–
–
"...Mmm."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Aug1RnYwI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknoxa21j4t
I woke up feeling slightly groggy. Last night's search for the restroom was a lot longer than it should've been. By the time I was done, I had to tiptoe to my bed to not wake up Flinty and Kim.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEHeWg5l3j
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTFMCYyfrE
I yawned. Judging from the sky out the window, dawn just came. Surprisingly, Victoria wasn't here banging on a pot and yelling. I must've woken up early.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLljvJtMvnH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j3bTYxMWh
I looked at the bed to my right. Flinty was missing. Worry rushed through my blood for a second before I realized that she was probably just outside. But no, I was wrong. Flinty on the ground, facing the wall, doing something I could've never guessed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjakxOC6qwG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdcIo2SZPQ
She was making balls of water. I could tell that she was drenched. She took her vest off and laid it on the empty bed, likely to dry it. The ball of water she was holding failed and blew up. But, considering the last time I saw her use magic, she was doing incredible. Not only was it a modest size so as to not consume so much mana, but she also held it for five seconds. I got out of my bed and walked up to her, grabbing my coat and putting it on along the way.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDW9iBp0hH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEQZw5iLrK
"Wow, you're hard at work."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6A7qTsw3h
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthwXIC1qE2
"Ah!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWoQlerg46
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3F6x9qSKH
She shrieked a little, lost focus, and was splashed with water. Oops.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRuThEocqg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt2MHxykoc
"Kenny! Sorry, did I wake you up?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGKu9JjWtT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCIb4StpCf
"I don't think so... what time is it?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH9T1r874f
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX2Z4RNKxF
"It's six in the morning, I think. Vikky should be here soon."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih7r8d4LOQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpfEZ7QEVd
I sat beside her. She stuck both of her hands out, closed her eyes, and performed mana expulsion. A water ball manifested from thin air. She furrowed her brows, and I could hear soft grunts. Eight seconds passed before the ball erupted.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAzP4Qb1Og
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YR8exdM7s
"Ha! Yes! That's a new record!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihV7dQ9WDp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KrET1KXPv
She jumped up ecstatically, celebrating her results. I was proud too. This growth was by no means shabby, especially since this is her second time even attempting magic.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufguyXIpad
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33rmUAZe9p
I did regret sitting beside her, though.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH0RXe6PTN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXm0OVTsR5
"O-Oh, sorry Kenny, I got you wet."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5j8EpzzvE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9xjLm8K9e
"It's alright. I'll go dry off in the sun. But before I leave, let me give you your first... let's call it a goal."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraVXeayNXH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrETdNS5Oo
Flinty looked at me with excitement.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKLvsXQLW5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaab2kiisM
"A goal?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdFjEGyiDc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa28xHg9z0
"Yes. Not one that you need to do right now of course, but one I think you can reach by yourself before we start lessons. Try holding a water ball for ten seconds with your eyes open."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr7o2UoREc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpiPHtDWZO
She looked aghast before swiftly shaking her head.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMUBjpZm1n
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOwR6gxYKX
"Okay, I'll do my best!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ajUbYhJij
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZfFNi9zGU
That's what I like to hear. Flinty is such a good student. She was talking nonsense last night. I got up and left the living quarters then exited the farmhouse. I was at the side where the fences were. The dogs and farm animals were eating their food. I thought of sneaking up on the puppies and petting them, but something else caught my attention. Linda was by the pens, washing and hang-drying various clothes.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8goeaqwiJD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElNYZheK9u
Wasn't this a little too early? Not even the most dedicated washing machines in Buffalo Village woke up at six to do their job. Well, since we were both out, I figured I might as well greet her. So, I ran over.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoSU6YDFe7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtQt62XuGS
"Good morning, Linda!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP8XsZEWtO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30jvlQVvtk
"Ah, Kenny, good morning. You're up early."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk6LJxHEbc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EneZpw9Vm
"So are you. Do you normally wake up at this time?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99YV9y29Tn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw4QbCWjIX
Linda hung up a shirt and looked at me.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T37hH7E2n
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ886qwTdVi2
"No, only on Fridays. Friday's are laundry days."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KzufBAU9u
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvCLF9VP69
Friday? Today is Friday?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqUBbDb4ae
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yDzZbF7eN
I lost all track of time ever since the carriage incident. I didn't even know what day it was that it happened, let alone what time of the year it is.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN3ee0qFRo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWKN9RMxPs
"Say, Linda, what month and day are we in?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNBCcnrDev
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGnYZHDjMn
She looked at me curiously before answering.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMxEx5275i
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqmWgagN82
"It is July the seventh, year 342 KPA."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jpfYbdVYl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDstw3RRmux
My heart nearly sank when I heard that.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dBwEO2s9x
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13K7MCMlud
If it was July, then that means a month and a half passed since I left buffalo village. That is, if my memory is serving me well.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWhmWBklnT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLJ8RMgXgH
"...Linda, I think I need to write a letter after this."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvIMxXq8IY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAOH4i7jHM
"To whom? Those at your home village?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXt1s48j7b
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gZDqurFKH
"Yes. All the chaos that occurred when I arrived here put writing a letter at the bottom of my priority bracket. That was silly of me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xPd1QBqVZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH0wcyIWmC
She lightly smiled.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5mHSgowPf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxbk3miSQ9
"I'm glad you hold your hometown so dearly."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5thQJUg51K
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAiZBbctSc
"Say, Linda, did you grow up in the Green Zone?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cxIQ7XISs
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SHhIe1qsC
She shook her head from side to side.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzz4ATZ4fy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYquAwLHked
"I was originally from a village lower on King's Peak. Around 20,000 feet high and 150 miles from the shore, while the Zariel Kingdom is standing comfortably at 25,000 high and 200 miles from the shore. I do miss it sometimes. Being surrounded by badlands made me feel homesick."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky0kK2MYmu
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTLUWbqogr
"So you decided on living here?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeHvEAmcy3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIskJHXqvxl
She nodded.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhCfK2kTPS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWdeeu0xnq
"I already gave birth to Victoria by the time I moved in. She was a lively girl, even at a young age. I just hope I raised her well."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt2nakFF4Z
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJS7PcVFhk
I wasn't going to say anything to that, because I would've felt wrong. But I did nod in response.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxmPQq5gMJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Sd7yWJLwt
"Sorry, I'm not very good at talking with children. Or, talking."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYLdbarB7a
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlZHU1vnu0
"No worries. I'm not good at talking either, to be frank."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxvnRbjalb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ag0dAmecM
"Heh. I think you're doing just fine. Now, Victoria should be waking you three up at this time, go back and tell her good morning."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv07bZtP87
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRyfPQSOGN
I had a feeling that she was trying to make me go away, but looking back at the farmhouse I noticed Victoria ready with a pot and wooden spoon in hand. Am I glad I woke up early.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUij8NBN5g
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrjloyJkjL
As I approached the house, I heard obnoxious clanging and angry yelling. A minute later, Flinty, Kim, and Victoria exited the living quarters.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe6qMyWEjj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxLYnqG3l1
"Oh, there you are, Kenny. Now that we're all here, who's ready for breakfast?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceZXhY8vod
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfBzCKtJMi
Flinty was the only one who raised her hand. Kim joined her, likely out of pity, then I did because I didn't want to be glared at.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF8sXkXam2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4K12zqwiG
Breakfast was served to us in the living quarters. It was a simple dish of eggs, but Victoria made some mean eggs. After breakfast, we all received a light pack filled with bread and a flask of water. Except for Flinty, of course. But, noticing that she wouldn't receive a pack, I had to do something about the lack of materials.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxTg4D8rvF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMon9gJ58X
"Hey, Victoria?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGTgCTxaz3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ET2usLzq3
"Yes?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUREN7Q6kvR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK3Vn41fk9
"Can I have some extra bread and another flask? Just in case?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5zx19xV65
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDw59JmD3a
"Don't worry, I'll be bringing back-up food and water right," she paused to pick up a large, obtuse, heavy sack sitting by a wall, "here!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvepCmjd0Ur
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQDgmMW57o
That at least quelled my worries, but now I was a bit wary of Victoria. That bag looked and sounded like it was no joke, and she lifted it like it was nothing.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNwv7BxWjb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf7lc06Tgv
"Kim, are you good?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh6ZI1MQTA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsQ8tMSDEv
Kim just finished packing her bag.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTV5cClF3G
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkowQsjWMTk
"Yes. Let's get going."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfIT6deIXX
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw3ArzJ4qt
"Alright! Then, before we enter the woods, let's talk about formation and all of that."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt9CDBJD4k
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuKXYIeD6M
–
–
–
We were heading to the forest. Kim and I were following Victoria from behind. Victoria had a lot of energy in her step. I thought she'd be taking this more seriously, but I guess getting pumped up doesn't mean you're taking a situation lightly. As for Kim, she was still hiding her face underneath her cloak.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn746NzKKWp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiomMOjRVZi
That aside, we were on the other side of the crop field now. If all went according to Flinty's plan, then she'd pop out of the cornfield and casually join our group. Of course, that is, if Flinty managed to talk to Victoria before leaving.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8hg1Ojug6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3Qg2QYUEL
...She did do that, right?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsSj7X6RmF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla7UJ2iCDd
Looking back on the events before our departure, Flinty's only chance to talk to Victoria was before I woke up. But, she was practicing her magic.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEbwJFA2MJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLJMmWRkoy
The doubts mired my conscience. I looked over at the cornfield. Flinty's body finally popped out. Kim looked at her as well, but Victoria kept walking.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaTBCjlF5s
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFfHHHPgme
Crap, she didn't tell her, did she?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6lS8p88p7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5GmASJSca
"Kenny, Kim, Vikky?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FNQyeVpuy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFfZyOoYuT
"Hmm?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcekbNw9f4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gNpuQP96Z
Victoria was the only one who sounded surprised. I was already preparing a farewell to Flinty.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSow134QQ6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIr1zQM0aT
"Oh, there you are, Flinty. I was wondering when you'd join us."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN8mBKAW5W
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbI0e3yole
Flinty nervously giggled. I let out a breath. Phew. Phew. I was relieved, but now I was curious as to when Flinty managed to talk to Victoria.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI5N0Og9vM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rj01PSeBz
Well, that didn't matter now. We were already before the woods.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1wSEZSc0N
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUQ9aTVXHu
"Alright you three, here's the formation. Since I have physical combat experience, I will be in the front. Kim will be close to Flinty, and Kenny will be in the back in case something sneaks up from behind."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctvBkeTvUe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMv2Wf6sIf
The way she described it, it sounded like she wanted me to be the first to be attacked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNglAc1pCvM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7wnP6qynk
"Also, Kenny, since you're a mage, it would be best if you were the last to be targeted."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2a5XA8TEN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj6rLtH88a
"R-Right."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9BwZmgJst
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXZLRN9qoA
I didn't consider myself much of a mage, but I couldn't deny that I was good at mana manipulation.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTcCo3Yeqa
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8W3QBQptL
"Any objections?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x9f7RTFMN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPcVQimbn7
None of us voiced any.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEbxg9pJFx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby29EPzWHq
"Then, Kim, please stay close to Flinty, okay?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOfD6wFEbf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFcaEUlqVk
"Of course."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFl2x0du2x
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X26UJNB7w
Victoria turned and faced the forest. She ventured in, and the three of us followed.
–
–
–
The woods were a lot gloomier than the ones– or rather, the sole one I was used to.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDZpWKPCXg
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHhkR8KEGo
The trees were taller and thicker. It wasn't particularly dark, but sunlight hardly pierced through the thick roof of leaves. Stray roots were frequent, and the grass here had a nasty tendency to cover them. But, worst of all was the atmosphere.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRWE85guOc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XrYX58eE9
Since the moment I stepped in, I felt the air around me become heavier. Anybody could tell the mana in here was different. From what I read, a heavier atmosphere means that the atmospheric mana is dense. Though it did make traversing more taxing on the body, at the very least our spells required less mana to be expelled.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBRCWm2C7p
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcNcGleheE
I was steadily following the girls in front. Because I was in the back, I enjoyed the privilege of not having to watch out for roots. I puffed my chest a little. It was a dumb thing to be proud of, it was just luck. I couldn't help myself, though.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT1w9K2DJ8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU1EPbhMYv
That aside, the forest was peaceful. There must've been a lack of hostile wildlife. All we've been seeing were squirrels, rabbits, deer, and other prey animals.
"Watch out here, this root's massive," Victoria called out.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiUZMkbxo8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN2PIyr3yz
It was a nice trip. Maybe a little underwhelming, but I'd take this over fighting those freakish monsters any day.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD3AK0KbIL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQega9Fbdgt
Now, that being said, my shoulders were getting sore. I didn't seem to be alone in this. No, never mind, Flinty wasn't carrying a bag, I was totally alone. I didn't want to hold the team back and ask for a break, but if this kept up then I'd have to.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKd5XFgKE2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M1uhqEvZ8
"Hold on, stop here."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE3FrlySL6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrl2JKgHqF
Fortune smiled upon me. Victoria called for a break– at least, I thought she did. She was peering at something from behind a tree. When I leaned in to take a look, I saw something shocking.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGF4HTqBL0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz4cjvKvKF
It was infrastructure. Not just one building, either. There were multiple, positioned as if they belonged in a small village.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvA63e2Jcz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueCRtpYQgn
"I think we found the base of operations," Victoria said. "It might be inhabited, so be careful and quiet as we move in."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhnuJ1Vjob
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiKtuBKVmZ
I nodded. Our pace slowed tremendously. The buildings I saw were all plainly made of grey concrete. They looked ancient and were missing roofs and other miscellaneous chunks. There was also a suspicious amount of them.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoSQ8xdksc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjIND2GKP6
Aside from the sound of my breathing, I couldn't hear anything, but it was too soon to call the environment safe. After all, this had to be the base of operations, right? Victoria would occasionally branch away from us to check the insides of the buildings. They were all apparently empty and looked even worse inside than outside.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QmsaTXuaf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mLpyxjNmh
"Not to mention the smell, ugh. Y'know, I don't know who left these structures here, but I wanna make a complaint."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMN8cys0O2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q1dsXfSPP
"Does it look safe?" I asked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dKNtgrnvE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnCXzxFzgk
"Well, we won't know until we check them all."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZRV16ssdD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2ARque2nu
So that is precisely what we did. It was a slow and tedious process, but eventually, all twelve concrete structures were inspected, and nothing suspicious was found. Relieved, we took a break inside the sturdiest concrete building we found.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QlrkvLnRI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdCma1Im37
"The presence of these structures is suspicious," Kim said, "even though they aren't inhabited right now, there is a possibility that the perpetrator uses this place as a base of operations."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORxFf9bCRs
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHDKtUXutv
"I'm inclined to agree," Victoria replied, "but there's always a possibility of something else being in the forest. It isn't very vast, so we'll keep searching. In the meantime, would anyone like to eat?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGqriU56wC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyOtO3w6sk
Flinty walked up to Victoria and the two of them shared their rations. I wasn't hungry, so I was satisfied with just drinking water.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4g7wd34xc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEM7fxT8yD
"So, Kenny," Kim started, "you're a mage, are you? Where's your staff?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx57arAwxNd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOAbI8OfYP
"I'm not much of a mage. I can perform mana expulsion effectively, but my interests lay in alchemy and magical plants."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjSTPaZuDC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfaJQuKOVs
"Ah. So, mostly mana spinning. Can you–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK05wEzOlb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvufK2JQGl
"Yes, I can perform mana spinning on plants."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JHJOgzika
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT64vT17Cfg
She didn't sound very surprised. Her voice was getting squeakier.
"Do you use a staff?"
"No...? Is that a bad thing?"
"Ha. No, not at all. Not at all."
She sounded suspiciously giddy.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCVebssNpB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sxJ4MoPtc
"Anyway, you're one of the few people I've heard of that dabbles in magical plants. Are you any good?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngX9fhLPyE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAXNGn7ptJ
"Heh, well..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9ky6TDNGi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvfLb1Alav
I wondered if I should show her the tendril. I felt as if Kim would freak out, but considering her stoic nature, it was unlikely.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9Aiyghq41
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1yyaAqPUI
"What's the hold-up?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxNkIhOzZ9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV3VPJEyyI
"Uh, I'm not sure if I should show you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj77v4HcJ0x
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TsBTDTQJW
She slowly nodded. Still considering if I should do it or not, Kim kept talking.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKbIHP4Oe5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefcPjodzDx
"Think of it as getting to know our powers for the sake of better cooperation. I'll start with what I can do. I'm a Grade 4 Water and Fire and a Grade 5 wind mage. I wield a short sword and have dabbled in swordplay considerably. I consider myself decently agile as well."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGYEtmutzm
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvRwIq2pMU
My eyes widened a bit. All things considered, a Grade-4 in any element was impressive. I didn't expect something like that from Kim. I wondered if I would be classified as a Grade-2 plant magician or something with my tendril. There wasn't any point of reference, so it was possible.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi78Xj5xma
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjn6Ddst6T
"So, what about you?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikP8YfEGdj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpJEYjw6Cd
"Ah, right. Promise me you won't freak out."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k7fe4K161
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q1jJ6Qp7g
She nodded. I let the tendril loose and it wrapped itself around my right arm like a snake. Kim's figure froze.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFITx3eH6h
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjTc713oo9
"This is my tendril. I can use mana spinning to make one of several magical plants grow from it. From there, I can keep using mana spinning to force and amplify their effects."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4I8L8X6bJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCn8kWYR5u
"I-Incredible... I've never seen such an Endowment before."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw7I9rTOxV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZpAsxoFES
She sounded genuinely amazed. I scratched my cheek a little. I produced a flash-bloom from the tendril, and Kim sounded elated.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn5zUtESpF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S5AuWIWAf
"I can see now why– oop."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKICnpo91CW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8TFPzaX0
She stopped her sentence midway. I was going to inquire her, but then Victoria suddenly stood up, squelched my flash-bloom, and put a hand over my mouth.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJynkTq0uWG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGHbkQPhwT
IVictoria was eyeing something to my right, where the entrance to the building was. I couldn't see it, but I could hear it. I retracted my flash bloom once I did. It sounded like a noisy beast. It was dragging something, likely its own body, haphazardly against the ground. It stopped to pathetically wheeze. Then, it kept going.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xZOyuuFSA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5GcL9iXjv
All of a sudden, a voice.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26ryXpK68j
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskqqPgiXgd
"Something... I feel like something was here."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe778NbCZwF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEFi4LDKnd
It was the voice of a man. An adult, one who sounded far older than us. Victoria's pupils shrunk so far that I could only see her whites. She put a hand over her mouth.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpv9e6kxVv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPdVgHKMwN
I was feeling my heart race, imagining just what it could be that Victoria was seeing. The man's voice came back.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtluMK03WNN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG8Iw3vcD3
"Hmm. It might be wise to check all the houses. Jeremiah, elevate me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9s4lUt8Fp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKckTxCYkZ
The beast growled. The sound of his moving limbs was so... vascular. And yet, it sounded putrid, like the beast would fall apart any second. All the while, the man loudly hummed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl6YGpqiLT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjlulSJGH3
I looked above us. This building only had half of a roof, and though it covered us, it was anything but assuring. I looked to my left and at Kim. She was poised with her hand on the hilt of her sword, still inside her scabbard.
"Victoria," I whispered, "how bad?"
She gulped.
"I-I'm trying not to vomit right now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlR8C0CRLj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVWgyaLop5
Cold sweat trickled down my back. My heartbeat was getting faster. My breathing got louder and louder. I was sure that, any second now, something would escape my mouth.
I had conflicting urges. I wanted to stay indoors, but I also wanted to go out and fight that thing and do good on my part. I had to wonder: Was it that bad? Was it so bad that my tendril couldn't do anything? That my magic and plants couldn't do anything?
No, that couldn't be it, right?
"...Huh?"
All of a sudden, I felt a soft touch on my left hand. I looked and Flinty was there, grabbing my hand with both of hers. She looked terrible. She looked scared. And yet, her eyes weren't wavering. Even with her shaking body and sweaty palms, she looked at me with confidence. Our eyes met for what seemed like forever.
And then, she sternly nodded.
"..."
Right. Of course.
Now wasn't the time for this.
I was admittedly still shaking, but I was standing now. Kim stood up as well.
"I'll join you."
"Thank you."
I looked at Victoria. She was too shaken to battle.
"Victoria, look after Flinty."
Somehow, she heard me, and she nodded.
I took a deep breath. I produced a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.
Three, two, one...
"Go!"
I rushed out of the building and Kim followed after. I aimed at where the noises came from. I had to pause.
I understood Victoria's reaction entirely.
In front of me was an amalgamation of black flesh. It was a gigantic lump, nearly three times my height and as wide as the space between the buildings. A man was on top of the blob. When he noticed us, he looked shocked.
I didn't waste any more time. I shot the Sunlight-Blossom seed and–
**SPLATTER**
A yellow light zipped through the air and straight through the blob. Despite the seed's small size, it created a hole I could easily jump through.
"I got it!"
Kim rushed towards the blob. Now that it was dead, capturing the man should be easy. But then a bundle of flesh emerged from the side of the blob. Kim reacted accordingly and cut it off. It was still alive.
"W-Wait, you two, stop fighting!"
The man started frantically pleading with us. I switched flowers into a Dragon-Maw. I probably couldn't reach the man from here, but if I closed in I could grab him.
And then I stopped my advance.
A purple haze leaked from the wounds of the blob. The blob let out a bubbly wail. Kim suddenly dropped to the ground.
"Kim!?"
"Ah, you fools, you shouldn't have attacked! Damn it, no no no–"
As the man kept rambling, I avoided the approaching fog of purple. I switched my plant to a Spore-Blossom, but the spores did nothing to stop the fog.
Crap. At this rate, it would reach Flinty and Victoria. I doubt swiping at it would do anything, and using a Freeze-Dry would mean Kim would be caught in the crossfire.
With no other choice, I began expelling mana from my left palm and quickly created a fireball. Then, I morphed it into a thin vertical rectangle and let it soar through the haze.
I heard the sound of my spell connecting with the blob. I was happy for a second, especially since I couldn't see the purple haze anymore. Now that I was in a better position, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
And then I started seeing black.
ns216.73.216.176da2
and then Add to home screen.