I awoke to the stone-cold ground and a repugnant, musty odor. I struggled to move or see at first, but after a few seconds, I was able to get into a sitting position. The room was dim. There was a large wooden door with metal outlines. It had a barred circular hole, and faint orange light was emanating from it.
"...Where am I--cah!"
I suddenly broke into a coughing fit. The air in this room was nigh unbreathable. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a rusty metal bed frame and moss and other greenery growing in the corners.
I was in a ramshackle prison cell.
"They could've at least put me on the bed frame."
I stood up and rubbed my head, wondering how it is that I even got into this mess. Then I remembered the beast, and the haze, and how Kim passed out in battle. The same must've happened to me.
But that raises the question: where is everyone else?
I walked up to the door and squished my face against the opening.
"Hello! Anyone there?"
I waited a minute. No response. Crap.
My first instinct was to bust this door down, but I stopped myself. If I were to make a ruckus, then that guy with the monster would come down and corner me. I couldn't escape the place by breaking through a wall either, since I was likely underground. If I were to escape, then I'd need to do it quietly. With that in mind, I let out the tendril and grew a miniature Dragon-Maw.
"Alright Dragon-Maw, serve me well."
Dragon-Maw Jr. did as he was told. He immediately shredded through the bars and then went for the wood next. Three minutes later, only the edges of the door remained. I stepped over the little piece at the bottom.
Where did all the wood and metal Dragon-Maw ate go? I didn't care. I was now in a narrow hallway with similar doors. I checked them one by one through the hole, and only when I reached the third one did I see somebody.
It was Victoria. She was lying on the ground, likely knocked out. Crap, that means the haze got to her. And Flinty.
Wait, where is Flinty?
I checked the other doors. Flinty and Kim were here. They were unconscious too, but I was relieved to see them. I let Dragon-Maw Jr. shred the door to Flinty's room and ran in.
"Hey. Hey, wake up."
I gently shook her. She moaned as she opened her eyes and let out a big yawn.
"Huh... Kenny? Where are–"
Suddenly, she broke into a coughing fit. I patted her on the back a few times.
"We're in some type of prison. Vikky and Kim are nearby, let's go get them."
"P-Prison?"
I released and woke up Victoria and Kim. They were disordered, and they also had coughing fits, but a few minutes later they were up and healthy. Kim was missing her sword, but otherwise, we had all our belongings.
"What do we do?" Flinty asked.
"I think we should assess the situation before we leave here," Kim said.
"Do we even know how to get out? And what about that m-monster, how do we take care of that?" Victoria asked.
"We'll find an escape route after the assessment."
They were taking being locked in an underground cellar surprisingly well. No, only Kim was. Victoria was chewing on her nails and Flinty looked distressed. Victoria walked up to me and put her hands on my shoulders.
"W-Woah."
"Kenny. You're a mage, right? You have those weird plants, right?"
I nodded.
"Please, bust us out of here. The air is one thing, but that monster..."
She began to shudder.
"I'd happily bust us out, but–"
"Then do it! DO IT!"
She started to shake me. I had to put my hands on her shoulders to get her to stop.
"Hold on, Victoria. If we do anything rash, then we'll make a lot of noise."
"I don't care! I want to get out of this forest, and I want to do it fast! I mean, Kenny, you saw that thing, right? Right?"
Indeed I did. The creature was the stuff of nightmares, I couldn't deny that.
"It's because of that creature that I want to be quiet!"
I raised my voice and Victoria stopped shaking. She slowly let go of me and slapped her cheeks.
"Sorry. I was freaking out."
"It's fine. Let's just find the exit."
She nodded. Victoria looked at Flinty and apologized to her. Flinty could barely get a response out, but she still had that determined look on her face.
With that, our investigation commenced. The first order of business was to find escape routes. We found one almost immediately. It was a metal door with a keyhole but no knob. I put my ear against it and knocked on it, and I could tell that it was dense.
Busting through this thing would require a considerable amount of firepower. I could penetrate it with my earth magic, or freeze it and try to break it that way. Kim also proposes melting it, but thirty seconds of keeping up fire magic gave us the impression that it was burn-proof. Considering how both actions I could take were noisy, we held off on escaping through the metal door and searched for alternatives.
Looking through the remaining cells revealed virtually nothing to us. There were a few metal poles inside one of the doors. I proposed the idea of lockpicking with it, but that obviously couldn't work.
Flinty suggested drilling ourselves a hole to escape via earth magic. I tried it, and though it was working, it was obvious that we would die before ever reaching the surface.
We were in a deadlock. We waited beside the metal door in silence until Flinty spoke up.
"I think... we should try breaking the door down."
"What?" I replied, "But then the guy and the monster's just gonna run down here!"
"I'm with Flinty," Kim said, "it's either we bust it down and get out or wait for someone to open it on the other side. The latter is unlikely to happen."
I wanted to continue my rebuttal, but I sighed instead. Victoria took their side as well, and now the three of them were looking at me with anticipation.
"Can we... compromise?"
"Compromise!?" Victoria said, "What compromise? Let's just get out of here!"
"I-I get what you're saying, but maybe just wait another half hour and see if someone shows up? I could also keep... fine, I'll do it."
I couldn't keep talking under the pressure of their glares. As much as I didn't want to do this, I didn't have much of a choice. I stood before the door and cracked my knuckles, then stretched my fingers for good measure, and began mana expulsion. And then, something made me stop.
I heard rattling from the other side of the door. Someone was mumbling to himself. I heard a click, and then the slow metallic creak of the door being opened.
I walked back. I was beside the others, channeling my spell with bated breath. I stared at the door as it slowly opened. A shoe appeared from the little opening, and following a grunt, the whole door swung open.
I was just about ready to shoot, but Victoria of all people put a hand on my arm. The man who opened the door was panting. He didn't notice us yet.
"Alright, is anyone... awake?"
His eyes were wide open and his mouth stood agape. He stuttered as Victoria walked over to him. And then, in a flash, Victoria punched the man in the gut, turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and flung him over her shoulder.
The man hit the ground with an echoing slam. He groaned and whispered "sorry" over and over. Victoria's mouth made a V-shaped frown. She brushed her hands together. As she walked towards us, she kicked the man in the shin and muttered "freak" as his groaning grew louder.
I skidded a few steps away from Victoria.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked.
Kim stepped up to the man and crouched beside him. She dangled a bottle of green elixir over his head: a healing potion.
I started to feel bad for that man.
"If you talk and get us out, I'll happily make your pain go away. Otherwise, she'll keep doing that until you bleed."
The man lifted his head and gazed at Victoria. She punched her open palm.
"A-Alright, I'll talk."
–
–
–
I took no part in the interrogation. Neither did Flinty. She seemed to be just as intimidated by our teammates as I was. At least they were on our side, right?
The man had no hesitation in complying with our demands. In fact, he apologized for putting us in the cells.
"I-I thought that, should you recover, then I'd be arrested and e-executed."
It was an exaggerated fear, but I couldn't help but understand it. After the interrogations were over, he agreed to escort us out of here, but under obvious conditions.
"First," Kim started, "you need to vow to never participate in monster-creation magic and abandon the forest. Second, you must either learn to control or eliminate the beasts you've created. And third, you must disclose all your research to the Kingdom of Zariel."
The man nodded to all conditions, but he still had a nervous expression.
"I-I'd happily comply, but there is one slight problem."
"What is it?"
"I'm not doing this alone, and my partner is... a bit difficult."
I understood immediately. We have a psychopath on our hands, don't we?
"Then, how do we deal with him?"
For some reason, his face relaxed when he was asked.
"Oh, you four are my heroes. But, be warned, he is a dangerous individual."
"So how do we deal with him?"
"Well..."
–
–
–
We finally made it out of the underground cellar. A spiral staircase greeted us. I was walking at the very back behind Flinty.
According to the man– whose name was Ng, spelled exactly like that –we were in a structure akin to a compound, just much wider in scale. His partner, whom he refused to name, was currently on the highest floor of the building.
The mission was simple: get to the top, get the man, and have him arrested. Ng would be exempt from any punishment.
Of course, I claimed it was simple, but there were too many hidden factors that worried me. For starters, Ng agreed to cooperate far too quickly. He gave this whole story about how terrible his partner is and whatnot, and though he sounded distressed, it was still suspicious. Secondly, Ng made little mention of the monsters, claiming he would simply "handle them."
I wasn't alone in my doubts. Kim was practically breathing down Ng's neck the whole way up the stairs. She seemed like a capable fighter, so some of my stress was alleviated.
Now that I mention it, I was acting far too calm in this situation, wasn't I? Well, that was thanks to Flinty.
She was gripping one of my hands as we ascended the stairs. It was cute, sure, but she had a very assuring grip. Though I'm sure she was doing it more for herself than me.
"We made it to the top," Ng said.
We were on a flat surface. Ng took out a keychain and opened the door. Exiting the staircase, I found myself on a grassy field surrounded by trees. Just how deep underground were we?
"Alright, just follow me now. Be wary of any stray beasts, they've been escaping more and more frequently."
We traveled down a path and arrived at a fence. There was an imposing gate before us. Ng advised us to hug the walls and we did. He loudly knocked on the gate.
"This is Ng! I'm returning from prisoner inspection!"
Silence ensued. Ng was impatiently tapping his feet on the ground, which I thought was a strange gesture considering his situation. But, on second thought, he might be trying to come off more naturally.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GSHBLCgIi
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Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOQfehsR1E
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"HEY! OPEN UP!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbJnt2bz0p
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He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6u3hHSmzc
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"Something about this is fishy."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK6GTEWP7n
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I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFw2lxD7mH
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"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTklmacBf2h
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"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxqptwE1zD
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I did just as I was told. I eyed Ng intently. He started rubbing his forehead and then looked at us. Right as he opened his mouth, the earth shook below our feet.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yv6UBNaPQ
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It happened again. And again. I realized quickly that it wasn't an explosion or something else, but rather, something big was walking. The image of the monster from before entered my mind.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbVlkSijbj
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"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbhZu5pW8r
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuw2cdWU0M
Jeremiah? Naming something like that, is that some type of sick joke? I would've cackled if it wasn't for me trying to be stealthy. The walls were tall enough to where I couldn't see what was on the other side, but I could already imagine. The gates slowly opened, and Ng fixed his posture and had his hands behind his back.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYQj8aEuwH
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And then.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Vgx4fRVr
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**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfNZ5wgYww
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The gates burst open. Dust and debris scattered throughout the field I was thrown into an intense coughing fit. I couldn't see anything concrete, but I could see silhouettes, and I saw the figure of Ng being grabbed and pulled.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm7WrJcEYs
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"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZexikNfbGU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVTYrEvrnP
His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3H7HxOuK3
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"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHShr7cvNWd
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What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouQQ7ZqQfT
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When the dust cleared, I took a deep breath and crept to the busted gates, then leaned over the edge of the wall. All I saw was the building, standing three stories tall. Nothing was unusual about it. But then, the front door sprung open, and a four-legged beast resembling a wolf sprinted across the field. I quickly hid behind the wall, almost tripping despite barely moving, and I saw the wolf dash past me and run into the woods, howling more like a twisted man than an animal. And then, there was silence.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjVQxT0zdk
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"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7IAyDC6an
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I looked at the other three. I struggled to keep a clear line of sight; my body was practically convulsing. I eventually noticed the looks on their face. All but Kim's, of course. If I had a mirror, I'm sure mine would've matched theirs.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2ki5dUaEU
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I looked into the woods. Dozens of trunks were separated from their trees. The wolf beast was gone, but the destruction it brought to the forest made his presence known.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR4IVB7bOT
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I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqxFrrGiew
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"We're getting the hell out of this forest."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg3EXzgldY
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I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf2bHOhnUz
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"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk08UDYJOSp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86oJDsZZp1
Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjABWianr5r
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"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn4CNj4v6u
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcNYDBHtoK
For once, I heard a little fragility in her voice. Victoria picked Flinty up and hung her on her shoulder. Kim led us to the nearby trees. We walked for about five minutes before Kim stopped us. We settled down, taking off our bags. I turned my head around just to make sure the wolf beast wasn't nearby, and sat down, rubbing my face.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcXJJs0M1Q
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Shit. This was too much. Nothing could've prepared me for this. So many thoughts were racing through my mind– where was the wolf? How do we leave? Was Ng's partner a maniac? How much danger were we in? I couldn't pause to even ponder the questions. My mind was in a numbing haze, and all I could do was stare at the grass as I breathed.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZkKMVzMJB
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"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8YM2QCNUt
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"Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb13Y7vzOH
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Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYhG5CLhQL
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"What is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2bC6oVwX1
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"You're the one who has the most firepower out of us. I know what you're thinking, you want to get out of here, don't you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSCtPbrlZK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZMXruyGgE
"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6eS3TxddD
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Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQFjcHzXOm
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"I-I agree with Kenny. I thought we were just finding and arresting some crook, but it's a group we're dealing with, a-and the monsters..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVnxoeBzkM
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She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAChcWP93tG
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"I understand your concerns," Kim said, "and I agree, from what we've seen, this is probably too much for Flinty. And Victoria, you're good in hand-to-hand combat, but these monsters are inhuman. They aren't your specialty."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGabD7L83C
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"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF5616cNO4
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Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQPOlUJt2z
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"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHIcCPS2No
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"W-What?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtDV3nBkpX
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"Are you crazy!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTTZe09KPD
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We both yelled. Victoria continued.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l4CTiS9Bu
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"I'm not going inside a foreign building where that giant and god-knows-what else is calling home! I-I mean, even if we do, what are we going to do about Flinty? I'm completely against it, we need to get out of this forest and get reinforcements."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0nRRNcQtO
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I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrEFQs0PMh
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"Getting out of this forest might be more dangerous than getting in the building. Whatever that wolf monster was is in the woods, and outside of the compound. Just judging from the destruction, it's a much more difficult threat to handle than Jeremiah."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JkrBoQGPQ
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God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBedCq12ti
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"The two men responsible for these creatures are weak themselves. Maybe Ng's partner is a bit more formidable, but considering how rampant the beasts are, he shouldn't be strong enough to sedate them, let alone control them."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy1McF1JXi
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"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt99MrOPMMf
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"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpmhOFQlys
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEbOqqwVFi
"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuOPVTJ6oY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzHAE2TkIA
"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeivURqeY0H
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I tilted my head in confusion.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBWFh4HNLa
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"Your ice. I'm sure if you tried, you could cover the whole thing in ice. Alternatively, we can use it to get straight to the third floor, where Ng's partner is supposedly hiding."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uQ9kNkkZL
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Nothing about this was sitting right with me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzDRugV64m
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"W-Wait, Kim, we don't even know if Ng was telling the truth! For all we know, that whole thing was just an act set up by Ng to get him back in the base!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyinHBF3ob
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk9kCig1rt
"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZMadLi9lE
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"Of course I do!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YyvaYwuK7
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"You're wrong. When he went down to the shelter, he didn't bring anything with him. No weapon, no potion, no wand, no monster, nothing. Either he's a complete moron or someone who truly felt sorry about what he's done. And I've dealt with enough morons to distinguish the two."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvkE3PsKHC
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"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u6GmJ1qKl
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"Right! Even if Kenny could destroy the building, or get us to the third floor or whatever, what about the monster? You two tried killing it and passed out entirely!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPyFg3zI3S
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnDj0j82iM
"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6EVUTiawk
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I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cP0dJbb0x
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVY3uRPtvN
"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj7es5SLJ5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqVux9w7wY
"If we leave the forest now, then we deal with the wolf, and we risk the chance of more dangerous monsters festering. It's best if we strike now and capture and eliminate what we can. As for Flinty, I believe she's been on my side since the beginning."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb7nUUlLRB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkxUCd9yLF
"Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqkhOCedIS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHqBmGuo0O
I turned my head to her. She was still shaking, and yet, her eyes. Her eyes were the same as before. She raised her head and looked at me. No response, just a singular, stern nod.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOqys6WUMR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDem6AFgI0o
"Flinty? Are you serious?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tID9DS8T
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrt07AuYNb
"I-I know I won't be very helpful, so I'll try to stay out of fighting. But, at the very least, I want to support you all."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtjJQK6Urk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaywImcg1tu
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaDTnmdcbe
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBm2KipcDs
"Leave me in charge of our stuff. I'll defend it, I promise. A-And if anything goes wrong, then I'll just yell really really loudly."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3hVtFHTsv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZOII3jzau
She stopped shaking. Sweat was running down her forehead, but her words were earnest. I couldn't even believe it. Who did this? What happened to Flinty?188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l5ghHNipa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkkHZj0FU7
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttLJFEXAzp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lEJ10gP5L
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQL2e91KUi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2s7YYhabQ
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMxiNTtDIH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH43LOcCK35
"Kenny, all of this hinges on you. I know you're inexperienced, and I know you're frightened, but success can only be achieved with you. Please."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1qkUDMqGl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnUJN1i2oN
Adding pressure to this already stressful circumstance wasn't what I needed. All of this hinged on me, huh? Something about that thought brought back ugly memories. Regardless, I nodded.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D4YkE4wKz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvrx3AD24Y
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfk7smvDaL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqGddGHKoS
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP9f8tOjwX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEFt2lfvtk
"...With money?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M3taL1EsL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vRGxIsAFK
"With money."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOSG0aGMQi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ICWQZYATS
"...I can't say no to money."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5k9k5HysY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu40wg59Wb
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdz19Ij2GP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQYrvnrCcW
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETOUS3oSrP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01B79ZwgR8
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClYhWEUzLF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhQlJ49ZdU
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBPqFokbP8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iia0Xhg2R
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnbtV2u0Jo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVUGy6c7hV
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLXConW0ai
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6HBf17LIU
"Let's do our best okay?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk731beZY7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4L9D0glN7
"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wGRFbTlSN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt2spFpUtU
I still had one more concern.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOUmnxWIug
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H8q5rNBd0
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5Q3cCETvz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyo2Vm0Xsk
She averted her gaze.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbm733OtIT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyEelqRcrr
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSQGpcvYn3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ0bpwhjGg
"I see."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTla1b9kTn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuyqDxB6BK
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVsLfsOSp2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Jvi8ffDD
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpixDn71UJ0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc28bNSkHQ
"Uh..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKGrjaKB10
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lMhyZYk6v
Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgllgmBVNq
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKXnMYyL24
"I-If you're going to use fire magic, then take this, since it's fire-proof. Cover your head with the hood when you do. I don't think your fireball would be strong enough to blow any limbs away, but I think it's fine if you just lose your legs."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxqfjZ6nvi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM4TdzgLQi
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqacGUlRBSm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6wMYamV86
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2DPaQRwTt
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5LZHTjSiD
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83v3oxb88H
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2yRdEjymM
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ElH699hTq
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5o762HRNq
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF7k82j0eB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcU43CPw64
–
–
–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSCluPcSQr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrLiM1UXic
Stationed behind a tree, on the left side of the compound. I had a clear line of sight on the third floor. There was a large opening before the balcony, likely there due to carelessly leaving the door open. Victoria was behind me and was carrying a healing potion in the breast pocket of her dress. Flinty was ten meters behind us, guarding our supplies as she said she would. I've been in this position for ten minutes. Kim just returned to our position.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuQX22n3Sc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnBZUSiL3o
"How does it look like?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ6CIRXzOu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm6TxT4vAJ
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkR8ZIzxrb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHkmQIdkcS
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIG9AtyOyv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmXGTBSDB3
"We're ready."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AvGOxKJ1R
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe37YotcEoA
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfpjQubtTJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7trGmI7CR
The first order of business: infiltrating the third floor. I carefully started making a ramp of ice but got smacked in the head before it got a meter tall.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVESFEyA3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WhILSTmvL
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rprhzy5x8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPNiM65MjM
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveafuNg6E1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0ujnnObR9
"Then what do you propose I do!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPixglGIqqx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C57Z5CVhz
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZECdf4on13
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUysUSR8Ur
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70iHC7kdZW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQebVDTfBIN
Genius! I did just as I was told, and though it took a long time, we eventually made a bloated staircase to the top. We hopped over the balcony. I was ready to rush in but was stopped before walking through the doorway.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9FK93eDQI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtioB0xGd7e
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEF5y4Xjcy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxedq6AlR6c
Kim leaned over the edge. She motioned us to move in and went inside. Of course, I made sure not to be too loud. The room we found ourselves in was spacious. The floor was surprisingly made of wood, and there were a couple of blankets and pillows, but otherwise, the room was empty.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvmcAnTDMg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Nr7CZQEni
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmU8TWAVZy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxDczO2wKi
Since the room was clear, our infiltration continued. We found a door and went through it. The room was large and coated in sunlight. One look at the left told us why; up a wide set of steps, a giant oval window was right before a flat surface. Standing beside it were two men. One was kneeling, and the other was standing in front of him. Immediately recognizing who they were, we went low and closed in.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHodiTdyBw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUrd3xnTLr
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZB5DVb5qE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE7KMQfxao
The guy in front of Ng had a raspy voice. He sounded old, and he also sounded like a drunkard, but that was neither here nor there.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKCpaBvt1C
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUa0jtfU26
"Y-Yeah. I know."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyira5YEYGN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooX0Oy8xFM
I was in range. I stuck my hand out and began expelling mana. A stone formed in front of my palm. I aimed it at the head of the guy.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v7b1mj6Dn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRFccwnN3Y
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb63lTBdbb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDehlzfb2f
**SHATTER**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8eXmTKDMh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQDoRSqBMF
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6GPBa8Q3X
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0EwZQ2GVh
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN2te49jjD
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqxIQqOzxq
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGknsMFtsTs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNenxa6g7nt
"Now!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RWVMkiMCm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSoSaorCyI
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZpHWrkk1h
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3e4RFDP9O
The two of them were racing down a wide staircase. Kim stopped at the top, took a wand out, and began creating fireballs while Victoria kept rushing at them. I followed Victoria, creating another stone bullet to fire as we made it to the second floor. Kim reached it and fired her fireball, but The two men split up and entered opposite doors. Victoria followed the man, but I was stuck at the crossroads. Kim stopped right before me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P7pwUWiJI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMQInXcRUG
"What are you waiting for?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSnohFq8wA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb6N1Om95u
"I still don't trust Ng."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXhp24M7pb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPwft5q8Q2
"Fine, then go after him!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNcAbU31oi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ECOCGOMUL
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81nYceveWx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRlL8PndaL
"Stop moving!" I yelled. He didn't comply. I ran down the stairs myself. Now on the first floor, Ng was running to the front door. I shot my bullet before he made it. I missed it again, but when he noticed it whizzing by him, he stopped in his tracks and turned to me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfA9HoQaX8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXzcbPGFQR
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEVF7Gs84R
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLrEZr0Im8
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywoZ8hDT4c
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb4KyxVj7x
"Are you seriously crying?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FP7RPfCJc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1dIw09vPM
"Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAfobfY1eo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyq0jHXj1X
He tilted his head up to me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM1UYPQrtR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX83tA0LTTZ
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgDlZRkexx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRscRclYCQt
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe7wXlhsOi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy2qZUE42A
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoizrUfJus
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLQG4qFybR
"You, are you really on our side?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cZdrhih1t
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUImMNjDxq
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq4lFWz3or
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9AkTB4NSJ
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAsKh0KxfU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafLqsDA1Lb
"Yes sir!"
Ng took me back up the stairs. Before entering the main room on the second floor, Ng nudged the door open and scanned the room.
"What are you being so careful for? I thought you could control the beasts."
"Control? Oh no, I can't control them at all. It would be better to say that I just make suggestions."
I nodded. Apparently, the coast was clear, so we entered the room. We were walking to the opposite door until it suddenly flung open.
"Ha! Ah, Kenny, so you caught that guy too!"
Carrying the man on the side of her stomach was Victoria. The man looked to be on the brink of unconsciousness, but when he saw Ng, his whole demeanor shifted.
"Huh? Ng, what are you doing!?"
"...I'm sorry, Panz, but I can't keep going like this. Especially when unrelated people are getting caught up in this mess."
"Unrelated!? But they're from the Zariel kingdom! They're all– ack!"
Victoria struck Panz in the neck, and his rant was over. Kim appeared from behind Victoria.
"I'm sorry, but if children are involved, then we've gone too far."
Ng crossed his arms and blew through his nose. Despite his awkward bowl cut, he looked cool. I need to say something like that in the future.
"So, is that it?" Victoria asked.
"Let's leave quickly," Kim said. I nodded at her suggestion. We walked up the stairs. Before returning to the first room we infiltrated, I spared a glance at the window I broke. I didn't think my accuracy was that bad. I blamed it on the pressure of the situation and gave myself a satisfied nod.
"What are you doing, Kenny?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6pxB9VUP5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhH4FOpsKn
I rushed back to the others. We all stood before the door, but only Kim moved to open it. That is, until Ng put a hand on her shoulder.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP0m1j3BD5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARNJqN0vmi
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvzn510xHv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEur7dMhUUA
No questions were asked. I felt as if we all knew what he meant by that. Suddenly, a giant thud resounded from behind the door.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5iw7WFADg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTIGViOO0L
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zREbXjyvm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhClqRXfZvH
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOfFJcOJw0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTEmeFOZs
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z7D4TTbih
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ekAFyr0R0
Panz was struck again, and it looked like he was finally out cold. With him out of the picture, I eyed the door as the thuds shook the building.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECeqDVF8wB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6ai12Fryw
There was a pause. It wasn't silent though; there was foul snarling on the other side of the wall. I tightened my fist and grew a Sunlight-Blossom and loaded a seed.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPNl3ZXbQK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyPL4RnKBA
And then, suddenly–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uVDG5PktB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9l75EGdvC
**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12yRGgbgbJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xPLftFH7a
A beast nearly twice my height burst through the wall with an overgrown leg. The creature, of gray fur, had a head in the shape of a deer skull.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QpxeYHcC5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMETdEgZaR
By all accounts, it was a demon. Immediately, I shot the sunlight blossom at the creature's head. Half of its face was blown away but the screeching didn't stop. The creature stomped the ground with its oversized legs, and I noticed a crack forming in the stone floor.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEf4eVYQ30
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XnIM4IrT8
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZMzLI49BT
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Kim rushed in and started slicing at the beast. As formidable as its size was it was sluggish, and Kim had exceptional agility. She cut its chest, and the beast swung its arm and missed. And then Kim cut its arm, not quite decapitating it, but inflicting a wound severe enough to where the beast had to console it. And then Kim tried striking at its left leg. Her sword shattered immediately.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hvkxpn7fK
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"H-Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagSpnHa1vP
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The beast lifted its leg and tried kicking Kim away. She narrowly avoided the strike. As the beast was about to follow up I struck it with another Sunlight-Blossom seed. I loped its left arm off and eviscerated its shoulder. The beast wailed and struck the floors again. At this rate, the third floor would break apart entirely. Kim noticed this too.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMXCt8Cwgh
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"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ryhUNxKUc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhohvWSUyIC
We did just that. The beast kept rampaging, and as we made it to the second floor, we heard the sound of the floor giving way. Since the second floor wasn't aligned with the third, the beast didn't fall to us. I quickly ascended the steps to access the beast. He was stuck in a roofless concrete box. The beast looked up, and we made eye contact. I shot another Sunlight-Blossom seed at it but he lifted his leg and blocked the bullet entirely. And then, he crouched. I knew immediately what was going to happen.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5V07WL1yR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7195h14maC
I began to run down the stairs. I felt the beast leap from behind, and the place he landed was just a foot away from where I was. I tumbled down the steps and landed awkwardly– I might have sprained my ankle. I looked up at the beast and Kim had begun flinging fireballs at it. I loaded another seed and began accumulating power.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUqYqqy4T9
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"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiKkw3KgUN
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"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVqPrHHel1
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"Like what!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip3EyAMwl2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCNfeCKcWA
"They died last night!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MqVZRRkoV
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Oh. I knew what he was talking about. This situation was growing dire. The beast slowly descended the steps, seemingly unbothered by the barrage of fire. I shot another seed at it and claimed its left arm Crap, I missed the nick. The beast wailed yet again and jumped in place, destroying the staircase instantly. Our escape route was now blocked off.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUmsIa5ZBV
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Wait, escape route, of course!188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qFN3ZnFWL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wizuerq6w
I produced a Freeze-Dry from my tendril and began mana spinning. The beast was keeping still from the constant attacks. I let immediately let out as much ice as I could. In a flash, half of the entire second floor was covered in ice, and the beast was immobilized.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKGYJhf0UK
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"...Did I do it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rr6HFdzXe
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXHZlPdMlX
Kim stopped hurling fireballs. The beast stopped moving. Being covered in ice like that shouldn't have killed it. Considering the girth of its legs, it should be able to break out easily. I remained vigilant and eyed the frozen beast, but a nudge from my right broke my focus. It was Victoria.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlpL60easL
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"H-Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyIZzFAZlQ
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She offered me her healing potion.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y0DrTYjmA
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"Here. For your foot."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0izIYP3a1
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"A-Ah, thank you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Om2HiFi7a
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I took the glass and gulped it down. It was the most effective intake for injuries like sprains, though the taste admittedly made me want to vomit.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtcdkRxZJ2
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"Haaa, ugh."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWqxgA6KC7
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I stood up with help from Victoria.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfHZ54LTb8
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"Sorry. I didn't do anything."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAWQ07B4vf
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"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxzESjRBtW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLL8ayds2D
"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAZB6yvu4g
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She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HDIR2Qsi5
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"Don't let your guard down yet."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsK1OoAADD
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I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x7PDxjrfC
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"Crap. Crap!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnHzJGzJms
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp0i14jJG2
The Freeze-Dry was a dud. With the Sunlight-Blossom and Freeze-Dry already used, I switched to the last combat plant I had in my arsenal; Dragon-Maw Jr.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn2Bx6G017
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFFZOmHToi
I didn't wait for the beast to unfreeze. I ran closer and extended my tendril. Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped at the thing's head, but it was too big for him to encompass it. Still, Dragon-Maw Jr. was able to tear off a chunk of the beast's face. The instant he did so, the beast broke out of the ice and screeched. The yell made my ears ring. Dragon-Maw Jr. Bit at its chest and tore off a sizeable chunk from there. The beast, at a speed I didn't think was possible, kicked at Dragon-Maw Jr. A portion of my tendril soared across the room and collided with the wall.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCGzdXWrOb
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Even though it was separated from my body, I felt a sudden sting coarse throughout all of it. The tendril retracted immediately and I fell to the ground.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjXhFjbsEP
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"K-Kenny!? Shit!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZONsVAJcXx
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Victoria grabbed me by the shirt and hung me over her shoulder. She yelled at Kim, though I struggled to decipher it. My vision was fading in and out.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtJffmVeK9
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This pain... it was like my own arm was ripped off. I was more shocked than anything. I let out a weak laugh. I had no idea the tendril was this intertwined with my nerves. I felt a liquid permeate my shirt. I reached into it. It was coming from my chest. When I looked at my hand, I didn't see blood as I thought I would, but a deep purple.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOBl4vud3d
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A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSbBulAyZX
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"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqNDHLUWlr
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"Huh? Y-Yes!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9pnu4x9D4
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"If you can, support Kim!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVk4m4yjVu
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Victoria dropped me on the ground. I grunted but regained my focus as I saw Kim. She was in an inelegant dance with the beast, dishing blows while narrowly avoiding receiving any, and each subsequent counter-strike from the beast only grew closer and closer to hitting her. I could tell that she couldn't keep up. I began to form a rock in front of me, then made it bigger, and bigger, and then thinned it and turned it into a spear.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv74NQ1FSg1
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"W-Woah..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkDsoXs1zk
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I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FWjUyPjKn
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"KIM!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkI542hBA4
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"Right!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DTZ7CPvQo
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She backed off. The beast was entirely by itself. At this rate, I didn't care about being accurate, because I knew it would be obliterated the moment I hit it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIPyTm6lIW
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And so, I released the spear.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwesdW4Oqm
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**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFBC8y1181
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The spear traversed the room in a blink of an eye. I struck it square in the chest. A hole formed in its chest, and it grew to such a size that anything from the shoulders up separated from the rest of the body. Then, the wall behind the beast was torn down, almost as if it was blown up.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGR1u8dhl
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Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iUoPiERSr
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"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF5ME8mH2r
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"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UITrXmHyl
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Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFIdLPrhyY
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"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR0bAwdclV
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"No, what you just did was incredible."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKaegnykUA
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"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrmhh5imTN
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I averted my eyes in a pout. Using the tendril for so long, abusing the Freeze-Dry so, and then creating such a powerful earth spear almost drained my supply. At least we were–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP0zIKK872
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"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWOrpKtgDe
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"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Um17K0B4
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"Unfortunately."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoIZav3aLj
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I shouldn't have been surprised. But, what did surprise me was the speed at which the next monster struck. Instantly after Ng's utterance, a putrid hand burst through the floor. It slammed its palm on the floor, and it just so happened to hit Kim. The arm wrapped its fingers around her and retracted back into the ground.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RRJnLagBK
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"Kim!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJE2r2azxP
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Victoria dropped Panz and rushed to the hole, but backed away once she looked inside. The arm returned and tried to grab her. I released my tendril and smacked at it. Somehow, it was enough to ward it off.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGDeGGypFq
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The tendril was bleeding purple.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0KrJSO9A9
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"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrMAzswOK4
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**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlutFsvQbE
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The hand created another hole, and this time it slammed the ground right beside me. I thought I was lucky to narrowly escape it, but really, it was just grabbing onto Panz.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQs3jes7jD
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"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFVdF6Zsl5
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I looked Ng in the eyes. He stopped talking. I still couldn't stand. I could hardly form a spell. I could hardly even keep myself awake. I couldn't even keep the tendril out before I succumbed to an oppressive pain.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLW5oH6ar1
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If I had to guess, Ng could make all of that out from my gaze alone. He grabbed a hold of me. I coughed out some of the purple goop. Victoria was standing around, dazed and lost.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ySiqfMrOc
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"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS15PSOKqg
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Victoria didn't fight. She spared one look at me and nodded. The stairs leading up were broken, so we had to leave by another means.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkeWA9Si8c
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Ng carried me to the room from before. We ran down the stairs. Jeremiah was there with two human-sized arms gripping Kim and Panz respectively. It had no eyes, but I could tell it was looking at us.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCmoOOplaj
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"...Ngh."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1oGXlCeUx
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It was moving at us. With the last of my mana, I created a ball of fire. It was hardly anything, but I shot it anyway. It was enough to stop the monster in its tracks. Victoria busted down the front door. We ran across the field. Jeremiah slid a few meters out of the entrance but then receded into the compound. Ng and Victoria stopped running. They were panting profusely.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE132w5sRDE
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"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi1DmUWZgS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWe3FMh6UR
I knew how she felt, that Victoria. I couldn't focus at all, though. I had too many afflictions, I had too much fatigue, it was overbearing, everything was overbearing. I almost began to cry.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfCemmj6w6
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But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJVLOGC4UN
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The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxXrVjpIjI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKIwLtAS63
I felt like I was going to die.
