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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYVA6OyZU2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4YmrJzTRr
Kim, Flinty, and Victoria leaned over to watch the scene. Ng, sensing no response, knocked on the door again.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr8gdDcaY5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YNCiQRH5o
"HEY! OPEN UP!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytHiYQUbv4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s8KA6ZD9m
He was acting quite bossy for someone so afraid of his associate. My trifling suspicions were turning into full-fledged doubts.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0r2Z83O8M
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhojLnl3Wd
"Something about this is fishy."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEEhjNwR4D
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVz9ilNtP5
I looked at the other three. They nodded in agreement.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiUYdBj11Y
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWy3dtesRr
"What should we do then?" Flinty asked.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfLifdPyyR
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIQSKKxD41
"Kenny," Kim started, "take out your tendril. Prepare for anything unexpected."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXEz9Uuhzk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UVx6cfvQ1
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGINT3xJ3T
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBIWBv1Tbh
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOqMMx56bT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadBy8brTNk
"Oh, that's Jeremiah. Jeremiah! Open the door!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9qYiYuOT9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJF7R5bAsn
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRZ2TVGLZJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXjcyD8mXJ
And then.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAfKO0BeXM
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfjnuCfcp9
**SMASH**156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH11s8Srk36
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DcgCWfKu5
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQFgmZpX1P
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDpN7CIe7l
"AH! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU– NO, HELP! HEEELP!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeWddVIodO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHwmCRY6Jc
His wails ceased upon a distant slam. Looks like he made it into the compound.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxRlnVY7rz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttoqpiBAd2
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N0uOk7Wpb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EXQOMVpyE
What just happened? I looked at the others, and it was clear from their faces that they didn't have any answers.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoHm1hYBF5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosHsCchouL
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9WUTV9put
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShQkl7JxtZ
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvu2fVn4aX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCbolWUB6L
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9RfcmpD7k
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XtTNlfvzV
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8foOF6ByZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIH5niPrHt
I took a deep breath. With the wall as support, I got back on my feet.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pdMTfq1v4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCHCUZYJJ2
"We're getting the hell out of this forest."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WF9yF9mNr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWlHgFFrJo
I walked back to the group. Flinty was shaking on the ground. Victoria was surprisingly standing. Kim was the same.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpztjFi8qw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyJtabm5Dv
"We need to leave. This is– whatever just happened, it's out of our league."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX8yWzuBRL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDJVI79eVu
Victoria nodded with me. Kim looked at me and began to speak.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXBRGFjeQt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4wiH6AKxV
"Before anything, let's get away from the compound and formulate a plan."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY04gwoAzT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrwyrZ6jkG
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMRH55wOQ0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYLNgqY5Iy
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYDIccJX0o
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNzksrlc93
"-enny. Kenny. Kenny!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQhKinM4X8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGwtxlBY0
"Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rMydd0557
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDj0528JFs
Kim was calling my name. It brought me back down to Earth.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeT7b6pCGT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJbr2OZZKc
"What is it?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1U8msSdtk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgatwAMViH
"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?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdtCZYaaSB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8QoQr39bn
"O-Of course. Not just for my sake, but because Flinty shouldn't be here anymore."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHROArI5da
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w3Ep2vSSm
Kim nodded. Victoria budged in.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2SWeVMq8b
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUfLNPBfWz
"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..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFvyDxMGFd
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6slcQ2BcZ4
She stopped talking and looked at the floor, clenching her fist.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi92A1CMkw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41lfo0V3Vr
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ssX4kfb63
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4rrH75OQP
"Never in my sixteen years did I see something like that," she replied, "I don't even know how to start fighting it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmhLudMarv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSIxXvjSzt
Kim nodded. She sat criss-cross and put a hand to her chin.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNujzLZumsS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLmpzHOKhU
"I know you two will disagree with this, but I think we should still try an infiltration."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j557t11DA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk2r5UHhjj
"W-What?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO0Thf5TaT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71FQzyenpm
"Are you crazy!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxalh1ReCL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6o4hNXXwn
We both yelled. Victoria continued.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCZMVHSZ3t
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dPkkR7Chn
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBPKnTUXjt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD727QiHK6d
I nodded to her reasoning. The idea was absurd. But Kim immediately started her rebuttal.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynZVcGbBYT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Pht8b31M
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fVWFw9PTS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPFnc56WSh
God, Kim, why were you calling that thing by its name?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgoutpIFdy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5WZjwN8hI
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSNN1gI3JB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOxbuc64Gd
"Are you saying we really have a fighting chance?" I asked.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme1tgukFC1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKb7hJkHR2
"I'm saying we have much more than a fighting chance. We could obliterate the compound right now if we use your power, Kenny."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EqG0pePeV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a9OKFWNdu
"I think you're severely overestimating me. I have nothing in my arsenal that can level a building that sturdy."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4nbsSW99M
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1hOALM44T
"Maybe not level it, but you have something that'll encase it, don't you?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTZoXILhor
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUJfmz0YOE
I tilted my head in confusion.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlxugXByRE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpJXdhchdT
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8fLRD3Z1D
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNK0VD4yVn
Nothing about this was sitting right with me.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTJcbvVqVJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSEHqlFvT6
"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!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoE5UiTe86
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQROTYjyj5
"Do you really think Ng has any ill will towards us?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9PCiLCmds
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDG1SZkDUi
"Of course I do!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwzoyotFuY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb5mdiHASI
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7JxnzHtfp
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZtVtLKPkj
"Y-You... Victoria, back me up here!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMDNZYI09E
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRUIabrpD8
"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!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlP61KRgLF
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD23hXfkMa
"But Kenny didn't use his ice. That was because of me, right Kenny? That was because I was in your line of fire."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlznirkEPZ2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ5NKqCvQU
I didn't respond, just averted my eyes.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvGCBmDiD9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXBbz4NSxa
"B-But why don't we just leave the forest, huh!? And what about Flinty?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42Y1580xCE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GnvzJMEYs
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyESYtqb9zQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMccdzfpEA
"Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Vw0l2Oh0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PuQn5fHGN
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wd78fAIyo
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFpMqUhADK
"Flinty? Are you serious?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hm9qhEgl1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTajChNDkRq
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSYee87xPI
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFVzPPUxYi
She stood up and slammed her chest a few times.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0rHKzAzbQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPn38KdOES
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLHf1iiGem
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptDLpkrYel
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?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzDj4ES5nf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3pcFWg2DX
"B-But, Flinty... what if... what if..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ttrpjGnN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87bO5QTC67
Victoria couldn't voice any rebuttal. Flinty was the final nail in the coffin.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA5uc0hajw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg6qpoi97E
I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. It was Kim.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrhwrsgEB8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7yIxLXk1c
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD7zVINhBX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9lbx9rIg6
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPHFL0RJQT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmPHtPEo7O
"You and your words... I was right about being suspicious of you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxQrDQIY3R
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqBW9rB2Va
"I'm sorry. I promise you'll be compensated for your efforts."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GiIbMrtU4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hse3APgsV
"...With money?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2VLpsDMX0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa10ZUcts2x
"With money."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXVAUDavwr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NubZYJBmg
"...I can't say no to money."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSdZhfdEpZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtYvifYAvg
For a second, I caught a smile from under her cloak. She offered me a hand and helped me stand up.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtqcCJapFe
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttYnmnJ8VI
"Then that's settled. What about you, Victoria?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLhKYzMLZ1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vF79jXyku
She was still on the floor, giving us a pensive look.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrhxbSxSn8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpcR2fpQwd
"...If we're doing this, then I'll fight anything that isn't the blob."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0aEx7dk1V
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg6MFM90DL
"Alright. Then Kenny and I will help."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2hc1MySsx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LdB2j4JTB
Kim helped Victoria to her feet. I felt something touch my back. It was Flinty, she slapped my shoulder.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGvjncganW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZf66eEvWJ
"Let's do our best okay?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaqyQkk9hy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltrPdX0T8L
"..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8f9w68Why
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1q0KKVIi1
I still had one more concern.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsNpqnIzGt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gJ7egaSIE
"Flinty, if the wolf gets to you while we're inside, what will you do then?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAucQlbb8a
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUgQnIGC4N
She averted her gaze.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPluj02Z8N
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbAxRKX8G4
"I'll... if I need to, then I'll use the fireball. I'll use one like the one at Mister Freed's shop."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tnhZiuU6b
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTDZkmp4ej
"I see."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFStJHgSymp
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW66XoRP1dq
I unbuttoned my coat, took it off, and offered it to her. She looked it with apprehension, awkwardly raising a hand to her mouth.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsikByLlXU9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAskCOmmAxM
"K-Kenny? Are you sure?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5n1NXrXHQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvUALOyDzB
"Uh..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65naKHuAkf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA17mez3ZX
Crap. My cheeks were tinted rose.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiImTfuwmg
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyEs5DJ2LF
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA0uKG3kdk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4lILhY9kY
She nodded and accepted my coat. It was a size too large for her, so a lot of excess cloth covered her legs. Perfect.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0VISrnAFV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNdYfq8XvJ
"This is really cozy, no wonder why you always wear it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrNpUM2bAk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMOwsomqyY
"Heh. Anabelle is a good weaver, isn't she?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LhcDClXza
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qGqTNXaMY
She nodded. I felt slightly naked now, but I still had long sleeves covering my arms. I would be fine.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ttvAYAwNV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jxj2f2iCz
"Alright," Kim said, "are we ready to form a plan?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMR5boaxPB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCN0cAPqPa
–
–
–156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxASR0fY23b
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSFGGM3eav
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qzxkzyiwT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZyUVnRumQ
"How does it look like?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsaXXfrPxA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yUEp5cmoj
"Clear. I heard some ruckus coming from the building. They're likely occupied with whatever that is."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0fsDZgkRT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCrr6vOh6i
Ideal conditions have been met. I took in a breath and released the tendril. A Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip.
"Are we ready?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR8h4PZLrF
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeFouR3i1W
"We're ready."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R9mhMyLDu
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR3Cg3C3rB
I never imagined myself taking part in a siege mission. I would make peace with it later.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoguKo80NnL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxMFRTl0d8
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wPqSSaDui
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgcnMM7ZNY
"How are we supposed to scale a ramp of ice!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAut8m3L31
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhBMrWNwOT
She had a good point. I was a bit flustered.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdz7LR59oh
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwdkHhattc
"Then what do you propose I do!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmhBCUXThm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfYVNymk0H
I could see Victoria's brain at work. I racked my mind for a solution.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiotx017bD
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UVUQ3jeLU
"Just make little steps," Kim interjected, "and as we hop on them, make the next one bigger."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT3mL4wkNh
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvccneby0FV
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1o540xbZ1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnubH7WRwy
"Before we enter, let me inspect how it is inside."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QCJNG9eTY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtXcKvebMN
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqcAsWDtYj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw2Yr0NqRb
They slept in conditions like this? They didn't even have a mattress. I almost felt bad.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dgC6PaUFY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee1Ta5fPls
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOSFWpWvdw
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuzFp81U2T
"Ng, come on. I know you know better."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSqAZOGZJa
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mc9WwR96w
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObW1UxNXnS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uLRUSAXxH
"Y-Yeah. I know."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoGSYEoi58
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYb3zAHiQj
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzooSCUfWl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioWifKdGPf
"Then why did you let the prisoners out? We can't have our location disclosed to–"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83ABIPzkaM
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEYAefx7wx
**SHATTER**156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJPPSbbf4x
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzgl8HhD6b
I fired the stone. I made sure to put enough power to where it wouldn't kill the man, but at least incapacitate him.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1dJWZqjFS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygAnWdNZSK
I missed and hit the window, shattering it completely.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwn4Bb9K6p
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnRLWylh2S
Ng and the man turned to us. I didn't have anything to say, I simply returned eye contact.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjhjcdIcAq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UdTtSTXno
"Now!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpjWm8dHQz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2l015Cuec
Kim and Victoria rushed ahead. The two men didn't fight back, they started running away. I knew Ng was in on this!156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gSNUWZX9s
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyCK6ndQHF
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil0bTYS7JF
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWFWtbcigx
"What are you waiting for?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnTd0ljGST
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1gvf7vin5
"I still don't trust Ng."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLCtGb8yKv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Upnuik0zl
"Fine, then go after him!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WWKLP3BtX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pWn0wMzCh
I nodded and rushed through the other door. I saw another set of stairs and Ng was already making his way down them.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIPk4aF7Sn
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiMMUT9Ev9
"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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR4eKOGYM3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fVgG3f9w9
"O-Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just don't hurt me!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDe11d4Fi4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEjl8uETX
He was already down on the ground with his head glued to the floor. I rushed towards him. Ng was... crying?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaaXhrsZcx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMukL7ojT7
"Are you seriously crying?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIjD8ZvU0B
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFKxk8TKw4
"Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUYqEMQfrn
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilhGxilZfL
He tilted his head up to me.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueiUxt4EoN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3evtdhof8G
"N-No, I'm not crying. Aren't you going to kill me?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZo1kvpx5E
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUbn7KlYNF
"K-Kill? I wouldn't go that far... Geez, get up already."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17DaTlBfOO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpOtA41aT7
He did as he was told. He had a look of sincere confusion on his face. I didn't let that fool me, though.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVLJQ0ug9F
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIZ9Na991l
"You, are you really on our side?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH11qagQjF
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lRO3tcREH
"Of course I am! If my words aren't enough, then I'll happily take an official oath!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBiTOsS5WB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbimh3uuRhc
"Nobody's here to witness it, you moron! Nevermind this, just take me to your teammate already!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0tdv0C72B
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc5phZDvHx
"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."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd2Ycr3b0Q
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQrP3kyYC5
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO8YViBoEm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAFyJUAvOl
"Miss... I advise you to not open that door. It's best if we step away."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhObatzbh2c
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPqACHCOhS
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL1NEDRrOL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4idGbtJbS
"Panz! You, what do you think you're doing!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFcnQxkCuM
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0ojvVHimT
Panz, who was apparently still awake, feebly lifted his head and cackled.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsq9SrgGJl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W0L6ltsu3
"As if I'd let you betray me like this so easily! I'll make you pay, Ng– ack!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3YDPWkrME
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGPrTaeeyY
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxgfNYe7tR
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI814lVJM5e
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RshhFpGk5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUmtK5CeU5
And then, suddenly–156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyfFzQUWNQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PPW4BBbmK
**SMASH**156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOyjMMhiGA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4zUKvSxkN
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT8MvFWZW6
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2bZfXWET0
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ2pOC51gX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlE7P6svcK
"Crap! Everyone, be careful!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh67fiasvL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa2F8EL4oL
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9RQXMXUxN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ik79mv4x6
"H-Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjwWIqd0Ay
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5MroHJRcZ
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpARRwBPgf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ209G3kOA0Q
"Victoria! Kenny! Ng! Head to the second floor!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnh38YXbKj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbQIhGKLgO
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41jfsFoRbA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzcWdtGH6G
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEQ2pxXiGX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTCa5A1SIL
"Ng!" I yelled, "Can't you control that thing!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x2PgUy3lD
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijvDcVW2OG
"No! I am unable to resummon the creatures Panz has created, I can only do ones I have!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bnxTiNwyi
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI2A9gO0oE
"Like what!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZTXfOOCau
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiNzUCvywe
"They died last night!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybcz6OKdRF
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5QR7K2PMX
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT2jnho2wA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaYIh0uQAW
Wait, escape route, of course!156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8drw33JiZN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z6fCju7MO
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMAvtXBwCo
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9a4ZuiDsq
"...Did I do it?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclNeb2LxBW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9GcDBC8mS
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpfua2Qn0m
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmues5dhyl
"H-Huh?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLNbdcz3JD
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwaOySbV46
She offered me her healing potion.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEQTHNNNGE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg689fHYvP0
"Here. For your foot."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNXaDOsD37
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue6mWyLE3U
"A-Ah, thank you."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbYQa0xAYJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eC8uOPRjy
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSgWv6ijsy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoYdtHKDVW
"Haaa, ugh."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs39rgpKuT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8Rnm9gLi3
I stood up with help from Victoria.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QTWBrWkVt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecbHQb8N77
"Sorry. I didn't do anything."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcJMBKy4LW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHst4pInWA
"Please, don't be. Even I don't feel like I did much."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsTn661KfO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2pcaA6FXq
"Haha, you're too humble, Kenny."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS4lnzuLBx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHlgRCoKUn
She was noticeably shaken. Still, she held onto the unconscious Panz like it was nothing. I was beginning to relax.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp43zBqvjk5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWn6R3B3f3
"Don't let your guard down yet."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFyuhdvmCf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQrVbrfQPo
I looked at Kim who was pointing a large ball of fire at the beast. Looking at the encased monster, I noticed it fidgeting.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K0foCFcBZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCb22TetE8
"Crap. Crap!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NIuhFtgoW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLL7EGStgD
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk1ZCazcCq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfAZleIYZ0
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooTySA050e
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UDiREvL9D
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs2Dh1UqHc
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzb13w9CbM
"K-Kenny!? Shit!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJbLnt2XEN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH3WDAX2IT
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm0r9UNOSe
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMKvgBg2KM
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzovAMtFPm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPlPUYPinr
A sinister curiosity crept within me. It was awfully nostalgic.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpIB4m3DsH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP9edsXxRw
"Kenny! Kenny, are you awake!?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxCsI0gaI1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEi2gHicGj
"Huh? Y-Yes!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A7BH57u2t
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3GOGw1ybZ
"If you can, support Kim!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0zZghXZbX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHDCXt8W3k
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNxV7q1gsk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lC5X4biR4
"W-Woah..."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fQDEBm1mj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUilB24vSP2
I spun the spear. I could swear I saw smoke emerge from the tip. I didn't think anything of it.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1agNOaES3U
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhb2txZ26s
"KIM!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkor0hmj4up
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ5I5k1Pgn
"Right!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PmdLd0Ga2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbuOa22EKL
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWuJTWoEot
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBmMgaLOqu
And so, I released the spear.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYjbhfrOl8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1nb1A8Yih
**SMASH**156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJdzr0tmtG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZhT3r0YPr
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzPBQRlT5N
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ065slrAb7D
Needless to say, the beast was slain. It faded away a second after. Right, it was made of mana, wasn't it?156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnzrTjQvp9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE850QON1r
"...Good job, Kenny," Victoria muttered. Kim ran towards me. I was still wincing, and that purple goop was still being expunged from my chest.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljYu04qQz0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMStZFuw8m
"Kenny, out of curiosity, what is your earth magic grade?"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnZ5MfdK8x
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfG3VflAZP
Was now seriously the time to answer such a question? She sounded giddy asking me, so I decided to humor her.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR5J8q3NPO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilAzxGxpGq
"...Three. But, as I've learned today, my accuracy probably lowers it."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV49znmIqv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbloPE7kw87
"No, what you just did was incredible."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUKud6QVBl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSKtej9LU5
"Okay, fine, thank you, geez."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRKY1U9Nds
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYpBnsEaJB
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–156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9LxrtFBnA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOgYOQTaSu
"I'm afraid that wasn't the last of them," Ng said.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI79qxEeGPZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHeSu6Ghts
"Huh? Are you serious!?" Victoria yelled.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl3GvMRHtg
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2urcxVpsE9
"Unfortunately."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEXBwjMQK6
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFnaifUDqF
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGrXp2V4jc
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnfJ00opON
"Kim!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaLxTnfqIS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZhTlxrc8q
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P3epLN0zU
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPJNztcMMk
The tendril was bleeding purple.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqi0autKbY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3P651EPsa
"Kim! Ah, Kenny, we need to–156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv57SuEQ6ud
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxG8wOxHHu
**SMASH**156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQZ898LMI1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOEO4A8ftH
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbQYJ5G1cZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJngmJkqt2
"It's Jeremiah! Kenny, you need to–"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bY4f7aT4Y
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQPfNfuhrD
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNWbRFcOeT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPF6oDdF6s
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKkk9Xa2II
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAf0b0KQRr
"Victoria!" Ng yelled, "We need to escape! We can't fight Jeremiah now!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWOINgDviu
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O8LAfYF9N
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5pdxFUGoz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7d43zZHQc
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8Eb4NcmN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDLSNSOZLE
"...Ngh."156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1hyzDFTlh
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKxW72o4nX
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip83hqL5HE
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzwNzPPC2K
"Haaa, haaa, shit, shit! Shit!"156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfnKSKipPj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7AzAxdmYE
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.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTes7r0OKeY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1M5ZqzcN0
But, through the stormy mess that was in my mind, one thought came to the forefront.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHxTbb5MgS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke7Myiy7Gv
The infiltration was a failure. Our ally was compromised. I failed completely.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtpiJTSg3X
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7U0m6npw2
I felt like I was going to die.
