The fire cracked and popped. It was already dark out. Four hours had passed since the infiltration. Flinty, Ng, and Kenny were sitting beside the fire. Victoria just returned with more firewood. Kenny took a tiny bite out of an apple
Victoria sat down. Everyone was staring at the fire. The silence was oppressive, but Kenny didn't have the power nor gall to interrupt it.
"...I apologize for what has happened. My cowardice, my fear, it all led to this," Ng said.
"It isn't your fault," Victoria said, "as much as I'd like to say that it was nobody's fault, I think all of us messed up, hehe."
"Perhaps it was. But still, I feel as if I'm mostly to blame."
And thus, a needless back-and-forth started. Kenny didn't interject.
"Seriously, it's fine, you don't need to take all the blame."
"But–"
"Guys!"
Flinty suddenly raised her voice.
"M-Maybe it's Ng's fault, or Victoria's, but at the end of the day, Kim is still in trouble!"
"Right. Of course."
"You're right, Flinty."
"So... what do we do? We need a plan."
"Well," Ng started, "Jeremiah is formidable, but one of Panz's beasts has already been exterminated. Panz himself is also injured. Once we regain our strength, an upfront assault may be the best course of action.
"Right," Flinty replied, "Kenny can take the blob on by himself. Do you think you can do it, Kenny?"
Kenny didn't respond. He lifted his head and gazed at Flinty with beady eyes.
"...I'm not going back in there," he muttered, and their eyes widened.
"W-What, why not!?" Flinty cried. Shock permeated Victoria's expression. Kenny put a hand on his knee.
"It's best if we leave. Everyone will be in danger if we go back."
"But Kenny, what about Kim? We need to help her!"
"..."
Kenny turned his head away. Flinty's words didn't reach him. Frustrated, confused, surprised, and worried, Flinty didn't know what to do or say under such pressure. So, she didn't.
"F-Fine, but if you won't do it, then I will!"
"Don't! You're just asking to die!"
Kenny spat his rebuttal, Flinty flinched, and Kenny returned to gazing at the ground.
"Let's just... get out. At least, I can guarantee that you'll be fine if we do."
It hit her then. Flinty understood what was wrong with him. But still, she didn't have the words. Still, she didn't know how to convince his friend. Still, she couldn't help him. Flinty was dejected, upset that she didn't have the words.
She looked at Victoria. She was at a loss well, Flinty could tell. But, Victoria was older, and Victoria was smarter. Flinty was sure that she would think of something.
"Why don't we sleep on it?" She suggested, "We'll think of something in the morning."
"Yes! That sounds like a good idea!"
Flinty peered at Kenny, waiting for anything from him.
"...Fine."
Flinty felt relieved. Still angry, still worried, but at least she had time to think of something. And thus, the group readied for bed. None of them had any blankets or pillows, so they had to be content with sleeping on the ground. It wasn't comfortable, but before long they all fell asleep.
All, except for Kenny.
–
–
–
I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. This situation, this incident, none of this was like the one with my parents.
This was my fault. This was undeniably my fault. From the beginning, it was my fault.
That bullet. Why did I miss it? Why? Why? None of this would've happened if I just hit that bullet. That damn, tiny bullet made of stone.
I should've made it bigger. I should've been more patient. I should've gotten closer. I should've just used my tendril, or used fire magic. Who would've cared if I killed him? That alternative was so much better than this. Kim has been captured. The wolf is still out.
These thoughts, they kept me awake. I couldn't even close my eyes without that scene playing back in my mind; the bullet. If I just didn't miss that bullet.
"..."
I needed to take a piss.
I stood up. I tried not to wake up the group. I walked for a few minutes until I found a passable tree, then I took care of my business.
"...Crap."
I was already feeling groggy. I washed my hands with water magic and walked back, but stopped. Somebody was walking up to me. It was Ng. He stopped before me, carrying a makeshift torch.
"What do you want?"
"Kenny, do you mind us having a chat?"
I didn't even have any suspicions. It was ridiculous. But, really, talking was the last thing I wanted to do, so I walked around him.
"Kenny, what has you acting this way? Is it truly today's failure?"
"That's none of your business."
Ng followed me.
"I'll be blunt, this is abnormal."
"Shut up."
"Whether we escape the forest or not, you are the only one who can do anything about it."
"Shut up."
"Are you upset at me?"
I turned around.
"Huh? Why the hell would I be?"
"I see. Then, Kenny, let me ask you this; is this truly the best way to go about it?"
I didn't say anything, just tilted my head.
"You clearly feel at fault. I know, I've been in such a situation before."
"--!"
I couldn't say anything more. I couldn't even pretend to be mad anymore. I just sighed.
"Kenny, as an adult, allow me to grant you a piece of advice."
I didn't respond.
"I don't believe today's incident was your fault, but that is irrelevant. No, what I want to tell you is that, if you truly feel like you're at fault, then atone."
"...Atone?"
"Of course. It's simple, isn't it? You apologize for your mistake, and then you make up for it."
"...That is too simple."
"But it holds true, doesn't it?"
I turned my head away.
"It's..."
Ng walked up to me.
"You have a lot of power, Kenny. So much so, I'm envious of you. Perhaps you think you can't use it, but at the end of the day, who else can rescue Kim and fight Jeremiah but you?"
I turned around. I couldn't deny his words. He was right. And yet...
"That isn't it. That isn't it at all."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmiq8PY7LO
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Ng tilted his head. He started to look a little nervous, and also slightly annoyed. I wasn't talking much sense, was I?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdOc3uy43Q
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"Then what is it?" He asked. I had to take a moment to put it into words.
"...If I go back in there, then all of it will hinge on me again. Your lives, your well-being, all of it. If I go back there, then all of it will be up to me. If one of you die, then that's my fault. If one of you get hurt, then that's my fault."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXUExPiEO
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"That's not true at all–"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvVxGvhhDP
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"Let me finish! You, have you ever had a feeling like that before? You said you know, you said you've been there, but you haven't! I can't stomach it; I can't stomach that feeling that, it's all up to me, that I'm the one who has to be the shoulder for all of you to lean on! I can't, I just... I just can't..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxF0OB36Fb
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I was slurring my words. Tears were running down my cheeks.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5wTDQSx3T
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"All of you say I'm a genius, but I'm not a genius. A genius wouldn't have gotten us into this mess in the first place. And now, now that I at least have Flinty, and at least Victoria is here– and hell, at least now that you're here, you're telling me to go back in there, and then just, risk it all again? What if I mess up or, God, what if I cause Kim to die? I-I'm not– I can't do it! I can't! I can't do it alone! Kim is already gone, I don't have her to help me anymore, so if something goes wrong then it's going to go terribly wrong! D-Don't you get it? Don't you get it, Ng!? How am I supposed to do anything, absolutely anything, knowing that if it all goes to shit then I'm the one who's responsible!?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXxywVKq5H
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I fell to my knees.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRrCa3Bvpr
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"K-Kim said it herself... all of it, all of it hinges on me... but I'm not someone to make that bet on, I'm not... I'm not..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVJ9azdBxf
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I fell. I was in a fetal position and the top of my head was glued to the ground. I couldn't hear anything over my crying. I couldn't even move. I felt something touch my shoulder. I looked up to see Ng's face.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvuTseBJIL
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"...Kenny."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjJxQO0p9L
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"What!?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KNI0w2k5U
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He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTLsozJcix
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"You're not lying to me, are you?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4e2FAHpTp
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The environs vanished. All I saw was his face. His condescending face.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUgjnFiYwI
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"That was quite a performance, but all I'm hearing is that you're just going to leave your friend to die."
...127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3TzKP1QQo
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I'm lying? I'm leaving her, to die? To, die?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PF3f6dH6r
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡastKy1yEAa
I'm not... I'm not doing that, am I? What I'm doing, it's just to preserve what I have, right?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqzClA3OGs
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"N-No..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM6fELRvqL
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Oh, God.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3kYPTsNdc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZWju86xcE
Oh, God.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5WDmDkDHA
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"I apologize, that must've been a bit too harsh–"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy3YIkEpIu
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Ng leaned down to pat me again. I slapped his hand away. I scurried backward on the ground, panting, tears still rolling down my face. Ng didn't look like a man to me anymore. I couldn't identify what he was. All I saw was something I didn't like. I kept scurrying back and I hit a tree, then I stood up, and then I ran away. I didn't know where it was that I was going but the light from his torch was fading and that's all that mattered. I kept looking back and eventually, I stumbled. Right, the roots here, they were massive. I got up and five steps later I tripped again. The exhaustion from before still hadn't subsided. I could barely move. But, at the very least, Ng wasn't here. At least Ng wasn't there.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWgkoriWIo
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But now I was alone, with my mind. It might've been worse.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98227boH5D
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"To die...? I'm not doing that. I'm not, leaving her to die."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1agMc8ApXg
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It wasn't the way I thought about it. So, here I was on the ground, affirming myself. Of course, I wasn't leaving her to die. Of course, I was just trying to make sure Flinty and the others were safe. Of course, Ng was right. Ng was totally right. He saw through me, but worst of all, I knew Ng was right, I knew completely but that didn't change a thing. I still couldn't even grasp the idea of going back there and fighting and– and maybe Kim really was killed because of me, because I couldn't do it. But Ng was right. I needed to go back.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVNy4pU3f1
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But if I went back then what if it goes wrong? What if I go back and I see that I've truly failed? What if I go back and I see her– her–127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmzCBx1pER
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"--Hrk!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqivtukryLB
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I managed to hold back my vomit. Somehow that cleared the haze in my mind. I leaned against a nearby tree. I didn't think. If I thought, then I would've heard Ng's words again, and if I thought, my anxieties would've crawled back, and then I would be endlessly running. So I sat there instead.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QWwlTFr13
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One thought did end up crossing my mind eventually: I'm glad Flinty isn't here to see this.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH9yG1r01F
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"There you are."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtoWZ2fPKl
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Ng already found me, huh?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mRMaVUAjl
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"I'm sorry for what I said. Let's just go back to the camp and rest, okay?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVsp06g8xx
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I casted a gaze his way. An indescribable tug on my stomach was telling me to forgive him. It felt terribly unnatural, but I couldn't help but give into it. I didn't accept his apology, but–127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO85XHoKId
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"...Fine."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKzvHqlpLg
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He offered me a hand but I stood up by myself. I followed him through the woods. I was staring at his heels. Sometimes he turned his body to me, likely to say something, but he didn't speak it.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooqSl2uAmc
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"Kenny, do you happen to have any parents?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkmU75pmGZ
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Nevermind. What a strange question.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2dFQXVHEh
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"No. They died a long time ago."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8psp7llr3L
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"I see. You have my condolences."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSiTqkTY6R
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"I don't need them."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qa2VjWPm8
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A pause.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWXRgCwdzd
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"I imagine that, when they died, you didn't take it very well, did you?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqCWF2s4pJ
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"..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjfbQKjTmO
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I stopped walking. Ng stopped shortly after. I don't know what it is that just happened, but a button of mine was pressed.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoEFzySKrD
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And then the memories came flooding back. Those months where I refused to walk outside, being taken in by Anabelle, and lastly the talk. That vital conversation I had with Anabelle and Jackson. I started biting my nails.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ4jvVg3fF
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Despite it, nothing changed. My mind was still at odds with itself. But I calmed down. I calmed down a lot. At that moment, a bundle of warmth spread throughout my body. I was feeling fine.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z0nITLbNE
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"Did I–"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI4zwQOQFO
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"I'm sorry Ng. I still don't think I can do it. At least, not now, not by myself. Even thinking about it is making me shudder. I can't go in there."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNi6USrXmd
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"I understand. Then, do you want me to create magical beast assistants?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fbSLZ2EuX
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I had to make sure I heard him.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4MQn6xV4y
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"Assistants?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F8x9o8mec
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"Of course. I can still use the mana here to make some. It doesn't have to be anything powerful, just enough to grab Kim while you're fighting Jeremiah."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96sPYUrn1i
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"Ng, you... you might not be such a bad guy."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOExn6edVTZ
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"O-Oh no, I'm not at all, hehe."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoxcB0n2GS
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"...Maybe it'll work. Maybe, just maybe."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dCwQoAZod
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We kept walking. We didn't exchange another word but I could feel the air around us lighten. Thanks to the campfire, we made it back to the others.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2zAzlDyU1
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Except, everyone was awake. And it wasn't just Flinty and Victoria, someone else was here. Somebody that I recognized.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o0TYJgIm5
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"Ah! Kenny, Ng, me, and Victoria were just about to go looking for you two!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe3PsCv56c
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Flinty ran up to me and gently hugged me, patting me on the back a few times. I would've been embarrassed if I wasn't so bewitched by the presence of the third person.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLcqI1UxV3
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Right there, beside the fire, sat the first person I saw when I entered the city: Skylark, the commander knight.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaY1VepCGJ
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–
–
–
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We were all sitting by the campfire. Though I was sleepy, the knight's presence alone made me unable to sleep. I had too many questions to ask, and it looks like I wasn't alone.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S6FugkiLd
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"Hello, Kenny. You remember me from earlier, don't you?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWocX4bSN4R
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"Yes. You're the one who got the prince off my tail. Thank you for that."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuvxlymO9y
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"Of course."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqa57vFQh
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"So, to address the elephant in the room, why are you here?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUStenRs1g
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"Ah, of course. I am here because I've been tasked with tailing Kim. My reasons are secret, but I assure you it isn't anything malicious, not from either party."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYTBlhpDnV
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Tailing her? Well, if that was the case, he must not have been very good at it. But when your target is as disguised and inconspicuous as Kim, then even a knight would have difficulty pursuing you.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WSNNVvUR3
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But, no, something else was bugging me.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSafZpz0ir
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"How did you know where to find us here?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXsBQdfYzD
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"I simply spent the day searching."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAnKF2FTDI
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"The whole day?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAG47kHMqW
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He didn't respond to that. "Victoria's mother informed me of your whereabouts. This forest may be small, but it sure is dense."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8VshcU6b6
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Knight's were some dedicated workers, weren't they?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfirVss4pV
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"But, Mister Knight," Victoria started, "Kim is currently... well."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDYQHlywvH
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He sighed.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzxrpzlg76
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"So I figured. She isn't dead is she?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluYqdqTTvl
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"No no, not that we're aware of– Ng. Ng!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeaB3Vuoi4
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"Oh! Yes! Kim is being held captive by a magical beast my ex-colleague has created. He is formidable, and occasionally reckless, but not a creature who would intentionally kill. He wasn't programmed that way."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq78bHexYWv
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"I see. Is there anything about this creature I should be aware of?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyojXSeteus
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"...Why do you ask?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPeExQpvrf
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkFo70Vedl
"Why, because I will be slaying it, of course."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YDU5ppvpn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g3tDWnY9R
Those words made me perk up. They had two meanings to me. Ng went on to explain the blob's ability to contort its body and produce a hypnagogic haze when injured. Skylark didn't look intimidated at all. I didn't see him in action yet, but I imagined that such confidence didn't come from foolishness. Skylark's presence was still strange, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have any suspicions about his relation to Kim, but– frankly, it didn't matter. Frankly, I was just glad that I was able to pass the baton onto somebody far more capable than me. A short while later we all returned to sleep; aside from me, of course. And, apparently, aside from Skylark. I lifted my body and stared at him. As we stared at each other, I tried to unbridle certain words from my throat, but he talked first before I could.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6XkgR4U0N
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5pCeSCYMo
"What is it?" He asked me, "Shouldn't you be getting rest?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtfNGCxQHu
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJCLP2UlF2
"Sometimes, you're too tired to sleep. Do you know that feeling?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEZ9fmBk75
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdausVtIOi
"I can't say I'm very familiar with it."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOnGEYLHVm
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UryJ7I4lP
"I see. I'll get sleepy eventually, it's just a matter of time. But since you're awake, I might as well talk with you. Talking with people is especially exhausting."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXI71rm066
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Zxnm4d4o
"Alright. Is there anything you had in mind?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb040mzPAYc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Td3BTUL3T
"Of course. Can I ask you what your relation to Kim is?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rw4KdkwPC
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZMOKUBeUE
He put a hand to his chin.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJMQedX7PP
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLyHxV3Kge
"...Well, I'm sure you in particular will find out soon. For now, let's just say that I was sent to defend her, in case anything goes awry."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQGsFAUZlb
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAcQgb5xev
"Well, duh, that much was obvious. Is there nothing else you can tell me?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYl6TedScJ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKnZxXwVwW
"No."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r2DyKkVCx
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cFnhy2Jrk
"Fine. Then, one more question, when did you get here?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNXl6CfiPj
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcbUBAoaEp
"Do you mean in the woods?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWTu8DwWdK
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XKEBIiudR
"Yes. I'm just curious."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9JxWPlDOh
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ucZnYASBi
"I entered the woods two hours ago. I was told by Linda to wait until it became dark. Honestly, these woods are a bit of a nightmare to navigate."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWUU4tCYT3
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHjYs9orCM
I nodded. It was about time I just got to the point.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUOvyNRV2s
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqHeFTtCTJ
"Skylark... I want to thank you, earnestly. You were needed here badly."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHGZgohArf
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQiyre6Zk0
"Ah, well, as a knight, I'm glad I was able to fulfill my duty."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRsYHCe9Pk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykMNb2OyEG
"Me too."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlPIjTsgUQ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyPggwhm2W
I realized how strange it was that he called it knightly duty, since he met us by coincidence, but didn't press him on that matter.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhckONnqe9
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ZnRWKmT3
"Is that all you wanted to ask?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSZeY7pIee
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ35647jwQ
"Yes. For now, at least."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflhZ0qFmgb
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkO8nrfbFC
"Are you sure? I may not be able to answer all questions related to Kim, but I have a lot of knowledge of other things."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ0EOKLOKJ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuCz9V4SFk
"..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fi6ZRLH09
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbFbarRMSi
It might not have been appropriate, but he did offer, didn't he? I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkuvDtJcjc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKABrocLMB
"How many unique magical plants do you have in the royal palace?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy72XtwmCKO
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv6Oo72pYz
"...Huh?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7EKH67qUM
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfQyPj4i6I
–
–
–
There was a gap in the trees perfectly positioned to where the sun hit my face. I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my chest and had difficulty keeping my eyes open. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well. Despite that, I was feeling fine. Everyone else was still sleeping. Everyone, aside from Flinty, who was not present.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1t7L1iN10
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNTzJ0gbco
I thought of the worst immediately. I calmed down once I heard a sound nearby. I walked towards it and saw Flinty standing with her arm out, creating water balls and... firing them.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr0M0TMLZp
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78E3fbyVdi
I wouldn't repeat the same mistake as before, so I stood by the sidelines and watched. She didn't even have her eyes closed, yet she was able to create a water ball and maintain it for twenty seconds. And then, she fired it. It was a very weak spell; it hit a tree and merely splashed it. If it was another element, it likely would've only scratched the bark off. I was still impressed.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMjIpsVie5
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPirnzCxTu
I walked to her clapping my hands. She was a little embarrassed, but she smiled when she saw me.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrVzFcLpAt
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy1JrdB9Du
"Good morning, Kenny."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFAXWhOn43
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wpNC2z0nF
"Good morning. When did you learn to do that?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0s8zFhZXp
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67fNrcvpd3
"Oh, well, when you were infiltrating, and while you were sitting at the camp, I spent a lot of time practicing."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatS15kCX9e
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3W0vTStQy
When I was at the camp? It must've been during my slump. Crap. My mood was a little soiled.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR9MTk391G
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg9x9EGFRo
"W-What do you think?" She asked. She had her fists to her face in anticipation.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3hfrK7auK
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH9wp8LOKo
"I think it's impressive. You've been hard at work, haven't you?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9YoJ3h4oN
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn08tIBzPWI
"Yes! I have, ha!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq2ZQnhY5n
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE3PN2RRE9
She puffed her chest out. I felt happy for her. I was also impressed by how well she allocated her time.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkbgCWhcmc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC8JJljOx1
"You passed my preliminary test, Flitny. Congratulations."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq850FqUB5
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ3LmE3jIg
I stretched out my hand. She looked at it in disbelief at first but sternly shook it after.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPMGGWQLyn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1S72jLBMf
"Thank you, teacher."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqDnRY38d9
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO7zUlK16p
"Yeah. Don't call me that."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrC2pqAJmn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KAyhedlr3
"Okay."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEQ4r6en3t
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDnMdtm4Ae
My spirits were lifted. I turned around and began walking to the campsite, but Flinty put a hand on my shoulder.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb4OexpnXU
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71H6SyEuoy
"Hm? What's wrong?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeI3KKpROI
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkUrSd4n20
"Um..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fZ2r7ISLh
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV4WMrdtib
She let go of me and began taking off the coat.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5obyWr14q
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOS6bccJM4
"Here. Have it back."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LpI96NBJn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyPBXZ5f4V
"Huh? Y-You can still keep it, at least until we get out of these woods."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxQfhzrZfd
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw89sIa2kb
She shook her head no.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcgcf11fI7
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqxc0GZ1KX
"I think you need it. You like it a lot, right? I think you need something that you like."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnoQEHCo1M
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkWflrkwfo
She had a pensive expression. I felt like refusing again was a bad idea.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEXZvchYoG
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuURlDr8FY
"Thank you, Flinty."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuivphmUKxW
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6VMxj2whb
I grabbed the coat and put it back on.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckHJGfM16m
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh13aAZumr
"Kenny, do you feel better?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU3JZDbWRz
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuD9WcT330
Ah, so that's what it was about. I suppose she couldn't tell from my face, I must've looked like a corpse.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO9atx54E8
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDzNuc5JOv
"I feel much better. Thank you for looking out for me. And, sorry for being like that yesterday."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjstk2aozX
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMRZ1vS7Du
"It's okay. I'm glad you're fine."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyQW9laq2p
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aAFwPnnA6
Flinty and I returned to the campsite. Skylark was up and raring while Victoria and Ng were half asleep.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonh0SkeXGr
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysuxJqUmMz
"Good morning, Kenny."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P6bXxHUh7
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K2hP6HBDu
"Good morning. Let's wait for the others before we discuss a plan."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW1AKJoHkE
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub7ePB7uTI
He nodded. When Victoria and Ng got on their feet our strategy meeting began. It was simple; Skylark would enter the compound and battle Jeremiah while Victoria, Ng, and I would surround the building to capture any escapees. With that set, we began our breakfast. It was just simple rations, but they tasted especially fresh. Flinty and Victoria were engaged in conversation while Skylark vigilantly watched our surroundings. I looked at Ng and was suddenly reminded of last night.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMALUiRJlu
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchrt3vBM2E
"Hey Ng, can I talk with you for a minute?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kbWagMojM
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwvKgMNK14
I scooted closer to him.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BRfDiMNzL
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY9LOgOAoA
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr0iswAnt3
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL1QZxzcd7
"I just wanted to thank you for trying to cheer me up, and apologize for being so suspicious of you."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlTkmI1Y9T
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb95UFLEPK
"O-Oh, don't be sorry. I completely understand why you'd be wary of me. Besides, I wasn't very successful, was I?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt5iVpjbwd
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiUG6HRHpH
"...Maybe you're right. I renounce my statement entirely."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51ZA2IxVhb
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41AoA0y9PX
He didn't laugh. Crap. He didn't look mad either, so at least I didn't say anything offensive.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBmJdVdgoU
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRhVmfp9F3
"You know Kenny, when I saw you last night..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPWqtrYQRu
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zQzn8f1XF
"What?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDLppyt4S1
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9wVHNo8rf
"Somehow, it reminded me of myself."
"Huh? You're crazy."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFBc6bTVjV
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHWMIUkCGC
But then I thought about his behavior back in the cellar, and during the initial stage of the infiltration. He lightly punched me in the shoulder.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8IgbJIdSM
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Pd5ptttM
"You and I are alike, I've realized. But unlike me, you are powerful and gifted. I know you can liberate yourself from the fungus in your brain. You are still young, after all."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo6QSnrIyg
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2TOALfTdc
"R-Right."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29VvPvC8Np
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4Zwf0LZ10
"Well then, shall we go?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QXvJAh8TZ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I4NwNRVr3
Ng reached into his robe and took out a miniature wand. I looked at the others. They were up and ready.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI8NuSQvjk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKIuVtTA8U
"Alright."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacCJ2gxeWb
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU9PIg7ejb
We grabbed our bags and left the campsite. With Ng leading us, we arrived at the compound thirty minutes later. Flinty and Ng stood nearby in the woods guarding our things, and more importantly, away from any attention. Skylark, Victoria, and I stood before the broken gates of what was essentially the compound's front yard. Skylark took a step forward. He had a rag covering his mouth.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa7N16uwKx
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3NfHyDVEX
"I'll be sure to be quick. Don't worry."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHNw3GPIgk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU979HyJOhP
And then he walked across the field and into the building. Now Victoria and I stood there alone. I felt a hand on my shoulder.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhLYSBwa5j
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJz9EBjgrB
"What?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WAvviMooj
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm6mPt6F9p
"Don't worry, Kenny. The knights here are serious business, y'know? He'll rescue Kim for sure."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWPxc9nXit
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIJh12ld9l
"I know he will."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwLhEgFmoM
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqifilrKwpT
"Then why are you shaking?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO5QGfSm1y
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTimmGsmJi
"...I just can't help myself."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDSqkZh1x8
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNWBPIBZDj
I walked to the walls and sat against it. Victoria joined me. We sat and waited. Five minutes passed without anything happening. Ten minutes passed without anything happening. Victoria was jittering a little.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHklcTPry0
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq85m4DWVo
"It's a little quiet here," she said, "why don't we talk?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUBUU0eZAu
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ytoegMK2B
"What do you want to talk about?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpl8w7qXOR
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40zctm3sWC
"Uh, how about... well, is there anything you want to talk about?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwS5Ai9R5C
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEZgi3Q79o
"Not really. I just want to get this over with."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaw0PmMpo2
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeJeSrk6id
"Yeah, tell me about it. At the very least, it doesn't look like we'll be getting our hands dirty."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyeOeSnvwX
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOuBXpybUR
"Now that you mention it, how did you get so good at fighting, Victoria?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5FCXVromJ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qwB2pUYa4
"Ha!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjTeqR9ga6
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfVeeqNi99
She pulled back on her sleeve and slapped her biceps.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KGAxpYOh3
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJbeCzrT8X
"These muscles came from all the work at the farmhouse, and fighting is something Mom taught me. Y'know, she used to be a combatant! An extraordinary one, too!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1nge6vXOo
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEC07kOB3M
"Good for her. Was she a martial artist?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEGBzTHm5T
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZBrU9mDjj
"Hehe, something like that."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGvM3qxjQi
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhdSZPY5Ns
She didn't sound confident.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5DgPmMUFv
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunptCF3jOF
"Mom taught me a thing or two about fighting people, but what she specialized in was hand-to-hand fights with monsters."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdadGbY5CZ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakNJ04r4aJ
"Ah. That makes sense."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3du84MNLd
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZOFQb7vp0
I was very close to saying something insensitive.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn9UtNJhv4
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu7AsFxhLn
"That blob thing was a bit too much for me to handle. I think though, if we were to fight that wolf, I would be fine."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S20NMyb1v
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfibD5nMVIF
"...Wolf?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUe7EK84nZ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t4HGKTLeH
All the air suddenly left my lungs. I looked to my left. The broken gate. Its mauled doors were sprawled on the grass, and chunks of stone accompanied them.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDkG4LHTLD
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlB3oCZJi0
Of course, the wolf. He was in the woods earlier, wasn't he? How did I forget?127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnAhk6quqb
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r1yMmJXS4
"Kenny?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHHjm1Bqke
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqBjuciLIg
With how quiet it was in the compound, I naturally began to theorize. I did not doubt that Skylark was alright, but we should've heard something, anything by now. Because we weren't, then Panz must've been hiding. And I already knew from Ng that Panz had the ability to summon his creations.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceTLALTWbK
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqXg7amhZ8
I stood up and walked forward.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAwp14VUwW
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKOtu8CgmF
"Kenny? What's wrong?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdQPxtSBcc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5Fs0I1zAi
"Victoria, brace yourself. I think that thing is coming."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LlBoIID51
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjvok7IWNu
I took my tendril out and grew a Sunlight-Blossom. I snatched a seed and stuck it in the ground, then grew it to full size. I clasped the flower by its stem and aimed it at the woods.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajtTKpiuHG
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28khJRd1Bc
Victoria stood beside me with her hands raised. She caught on fast. I keenly eyed the woods, almost like a hawk, waiting for anything to flutter.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOcleSjp9b
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsyPbe5YN4
And then, I saw it. I began mana spinning.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiVw4mW8X3
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl3hUHilgO
**BANG**127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHi5Thxgqv
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6COJC3tPe
The Sunlight-Blossom's seed rend the wind and trees. It left my line of sight in a second. I didn't catch the beast, but that wasn't an issue. A resounding wail echoed throughout the woods. I saw the bushes fly in the distance.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV1E1hzhN4
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDITtPjxef
"Victoria."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduARniLxbU
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGchw6loEKz
"Right."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3VIQMnIEc
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZGkIlfTbC
I had to think fast. I produced a Freeze-Dry and encased the ground in ice. Next, I brought out Dragon-Maw Jr. and raised the tendril over the ice.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD29pbWNQr
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWyVSAS28
**SMASH**127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncd7Af6M6J
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJfryRXdpq
There he was.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAB87hcgnn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HGyoO7fl4
The wolf crashed through a tree and landed on the ice field. He lost his footing quickly. I lowered the tendril and Dragon-Maw Jr. snapped his jaws immediately, nipping at the wolf's back. The wolf slid towards us with his maw agape, brandishing hundreds of sharp, unsightly teeth.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHdj5Fhxy7
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG8gnk5FBZ
Victoria crouched. The wolf jumped. I retracted the tendril and prepared to strike, but the size of the wolf surprised me. I hesitated. But that was fine. Victoria clenched the wolf's neck as it soared through the air. She slammed the beast to the ground, hardly able to keep it pinned, but she was able to punch its snout a few times. The wolf struggled and clawed Victoria in the chest. She winced, and the beast escaped from her grasp. He was bleeding, but so was Victoria. She reached for her pocket and doused herself in a healing potion, then threw the glass bottle at the wolf who stepped aside to avoid it.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN72JurHRY
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMLv8cGGq1
"That thing is strong," she said, "We can either wear it down or pin it again, but if I do, you need to kill it."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukPEYj4Eze
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHXKq3dT2G
"Right."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkqRREqR3Y
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QHln9CMfD
With my other hand, I began mana expulsion and created a bundle of thin, elongated rocks. I threw them at the wolf one at a time. He avoided them all, but as I threw, Victoria inched closer. The wolf jumped at her with his jaws wide open. Victoria stepped to the side in the nick of time, but as the wolf landed he turned around and leaped again. I struck him with the tendril and he spun across the field.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzEkIYLgEr
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnk1aeCsie
"Thank you!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNSoVebkxA
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuP6t3EpPO
I nodded. The wolf was temporarily incapacitated. He was still bleeding from Dragon-Maw Jr's wound. Victoria and I were unharmed. We could do this.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBdT77VAuA
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIOx998YOd
I began mana expulsion again, creating a stone and suspending it in the air. I covered it with fire magic. The wolf came back to his senses and sprinted at me. I stretched the tendril out; he avoided it but I struck him as I retracted it. I threw the fire-rock at it. The wolf caught it with his mouth.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsYDXlsZIk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn8UWwaCAk
"Huh?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPtryPAUnf
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcOdQjGLGC
Not just that, he clamped down on it, shattering it instantly. The fire was proven to be ineffective as smoke casually escaped his mouth.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtb6v03bmT
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7I02iCZLZ
The wolf opened his maw. But he did not charge. His mouth grew brighter and brighter.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV2uqCuruY
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfp1TE0Gg5
"Shit!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBizvVpJsO
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtWD2c9ceL
I put my hand on the floor and created a small wall of earth before me. A stream of fire pummeled it. I wasn't harmed, but the heat made me feel woozy.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ey7m8PjrD
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdBphDmudV
"A beast made of mana, using fire magic?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdAyMWt98l
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhNctxTpv4
I removed the wall and began mana expulsion again, this time, creating a ball of water. Victoria was beside me, her palms open and her fingers strained.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM0splw7oa
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx92KLiwK5
"I can't keep up with that thing, Kenny."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuilDgavtC
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP570nrGVN9
"I understand."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ho1fR9QmJ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHQy6q5Hgj
I retracted my tendril and began mana expulsion with my right hand, creating a bundle of pebbles. I shrunk the water ball down and clasped it with my left. A pure-white water geyser erupted from my palm. The wolf avoided it but found himself on the ice field again, and thus lost his footing. The geyser ran out before I could hit him, so I created another ball of water. The wolf blew fire on the field and melted the ice, and unfortunately, made the grass catch fire as well.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlWlO3JOcW
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNziYXY7UW
"Uh oh, Kenny."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qoUd5m6zj
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoEXuIt9At
Sweat beads were trickling down my forehead, and it wasn't just because of the heat.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUkCvaw9qd
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2XXVL0Nwy
"I-It'll be fine. Just focus on grabbing him."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFZhiYZPU7
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpzfqrBRGQ
I didn't clasp the ball this time but spread it out across the field. The fire was extinguished and the wolf was now wet, but seemingly unbothered. He started charging at us again. I scattered the pebbles in my right hand with intense force. They were small, but the wolf would undeniably be hit and staggered.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk7htRzrWn
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXd00xCTvY
But, though he was hit, his charge didn't halt even a little. I panicked and brought the tendril out, stretching it out yet again. He didn't avoid it. Instead, he snapped his jaws at it.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk2klhGsDz
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofaNrV4lox
"Hrk!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIAm1hTfJv
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOZyXhlVs9
Pain permeated my whole body. Maybe even my soul. It was terrible, but the situation wasn't irredeemable. The tendril was in between the wolf's jaws but was still intact. I quickly thought of a way to retaliate and produced a Flash-Bloom. I'd be lying if I said I expected it. I hurriedly held my hand over my eyes.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwYFcjKOoo
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7KLTBjaFN
"Victoria! Close your eyes!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwScnQ7EZjV
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0bU2ppbrc
Even with my eyes covered, all I saw was white. Pushing the Flash-Bloom beyond its limit was exhausting my mana supply but I didn't have to keep it out for long. A few seconds later I stopped it and opened my eyes. The wolf was still gripping my tendril but was nabbing at its own face as if the light was on him. I produced Dragon-Maw Jr. and he bit at the wolf's nape. The wolf let go of my tendril. I coughed out some purple goop.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLLUrlszOY
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtM21jhbid
"Victoria!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2fWb3e4AT
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ2l01N6rx
"Right!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fo29BTeDW
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMP7LlVB9c
Victoria ran over to the wolf. She didn't pin him down, but instead, grabbed one of his oversized hind legs and bent it in an impossible direction. The wolf opened its mouth and wailed and readily spat fire. With all his squirming, Dragon-Maw Jr. could hardly keep him in place. I produced another water ball and flung it at the wolf. I managed to perfectly land it inside its maw, and the beast was forced to cough it all out.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvNSkQwxwm
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgJVnwIEi1
Dragon-Maw Jr.'s teeth sunk deeper into its neck. The wolf was still desperately clawing at its eyes, but each succesive swipe made it obvious that the beast's strength was fading. Victoria broke its other hind leg. The wolf struggled, but he didn't attempt to spit out fire this time. The wolf simply howled, and howled, and its howls grew weaker by the second. Dragon-Maw Jr. kept clamping down. I noticed it myself, how the neck was being sluggishly pulled off the body. Victoria clasped the wolf's snout. She began pulling at it.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u07w6WpwC
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLaNuI32Z4
"GRAHHHH!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzYDG5zJpL
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgwZvHWJf5
A warcry. She was a total barbarian.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48La11C5rM
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyU2gBJgTe
With the help of Dragon-Maw Jr, Victoria tore off the wolf's neck and threw across the field. The head crashed and spallered against a tree. It immediately evaporated into the air, and the rest of the wolf's body followed suit. She grabbed her knees and began to pant.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNULwVym8ez
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"..."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbCYd5AZXl
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I retracted the tendril. My mana supply was relatively plentiful. Still, I plummeted to the ground, face-first. I stopped coughing up purple goop, and a minute later, it stopped oozing from my chest.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEcdBwdAwU
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qrfXFZYln
I had questions about it, but those were for later. At the time being, I was happy. I relishing the moment. Even with grass pressing against my face, I was relishing.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1rZXmPUrC
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtauM4XX7O
We did it. We really did it.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxNUQNQrqi
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiXCMGbB5R
"Kenny!"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUCm2mYIFs
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfipzRuJkR
Victoria ran up to me. I looked up at her.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3cRvVQR8V
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmzluC5L1l
"What's coming from your chin? Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatHVG3WD4y
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLStQH9DxM
"I-I'm fine, just a little... pained."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MQsEeGDnp
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp07y5MttNF
She sighed. I only now noticed the blood splattered across her dress. The dress was torn, too. That wolf had some sharp claws.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4SWT4kNbX
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSSPuNZ0JP
"I'm a little pained, too. The potion I used didn't have any pain suppression."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUdCWhXGvk
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalDE9NgdWF
"No pain suppression? What kind of second-rate potion is that?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvKrnTWC3Y
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoCiEQtt9Y
She shrugged. She plummeted to the floor herself but comfortably landed on her butt, unlike me. We waited in silence for a bit.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO00jv74Zh
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TgJLbaSd2
"We did it," I muttered.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlmFrvQp2W
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBPdqfxMEf
I struggled to believe it. Not just because the wolf was taken down without much hassle, but because of how I was feeling.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZMhatlBtP
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD6RBXaz90
Right now, I was immensely satisfied. I glanced at Victoria, and she was fine, and I was fine, and the beast was dead, and I was satisfied.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWgC5H2WgZ
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu98wXVRtdH
I had trouble deciphering what that meant. But, I was satisfied. I couldn't help but smile.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMwzWDDgh2
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkYBRFwXQ6
"Yeah. That wasn't so bad, was it?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUE0aTArin
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAO4q7atDt
"...It could've been a lot worse."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLphdxtk8X
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj2Imirj8h
"Yeah. I'm lucky my dress is the only thing that got torn."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOjuWAl73d
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt17Zt6Ekb
Victoria looked at something above me.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMQNZtdzuX
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1piPhXp8o
"Hey, Kenny, are you unable to fight?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT8xHAfu3q
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVfqksd1OF
Feeling a bit rushed, I answered anyway.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsWUbYUbEb
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"No. Why do you ask?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5Dsc1PWG0
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfdgksPHTI
"I haven't heard a single thing coming from the building. Our fight was noisy, so I thought that maybe someone would come out. I'm starting to get worried."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8yWo0YLWq
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzPSWHXK1k
"You... for someone who just tore off a living thing's head, you're awfully calm."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwzNs8gaNs
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQUeR2e1VQ
"O-Oh, sorry."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3FuotBdoi
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She scratched her cheek a little.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmdZdK5UHE
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"Just what kind of fighter was your mom? What did she teach you?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBdBghQ7m3
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmAGJEOLjZ
"That's just how you need to be with monsters. Equally brutal. It's something I got used to. I watched my mom fight a lot when I was a kid."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWY2nXAzwh
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7b3F1Zg2l
"Well, I'm not used to it. Give me a second, please."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6UrztSXxE
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwStlcv8S1k
"Of course," she exclaimed with a thumbs-up and one of her eyes closed.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZSokUtS4C
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdMYyehXVs
I sighed. My face returned to the grass as I indulged in the silence. I could feel the fatigue worm its way into every nook and cranny of my body. I was surprised at the toll the fight had on me. Eventually, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my shirt. It was even more purple than before.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8EPjNiPFR
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq6mTCSyG8
I helped Victoria up. I limped to the busted gate and stared at the compound. A weight formed in my stomach. I almost began to pray, but the doors to the building slowly opened.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLIKo3d9oe
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE0sc7ayCC
Skylark was there. Kim was on one shoulder, and when he opened one door wide enough he grabbed Panz by the hood. He had a lot of dust on his body. When he caught up to us, he frowned.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbET3pWgU28
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkxIR5C7JP
"Victoria, your dress... what happened?"127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKC8z8zfRL
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFiLvV1XV8
"We fought something, Kenny and I."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlSNB6HM4p
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVTbOchb5b
She patted me on the back. The pain jolted across my body yet again, and I clicked my tongue.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZi5SOgtH2
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3Dp3awQt5
"I see. Well, I'm glad you two aren't hurt."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyokGNzwHwH
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wg6D5Yu4V
"How is Kim?" I asked.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9k0SbiNlv
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOVYx3UoWe
"She's fine, just unconscious."127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQhFf6cdZw
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u53MYZ5Qk
I could only say one thing.127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jjcAagTBl
127Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYnS7jQEh4
"...Haaaa. Thank God."
