Bruce's ears perked up as he heard Eren speak about how he had learned of The Crane's Nest from someone else.
A chuckle escaped his lips.
"Haha. I don't know where you heard my name from, young man. I have rarely seen customers since the shop opened. But I'm glad you are here and that you know about me. The Crane's Nest is always delighted to have customers. Please take a seat," Bruce responded, his voice welcoming and warm.
In a matter of seconds, Bruce's demeanor transformed, shifting from a calm storm to that of a friendly businessman. It was as if his nature was as fluid as water, effortlessly adapting to any shape he desired it to be.
Suddenly, Bruce's face lit up with a look of remembrance. He straightened his back and scratched the cheek below his right ear with his index finger before speaking again.
"You must know this, young man. There's no staff in my restaurant. All of the work is done by me. So your order might take a while for me to process. Are you fine with that? I wouldn't want to waste your time if you are in a rush," Bruce explained, his voice tinged with consideration.
Eren shook his head, assuring Bruce that he had no time constraints. "It's fine. You can take your time," Eren replied, his anticipation growing.
Bruce nodded appreciatively and excused himself, stating that he would return shortly with Eren's order. As Eren waited, he noticed Bruce playing a gentle zither tune in the background, filling the courtyard with soothing melodies. It was a thoughtful gesture, aimed at making the wait more enjoyable for the customers.
After a brief interlude, Bruce reappeared, carrying a piping hot bowl of Dan Dan noodles. The dish was presented in an ample-sized white ceramic bowl, accompanied by a fork and a soup spoon—a considerate touch from Bruce, acknowledging Eren's preference. After all, the stereotype of non-Asians not being good with chopsticks had a valid basis.
Eren gratefully accepted the fork, grateful for the simplicity it offered. With the cutlery in hand, he was about to take his first bite when he noticed Bruce walking away, intending to occupy a table in the corner. On the table sat a book, marked with a bookmark, indicating that Bruce had been engrossed in a quiet reading session before Eren's arrival interrupted him.
"Sir, there's nobody here. Would you mind sitting opposite me? I just want to talk while I have my food," Eren requested, his lips pursed with a hint of curiosity.
Bruce raised his eyebrows, engaging in a brief yet meaningful staring contest with Eren. Eventually, he nodded in agreement, making his way to the table, retrieving the book, and settling into the chair opposite Eren.
With a calm demeanor, Bruce gestured for Eren to begin the conversation. He flipped a few pages of his book, Tai Chi concepts capturing his attention. Eren could sense that Bruce was attentive, even while engrossed in his reading.
"My name is Vik... Err... Eren Idril, Sir Bruce," Eren introduced himself, slightly stumbling over his words. He took a few bites of the flavorful Dan Dan noodles, embracing the spicy punch they offered. As he savored each mouthful, he posed his question to the restaurant's owner, who seemed to run the place as a leisure activity.
"Sir Bruce, do you ever feel disconnected from our usual selves? As if we are trapped in a world that may or may not be real?" Eren inquired, his gaze fixed on Bruce, searching for a glimpse into his thoughts.
Bruce's smile remained mild as he flipped another page of his book, taking his time before responding.
"What is real in any world anyway? What's so special about the ordinary concept of reality that we must cling onto it as if our life depends on it?
Reality is a relative term, Eren. Our realities are different from each other. For example, The value of 100 New World Coins is not worth mentioning for someone who has billions of New World Coins in their bank account. But the same 100 New World Coins are akin to a lifeline to someone who only has 10 New World Coins under their name.
Why is that?" Bruce countered, his tone laced with philosophical contemplation.
Eren, somewhat surprised by the nihilistic response, pressed further.
"But they both value money, right? It's just a matter of how much they value it. Their point of view wouldn't be able to change the value of money for the rest of the population.
The value stays in the middle of two opposite poles. Same way, the world I live in and the world you live in are two opposite poles—real and not-so-real. Do you ever feel the need to step out of this world and enter mine? Look at my point of view of two worlds?" he elaborated, seeking validation for his own perspective.
Bruce's gaze remained fixed on Eren as he contemplated the question. Setting his book aside, he sighed softly before responding, "Why should I look at things from your perspective? I'm not here to live up to your expectations, Eren. And you're not in this world to live up to mine."
A moment of understanding passed between them as Bruce locked eyes with Eren. He continued, "I now understand what you are doing here, boy. I always knew there'd come a day when I'd be tested for my Osho and non-Osho-like behavior. You want to absorb the experiences and the martial arts and weapon arts that are part of me, right? Hehe. Unlike the rest of the Oshos, I know who I am. My creator had called me an Easter egg—hiding in plain sight, waiting to be claimed. He has kept these Easter Eggs just for explorers like you."
The words hung in the air, a profound revelation unveiling itself. This was an Osho who was aware of his identity and who could differentiate between the digital world and reality. Eren's eyes widened, realizing the significance of his encounter with Bruce Lee.