Nightfall had descended upon the city as I entered my apartment, my weariness becoming increasingly pronounced despite the newfound vigor pulsating within my body.
I understood that this exhaustion stemmed from the depletion of mana. It was a well-known fact that the body required a minimum of 10% mana to maintain vitality and stave off feelings of fatigue and weakness.
In the midst of my fatigue, Johnsy, my faithful companion, emerged from her hiding place, her presence comforting and familiar. With a series of affectionate chirps, she affirmed her completion of one set of exercises, signaling her own growth and increased strength.
I marveled at the symbiotic relationship we shared, as it seemed that as I harnessed the power of the Supreme Combat Exercise and integrated it within myself, Johnsy too experienced a corresponding enhancement.
It was as if the energy flowing between humans and Devilss could be exchanged and reciprocated.
Although the precise mechanics behind this phenomenon eluded me, I speculated that the transfer of power between us might be a result of the intricate fellowship formed through our shared journey.
As I absorbed and channeled the energies of the exercise, it appeared that Johnsy, too, reaped the benefits, with her own mana reserves hovering around the critical threshold of 10%.
This synchronicity between us fueled my conviction that our destinies were intertwined, mutually reinforcing each other's growth.
The connection we forged traversed the boundaries of species, creating a unique harmony and fostering an unspoken understanding between us.
In the tranquility of my apartment, I reflected on the events that had unfolded, contemplating the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead. Renewed by the knowledge that Johnsy and I were bound together on this shared path of strength and self-discovery, I prepared to rest, replenishing both my physical and spiritual reserves.
With each passing day, I would continue to harness the power within, driven by a sense of purpose and the unwavering belief that, together, Johnsy and I would conquer any obstacle that dared to impede our progress.
Johnsy's hunger cries, I reassured her that I, too, felt the pangs of an empty stomach. With a swift decision, I resolved to order food from the kitchen services available within the building.
Placing the order, I informed Johnsy that our meal would arrive in a mere ten minutes, providing solace to her rumbling tummy.
The delicacy I selected was no ordinary fare. It consisted of Devils meat, expertly prepared by a renowned chef known for their mastery in cooking dishes featuring such unique ingredients.
The mere thought of the flavors and aromas that awaited us caused my mouth to water in anticipation.
The succulent taste of cooked Devils meat was already a delight to the palate, but with this chef's expertise, I could only imagine the culinary masterpiece that would grace our plates.
A melodious chime reverberated through my apartment, signaling the arrival of our long-awaited meal. I swiftly opened the door to find a square-shaped drone hovering before me.
Presenting my Holowatch for identification purposes, I was granted access, and the front of the drone gracefully opened, revealing two elegantly arranged dinner boxes within. With gratitude, I retrieved the boxes and closed the door behind me, eager to indulge in the feast that awaited.
Johnsy, her anticipation palpable, let out a joyous cry, signifying her eagerness to partake in the culinary delight that had arrived. "Patience, my friend," I chuckled, assuring her that her dinner was safe and would be served momentarily.
Placing the two boxes on the kitchen counter, I carefully opened them, and a gust of tantalizing aroma wafted into the air. The steam billowed forth, carrying with it an intoxicating fragrance that ignited my senses.
Johnsy, unable to contain her excitement, wasted no time and dove into her meal, devouring it with gusto.
The flavors danced upon my tongue as I savored each bite. The chef's expertise was evident in the harmonious blend of spices and the tender texture of the Devils meat. It surpassed all expectations, elevating the culinary experience to new heights.
As we relished our respective meals, a sense of contentment washed over us. In that moment, the worries and challenges that had occupied our thoughts momentarily faded away, replaced by the simple pleasure of savoring a delicious meal.
The fellowship between Johnsy and me strengthened with each shared experience, transcending the boundaries of language and species.
Together, in the comforting embrace of our home, we embraced the nourishment not just for our bodies but also for our spirits. The nourishing power of food, combined with the unwavering companionship we shared, filled us with a renewed sense of vigor and determination.
As the flavors lingered on our palates and the satisfied sighs filled the air, we reveled in the simple joy of a good meal, finding solace and strength in the nourishment that both food and friendship provided.
Observing Johnsy's enjoyment, I followed suit and took my first bite, allowing a satisfied "Mmm" to escape my lips. The flavors that enveloped my taste buds were nothing short of extraordinary, surpassing any culinary experience I had ever encountered.
Each mouthful of the Devils meat dish offered a succulent juiciness and a delightful blend of spices that tantalized my senses.
This was my maiden encounter with a well-prepared Devils dish, and the experience was nothing short of revelatory. The harmonious marriage of flavors and textures awakened a newfound appreciation for the culinary possibilities inherent in Devils cuisine. It was a revelation that spoke to the richness and diversity of the world I inhabited.
However, the indulgence in such gastronomic delights came at a considerable cost. The two boxes of food carried a price tag of four hundred credits, nearly double the amount I typically allotted for my daily sustenance. It was undeniably a significant investment, but the unparalleled taste and quality justified the expense in my eyes.
Moreover, it was worth noting that this particular dish was considered one of the more affordable options on the menu that incorporated specialist mark Devils meat.
The prospect of ordering a dish crafted from the heart of a specialist mark Devils would easily set me back thousands of credits, a sum that was currently beyond my means.
Nonetheless, the culinary experience offered by the current dish was a treat unto itself. It was a tangible reminder of the vast spectrum of flavors that existed within the realm of Devils cuisine, providing a glimpse into a world filled with endless possibilities and epicurean delights.
The expenditure became a small price to pay for the unique experience and the opportunity to explore the depths of culinary mastery.
As I savored each delectable morsel, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate interplay of taste and the creative artistry that went into its creation.
The culinary journey I embarked upon that evening not only satisfied my hunger but also expanded my understanding of the myriad wonders that awaited me on this path of self-discovery.
Thus, with each bite, I immersed myself further into the realm of flavors, cherishing the moment and allowing the essence of the meal to transport me to realms beyond the ordinary.
In that fleeting space of gastronomic bliss, I reveled in the knowledge that every credit spent was an investment in both my physical nourishment and my expanding horizons.
The decision to order the food from the kitchen, prepared by the esteemed Devils chef, was driven by my curiosity and desire to experience the unique flavors associated with their culinary expertise.
As I savored each delectable bite, it became increasingly evident that the reputation surrounding the chef's creations was well-deserved.
The taste surpassed my expectations, leaving a lingering sense of satisfaction and a yearning for more. However, the reality remained that indulging in such gourmet delicacies on a daily basis would quickly deplete my financial resources.
Aware of this constraint, I made the conscious choice to reserve these extraordinary meals for special occasions, acknowledging that the allure and impact of their flavors would be heightened by their occasional nature.
While the desire to indulge in this exquisite cuisine on a regular basis lingered, I recognized the need for balance and financial prudence.
In three days' time, I planned to venture outside, driven by the recent fusion with the power of the First set exercise.
My initial intention had been to focus on hunting private stage Devilss, those of lesser danger and difficulty. However, the integration of the First set's power opened up the possibility of challenging Lv.1 Specialist Mark Devilss.
This newfound strength beckoned me to test my limits and explore the untapped potential that lay within.
Amidst my contemplations, Johnsy, ever the ravenous companion, called out to me. I chuckled at her insatiable appetite, remarking on her ability to devour food even larger than her own size. "You're quite the glutton," I playfully chided her, pointing out her recent feast.
However, her longing gaze tugged at my heartstrings, and I relented, taking a small portion of my own meal and offering it to her.
With a delighted cry of "Chew!" she accepted the morsel, though her expression hinted at a certain dissatisfaction with the portion. I couldn't help but smile at her voracious appetite, finding solace in the shared enjoyment of our meal.
The fellowship we shared extended beyond mere companionship, manifesting as a mutual understanding and support, even in the simple act of sharing food.
As we continued our dining experience, relishing the flavors and appreciating the privilege of this exceptional meal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Not only for the culinary delights before me, but also for the journey that awaited me outside, where
I would push the boundaries of my abilities and face the challenges that awaited. The taste of success would be even sweeter when paired with the knowledge that I had exercised restraint and made strategic choices along the way.
With these thoughts in mind, I savored each remaining bite, cherishing the fleeting moments of culinary bliss and preparing myself for the adventures that awaited beyond the confines of our apartment walls.
Together, Johnsy and I would navigate the trials and triumphs that lay ahead, fueled by our shared determination and the occasional indulgence in the extraordinary.
Asserting my boundaries, I sternly informed Johnsy that she would not be receiving any more food.
Her head bowed slightly, understanding my words without further protest. With her appetite satiated, she resumed contentedly enjoying the remainder of her meal.
Once I had finished eating, I retrieved a square-shaped machine from a drawer. Its surface was adorned with a single clear luminous line, hinting at its purpose and functionality. This device served as a tool for dividing the Devils core I had obtained.
Carefully, I placed the Devils core inside the machine and activated it. The core underwent a clean and precise division into twenty distinct parts.
Taking out one twentieth of the Devils core from the machine, I offered it to Johnsy.
At first, she expressed her distaste for the bitter flavor, emitting a series of "Chew chew!" calls. However, her initial complaints quickly subsided as a surge of mana coursed through her, invigorating her being.
The nourishing energy encapsulated within the fragment of the Devils core brought both physical and spiritual benefits, ensuring Johnsy's continued growth and strength.
With Johnsy replenished and infused with newfound mana, I bid her a gentle "Good night," acknowledging the fellowship we shared as I settled onto the bed, preparing for a restful sleep.
My resolve remained firm as I set my sights on the early morning, eager to embark on another day of dedicated training at the facility.
In the solitude of the night, I allowed my thoughts to settle, reflecting on the events of the day and contemplating the challenges that lay ahead.
The transformative power of the exercises, the flavors of the gourmet meal, and the connection with Johnsy intertwined within my mind, instilling a sense of purpose and determination.
As sleep enveloped me, I held steadfast to the knowledge that each day presented an opportunity for growth and progress.
With Johnsy by my side and the tools and experiences acquired, I prepared to face the training facility once again, ready to push the boundaries of my capabilities and forge a path towards greatness.