The dining room of the Macloy mansion was a feast for the senses. The table adorned with delectable dishes from every corner of culinary delight could entice even those plagued by the 'I'm-not-going-to-eat-for-the-whole-life' syndrome.
Emma, seated at the head of the table, signaled Ethan to join her as he hesitated for a moment, taking in the culinary spectacle.
As Ethan surveyed the scene, he noted the conspicuous absence of the elders. Instead, a group of unfamiliar, youthful faces adorned the table, identified as "Members of Macloy Family."
Their levels, however, left Ethan puzzled. Expecting formidable family members, he found a group with levels around 6-7, which he considered average.
Seated across from him was an 11-year-old boy whose level caught Ethan's attention. Emma, sensing Ethan's intense gaze, coughed lightly, prompting him to avert his eyes.
Attempting to deflect the awkwardness, Ethan stammered out an apology, his excuse about the boy's cuteness met with varying levels of indifference from those at the table.
During lunch, Ethan indulged in the luxurious spread, enjoying a change of pace from solitary meals.
As he reveled in the flavors, the boy across the table regarded Ethan with a mix of bewilderment and disdain. His unruly eating habits and lack of manners painted Ethan as an eccentric outsider.
After finishing a meal fit for four, Ethan pat his stomach and released a satisfied burp. Emma, unfazed, signaled the end of lunch.
The others returned to their rooms, leaving a lingering impression of Ethan's unique introduction on the young boy.
In his guest room, Ethan pondered the revelations from the meeting and the peculiar family dynamics. As he immersed himself in his thoughts, a knock on the door announced the butler's invitation to lunch.
Following the butler to the dining room, Ethan prepared for another family encounter.
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After the dining room spectacle, Ethan decided to take an unconventional approach. Spotting the young boy who had witnessed his peculiar eating habits, he couldn't resist a playful interaction.
"Hey kid, wait up," Ethan called out as others left, prompting the boy to quicken his pace, convinced he was being pursued by a threat. Ethan, amused by the child's reaction, effortlessly caught up.
"So, kid, what's your name?" Ethan inquired, mischief dancing in his eyes. The boy, overwhelmed with fear, let out a panicked cry, fleeing to his room without looking back.
Amused, Ethan noted the child's fear and decided to play along. With a swift movement, he appeared before the boy's locked room.
"Your room is quite good, kid. A One Piece fan, huh? Cool," Ethan remarked, having scanned the building using his system to locate the boy's room. The boy, petrified, considered the mysterious stranger before him.
Ethan, enjoying the interaction, teased the boy, reveling in the cat-and-mouse game. Finally, he became more serious, attempting to assure the frightened child.
"So, Max, I'm not gonna do anything to you, so just chill. I just wanted to ask you some questions, that's all," Ethan assured. Max, still wary, offered partial relief.
"Hey system, scan the kid," Ethan requested mentally, seeking more information.
"Beeep... Not able to scan the target due to interference. Please get in contact with the target."
Undeterred, Ethan approached Max, grabbing his wrist.
"System?"
"Beep..."
The system attempted to scan Max, revealing his identity.
"Max (member of Macloy family)
Level 13"
Ethan, intrigued by the hidden information, pressed the system for an explanation.
"System, why couldn't I see his level before?"
"Beep... Target is wearing something similar to a fox mask to hide his information."
The revelation fueled Ethan's curiosity further, setting the stage for a mysterious encounter.
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