After entering, Cassy went to sit down on the sofa first. Her eyes were still darting around as she admired the room's beautiful design, one that Aster hadn't really had the leeway to check before.
"How fortunate for you to receive the government's support. The place I rented for a week cost me 5,000 Tels a day, and it's not even a tenth as spacious as this place!"
With the issue of increasing rent costs, finding a place to stay within one's budget is essential for an adventurer. However, Cassy, who was new to this place just like Aster was, didn't have any idea where to look and had to stay at a pretty expensive place.
"I'll ask for suggestions on affordable inns. I'll let you know about them later." Aster advised.
As he finished speaking, his gaze swept over Cassy's figure. The white and orange robe she was wearing was covered in dust and dirt, making it look less appealing to the eyes.
"You should take a bath first. You know how to use the washer, right?" he asked.
Cassy quickly waved her hands, acting reserved before Aster. "Oh, no! I couldn't trouble you that much. This is your place; you should use the bath first. I'll wait."
Of course, since the two were doing the same thing at the dungeon, Aster was just as dirty as she was.
"You sure? Alright. Then, you can eat first. There's a fridge in the kitchen; you can eat anything you can get there." Aster commented. "Feel free to use anything there if you want to cook food for yourself too."
"Got it! Then, as thanks for letting me stay, I'll cook food for you too!" She replied, pumping her fists with a determined gaze. "I'm confident in my culinary skills, so you can look forward to it!"
"As long as it's edible, I'm fine with it," Aster replied teasingly.
"Ahh! You don't believe me, do you? I'll make you drool for my recipes later!"
The jesting didn't last long as Aster went toward the bathroom.
He took off his grimy clothes and tossed them inside the washer before pressing the start switch. The mild sound of motors turning echoed as he watched his clothes tumble inside, with sprays of steam, bubbly water, and plain water alternated at even intervals.
Seeing that it was operating fine, he walked to the shower and adjusted the knobs. He preferred a cold shower to a hot one, as hot showers make him feel faint and out of breath.
"As expected, even the water..." Aster sighed.
Ever since the time with the giant snake, Aster couldn't feel extreme changes in temperature. Everything felt room-temperature to him. It was both a blessing and a curse, however, since the same thing applied to food and drinks too.
He couldn't eat warm foods or drink cold beverages any longer! "This, too, is probably due to my Legacy Level Carved Seal." Aster guessed. "I should learn to fully control it sooner or later."
Although he's not one to take long baths, he decided to delay for a bit, giving time for his clothes to finish washing. He only got out fifteen minutes later, when the washer-dryer let out a short ring to notify him that it was done.
Drying himself with the towel took mere seconds before he went to the washer to fetch his clothes. He did have other clothes, but he forgot to get them earlier, so instead, he wore his underwear, pants, and shirt back, leaving his scarf and coat behind.
As he emerged from the bathroom, he quickly caught an appetite-inducing whiff of the food that Cassandra was making. From the aroma, he could tell it was meat-based, making his stomach release a low growl in protest.
"Oh, you're out? Just in time!" Cassandra crossed her arms, her figure covered in a pink apron. "Lo and behold! These are the dishes I made with all my skills! I'll also eat first before taking a bath!"
"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said you're a great cook," Aster sighed, seeing the various dishes that were completed in just 15 minutes.
"Hehe~! I'm proud of my cooking skills! Now, let's eat!"
Without delay, the two started to grab their plates and load them with food.
There was light mushroom soup, spit-grilled pork barbecue slices, a simple salad as a complement, and pineapple juice as refreshments. Except for the juice, which was available as-is, Cassy simultaneously prepared everything!
As they were eating, it was normal for them to chat idly. As such, the matter with the receptionists got brought up, causing Aster's hand to stop.
"Right... It's not really a [secret] secret, so I guess I could tell you about it."
He stood up, pulling something from his back pocket and presenting it to Cassandra. "This is?" She muttered as she received the small card. Aster's Adventurer's card.
At first, she didn't find anything weird about them until she began to realize the values written on them. Especially his age and the percentage of his human DNA.
"2518! And 100%?!" Cassandra almost choked as she got a surprise.
Aster sighed deeply before looking toward the ceiling, as if recalling a distant memory.
"Actually, I've only been in this place for a few days, just like you. Before then, I was…" He pointed toward the refrigerator, smiling lightly. "...frozen for a long time, until three days ago."
"... Wait,"
Cassy raised a hand in protest, her face a little awkward. "Is this content safe to listen to? I won't be hunted down for knowing this secret, am I?"
"Oh, it should be fine." Aster showed a genuine smile. "I believe you're not the type to spread someone's story around, right?"
"Of course I wouldn't!" Cassy stood up, shaking the table and the food on top. "But rather than that, you shouldn't just go around and talk about it either. This... if this gets out, I fear for what chaos would follow."
"Right, the Anti-Human Movement..."
Aster nodded, signifying that he too understood what Cassy was worried about.
"Anyway, let me start my story." He continued. "The last parts could be somewhat related to you too, so listen carefully."
Their hands, bringing food to their mouths, slowed down as Aster began recounting the experience he had. The entire 25 cha—no, the full 3 days he spent in the current time.