As Perry stepped out of the tent, the system's voice sounded in his mind, carrying a rare note of concern: [You should eat something to maintain your strength. Synchronizing the diagnostics on my system issues might make you feel uncomfortable. Replenishing your energy could mitigate the negative effects.]
Perry nodded, understanding that the system was right. His stomach had indeed been growling, and further exhaustion would only make things worse. He glanced around and noticed a row of restaurants. After some consideration, he chose one with a bustling crowd. Its signboard read "Today's Diner" in simple yet warm lettering, exuding a homely atmosphere that drew him in.
Upon pushing open the door, he was greeted by a wave of warmth and a rich blend of savory aromas, baked goods mixed with the scent of freshly cooked meals. The lively chatter of diners filled the air as customers eagerly enjoyed their meals. From their content expressions and occasional nods of approval, Perry could tell the food here lived up to its reputation. Though the interior wasn't particularly spacious, the tables were arranged neatly, and each was adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers, adding a touch of cozy charm.
As Perry stepped inside, a waiter in a spotless uniform approached him with a professional smile. "Welcome! Are you dining alone?"
Perry nodded, and the waiter promptly led him to a quiet spot by the window. This seat offered a clear view of the bustling marketplace outside, where the glow of streetlights bathed the scene in warm hues. The light filtered through the glass, casting a soft golden sheen on the table. Perry let out a quiet sigh of relief, finding the ambiance here unexpectedly relaxing.
After settling in, the waiter handed him a menu and introduced the restaurant's specialties. Perry skimmed through the menu, which was cleanly designed yet offered a surprising variety of dishes. It featured everything from local delicacies to affordable daily specials. Wanting to save time, his attention quickly settled on a dish labeled "Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo.
The combo included a golden, crispy chicken sandwich, a fresh and vibrant side salad, and a chilled glass of fruit juice. It struck a perfect balance between deliciousness and nutrition while being reasonably priced at just 12 gold coins. For Perry, it was the ideal choice.
"This looks good. I'll go with this one," he murmured to himself. Comparing it to other menu items, he concluded that the Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo offered the best value without taking up too much time.
Moments later, the waiter returned with a notepad, asking politely, "Sir, are you ready to order?"
Closing the menu, Perry replied, "I'll have the Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo." Then, out of curiosity, he added, "The food here seems quite popular. Is there a special reason for that?"
The waiter smiled, her face radiating a hint of pride. "All of our dishes are made with the freshest ingredients sourced daily. While we use unelement produce, each item undergoes strict quality selection to meet Grade D standards. Many restaurants use lower-grade ingredients, or they charge a premium for higher-quality ones. Here, we focus on maintaining high quality while keeping prices affordable, which is why we have so many returning customers."
She paused briefly before continuing. "The Crispy Chicken Sandwich you ordered is one of our best-sellers. The chicken is called Red Chicken, it freshly sourced every morning and marinated using a unique recipe before being fried to a perfect golden crisp. The exterior is crunchy, while the interior remains juicy and tender. Many guests come here specifically for it, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
Perry nodded, a faint smile of anticipation appearing on his face. "Sounds great. I'm looking forward to it."
The waiter acknowledged him with a polite nod before leaving. Perry leaned back in his chair, taking the opportunity to observe the restaurant's décor. Though modest in size, the space exuded thoughtfulness. Several countryside-themed paintings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of fields, villages, and gardens in soft, soothing colors. Potted greenery in the corners added a refreshing touch. Most of the customers seemed to be regulars, some chatting in small groups, others quietly enjoying their meals. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.
Just a few minutes, the waiter returned with a tray, placing the steaming combo before Perry. "Your Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo. Please enjoy."
Perry glanced at the food, immediately captivated by the presentation. The sandwich's toasted bun had a slight golden sheen, releasing a tantalizing aroma of fresh bread. Inside, a perfectly fried chicken fillet sat nestled between crisp green lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and a generous drizzle of house-made sauce. The salad, served in a clear glass bowl, featured vibrant purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and sweet corn kernels, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese. Beside it, the chilled fruit juice gleamed in a frosty glass, its light orange hue giving off an enticingly refreshing vibe.
Perry couldn't help but feel his appetite awaken as he took in the scene, a subtle smile spreading across his lips. "This… looks better than I expected.
Perry couldn't help but pick up the sandwich and eagerly took a bite. The crispy coating of the chicken fillet made a satisfying crunch as he bit into it, while the meat inside was tender and juicy. The unique marinated seasoning enhanced the flavor, offering a balance of savory with a hint of sweetness that complemented the fresh crunch of the vegetables. He took a sip of the juice next, finding it sweet and tart in just the right balance, the cool liquid sliding down his throat, refreshing him completely.
He nodded to himself and muttered, "It's really good, this meal was worth it." After putting down the sandwich, he picked up a fork and tasted the salad. The vegetables were crisp, and the dressing, slightly tangy with a hint of creamy sweetness, made it even more satisfying.
The system's voice sounded in his mind once more: [After replenishing your energy, you can return to your dorm for the system check. This way, if you feel unwell, you can lie down and rest immediately, and it will be easier to monitor your condition.]
Perry sighed softly and responded in his mind, "You're right, heading back to the dorm is definitely safer." He looked up and glanced at the street outside the restaurant, noticing that the night had already fallen quietly. The entire city was bathed in soft light. The yellow street lamps outlined the contours of the streets, and the scattered lights reflected off the damp cobblestones, creating a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere. There were fewer people on the streets now than during the day, with only a few individuals walking here and there. Occasionally, the sound of footsteps echoed on the quiet street. Some stalls further down the road were still open, with the voices of vendors and customers chatting, adding a touch of life to the calm night.
Perry looked down at the remaining food on the table. He picked up the last piece of the sandwich and took another slow, deliberate bite. The crispy outer layer of the chicken made a slight crunch between his teeth, and the tender, juicy meat combined with the fresh vegetables, making his taste buds feel thoroughly satisfied. After finishing the sandwich, he took the glass of juice and slowly sipped it. The juice was icy and sweet, with a faint fruity aroma that brought a refreshing sensation as it passed through his throat. In that moment, he felt a long-lost sense of ease.
"This meal really didn't disappoint, this chicken is better than Earth, it juicy and have a umami taste itself." Perry praised, a satisfied smile forming at the corners of his mouth. After gently putting the glass down, he tidied up the table and got up to head to the counter to pay. The server smiled and bid him farewell, and he politely nodded in return before stepping out of the restaurant.
The cool night breeze met him as he stepped outside, carrying with it a hint of moisture that made Perry's nerves relax involuntarily. He looked up at the starry sky. The stars weren't densely packed, but the few that were visible shone brightly, as if watching over the tranquility of the city. Breathing in the fresh air, Perry felt his anxiety ease just a little.
However, his mind drifted to the "Misty Market" that Fido had mentioned earlier. The Misty Market was a legendary place, appearing only once in a while, and this time, it would only be open for today and tomorrow. Perry had originally planned to try his luck tonight, but now, it seemed the system issue was more urgent.
"Better take care of the system issue first," Perry muttered to himself, a trace of helplessness in his voice. He knew that if the system couldn't function properly, it would not only complicate his daily activities but could also deprive him of vital assistance at crucial moments——an unbearable risk.
Though it meant he would be rushing to the Misty Market tomorrow, Perry knew that acting impulsively would only make things more complicated. He reassured himself, "I'll have another chance at the market tomorrow. For now, I'll focus on solving the problem at hand." This rational choice brought him some comfort, and his pace quickened as he headed toward the dorm.
Perry suddenly stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing slightly. He felt a faint, almost imperceptible gaze on him, accompanied by a subtle sense of pressure that made him instinctively look around. His eyes swept over the corners of the street, the back of the stalls, and even the dim alleys, but everything seemed normal, with no suspicious figures or movement to be found.
The system's voice sounded in his mind, tinged with confusion: "Perry, what are you looking for? There are no abnormal signals around. Is something wrong?"
"I… just had a feeling, like someone was watching me," Perry whispered, his eyes narrowing with a trace of wariness. He turned his head and continued scanning, but still found nothing. "This feeling… it's strange, like the one I had last night in the forest when I saw that shadow. Cold, unsettling."
After a brief pause, the system calmly responded: "I've scanned the surroundings again. No abnormal energy fluctuations or suspicious targets detected. It's likely a result of your mind playing tricks on you after yesterday's experience."
Perry gritted his teeth. Although the system's analysis seemed reasonable, the lingering sense of being watched wouldn't go away. He thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Maybe it really is just my imagination…" He suppressed his unease and quickly walked toward the phone booth at the corner of the street.
Perry opened the phone booth and entered the academy's teleportation code. Every time he used the teleportation function, a brief flash of bright light accompanied it, something he had grown accustomed to. However, just as he pressed the confirm button, he couldn't help but glance over his shoulder, wanting to double-check the surroundings.
As he turned, his heart sank. In the dim light at the end of the street, a vague black figure stood motionless. The figure's face was obscured, but it seemed to be staring directly at Perry, as though it were a gaze from the depths of an abyss, sending a bone-chilling coldness through him.
"It's it!" Perry's mind raced. He wanted to look more closely, but suddenly, a burst of intense white light surrounded him. He knew it was the teleportation activation light, but it came so suddenly that it interrupted his line of sight. He didn't even have time to think as he was pulled into the teleportation array, vanishing in an instant from the phone booth.
The next moment, Perry appeared in the academy's teleportation hall. The familiar lights and architecture around him offered a slight sense of relief, but the black figure he had just seen still lingered in his mind. He stood there, unable to stop himself from clenching his fist, the doubts and unease growing stronger within him.
The system, sensing his tension, inquired: "Perry, your pulse is accelerating. Was the teleportation process uncomfortable?"
"It's not…" Perry struggled to steady his breathing, his voice low. "Before I teleported, I saw that black figure. It was standing at the end of the street, staring at me."
The system was silent for a moment before responding: "I can't confirm whether the target was real. I recommend returning to your dorm as soon as possible, ensuring your safety before conducting any further investigation."
Perry nodded. Although teleporting to the academy temporarily put him out of danger, the appearance of that shadow felt like a warning, danger might still be far from over.