The restaurant buzzed with activity, a lively hum of clinking cutlery, friendly chatter, and sizzling dishes. Midama moved smoothly between tables, jotting down orders with practiced ease, while Muzuhara oversaw everything, keeping a sharp eye on the flow of customers. The day had been just another busy afternoon—until the door opened, and in walked a young girl with dark skin, long pink hair, and small, pointy horns protruding from her forehead. She looked around the bustling room with wide, wondering eyes.
Muzuhara's gaze locked onto her immediately. He nudged Midama, muttering, "Check on that kid. Something feels... familiar about this."
Midama nodded, approaching the girl with a gentle smile. This feels like déjà vu, she thought, crouching to meet the girl's gaze. "Hey there, honey. What's your name, and what brings you here today?"
The girl, in a cute red dress that perfectly complemented her dark skin and bright eyes, giggled, looking a bit shy yet eager. "My name is Crucibelle, but you can call me Crucie, ma'am," she said, her tone sweet and polite. Then, her face brightened as she added with innocent enthusiasm, "And I'm here for... food!"
Midama couldn't help but smile, and Muzuhara, watching from across the room, chuckled under his breath. Adorable... but still, this feels like déjà vu, they both thought.
"Alright then, Crucie. Go ahead and take a seat over there," Midama said warmly, pointing to an empty table.
Once Crucie was settled, a fresh plate of omurice was placed before her. She dug in with gusto, a delighted smile on her face as she took bite after bite. Just then, Alexis came out from the back, catching sight of the young girl happily munching away.
"Hello there, little lady," Alexis said, strolling over with a warm grin. "Enjoying the food?"
Crucie looked up at him, her mouth full, then nodded enthusiastically. "Mhm! Really tasty, sir!" she replied, her face beaming with joy.
"Well, that's good to hear!" Alexis responded with a chuckle. His eyes caught on her horns, and a thought crossed his mind. Leaning in, he asked gently, "Little lady, by any chance, are you from another world called Boundless?"
Crucie's eyes widened. "Yeah! I was just wandering the streets here, feeling hungry," she said, a bit sheepishly.
"So… you don't have this world's money, then?" Alexis asked, his tone soft.
"Nope! And I don't have any family here, either," she answered, her cheerful expression dimming a little.
Alexis's smile grew sympathetic. "Well then, just for you, this one's on the house."
Crucie's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, sir!" she exclaimed, diving back into her meal with renewed happiness.
But the peaceful moment was brief. Alexis glanced at the clock. It was nearing noon, which meant only one thing—the start of the Waves. He exchanged a quick nod with Carna and Miz, who had already begun gathering their weapons. As they made their way to the door, a murmur of excitement spread through the restaurant, and patrons began cheering them on.
Curious, Crucie followed them outside, where a small crowd had gathered to watch the coming battle. Her eyes went wide as she saw Alexis, Carna, and Miz preparing for the Wave.
"Stay back, little one," Alexis called out over his shoulder. "Things might get a bit rough out here."
Crucie nodded, her curiosity piqued as she settled behind the crowd to watch.
The Wave portal shimmered into existence, crackling with otherworldly energy. From its depths emerged creatures unlike any they had seen in the previous battles—a hulking Beast Boar with tusks like iron, a pair of Shadow Specters that glided silently over the ground, and a snarling Wolf Knight wielding a jagged blade. Behind them, armored Skeleton Knights marched forward in formation, shields and spears raised.
"Here we go," Alexis muttered, unsheathing his short sword, the steel glinting in the noon light. He glanced over at Carna and Miz. "Carna, cover us with arrows. Miz, stay close and use your Agyl' Accel to pick off stragglers."
Both nodded in response.
The fight began in a blur of motion. Alexis activated Agyl' Boost, his body surging with speed as he closed in on the Beast Boar, dodging its massive tusks with deft footwork. He countered with a swift slash, then seamlessly combined his Bone Kunai skill, summoning a barrage of bone kunai in midair and launching them at the beast. The kunai pierced its hide, and with a smirk, he activated Detonate—the bone shards exploded inside the boar, causing it to stumble back with a pained roar.
Meanwhile, Carna's arrows rained down from above. She loosed one arrow after another, each shot precise and deadly. "Alexis, on your left!" she called as a Shadow Specter approached.
Alexis spun, using Red Silk Shot. A sphere of woven red threads formed in his palm before he launched it at the specter. The sphere punched clean through the ghostly creature, dispersing its dark form with a hiss.
Miz, bolstered by his Agyl' Accel, moved like a blur, slashing through Skeleton Knights with his wooden sword. He used Alexis's Precision Strike technique, each blow shattering the bones of his opponents with pinpoint accuracy. He grinned as he took down two in one smooth motion, then pivoted to help Carna.
"Nice moves, Miz!" Carna called as she loosed an arrow that found its mark in a charging wolf knight's neck.
A few meters away, Alexis faced the Wolf Knight. Its snarling face twisted with hatred, and it raised its jagged blade to strike. With a quick flick, Alexis summoned his Toxin Scorpion Stinger. The venomous tail whipped forward, coiling around the Wolf Knight's blade arm, squeezing tightly as it injected a dose of potent poison. With a powerful pull, Alexis yanked the knight off balance, then followed with a sweeping sword slash that severed its head.
Suddenly, the ground shook, and an enormous Earth Elemental rose from the portal, its body composed of shifting boulders and earth. Its eyes gleamed as it lumbered toward Alexis, crushing everything in its path.
"Carna! Miz! Fall back!" Alexis shouted.
Alexis activated Absorvo Slime Shield just as the elemental swung a massive fist down at him. A silver barrier formed around Alexis, absorbing part of the impact, but he was still pushed back by the sheer force. His arms throbbed, but he pressed on, summoning another Red Silk Shot and hurling it at the elemental's core. The shot bored into the elemental's chest, sending cracks spiderwebbing through its form.
Miz and Carna regrouped beside him. "Let's finish this together!" Carna shouted.
She nocked three arrows at once, her stance steady and determined, while Miz prepared for a full-speed charge. Alexis raised his sword, ready to strike.
"Now!" he called.
Carna released her arrows, each one finding a weak point in the elemental's body. Miz dashed forward, using Agyl' Accel to slip through the cracks between its rocky limbs, striking each vulnerable spot with precision. Alexis saw his opening and charged forward, bringing down his sword in a powerful blow that shattered the elemental's core. With a final groan, the creature collapsed into rubble.
As the dust settled, the crowd burst into applause, cheering for the heroes. Crucie peeked around the bystanders, eyes shining with admiration.
Alexis approached her, smiling. "Are you ok, Crucie."
She looked up at him, grinning. "That was amazing, sir! Can I learn to fight better like that too?"
Alexis chuckled. "Maybe one day. For now, let's make sure you're settled. You're welcome to stay at the restaurant as long as you need."
The group shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They had stumbled upon more than just a child today; they had found a potential ally, someone with a spark and curiosity that might just lead her to greatness.
The dust settled, and a small cheer broke out among Alexis, Carna, and Miz. The crowd behind them, having witnessed their victory over the Earth Elemental, erupted in applause, and Crucibelle, her face aglow with excitement, clapped along enthusiastically. Alexis chuckled, giving Carna and Miz an approving nod.
But their celebration was short-lived.
A new rift tore open in the sky, swirling with dark, iron-gray energy. Emerging from it was a towering, monstrous figure—an enormous Grand Iron Golem, its body a mass of jagged metal and stone, glinting in the sun as if it had been forged from a mountain itself. Its glowing eyes scanned the area, and without warning, it charged forward with unexpected, terrifying speed.
"MOVE!" Alexis shouted, barely managing to toss his steel short sword into his left hand. His right arm flared with blue and green energy, transforming in an instant into his Wyvern Scale Armament. The scaled, powerful arm met the golem's iron fist head-on, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the ground and knocking Carna and Miz back onto their backs.
Alexis gritted his teeth as he held against the weight and force of the Grand Iron Golem's relentless punch, his wyvern-arm muscles straining against the golem's immense power. Just as he felt the pressure begin to mount, a red-and-pink blur shot past him, launching into the air toward the Grand Iron Golem.
It was Crucibelle.
As she flew toward the golem, she drew her arm back, her small fist crackling with red flames and deep blue sparks that danced around her like lightning. Her face showed fierce determination as she yelled, "MAGNA-DRIVER!" With a mighty swing, she struck the Grand Iron Golem square in the chest, sending it reeling as flames and sparks enveloped its massive body.
The powerful blow staggered the golem, its body collapsing backward with a thunderous crash. Crucibelle fell from the air, and Alexis dashed forward, catching her mid-fall and setting her gently on her feet. She looked up at him with a big grin and said, "Thanks, mister!" Alexis nodded back, a slight smile breaking his usually calm demeanor.
With the golem down, Alexis knew it was his only chance. He surged forward, steel short sword in hand, channeling every bit of power he could into a Precision Strike. The blade struck the Grand Iron Golem's chest with precision, shattering it and ending the Wave.
He reached down, prying the core from the golem's remains, holding the faintly glowing stone aloft. Miz and Carna, now back on their feet, watched with amazement—and Crucibelle, wide-eyed and speechless, simply stared.
Finally, she managed to ask, "What are you going to do with that, mister?"
Carna and Miz exchanged a smirk, and Carna raised an eyebrow at Alexis, who shrugged with a mischievous grin. Without a word, he lifted the core and gulped it down in one go. Crucibelle's jaw dropped, her face a mix of shock and confusion as she watched him swallow the golem's essence.
His Digi-HUD blinked to life, displaying a new alert: "You have gained a new skill: 'Iron Golem Development.'"
He extended his hand, testing the new power as it glowed white. An enormous iron hand materialized in the air, perfectly mimicking his movements. The sight left Crucibelle, Carna, Miz, and even some of the spectators utterly speechless. A few onlookers pulled out their phones to record the moment, capturing the iron hand's fluid, precise movements as it echoed Alexis's every gesture.
The spectacle over, Alexis turned to the others. "Alright, let's head back," he said with a grin, leading them back into the restaurant to continue serving customers until closing.
As night fell, the last customer left, and they locked up the restaurant. Alexis had just finished a quick conversation with Carna in the kitchen when Midama walked by, nodding toward the front. "You might want to check on our little guest," she said with a smile.
Curious, Alexis made his way to the front, where Crucibelle sat, sipping juice through a straw and swinging her feet, looking entirely content.
"Hey, little lady," Alexis greeted her gently. "It's closing time, and I don't think the restaurant will make for the best bed tonight."
Crucibelle's cheerful expression faded slightly, and she looked down at her half-empty juice glass. "Well… I don't really have anywhere to go. No family, no money." Her voice softened, her small shoulders drooping.
Alexis's gaze softened. He thought for a moment, then gave a resolute nod. "Come on," he said, gently taking her hand. "I've got an idea."
They arrived at Seika's apartment suite a short while later. Alexis knocked on the door, and Seika opened it, looking a bit bleary-eyed and clearly exhausted from a long day. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw the little girl holding Alexis's hand.
"Another one, Al?" Seika sighed, exasperated. She let out a tired chuckle, shaking her head. "This is seriously déjà vu. I'm guessing you're covering her side of the rent, too?"
Alexis grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah… I'll handle it, don't worry."
Seika gave Crucibelle a gentle smile and then glanced back at Alexis with an expression that mixed irritation and affection. "Fine. Just… make sure she's settled, okay? I'm too tired for this tonight." With that, she turned and headed toward her room, closing the door behind her.
Alexis knelt down beside Crucibelle. "Welcome home, Crucie," he said with a warm smile.
The little girl's face lit up, and she hugged him tightly.
The restaurant's atmosphere was lively, and the tables were filled with the usual cheerful patrons. At one of the booths, Crucibelle sat with Miz, swinging her legs in rhythm with her juice sips, while Miz kept a careful eye on her with a mix of fondness and caution.
The day held special significance, as Alexis was conducting an interview for a new bartender position. Soon enough, a young man entered the office and introduced himself with a formal tone, "Hello, sir. My name is Kalem Ironheart, and I'm here for the bartender positio—" Kalem froze as he recognized Alexis, his expression a mix of surprise and resolve.
Alexis gave him a calm, assessing look, one eyebrow raised in faint amusement. "Well, hello again, Kalem. You've made quite the impression before. Reformed a bit, have you?" Alexis's tone was light but held a trace of seriousness. "So... you're here for the bartender position, huh?"
Kalem nodded firmly, regaining his composure. "Yes, sir, Alexis."
"Alright then." Alexis gestured toward the bar counter with a nod. "Show me what you've got. I want to see you make a Margarita, and surprise me with another original drink. I'll call over a few people to taste-test."
Kalem squared his shoulders, taking a deep breath. This was his chance. With a determined nod, he made his way behind the bar. As Alexis stepped away to gather the tasting team, Kalem scanned the array of ingredients, his mind already working through the drinks he planned to craft.
He pulled out a cocktail shaker and selected the highest-quality tequila and fresh limes for the Margarita. He sliced through a lime with practiced ease, giving each slice a light squeeze, letting the tart juice collect in a small glass. He moved quickly but methodically, pouring the tequila with an expert eye, then adding triple sec and a perfect measure of fresh lime juice to balance the sharpness with a hint of sweetness.
Kalem's hands worked smoothly, his posture relaxed as he poured the mixture into the shaker, placing his hand firmly on top and giving it a vigorous, rhythmic shake. The shaker rattled in his hands, the motion sending droplets of condensation down its surface, drawing curious glances from nearby patrons. When he finished shaking, he carefully prepared the glass with a salted rim, taking a moment to dip it in a shallow dish of salt, rotating it for an even coat. He poured the Margarita in a graceful arc, the golden liquid flowing smoothly into the glass, the frosty rim catching the light.
He wasn't finished yet. For his second drink, he decided to create an original cocktail he called the Hanabi. Drawing inspiration from this world's vibrant festival fireworks, he envisioned a drink that captured the explosion of color and warmth in a glass. He chose a base of sake for a Japanese twist, blending it with a rich cherry liqueur to add depth and a touch of sweetness. Next, he added a splash of citrus vodka for brightness and carefully layered blue curaçao over the top for a stunning, ombré effect.
Kalem picked up a bar spoon, its long, thin handle designed for precise layering, and expertly held it just above the surface of the drink as he poured, allowing the blue curaçao to layer gracefully, creating a striking, layered visual of red and blue hues, reminiscent of a firework's glow. He garnished it with a small, edible hibiscus flower for a final touch, the delicate petals adding both visual flair and subtle flavor.
As Kalem finished, Alexis returned with Carna, Tess, and Ferni in tow. Each of them settled at the bar, eyeing the drinks with interest.
"Alright, let's see what you did, Kalem," Alexis said, folding his arms.
Kalem took a step back, gesturing with a nod of confidence for them to try the drinks.
Ferni picked up the Margarita, inspecting the salted rim before taking a measured sip. She swirled the taste in her mouth, savoring the perfectly balanced blend of tart lime, smooth tequila, and just a hint of sweetness. Her eyes lit up as she set the glass down, nodding with an impressed look. "Smooth and balanced," she commented, giving Kalem an approving nod. "This is some quality work."
Carna examined the Margarita next, taking a careful sip and allowing herself a faint, rare smile. "Not bad. Classic and clean," she said, her tone warm but reserved.
Tess, however, didn't hold back her enthusiasm. She picked up both the Margarita and the Hanabi, her eyes widening as she took in the vivid colors and artistry of the layered cocktail. "This looks like a work of art!" She took a sip of the Hanabi, and her face lit up with delight as the vibrant flavors of cherry, citrus, and the subtle depth of sake blended on her tongue. She grinned at Kalem and gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up before finishing off the entire Hanabi with surprising speed.
Kalem watched, relieved and elated, as his drinks received praise from all three. Alexis studied his reaction, then offered him a slight nod.
"Well done, Kalem," Alexis said. "You've proven yourself—both in skill and style. You're hired, welcome aboard."
Kalem couldn't hide his smile as he bowed his head in respect, grateful for the second chance. He looked up, meeting Alexis's gaze, and gave a determined nod. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
With his drinks so well received and his future in the restaurant secure, Kalem turned to the bar to continue practicing his craft, while the customers, having witnessed the impressive display, gave him approving nods and whispered among themselves about the restaurant's newest addition.
As the restaurant carried on its lively day, Alexis and his team felt ready to take on whatever else might be coming—whether through the doors or from beyond the waves that seemed to ripple into their world each day at noon.
(After that, Carna went back to the kitchen to start continuing her cooking because there were more orders lined up, Ferni was called back to her work because her boss said that two cars were arriving for inspection and repairs, while Tess went back to her office to continue her work.)
The clock struck noon, and the air in the city shifted. The familiar rumbling of the rift echoed, signaling the start of the Wave. The ground trembled slightly as the sky flickered with the ominous ripples of the rift. An excited buzz of onlookers gathered, filling the streets and rooftops to witness yet another chaotic battle. Alexis, Miz, Crucibelle, and Kalem stood together, prepared to face the Wave head-on.
Alexis pulled his steel short sword from the mouth of Slu, the sharp gleam of the blade catching the sunlight. His stance was calm but alert, every muscle primed for action. Miz, gripping his wooden sword with a focused intensity, cracked his knuckles, ready to strike. Crucibelle, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement. She did a couple of playful stretches, her fists glowing with a vibrant red aura. Kalem, ever the composed one, summoned his sword, a blade of pure, radiant light, its glow cutting through the surrounding gloom.
The rift's portal crackled, and from it emerged a horde of various monsters—fangs bared, claws raised, and hunger in their eyes. The battle had begun.
"Kalem!" Alexis shouted over the din of the crowd, his voice firm. "Light slashes. Thin out the horde!"
Without a word, Kalem sprang into action. His body shimmered as he charged the air with his mana, slashing his sword down in quick succession. Each swing sent waves of light spiraling towards the monsters, cutting through them like a hot knife through butter. As the monsters fell, Kalem's blade never stopped moving, his strikes creating a mesmerizing, deadly pattern.
Meanwhile, Alexis tapped into his Chimera abilities. A surge of power rippled through him as his back shimmered and twisted, manifesting a thick, dark tail made of toxin-imbued scales. Without hesitation, he swung it towards Kalem's leg, wrapping the tail around him and hurling the young man high into the air. Kalem's eyes widened with momentary panic, but as his body reached its peak, he found his composure. He let his mana flow freely, unleashing a volley of dazzling light slashes down on the monster hordes below. The monsters fell like wheat before the reaper's scythe, each blast of light cutting through them effortlessly.
"Keep it up!" Alexis barked as he and Miz charged forward, side by side. Their swords moved in unison—Alexis with precise, calculated slashes, and Miz with broad, sweeping arcs. Together, they carved through the advancing hordes, cutting monsters down in seconds, their movements perfectly synchronized. Alexis enhanced his agility and power, his strikes faster and more forceful than ever.
Crucibelle, as always, brought a different flavor to the battle. She moved with carefree energy, bouncing from one monster's head to another. Each leap was filled with joy, her face bright with enthusiasm. Her fists, radiating with that same fiery aura, struck with explosive force, knocking monsters back as if they weighed nothing. "Wheeee!" she giggled as she danced through the chaos, each punch sending shockwaves of red flames and blue sparks into the fray.
But the fun was short-lived. Another, more dangerous presence manifested through the rift—a massive, towering Aqua Spirit, its form made entirely of swirling water. The spirit rose from the rift with a chilling roar, its body shifting and reshaping, the water flowing like liquid metal. It raised its arm, summoning jagged water weapons—blades, spears, and whips—all swirling in its wake.
Alexis and Miz immediately recognized the danger and retreated, but Kalem pressed forward. "I'll handle this!" he called, his voice filled with determination. Without waiting for a response, he unleashed a flurry of light slashes at the Aqua Spirit. Each strike hit with a resounding crack, cutting one of the spirit's arms clean off, the water dispersing in a spray of mist.
The Aqua Spirit staggered back, its form rippling as it reformed its arm. With a chilling hiss, it raised its remaining arm, conjuring floating spears of water and sending them hurtling towards the group. Kalem tried to dodge, but the spears moved with unnatural precision, whistling through the air.
In an unexpected move, Crucibelle stepped forward, her fists glowing brighter than ever. She held one hand in front of her, a shield of fiery red flames and crackling blue sparks materializing in front of her. The water spears collided with the shield, splashing against the barrier and evaporating into steam, unable to penetrate the shield's fiery defense.
"Nice job!" Alexis shouted, his voice laced with admiration. He and Miz surged forward, their movements swift and synchronized as they closed the distance to the Aqua Spirit. They charged their Precision Strikes, the very air around them vibrating with power.
The Aqua Spirit, sensing the incoming threat, whipped up a mighty water sword, its length extending far beyond the spirit's arm. It swung it down with terrifying force, sending waves of water surging through the battlefield. Alexis and Miz ducked and rolled to avoid the devastating attack, their bodies moving like shadows, barely dodging the rush of water.
"Now!" Alexis shouted. With a flash, he and Miz sprang from the water's surge, both launching their Precision Strikes at the Aqua Spirit's core. Their strikes landed with pinpoint accuracy, cracking through the spirit's watery exterior and revealing a glowing, pulsating core hidden within.
Before the Aqua Spirit could react, a blur of red and pink flashed into the scene. Crucibelle was back, her form like a streak of lightning as she vaulted toward the Aqua Spirit. Her arm pulled back, and with a cry of "MAGNA-DRIVER!"—her fist shot forward, releasing an explosion of fiery red flames and blue sparks. Her punch collided with the Aqua Spirit's face, shattering it in a massive burst of power. Water exploded outward as the spirit's form collapsed into mist and broken shards, vanishing into nothingness.
The Wave was over. But before the Aqua Spirit's core could fall to the ground, Crucibelle, with a quick, fluid motion, reached out and grabbed it midair. Her hand closed tightly around the glowing orb, her descent slightly off-balance from the rush of her attack.
As she began to tumble, Alexis's instincts kicked in. He dashed forward, sprouting her wings (Demon Eagle Wing & Wyvern Wing) then leaping high into the air to meet her fall. In a smooth motion, he caught Crucibelle around the waist, his grip firm and steady, preventing her from crashing to the ground. They landed in a soft crouch, Alexis lowering her gently back onto her feet.
"Nice save, Alexis!" Crucibelle said, a grin spreading across her face. She handed him the core with a playful wink. "Here ya go!"
Alexis raised an eyebrow at her, "Thank you!" he said, nodding gratefully as he took the core from her. Without hesitation, he tossed it into his mouth and swallowed it whole. The crowd gasped, and a few onlookers murmured among themselves, clearly fascinated by Alexis's strange behavior.
Almost immediately, a notification flashed on his Digi-HUD: "You have gained 2 new skills: 'Aqua Spirit Javelin' and 'Aqua Double.'"
He smirked, feeling the power surge through him. He could already feel the weight of the new abilities settling into his body, their presence like a refreshing rush of energy.
"Looks like that was worth it," Alexis said with a satisfied grin, glancing at his teammates. They exchanged brief, knowing looks.
As the cheers from the crowd reached a crescendo, the onlookers showered them with praise, clapping and shouting. The excitement was palpable, the buzz of admiration for the team's incredible performance filling the air.
"That was... hectic..." Kalem said, his voice barely audible over the cheering. Miz gave a firm nod, his expression one of quiet pride, while Crucibelle beamed, clearly enjoying the attention.
After a few moments, the crowd slowly began to disperse, the adrenaline of battle fading into a peaceful hum. Alexis, Miz, Crucibelle, and Kalem exchanged looks, their adrenaline slowly tapering off as they prepared to return to their usual routine.
"Alright, enough celebrating," Alexis said, clapping his hands together. "Let's get back to the restaurant and finish our shift before the dinner rush hits."
With that, they made their way back to the restaurant, the camaraderie between them solidifying. Though their work in the kitchen awaited them, the small victory from the Wave had lifted their spirits, and the quiet joy of the moment stayed with them as they entered the warm, bustling atmosphere of their restaurant.
The workday resumed, but now with a renewed sense of triumph and the thrill of new abilities to explore later. And so with a new family member(?) and now, a new coworker restaurant bartender, more people are coming into Alexis's life.