As the five adventurers stepped further into the café, they exchanged curious glances, clearly intrigued by their surroundings. Gelian felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves; this was his chance to impress them.
"So, what exactly is this place?" Kaden, the kind leader with warm brown eyes and a friendly demeanor, asked. His shield rested on his back, and he carried a sword at his side, exuding an air of reliability.
Gelian took a deep breath, ready to weave a tale that would keep the truth at bay. "Welcome to the Phantom Realm Gaming Cafe! Here, you can enjoy the latest in immersive gaming experiences. We offer a variety of games and virtual reality adventures, all designed to transport you to different realms—well, sort of." He chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood. "It's like stepping into a whole new world without ever leaving your seat!"
As Kaden, Garrick, the spear-wielding adventurer, Ronan, the dagger-wielder, Lyra, the healer with an intricately designed staff, and Elena, the fiery red-haired mage, looked around, their expressions shifted from skepticism to wonder. The café's walls were adorned with vibrant posters of popular games, and the soft hum of technology filled the air, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
"This place is incredible!" Garrick exclaimed, his eyes wide as he examined the high-tech gaming stations equipped with sleek virtual reality helmets. "I've never seen anything like it."
"Not at all!" Gelian replied, waving his hands dismissively. "It's straightforward. You just pay for the time you want to spend in the game. Each game is designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience. You'll see!"
As they continued to explore the café, the adventurers marveled at the unfamiliar equipment. Ronan leaned closer to a gaming setup, his dagger glinting in the light. "How does all this work?" he asked, genuinely fascinated.
Gelian smiled, sensing their curiosity. Just as he began to feel more at ease, a notification flashed in front of him, shimmering with urgency.
Phantom Internet Cafe System:
30 minutes of gameplay costs 1 gold.
Gelian's heart raced at the realization. He turned to the group, trying to maintain his composure. "Ah, well, each gaming session costs 1 gold for 30 minutes. That's the currency you'll be familiar with."
The adventurers exchanged glances, their initial excitement shifting into hesitation. "One gold for just half an hour? That sounds a bit pricey," Elena said, crossing her arms while her fiery hair danced with the movement.
"Different games have different pricing based on their experience," Gelian quickly added, masking the truth. "But don't worry; it's worth every coin! The system keeps everything fair, so you won't be losing out."
Kaden scratched his chin, looking contemplative. "I'm all for trying something new, but we should weigh our options. What do you think, everyone?"
"Come on, it could be fun! We'll never know unless we try," Ronan chimed in enthusiastically.
"Right," Lyra agreed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she twirled her staff. "It sounds like a unique experience, and we can always decide if it's worth it afterward."
Gelian felt a glimmer of hope. "Exactly! And if you enjoy it, there are plenty of other games to explore once you're ready." He smiled, hoping to persuade them.
The group huddled together, whispering among themselves, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Gelian watched as they weighed their options, a sense of excitement bubbling within him. Perhaps this was the moment he had been waiting for—an opportunity to showcase his café and bring life back to his struggling business.
After a few moments, Kaden turned back to Gelian, a determined expression on his face. "Alright, we're in! Let's give it a shot."
With a newfound energy in the café, Gelian led them to the gaming stations, eager to show them the magic of the Phantom Realm Gaming Cafe, even as he kept the true nature of the portal hidden from them.