As the sun dipped below the horizon, Eva's heart raced. The forest, once warm and welcoming, now felt eerie and unfamiliar. She looked around, her wooden sword clutched tightly, trying to ignore the creeping shadows stretching across the blocky landscape. Beside her, Ariel seemed equally unnerved.
"What's happening?" Eva whispered, glancing nervously at Cedric. She felt a chill run down her spine as unfamiliar noises echoed through the trees.
Cedric turned to her, his expression serious. "Nightfall brings the creatures of this world to life. You'll see zombies, skeletons, and more—all of them hostile."
Eva's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… creatures? Like real monsters?"
Before he could respond, a low, menacing growl sounded nearby, followed by the shuffling of feet. Eva turned, and her breath caught as she saw a zombie lumbering toward her, its pale, blocky face twisted in a grim expression.
"Oh no!" she gasped, backing up instinctively. Her heart pounded as more creatures emerged from the shadows: skeletons with drawn bows, and spiders the size of small dogs, their multiple eyes gleaming ominously.
"Stay calm, and remember what we taught you," Cedric said firmly, stepping forward with his sword raised. "Stick together, and aim for the head."
Eva gulped, summoning her courage as she raised her sword, trying to push down her panic. She took a shaky swing, managing to strike the zombie, though it barely slowed down. Cedric quickly stepped in, dispatching it with a practiced strike.
"Nicely done," he encouraged, smiling at her. "Keep practicing; you'll get the hang of it."
The group formed a defensive circle, protecting one another as they took down waves of creatures. Though Eva was initially terrified, she found herself getting into a rhythm, her confidence growing with each successful strike. By the time they had cleared the area, both she and Ariel wore triumphant grins, feeling a newfound sense of accomplishment.
Back at the counter, Gelian watched the adventurers' progress from afar with a proud smile. His cafe was bustling, and the air was alive with excitement. Seeing adventurers so immersed in their experience made all the challenges and preparation worth it.
Just as he was reviewing the progress of his current task—selling 20 Kokes and 20 cup noodles—someone tapped him on the shoulder, breaking his concentration. He looked up to see Elena, one of the Crimson Vanguard members, her face flushed with excitement from the adventure.
She removed her virtual helmet and placed it gently on the counter. "I'm starving!" she exclaimed, her hand resting on her stomach. "Do you have anything to eat or drink?"
Gelian's eyes lit up. "Actually, I do. I have something called Koke and another snack called cup noodles." He pulled out a can of Koke and a steaming cup of noodles, their enticing aromas filling the air. "These are the delicacy in my shop. Would you like to try them?"
Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Sure! I'll try anything once," she said with a grin.
Gelian prepared the cup noodles for her, adding hot water and waiting a few moments before handing it to her with a pair of chopsticks. He then opened the can of Koke, the fizzy drink hissing as bubbles rose to the top.
"Here you go!" he said, presenting both to her.
Elena took the cup of noodles first, inhaling the rich, savory aroma. Her mouth watered as she twirled the noodles around her chopsticks, lifting them to her mouth. As she took her first bite, her eyes widened, and a look of sheer delight crossed her face.
"This… this is incredible!" she exclaimed between bites. The noodles were soft yet springy, soaked in a broth that was rich, salty, and just a little spicy. She could taste hints of herbs and spices she couldn't quite place, each bite filling her with warmth and satisfaction. "It's… unlike anything I've ever tasted. The flavors are so bold, so… comforting."
Elena savored each bite, comparing it mentally to the most expensive dishes she had tried back in Celestra. Meals like roasted gryphon with rare spices or honeyed dragonfruit dessert came to mind—dishes crafted by renowned chefs and reserved for special occasions. But none of those compared to this simple, savory delight.
After a few more mouthfuls, she picked up the can of Koke. The fizzy drink bubbled on her tongue, its sweetness cutting through the savory flavors of the noodles. She took a long sip, her eyes widening once again. "This… it's sweet and refreshing, with bubbles! It's unlike any drink I've had before."
She took another sip, feeling the cool sweetness wash over her, followed by a delightful effervescence that tickled her throat. "I've tasted fine elven wines and even fire-brewed goblin ale, but this…" she held up the Koke can with admiration. "This is something else. It's simple but perfect."
Gelian beamed with satisfaction, watching her enjoy the meal. "I'm glad you like it."
Elena nodded enthusiastically, finishing the last of the noodles and draining the can of Koke. She let out a contented sigh. "Thank you, Gelian. This has to be the best food and drink I've ever had. I can't believe I've been missing out on something like this all my life!"
Without hesitation, she turned to where the rest of the Crimson Vanguard members were they are playing "You all have to try this!" she called out, tapping each of them over. "This food is amazing—better than anything I've tasted, even back in Celestra! It's worth every coin."
The group looked over, intrigued by her enthusiastic endorsement. One by one, they set down their helmets and approached Gelian, eager to try the legendary Koke and cup noodles Elena had praised so highly.
As Gelian prepared more servings, a sense of satisfaction settled over him. The task progress was moving forward, and he was introducing his customers to a little taste of his world. And by the looks of their delighted faces, he had a feeling they'd be back for more.
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