The atmosphere in the cafe was filled with an energy of contentment as the Crimson Vanguard adventurers finished their meal. They were all savoring the last bits of their cup noodles and Koke, their faces lit up with surprise and satisfaction.
Garrick, the quiet but intense spear-wielder, was the first to speak. He set his empty bowl down with a look of sheer amazement. "I've eaten all kinds of food, but this…" He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "This is something else. I don't think I've ever tasted anything this good."
Lyra, the calm healer of the group, nodded enthusiastically, wiping her lips with a cloth. "It's like the perfect blend of flavors. The noodles are so tender, and the broth... it's so rich and savory. I've never had anything like it."
Ronan, the quick-witted rogue, grinned as he took one last gulp of Koke. "And this drink! At first, I thought it was just some fizzy drink, but wow. Elena was right. It's refreshing but not too sweet. Definitely something I could drink every day."
Elena, the fire mage, beamed with pride, having been the one to recommend the meal to the group. "Told you! I wasn't wrong about it. This place has something special."
The group lingered for a moment, still basking in the aftertaste of their meal. However, the reality of their situation slowly set in. Kaden, ever the practical leader, was the first to break the silence.
"Gelian," he began, looking up with a hopeful gleam in his eyes, "this was amazing. Could we get some more of this? Just one more cup of noodles, maybe, before we head out?"
Gelian, who had been cleaning up after them, paused and smiled politely. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, but there's a limit to how much you can order."
The adventurers exchanged curious glances, and Kaden raised an eyebrow. "A limit?"
Gelian nodded, wiping his hands on a cloth. "Yes, there's a limit of two cup of noodles and two Koke per person, per day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. It's part of the cafe's system."
The group fell silent for a moment. There was a slight frown on Elena's face, and even Kaden looked mildly disappointed.
"So, we can't have more for now?" Garrick asked, his voice tinged with a bit of regret.
Gelian gave a small shrug. "I'm afraid not. But it's part of the balance here. You'll have to order later if you want more."
The adventurers were disappointed but understood. Kaden gave a rueful chuckle. "Guess we'll have to make do with what we got. Still, this place is incredible."
Elena sighed but smiled. "We'll order later for sure. This stuff is worth it."
With that, the group slowly began to file out, heading back to the gaming stations. They retrieved their virtual helmets from the hooks near the entrance and made their way to the designated gaming areas.
Gelian watched them go, a satisfied smile on his face. As he turned back to the task at hand, he checked the cafe's system for updates.
Sell 20 Kokes and 20 Cup Noodles
Progress: 8/20 Koke, 8/20 Cup Noodles
It wasn't a huge leap, but it was progress. Gelian had hoped for more, but he reminded himself that every step forward counted.
Just as he was tidying up the last of the plates and bowls, a sudden flash of light caught his attention. The familiar portal shimmered to life again, its otherworldly glow flickering in the dimly lit cafe. Gelian glanced up, curiosity piqued. Another visitor? It seemed the portal was becoming busier with each passing day.
A girl stepped through, her wide eyes scanning the room with an almost wary curiosity. She looked out of place, her cautious demeanor starkly different from the usual eager adventurers Gelian had come to expect. Her eyes flickered between the strange cafe and the adventurers, who were busy putting on their virtual helmets and preparing for their next rounds of gameplay.
"Selene Point of View"
Selene stood in the center of the room, her eyes darting around as she scanned her unfamiliar surroundings. She looked apprehensive, her posture tense, as though unsure whether she had wandered into a dream or a trap. Her gaze flicked to the group of adventurers seated nearby, their heads encased in strange, sleek helmets, fully immersed in some kind of activity. They were absorbed in their virtual games, their expressions focused and intense.
Her attention shifted then to Gelian, who was calmly cleaning a table near the counter. He had a relaxed air about him, a stark contrast to the unease that Selene felt. She hesitated, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the cafe, wondering how she had ended up here. The air smelled faintly of food, and the warm glow from the lamps gave the space an inviting, almost comforting vibe, despite the oddity of it all.
Selene wasn't sure what to make of this place. The adventurers and the strange technology in front of her were unlike anything she had encountered in Celestra. Her heart raced slightly, but her curiosity pushed her forward. As she took another cautious step, she could hear the soft hum of the virtual helmets, the sound of laughter, and the faint clink of cups. It was all so... unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar in its own way.
Flashback to Celestra
Selene had been wandering through the dense forests near the outskirts of her village, where the trees were thick and the path barely discernible. She often enjoyed exploring the forgotten corners of her village, seeking out hidden wonders. It was during one of these solitary excursions that she stumbled upon something extraordinary.
As she stepped through the overgrown foliage, a faint light caught her eye—a soft glow emanating from between the trees. Intrigued, she followed the light, her curiosity growing with each step. Pushing through a dense thicket, she emerged into a small clearing. At the center of it stood a strange, glowing door, half-hidden by vines and moss. It looked almost like a portal, but one she had never seen before. The wood of the door was ancient, weathered by time, yet the edges pulsed with a vibrant energy.
Selene took a cautious step forward, her heartbeat quickening. She had heard legends of such portals, but she never imagined she would find one herself. She reached out, her fingers brushing the doorframe, and in an instant, the world around her seemed to warp. The air shimmered, crackling with energy, and before she could react, the ground beneath her feet gave way. The world spun, and she was pulled through the door, tumbling into the unknown.
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