As the heavy conversation about Jarin and the Twilight Woodlands subsided, Lyra and Rook returned to their usual banter, sharing stories of their past adventures.
"You remember that job in the Drakoria Badlands?" Rook grinned, leaning back in his chair. "The one where you tried to take down that fire mage with nothing but brute strength?"
Lyra chuckled, shaking her head. "Tried? I did take him down, Rook. You were the one hiding in the shadows while I did all the work."
"Hiding? I call it 'strategic positioning,'" Rook shot back, smirking. "Besides, someone had to watch your back while you were charging headfirst into fireballs."
Evan listened closely as they continued to recount their adventures, each tale more exciting and dangerous than the last. Lyra spoke about her time in the Elder Thicket, taking on Razorclaw Bears and other creatures that would send most adventurers running for their lives. Rook, on the other hand, had a flair for stealth, telling stories of infiltrating heavily-guarded fortresses and outwitting rival rogues.
Their lives sounded thrilling, full of battles, treasures, and the kind of danger that tested your limits. They lived on the edge, always moving, always seeking something greater. It was the kind of life Evan had always dreamed about when reading books back in his own world.
But now… here he was, sitting in a shop, selling Cola and Ramen. Just a shopkeeper on the outskirts of a town full of adventurers, mages, and warriors, all chasing glory in the Great Forest. Sure, his food was magical, but it didn't feel like enough. Listening to their stories, he couldn't help but feel like he was missing out on something more—something bigger than himself.
"So, what about you, Evan?" Lyra asked, interrupting his thoughts. "Ever done anything exciting before you ended up with this shop?"
Evan paused, caught off guard. He hadn't really told them much about himself. In truth, there wasn't much to tell—not compared to them. "Nothing like what you two have been through," he said with a forced laugh. "I guess I've always just... played it safe."
Rook grinned. "Safe's not so bad. Keeps you alive, at least."
"True," Evan said, but as he watched them continue to exchange stories, his heart sank a little. Alive, yes. But what about living? These two were out there, facing danger head-on, making names for themselves. And here he was, tied to a shop, worrying about selling ten bowls of Ramen so he wouldn't die from some system's penalty.
As they laughed about another one of their daring escapes, Evan's thoughts drifted to what his life could have been in this world. If he hadn't been saddled with the shop, would he be out there with them, exploring the dangerous depths of the Great Forest, searching for lost treasures, and fighting powerful beasts? Was there some hidden strength in him waiting to be discovered? Or was he doomed to stay behind the counter, serving food to the people who actually got to live those adventures?
He sighed softly, staring at the shelves filled with modern products that felt so out of place in this magical world. He was grateful for the shop, of course—without it, he'd be lost in this world. But a part of him wondered if he could be more than just the shopkeeper.
"You know," Lyra said suddenly, breaking his train of thought, "your food's going to be popular with more than just us. We'll spread the word. There are plenty of adventurers around here who could use the kind of boost your Ramen and Cola give."
"Exactly," Rook added, leaning forward.
"You've got something special here, Evan. We'll invite more people. Trust me, you'll be selling out in no time."
Evan blinked, surprised by their offer. "Really? You'd invite people here?"
"Of course," Lyra said with a smile. "You might not be out there fighting monsters with us, but you're giving adventurers a chance to fight harder, go farther. That's no small thing."
Rook nodded. "Plus, once word gets out about your shop, you'll have adventurers from all over flocking here. You won't be able to keep the shelves stocked."
Evan felt a strange mixture of gratitude and frustration. On one hand, it was great to hear that his shop might become popular, that he had something to offer in this world. But on the other hand, their words reminded him of the divide between their lives and his. They were the ones out there, facing the dangers of the forest. He was just… helping from the sidelines.
"Thanks," Evan said, forcing a smile. "I appreciate it. I'll be ready for the crowd."
Rook stood up, stretching his arms above his head. "Good. Because you're about to have your hands full."
Lyra rose as well, giving Evan a nod. "Take care, Evan. We'll be back soon, and next time, we'll bring a few more adventurers with us."
Evan watched them leave the shop, their confident footsteps fading as they disappeared into the night. The bell jingled softly as the door closed behind them, and the shop fell silent once again.
He stood there for a moment, staring at the door, his mind swirling with their stories. The adventures they spoke of, the battles they fought—it all seemed so distant from the life he was leading. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing out, that he could be something more than a shopkeeper.
With a heavy sigh, Evan closed up the shop for the night. The quiet felt almost too loud after the lively conversation with Lyra and Rook. He made his way upstairs to his small living quarters, his thoughts still filled with images of adventurers clashing with monsters in the depths of the Twilight Woodlands, of daring heists and heroic battles.
As he lay down in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, Evan's mind wandered. What would it be like to fight alongside Lyra? To sneak into enemy camps with Rook? To face down some of the monsters they talked about? It was hard not to dream about it, especially after hearing their stories.
But he wasn't a warrior. He wasn't a rogue. He was just the owner of The Modern Haven, a shop that sold magic-infused food and drinks. A shop that, thanks to Lyra and Rook, was about to get a lot busier.
Evan sighed again, turning on his side. Maybe he wasn't meant for adventures. Maybe he was exactly where he needed to be. But as he drifted off to sleep, the thought still lingered in the back of his mind: What if I could be more?