Now that I was fitted in my new outfit I was feeling ready for the coming day. I hadn't gotten rid of my old clothes, but I held them in my hand as I made my way home. We were running short on Valis, with only 500 remaining. That was alright though, I didn't need to eat today.
I'd gone without food pretty often when I was in Russia, so I could fast pretty easily without much of an issue. Russia was pretty fun, especially with all the snow when we were traveling through across the country.
It was basically just camping without a tent!
I bought some food for my companions, two kebabs hanging juicily on their skewers. They looked tantalizing, but I resisted for the moment. Tomorrow was Belle's big day, so she needed to eat. I just couldn't wait to buy these new clothes!
They practically called my name, and I couldn't feel more comfortable in them! Only 1,000 Valis too, what a steal! The salesman seemed pretty eager to sell them off to me, he could tell I was a perfect fit!
There was a faint smile on my face as I dreamed of my companions' reactions to my new outfit, only for someone to softly tug on my shirt from behind. In my stupor I didn't even notice them approaching! I guess their lack of hostile intent keeps them hidden from my sharpened senses . . . though don't get that confused with capital I Intent!
That was . . . well I wasn't sure. But it was something else. I knew that!
I turned down to the girl and my eyes widened slightly as I recognized her, even though I didn't know too many people in this city, I did know this girl.
"Excuse me, but I'd like to properly thank you for saving my life."
This was the girl who didn't understand road safety!
"Hi! Sorry for running away from you last time, I was in a bit of a rush." I gave an awkward laugh and slightly shuffled in place, she was still holding onto me, which wasn't inherently bad, but my arms were full so it was a little uncomfortable to have her holding on so tightly while being below me.
Something is weird about this girl, I'm just not sure exactly what. Normally this would be the part where I say 'What a Fateful Encounter!' . . . Wait a second. These weird feelings . . . They must simply be the rush of a Fateful Encounter!
". . . She's-"
I turned my head away towards the voice, but spotted no one there. What? At my sudden movement the girl blushed and spoke up to break the sudden awkwardness.
"Oh it's no problem at all, I completely understand. Are you free right now? I'd love to spend some time together." She had a cute smile, but not as cute as Belle's! She was in casual clothes with another set of attire in her right arm, and gave off 'girl next door vibes' once you got past the initial weirdness. Though back home it was a girl across the street.
"Sorry, but I've got to deliver these Kebabs to my Familia before they get cold, cold food that is supposed to be hot is the worst . . ." If microwave pizza was a thing here then cold kebabs at least wouldn't be as bad as that. She put her hands on her hips and gave me a small smile before she spoke up.
"How about I treat you to a meal then? You can bring something fresh to them instead of Kebabs from across the city." Her tone was jovial, but her logic left no room for argument. I could even make a new friend here!
I pondered it for a moment before nodding, however I had an even better idea in mind.
"Well if they'll be getting fed anyways, is it alright if I bring them along? I'm sure you'll enjoy their company!" I wasn't sure who this woman was, but I was absolutely certain they could get along pretty well if we all met up!
However much to my sorrow, she looked bothered by such an idea!
"I'm actually on my way to work for the night shift, I'll be late if we don't go now!" She looked genuinely distraught and I couldn't help but give a soft smile.
"Well if you'll be working, how will you spend time with me?"
She threw me a wink and a cheeky smile.
"You'll just have to wait and see!" Well, she's got me there.
"Alirght then. Lead the way my new friend! I'm Andrew by the way, it's good to finally put a name to a face!" I held out my hand for her to shake, and she returned the gesture with a smile and a slightly shaky hand.
"I'm Syr, nice to meet you!"
I am thou, thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the Wings of Hope that break the chains of thy Fate.
With the Birth of the Empress Arcana, You have obtained the winds of blessings that shall lead to freedom and new power. . .
Rank 1: Desire for Love - Increases Growth of Charm
A warm pant left her mouth causing me to raise an eyebrow in confusion. She wasn't exerting herself, though maybe it was hotter than I thought outside. She gently pulled the hand away and spoke up after a brief cough.
"W-well anyways, we're actually just a corner away, so we've met up at a great spot!"
She started moving, and she was a lot more correct then I'd first realized! We were literally just a corner away. I gave the building a once over, and it was a pretty nice place. The soft light coming from the building created a joyful atmosphere you could only find in a place that had a strong sense of community.
"I'll be right back, you go ahead and order whatever you like!" Syr split off into a side room, presumably to change, and I took a seat at the bar. The massive woman gave me a smile and slammed the counter top while leaning forward.
"So you're one of Syr's friends then?"
She was right. Syr was my friend now! Even if she was a bit strange.
Who was I to judge her based off of her first impression? That wasn't fair at all!
Honestly I thought I was better than that . . .
"Yep! She said she'd treat me here so I'd be a fool to turn her down."
Her smile was almost wolfish, and I even could sense a faint power running through the woman. She was strong!
"She must really like you then, try not to die in the Dungeon kid."
I looked up in slight surprise at her words, how did she know!?
"It's the sword and the calloused hands, though with an expression like that I can see the determination in your eyes."
Was she a mind reader?
Pickles, pickles, pickles. My face contorted as I focused on the fermented fruit as I rotated it in my mind.
"Why do you look like you're having stomach trouble? I haven't even fed you yet!"
Maybe she was just good at reading expressions. I knew this woman was strong!
"Then let's fix that! Though do you have a to-go box I can put these kebabs in? I don't want them to go to waste." She let out a small grunt as she handed me a thickly layered basket bowl.
"Put 'em in there, now let me get you some real food." While she retreated into the kitchen a pair of hands softly made their way behind me and onto my shoulders.
"Guess who?"
Foolish, Foolish, Foolish. I have played this game one thousand times before. I am undefeated.
"That would have to be my friend Syr, who seems to have returned from changing."
"Good guess! Next time it will be harder!" I leaned back at her chipper words, my head now staring up at her from its rolled back state. A small smile grew on my face as I realized there was something I forgot to do!
"Thank you Syr, this means a lot." She waved me off, and instead just smiled back.
"How could I refuse to pay back my savior? Also now that you've eaten here once you're bound to come back!"
"Well we'll just have to wait and see-" a massive plate of saucy spaghetti and meatballs was placed in front of me. This was more than enough to feed four people.
My eyes slowly moved up to the massive woman and I silently clenched the nearby fork in my hand as I prepared myself for my next foe.
I gently inserted my fork into the plate of spaghetti, and gently twisted it in order to wrap the soft strands around my fork. Then I inserted it into my mouth and the explosion of flavor caused me to pause and widen my eyes in joy.
This was amazing!
"May I have the name of the chef? I need to praise them for this amazing dish."
"Just call me Mama Mia kid, and don't mention it. Just pay for yourself next time."
She walked off, and I started putting the large portions into the basket I had with me causing Syr to frown.
"Leaving already? You just got here!" Her hands were on her hips and she looks genuinely disappointed. "At least bask in the glow of our wonderful little restaurant first!"
She was right. I'd been a bad guest. This was her place of work and I'd tried to leave multiple times after receiving free food.
This was not my Shounen Way!
Seriously, it's like my instincts are telling me to get out of here, but not in a combat way, just in a weird way!
So 'instincts', If you're listening: Stop interfering with my relationships or we are going to have a problem.
". . ."
Alright! I feel better already!
I set down my extra clothes on my chair as I stood up and closed the package of food.
She frowned but I gave her a smile.
"This is a nice place, I don't have to leave just yet. Why don't you tell me a little bit about it?" She seemed to glow under the question and started something I never expected to hear.
She started a Shounen monologue.
"This place is filled with countless types of people from countless walks of life. When there's so many people, there's so much to discover and I can't help but love spending time learning just a bit more about each and every customer." She took a breath as she held her hand over her heart and her eyes flicked towards me. "You could even say my hobby is meeting new people, or in your case, getting saved by them. I think there is something magical about getting to know people you haven't met yet, little stories you can't ever fully read, but are forever interesting nonetheless. Aren't people amazing?"
My heart skipped a beat for a moment. She was one of my people!
I rocketed up and held my fist to the sky nearly causing my chair to get knocked over as I took a stance.
"Syr, that was beautiful! You're beautiful!" She blushed and staggered back, like an arrow was shot through her heart! "Such passion for the connections between different groups of people, the understanding that everyone is unique and has their own story to tell! You're amazing!"
Rank 2: My Heart isn't Full - Increases Stamina. Increases Stamina regeneration after eating.
"W-wow." She took a gulp and her entire body shivered all at once. "T-thank you- I need to go to the bathroom."
"Eh?" I stood there awkwardly as she ran off.
I even waited five minutes and she's still not out.
The poor girl must have really eaten something bad. It certainly wasn't this spaghetti, but whatever it was I'll have to avoid it from now on! Food poisoning is the worst.
With that I made my way back home, which honestly wasn't that far away. I'll certainly have to come back there in the future with everyone in tow! Or at least bring along Belle, it's on the way to the Dungeon after all.
Tomorrow was going to be a big day. That was for sure.
I slowly made my way inside quietly, and spotted my two dear companions seated at a small table with three chairs. Upon seeing me they perked up, and I plopped the basket on the table with a winning smile.
"I have something special for us tonight, so let's dig in!" I opened up the basket to reveal the spaghetti and kebabs causing the room to nearly glow with hunger. Belle was already sliding next to me, and Hestia was pulling out a kebab with a smile on her face.
"Eat up Belle, tomorrow is going to be our first descent, so make sure you end up full and recharged for our dive!"
She started stuffing the food into her mouth, and swallowed it down with a weak sigh.
"I'll always be ready for whatever you have planned- this is also really good."
I put my hands on my hips and took in the scene.
Our family was warming up to each other.
It was nice, and the warm feelings that ran through my body brought a sense of peace that could only be felt in a Home.
This was family, and my only regret was that my family back on Earth wasn't here to see it.