Chapter 50 - Serpent's Fang Lounge

Adam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. From the mechanical beak of the Aviatrix came the unmistakable voice of none other than Isaac Volta himself, but that wasn’t possible—or was it? Suddenly, he remembered the experience Sebastian had shared about being able to communicate with Falk, and how Falk had claimed that what was inside him was truly the soul of a child. Did that mean that when Thaddeus had handed over his father’s soul, it had been placed inside the mechanical bird, allowing it to regain consciousness later?

Sebastian seemed to understand Adam’s surprise—he couldn't blame him since he wasn’t the only one taken aback. Isaac (or Falk, as he now preferred to be called) had regained consciousness remarkably quickly. According to him, it was due to the sheer magnitude of his own intelligence, though it could have easily been a coincidence or a combination of other factors. The fact that he suddenly began to speak and introduce himself had caught the entire team off guard, so much so that even the elderly Sebastian had nearly lost his balance from the shock.

"I understand that it's hard to take in, but Mr. Volta... sorry, Falk, has been helping us a lot. He's especially been guiding me in developing several things that could be very useful to us."

The old man spoke calmly and with a smile, while his small mechanical bird seemed to puff out its chest in pride.

"But of course! I accepted long ago that this is my new life, and honestly, it doesn’t bother me in the least, considering how... err... my last one ended. But no matter, this reality you all live in, these scenarios, this 'shop' where you can get anything, it’s incredible. I still have millions of ideas I want to help build!"

The small bird, now imbued with the soul of the most brilliant scientist from the second scenario, seemed highly enthusiastic about the new reality that had been revealed to him. While this was undeniably remarkable, it left Adam with more questions than answers. The fact that an NPC could interact with the system outside their scenario was something he had never thought possible, especially considering the system’s built-in censorship whenever a user attempted to discuss such matters with the inhabitants of a story. And yet, here he was, one of the most significant characters in his world, observing everything firsthand as though he were just another user.

This wasn’t a program. It didn’t make sense that it would be, and if that were the case… then the Undead Empress wasn’t a simple NPC either, perhaps?

Adam couldn’t think or say anything else, as right after that brief exchange of words, the waiting time ended and a white flash enveloped them all, transporting the entire group to the third scenario. A vast and rural free world of martial arts and honorable warriors… but when he opened his eyes, what greeted him was something entirely different, just like the last, and not glitchy, part of the summary had stated.

The first thing he noticed was the dim, artificial light of lanterns and street lamps, cutting through the gloom of a bustling city at night, and the air was thick with the sharp, musty scent of an abandoned alleyway.

And it seemed he wasn’t the only one feeling unsettled by the change. The rest of the group looked equally confused, glancing around at the grimy alleyway and the unfamiliar urban landscape. Kazue's usual excitement had turned into a cautious gaze, while Drake scanned the surroundings with a deep frown. Even Li seemed slightly on edge, clearly not expecting this urban jungle from the get-go.

"And what exactly is all of this? Have we returned to the 'real world' or something like that?"

The pink-haired Chloe suddenly asked, clearly the least affected among the newcomers. She kept moving back and forth with interest, while both the blonde girl and the boy seemed unable to move due to the anxiety of the situation. The soldier Gregor, on the other hand, simply sighed, stepped forward, and grasped Chloe by the shoulder to bring her to a stop.

"This is not the real world. I feel that what they've said so far is true, even if it doesn't make sense, but we're seeing it with our own eyes. You should stay calm and let us be guided through all this madness."

The truth was that Gregor also seemed to have his doubts about everything happening, but he couldn't deny what he was seeing. Whatever reasoning was going on in his mind, it was evident that he was a mature and composed individual, as any soldier would be. This made it much easier to deal with him, especially for Li, who had also been a military man before arriving in this place.

"I know what you might be feeling right now; I went through the same thing. So please, stay together and do not separate from the group under any circumstances."

Blurted Nikolai, speaking calmly and sticking out his tongue as the strange tattoo glimmered slightly.

[Skill: Silver Tongue Lv1] [You have seen the skill twice, data is being collected] [Low-level skill that slightly influences the thoughts of other living beings who hear the user's voice and understand their words. It works on characters of rank equal to or lower than F and on users with a potential lower than that of the skill's user.] [Hint: The influence on others is more of a "suggestion" than mind control; it is not possible to control the outcome.]

Interestingly, that was not a very powerful skill at all, but it certainly served perfectly to calm the newcomers, just as it had done in the lobby, enough to make them pay attention to the instructions.

"He is right; we will always stick together because this place can be extremely dangerous. It's unclear whether it was classified as a C or B rank scenario due to that strange glitch in the plot description, but even if it is the lowest of the two, we must always remain alert."

Li then explained that they would first explore the area with the utmost caution to gather information about the world they were in and, hopefully, understand the narrative thread they could follow. However, Adam could clearly see in the man's eager eyes that he was searching for something else—possibly hoping to uncover a hidden subplot as soon as possible.

"Don't worry! While all of this may seem very risky and even dangerous, rest assured that we will protect you if anything happens. Just stay close, learn as much as you can, and enjoy this experience, because, despite everything, it’s still a fantastic story where I am... uh, I mean, we are the protagonists!"

Kazue exclaimed, jumping amid the newcomers and speaking with great energy while showcasing her two mechanical gauntlets and delivering a powerful fist bump. The scene, instead of calming them, startled them a bit and pushed them back in surprise and a touch of fear.

"Oh, no! Don’t be scared, these fists are just for smashing enemies and breaking—bleh!"

Kazue's words were cut off by Drake, who stepped up to her and placed his right hand firmly on her head, pushing it down to make her stop talking—just like he had done back in the second scenario when she called the pirate blacksmith a "dwarf." The girl protested at the gesture, pouting and saying she only wanted to help, to which the blonde responded with an honest laugh.

Since when had they become so close? Even Adam had to admit that he had started to open up to them a bit more, but he couldn’t see himself doing anything like that.

But regardless of the situation, the entire group emerged from the alley where they had landed, finally stepping out onto what appeared to be a modern street. Which, luckily, had a worn and graffitied sign that seemed to indicate the name of the place where they currently found themselves.

The group seemed to find themselves in the heart of ‘Heavenly Jade City’, surrounded by towering buildings bathed in pulsating neon lights that cast a strange, otherworldly glow on the slick streets. Massive screens flash images of martial arts tournaments, gambling matches, and alluring figures, their vibrant colors cutting through the night. The air is thick with the smell of incense mixed with smoke, alcohol, and the faint tang of something metallic.

Ahead, a sprawling casino looms, its golden dragon motifs curling along the edges of its glass façade, while crimson lanterns sway gently above the entrance, casting eerie shadows. Cars and motorbikes speed by, their drivers barely visible behind tinted windows, while others on the streets move with a mix of purpose and wariness, some cloaked in long coats, others wearing gaudy, extravagant outfits that glitter under the lights.

Down a nearby alley, narrow and damp, flickering fluorescent lights reveal graffiti covering the walls. Trash litters the ground, and huddled figures whisper in the darkness, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

Above, the sky is hidden behind layers of smog and glowing advertisements, the stars barely visible. The distant hum of chatter, laughter, and the occasional shout echoes through the streets, mixing with the steady thrum of electronic beats leaking from nearby clubs. Swords, once sacred tools and the emblem of a xianxia story, hang above doorways like decorations, and in the far distance, a derelict pagoda stands forgotten, its roof barely visible among the flashing lights and towering modern structures.

The last thing anyone would have thought in that place was that this was the martial arts world the initial description had hinted at. In fact, upon closer reflection, it was the first time in all three scenarios that started with a specific theme only to shift rapidly to something entirely different, as though the story had already been resolved. It was odd and somewhat reminiscent of the final remark from the second scenario, which indicated that the team’s actions had altered the future of that world, transforming it completely.

It was something to consider for the future, but for now, the most pressing concern was gathering information about where they had landed. But would it really be that simple to ask? A quick glance at the people nearby revealed none of them looked particularly friendly. In fact, some had their eyes fixed on the group. Fortunately, none of them seemed too out of place in terms of clothing, as they all wore attire typical of a conventional city.

"We should start by looking for information in a busy place, like a bar or... I’m not sure what those are, a casino?"

Li spoke, clearly disoriented by the abundance of establishments and lights surrounding them, but even so, the others accepted his suggestion without complaint, as it seemed like the best option. With that decided, they cautiously made their way through the city streets toward the nearest building that resembled a commercial establishment. They remained vigilant, careful not to lower their guard at any point, however, something strange was happening around them, and it didn’t take long for them to notice.

People were actively avoiding them. A few individuals came a bit closer than necessary, but upon noticing the group, they quickly stepped aside, and one woman even ran off screaming after catching sight of them. Meanwhile, several men who had been lurking in the shadows of a nearby alley disappeared, as if they had decided they didn’t want to deal with them.

“What’s going on? Why are they avoiding us like that? Is this normal?”

Gregor asked aloud, his tone filled with confusion, while Li responded, equally perplexed.

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“I don’t know, but it’s not natural. There shouldn’t be anything suspicious about us.”

It was strange, especially when things like Kazue's encounter occurred; until that moment, she had been talking with the newbies and then noticed a child with his father on one of the nearby sidewalks. She greeted them with a smile, only for the father to grab the child by the arms and rush away from the area at full speed, it was as if… they were afraid of them.

Several more minutes passed without any developments until they finally spotted a massive establishment adorned with neon lights that shaped a bottle and the silhouette of a woman, both accompanied by strange letters and symbols. Thanks to the automatic translation from the option everyone had, it clearly read "Restaurant and Bar with Show", so they decided to head toward that place.

The entrance was enormous, with people coming and going as a couple of men dressed in black suits scrutinized everyone as if they were security personnel. In fact, they were, and their job was to ensure that only those with the proper invitation could enter. Unbeknownst to the group, this bar and restaurant belonged to the Wudang Sect, a highly feared and respected group in the city.

Upon arriving, both men, who were taller than anyone present, stopped them and demanded to know who they were. Li was the first to speak for the group, stating that they were merely travelers with money looking for a place to have fun, however, neither of the guards believed him in the slightest, nor did it seem to matter; they indicated that the group should leave. When Li persisted, the guards exchanged glances and smiled openly at the prospect of having a valid reason to throw them out forcefully, but just as both suited men began to flex their muscles, demonstrating that they could increase their size even more, one of them suddenly widened his eyes in surprise at what he had just seen.

"Hey, wait a moment... Look!"

One of the men said to his companion, calming his strange muscular transformation and pointing at the group as if he had seen something that surprised him.

"Oh, fuck... Sorry, we didn't realize that... Ugh, I'll get the owner as soon as possible. Please, just give me a minute."

With that, he disappeared through the entrance door, leaving the other man standing there with his head bowed, unwilling to make eye contact with anyone. This was all too much—what was happening? Everyone exchanged puzzled glances; even Li looked completely bewildered by the situation.

Shortly after, the guard returned, and with a tone completely different from how he had initially received them, he bowed as well.

"Mr. Zhou Tianhe has designated a space for you to enjoy your stay at the 'Serpent's Fang Lounge'. Please be so kind as to follow me; I will guide you to your table."

As the group stepped through the grand entrance of the Serpent's Fang Lounge, they were immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence and elegance. The expansive foyer featured polished marble floors that reflected the soft glow of ornate lanterns suspended from the high ceiling, each adorned with intricate gold filigree designs. The gentle hum of traditional Chinese-like instrumental music filled the air, creating a serene backdrop that contrasted with the bustling energy of the outside world.

As they moved deeper into the establishment, the group passed tables laden with elegantly arranged dishes, each more colorful and tantalizing than the last. Diners, dressed in finely tailored robes and formal attire, engaged in lively conversations, their laughter mingling with the music, truly an extremely fancy place that none of them had ever been in the real world.

The one who seemed to be completely absorbed by the wonder of it all, gazing at everything as if he were in a delightful dream, was none other than the small Emir. His eyes sparkled with excitement, glimmering like stars against the backdrop of the decor, Kazue seized the moment, gently ruffling his hair affectionately and assuring him that this was just the beginning of many wonderful experiences like this one.

The group's guide led them past a large koi pond, where vibrant fish swam gracefully beneath a wooden bridge, captivating everyone in the team for a couple of seconds before continuing.

Ascending the grand staircase, they reached the third floor, where the ambiance shifted to one of even more exclusivity and refinement. Here, the air felt more intimate, the lighting dimmer, and the decor even more luxurious.

“Wooah…”

The exclamation was almost unanimous and their guide gestured toward a set of double doors beautifully carved, intricately etched with symbols of prosperity and good fortune.

Upon entering, the group found themselves in a lavish VIP room, adorned with silk drapes in deep shades of crimson and gold. Delicate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow that complemented the flickering candlelight, and an adjacent balcony offered a breathtaking view of the city below, with twinkling lights resembling stars scattered across the urban landscape.

Wishing them the best of stays, the guard bowed once more and left the room, assuring them that their food would arrive shortly.

"What luck! I don't know who they mistook us for, but it's great that we're being treated this way. I was starting to get hungry!"

Chloe said quickly, moving around the room and exploring everything, joined by Kazue, who was swept up in her excitement and eager to join in. The others followed suit, sitting around the enormous table in the center. Even though they hadn't encountered any danger yet, a break and a good meal wouldn't hurt.

"This is pointless; we're not going to get anything accomplished here. We're leaving right now."

Li was the only one who seemed unsatisfied with the current situation. Not only did it sound completely suspicious, but staying there among themselves rendered their visit to a public place to gather information pointless. They would achieve much more by heading to a more popular venue, like a casino or an actual bar, however, his little speech was interrupted by Nikolai, who not only sat down at the table but also propped his feet up on it.

"Calm down; in fact, this is the best thing that could have happened to us. I don’t know who they mistook us for, but judging by the attitude of everyone we've encountered, it seems we resemble someone important. They will treat us well."

Li seemed annoyed by that remark, as it was not what worried him at all. However, before he could respond, Nikolai raised a finger, signaling him to be quiet and let him continue.

"My point is that absolutely no one does this out of goodwill. If we were invited in for a luxurious dinner, it means they want something from us. The owner will come to keep us company, and I think that's the best source of information we could ask for, don't you?"

The boy's words made a certain amount of sense, especially coming from someone accustomed to these kinds of situations. So much so that even Li paused to consider them for a moment. However, unable to find a way to counter him, he merely grunted in frustration and sat down with the others.

As the anticipation hung in the air, the doors swung open, revealing a procession of elegantly dressed servers carrying trays adorned with an array of sumptuous dishes. The vibrant colors of the food were almost ethereal as if each dish radiated its own soft, mystical glow. Delicate dumplings, shaped like blooming lotus flowers, shimmered with a hint of gold, their fillings bursting with fragrant herbs and tender meats. Steamed buns, glistening like pearls, were filled with savory morsels of marinated duck and sweet plums, each bite promising a perfect balance of flavors. The aroma wafting through the room was intoxicating, mingling hints of spice with the freshness of ingredients that seemed to have been harvested just moments before.

Accompanying the dumplings were intricate plates of stir-fried vegetables, their vivid greens illuminated by a faint, enchanting light while glistening slices of jade-like fish glimmered in a rich soy glaze. An ornate bowl of soup, swirling with hues of deep crimson and jade, was garnished with edible flowers that floated atop its surface, releasing fragrant essences with every movement. The centerpiece was a lavish roast duck, its skin crispy and bronzed, reflecting the room’s golden light, while steam escaped from within, revealing succulent, tender meat. The sight and smell of the banquet were mesmerizing, to the point that some of the team members couldn’t resist and started to dig in almost immediately.

Emir, Chloe, and Kazue dove into the feast with unrestrained enthusiasm, as if they hadn’t eaten in days. Their hands darted across the table, scooping up delicate dumplings, glistening fish, and vibrant vegetables. Each bite they took was accompanied by a symphony of flavors that danced on their palates, eliciting spontaneous expressions of delight. The trio exchanged gleeful looks, their eyes wide with excitement as they savored every morsel, completely immersed in the culinary experience.

The rest of the group watched in bemusement, a mixture of amusement and disbelief on their faces. It was rare to see such unabashed joy over food, especially in such a precarious situation. Emir let out an involuntary gasp of pleasure as he bit into a steaming bun filled with succulent duck, while Chloe and Kazue giggled at their dramatic reactions. Their exaggerated expressions and animated chatter contrasted sharply with the more reserved demeanor of the others, who hesitated to partake in the feast, at least initially.

"This is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted!"

Chloe and Kazue exclaimed in unison, "This is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted!" Their enthusiastic praise somehow made the food look even more appealing to the others. One by one, they began to serve themselves hesitantly, tasting the dishes slowly, only to realize that the word "delicious" barely scratched the surface. Each bite revitalized them from within as if they were gaining renewed energy solely from the meal.

Within minutes, everyone was eating joyfully, except for Adam and Katya. Adam was busy reviewing the information that had popped up about the food, while Katya seemed too shy to pick up anything on her own. She struggled to grab a nearby dumpling, managing to take hold of it only to burn her tongue when she tried to bite into it, causing her to drop it clumsily.

"Whoa, be careful!"

Kazue said quickly, seizing the moment to grab a napkin with one hand and pick up the dumpling that Katya had dropped, placing it back on her plate. She smiled warmly and genuinely at Katya, whose surprise was evident; she didn’t seem accustomed to such gestures, even tho, unbeknownst to her, Kazue was simply reveling in how cool she thought she looked doing so, it was clear that her investment in the physical stats boosting pack had paid off.

“Oh… T-thank you.”

The blonde said, her voice so low and nervous that Kazue couldn’t help but feel a surge of tenderness. The truth was, characters who appeared serious and reserved but had a timid personality were some of her favorites. Discovering someone like that in real life was quite exciting. Without a second thought, she began to pile a few dishes onto Katya's plate, pointing out which ones had seemed the most delicious, leaving them for her to try—all while maintaining her ear-to-ear grin.

"Don't worry, just enjoy! The food tastes better when you eat with friends!"

“F-friends?”

Katya didn't know what to say and looked completely nervous. However, she seemed to muster the courage to grab a fork and take her first bite of the sautéed vegetables, which made her face light up with delight at how delicious they tasted.

“I know, right?”

Kazue finished her bite and continued enjoying her meal. Meanwhile, Adam was wrapping up his reading on the food, unable to believe what it said. However, upon reflection, it made sense that something like this could exist; he just hadn't considered it before.

[Ki-infused Delicacies - Rank E ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Food crafted with mastery in the control of ki, infusing each dish with vital energy that elevated its flavor and nutritional value far beyond the ordinary. Consuming it restored energy and alleviated fatigue, turning every bite into a rejuvenating experience.⌡

There wasn't more information available, but what had caught his attention the most was the description that explicitly mentioned "vital energy." Could it be possible that it would affect him as well and help with his need for this energy? He hadn't yet felt the symptoms of "The Hunger", but perhaps this food could help delay it even longer.

But just as Adam picked up a roast duck leg, cut a piece, and was about to take a bite, the doors to the room were knocked, revealing the person Nikolai had speculated would arrive sooner or later was already there.

The grand doors swung open, and in walked Mr. Zhou Tianhe, the owner of the restaurant. He dressed in a flowing green robe adorned with intricate golden embroidery and moved with a grace that belied his robust frame. The fabric shimmered subtly in the soft light, giving him an almost ethereal presence, while the elegant patterns seemed to tell tales of ancient legends. His long, dark hair cascaded down his back, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his dignified face, enhancing his wise and approachable demeanor.

“Welcome, esteemed guests, I hope you are enjoying such humble food. Had I known in advance that such an important guest as the main executive of the White Flower Divination School would arrive with it's retainers, we would have prepared something better."

Once again, there was confusion about why where they mistaken by important guests, since recognition inside a scenario from the get go was unheard of, maybe someone in the group resembled that "executive" that Zhou was referring to? Unfortunately, it wasn’t wise to ask or point out that he was mistaken, especially after they had played along so far. The best course of action was to remain silent on that topic for now.

"White Flower what? I think you’re mistaken; we're new here, don't even know what that is."

Chloe blurted this out suddenly with her mouth full, prompting Zhou Tianhe to turn and raise an eyebrow at her, while the rest of the group nearly pulled their hair out over the foolishness the newbie had just displayed, it seemed malicious even if it was only pure stupidity.