Chapter 6: what is monster?
Aadi squinted at the screen, his stomach rumbling. "I'll have the...uh...what's the most popular dish?"
The robot's eyes scanned the options. "The 'Galactic Delight' is highly recommended. It's a pattern of interstellar flavors, a pattern of ingredients from across the cosmos."
Aadi's curiosity piqued, he nodded. "Alright, I'll have that."
The robot took his order and disappeared into the kitchen. Aadi looked around, taking in the alien sights and sounds. The café was a bustling hub of various species, each engaged in their own conversations, oblivious to the newcomer. The walls were adorned with screens showing scenes from different planets—some lush with greenery, others a stark contrast of fire and ice. The smells wafting from the kitchen were a symphony of the unfamiliar, making his mouth water in anticipation.
Moments later, the robot returned with a steaming plate. The 'Galactic Delight' was a colorful array of food that looked more like a piece of art than something edible. He took a tentative bite, and his taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors he had never experienced before. It was a dance of sweet, savory, bitter, and sour, all at once. He chewed thoughtfully, trying to decipher the individual notes of each ingredient.
SUMMARY^1: Aadi enters a café and, feeling hungry, asks for the most popular dish, the 'Galactic Delight'. The robotic server describes it as a blend of interstellar flavors. Aadi, intrigued, orders it and waits as the robot disappears into the kitchen. Upon its return, Aadi is served a vibrant plate of food that resembles art, which upon tasting, he finds to be a delightful explosion of new and unfamiliar flavors.
As he ate, Aadi couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations around him. One alien spoke in a series of clicks and whistles, while another had a deep, rumbling bass that seemed to shake the very table they sat at. They talked of distant worlds, of battles won and lost, of myths and legends that had been passed down through the cosmos. It was all so fascinating that he almost forgot his own troubles.
But as he finished his meal and the robot returned to clear his plate, reality came crashing back. "How much do I owe you?" he asked, reaching for his pocket, only to realize he had left his wallet in the game world.
The robot's digital eyes blinked. "Your account has been debited the standard Earth currency equivalent, based on your order."
Aadi frowned. "But I didn't—"
The robot, unmoved by his protests, continued, "Please confirm your identification for the transaction record."
Aadi sighed, resigned to his fate. He gave his name and details, watching as the robot processed the information. When it was done, it looked up at him with an expressionless face. "Your identity is verified. You may proceed to the exit."
As Aadi stepped out of the café, the vibrant colors of the alien bazaar hit him like a wave. He felt overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. The air was thick with the aromas of exotic spices and the cacophony of alien languages. He paused for a moment, trying to decide which way to go.
SUMMARY^1: Aadi overhears various conversations at the alien café, briefly distracting him from his own troubles. When he finishes his meal, he realizes he forgot his wallet in the game world. The robot charges his account the standard Earth currency for the 'Galactic Delight' and confirms his identity before allowing him to leave. The alien bazaar outside is a sensory overload with vibrant colors, exotic smells, and a symphony of alien languages.
Suddenly, he heard a shrill scream from a nearby alley. Instinctively, he rushed towards the sound. As he turned the corner, he saw a group of thuggish-looking creatures, armed with futuristic-looking weapons, surrounding a small, trembling figure. A young girl, no more than ten years old, clutched a bag tightly to her chest, her eyes wide with fear. Aadi recognized her as the one he had seen in the game world, his sister's avatar.
The creatures noticed his approach and snarled, one of them raising a weapon menacingly. Aadi felt a surge of anger and protectiveness. Without a second thought, he stepped forward, his hand transforming into a glowing blue sword, a relic from his game. The thugs took a step back, clearly surprised. "Back off," he warned, his voice steady despite the racing of his heart.
The leader of the group sneered, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. "What's a human like you doing here?" he spat in a gruff, alien tongue. Aadi's sister's avatar looked up at him with hope in her eyes. He knew he had to get her to safety. "Just leave her alone," Aadi said firmly, hoping his bravado would be enough to scare them off.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone