Capítulo 25: Chapter 25 – Invitation

Without realizing it, two hours had already passed since Max analyzed the world record run video. He was so engrossed in it that he only noted a few parts of the video.

Of course, he didn't just analyze the world record run but also the second and third fastest. They were all different, including the enemies' spawn, but the strategies they used were similar.

"The goal of the run is to take over a fort by killing the barbarian's leader and occupy the highest point for a few minute, huh? And the most efficient strategy is to split up, as only one person was needed to stay on top."

The breeze hit Max's face softly, blowing his hair as he watched the video again. His hand was on his chin, thinking deeply.

Max was a competitive person by birth. He would spare no effort to win as long as there was a competition. Even if there was no bonus for winning, he definitely would always aim for the win.

The reason was simple.

"It's fun to win."

After watching different videos of the run, Max realized something important. He narrowed his eyes and paused StoneSword's video in the middle of the run.

"This…"

His smile tugged up into a smile that slowly formed a wide grin.

"Why did no one go through this path before?" Max asked himself but noticed a problem shortly after he resumed the video. "Ah… I see."

He wanted to try it immediately, but he had no friend to run the duo with him. So, all he could do was note what he just found.

At that moment, a notification window popped up right in front of his face, startling him.

Ding!

"Wha?!"

He almost jumped out of his chair out of surprise.

"Who is it?" He growled in irritation as he was interrupted so suddenly.

Max looked at the notification and saw the name Nina written on it, with the call written above and the 'Accept' and 'Refuse' buttons under her name.

'I should've guessed.' He sighed, calming himself down.

Then, he pressed the accept button, and Nina's cute face popped on the screen together with another small notification.

[Video Call started]

On the screen, Max was able to see Nina clearly. She wore a headband to keep her hair and a white jacket with fluffy fur around the hood. Looking at the background, she seemed to be in her bedroom.

"Ah, hello there!" She greeted cheerfully while waving at the screen.

"Hello, Nina." Max greeted back with a smile as he relaxed his posture. "It's rare for you to call me this late. Do you need something or help?"

"Ah, no no no."

Nina looked quite flustered as she shook her head rapidly.

"I was just wondering… Are you fine with your job? You know… My dad looked happy but was also worried that you got scammed when I told him you got a job. Ah, I am also worried. That's why I called!"

"I know." Max chuckled at her rather cute reason, "Thank you for worrying, but I am fine. It pays well, and the job isn't as hard as you think. Of course, it's a virtual job. So you also don't need to worry about my safety."

"I see…" Nina smiled, looking relieved. "W-Well, that's all I wanted to ask. Ah, my dad said to come tomorrow morning to test a new menu. He said there are many customers lately, so he wants to make new variations and needs a regular customer's opinion. That's all, bye!"

The window disappeared as soon as she said that. Max heaved a sigh and smiled.

"Both of them can't be honest. I told them I was fine, but they still wanted to help me."

Max knew that testing a new menu was just an excuse the chef used to invite him for free breakfast. Nina also collaborated on that, which had happened more than 3 times with new excuses each time.

Their kindness knew no bounds, and they especially liked Max for some reason.

"Tomorrow morning, huh?" Max stood up from the chair and logged out of the VR capsule.

***

Obviously, Max had no reason to refuse Nina and the chef's kindness. Even if he had gotten many donations, they would only be able to be withdrawn twice a month. It was still too early to get the pay, as it was still early in the April, so he was happy when Nina invited him last night.

Besides, the chef would sulk and get angry if Max didn't come. It happened once, and he didn't want to repeat facing a sulking man again. That was a bad experience.

"Hello."

Max greeted respectfully as he entered the half-opened restaurant. He arrived before it was open, as he was here for 'tasting' and not as a customer.

"Come in, Max! We are in the kitchen!" Nina's voice was booming from inside, but her figure couldn't be seen.

A sizzling sound followed suit with a sweet and tantalizing aroma.

When the smell entered his nostril, Max couldn't help but gulp. He could imagine how delicious the food would be from the smell alone, and his appetite was roused immediately. At this moment, he could feel hunger, and his stomach grumbled in response.

Grrr–

He was embarrassed.

'Damn… It smells delicious.'

Having received permission, Max went into the kitchen following the smell. It was just the room behind the curtain.

And there, he found Nina wearing an apron and a man with impressive muscle in a chef outfit putting three plates filled with green noodles on a tray.

He was the chef and Nina's father, Rush.

"You're here." The man nodded at Max. "Eat while it's still hot. We will also try it with you. Just give your opinion later."

"You can sit here, Max."

Nina set up a small chair beside her. Rush had long since been seated on her left and took one bowl for himself.

Scratching his cheek out of guilt and gratitude, Max smiled at Nina.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," Nina answered, putting a bowl filled with strangely green noodles and red broth before Max. "It's Dad's new creation, spicy spinach noodles. I don't know why he suddenly makes this, but it should be delicious." She smiled wryly as she glanced at Rush.

"It's healthy," Rush said calmly. "And no talking at the table. Let's eat."

"Yes, yes."

Nina sat down quietly and ate her own bowl, following her dad.

Watching them, Max smiled softly and ate his noodles too. His mind was still hovering over the fact that he had no friends other than Nina, so he couldn't even practice the run even if he wanted to.

That could add a surprise element, but the stake was too high for him not to practice anything.

At that moment, his eyes widened slightly, and he looked to his left.

'I have a friend.' He thought, slurping the noodle loudly.

Both Nina and Rush looked at him in wonder. Max usually ate slowly and carefully. Never did he slurp loudly like that.

"Is it too spicy?" Nina asked worriedly, "Or did the noodle not to your liking? I told dad many times that spinach noodles and spicy broth aren't a good combination!"

"But it tastes great." Rush chirped in defense, turning to Max. "And it's healthy. Do you really not like it?"

Max shook his head in denial, "No, it tastes great, chef. I just remembered something." He turned to Nina, who looked at him worriedly. "Nina, do you play a game?"

"A game?" Nina asked curiously, tilting her head. "I like games and playing some. But why suddenly?"

"Perfect." He smiled brightly, "Say… Can you help me with something?"

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