Inside the Cafeteria
Cassian's POV
"So how was your first day, boy?" the panda chef asked, his deep voice laced with warmth as he stirred something in a massive pot behind the counter.
"I swear, if he wasn't a man, I would've squeezed those chubby cheeks of his," I muttered under my breath with a small grin.
"It was good. I learned quite a few new things," I replied honestly, spooning some rice and curry into my mouth. The flavors were simple but comforting—far better than I expected from a place filled with desperate healers and warriors.
"Hmm, that's good, but don't forget to eat more. Your job's a hard one," he said as he placed another full plate in front of me with practiced care.
The scent of freshly cooked eggs and a subtle blend of spices wafted up. "They really are the same," I thought, recalling the bear chef from before. Their vibes—gruff on the outside, warm on the inside—were practically identical.
"Haha—I'll make sure to eat a lot so you don't have to worry," I said jokingly, digging in again with a satisfied smile.
"Hmph. Who's worried about you?" he grumbled as he turned around to tend to another pot. But I saw it—his fluffy ears twitched slightly. Softie.
I was halfway through my meal when someone sat across from me. A familiar presence. I glanced up briefly—it was Luna. Black hair, piercing blue eyes, and that calm, inquisitive gaze of hers. She didn't speak right away, just stared.
I went back to my food, determined not to be distracted. I was hungry, and this soup was delicious. But her gaze was burning a hole in my face. It was the kind of stare that made you feel like you owed someone an answer before they even asked a question.
I tried to ignore it. Took a bite of fluffy omelette and rice. Damn, rice and egg go together way too well.
"You—how did you do it?" she asked at last, voice quiet but direct.
I paused, glanced at her, and said, "What do you mean, Miss Luna?"
"Don't play dumb. I'm talking about the cores," she said, eyes narrowing.
"Oh, that." I took another bite and casually said, "I got them by killing undead."
"I know that." Her voice tightened. "But how did you get so many? There's no way you can use Purification that many times with your low mana pool. I've seen you."
I let out a small sigh and stood, picking up my tray. "I killed them myself, Miss Luna. If you can't believe that, there's nothing I can do."
She looked stunned. As if she'd expected some kind of excuse or flattery. Her mouth opened slightly, brows furrowed. For someone used to admiration and attention, I guess indifference was a foreign concept.
I didn't wait. I turned, walked away, and gave my tray back. I wasn't going to stick around long enough for her to ask for help. With this body of mine, I had a gut feeling I wouldn't be able to say no.
Five Minutes Later
"Thanks, boy. You're a great help," the panda chef said as I handed over my tray.
"It's nothing," I replied with a smile.
I should've walked away then. I really should've. But no—this body had other plans.
Just as I turned to leave, my feet froze. My hands moved on their own. My traitorous body turned back toward the kitchen. The panda chef was washing plates alone.
Nope. No no no. Don't do it. Don't—
Too late. My sleeves were already rolled up. I was beside him, scrubbing dishes like I'd signed up for this job.
And the panda? That shameless oversized fluffball? He just grinned. "Oh, you wanna help? Sure. Here you go," he said, dumping a stack of even dirtier plates into the sink.
This body… I swear… one day, I will break free from its clutches.
Thirty Painful Minutes Later
Finally, my hands were free. I rinsed off the last dish and sighed in relief. Never again.
Just as I was about to make my escape, the panda turned around and stopped me. I braced myself for round two of 'volunteering.'
But instead, he handed me something.
A choco lava cake.
"…For helping," he said, trying—and failing—to sound nonchalant.
I froze, staring at the warm little dessert in my hands. The chocolate was oozing slightly from the center. It smelled divine.
I… almost cried.
Back in My Room
Garven had already informed me that my first salary was credited earlier today. Technically, I could go shopping now, maybe upgrade my gear.
But…
I didn't want to go out yet. Not after everything. I had a nagging feeling that someone—or multiple someones—might still be keeping an eye on me. Paranoia or not, it didn't hurt to be cautious.
Besides, today had been fulfilling. I did my job well, had a good meal, earned some points, maybe even struck a profitable deal with Carla—the holy scammer.
Now?
Now it was time to test out the new sword I bought earlier.
I unsheathed it carefully. The blade glimmered with a faint holy light, humming with subtle energy. It was well-balanced. The grip felt comfortable.
I gave it a few experimental swings.
"Slash. Slash."
Then—
Crack.
"What the fuck?!"
The sword sliced through the wooden wardrobe like butter.
-To be continued….