Villain Ch 219. Hidden Gem Restaurant
The restaurant exuded a cozy ambiance, its warm lighting casting a gentle glow on the wooden tables and plush cushioned chairs. The interior design was tasteful, a blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. Soft instrumental music played in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Despite being a hidden gem tucked away from the bustling city streets, the restaurant was not overly crowded. It had managed to strike a perfect balance between popularity and exclusivity. Guests could enjoy a peaceful dining experience without feeling cramped or overwhelmed by noise.
The menu offered a delightful array of options to tantalize every taste bud. From mouth watering appetizers to succulent main courses and delectable desserts, there was something to satisfy every craving. The dishes were carefully crafted, bursting with flavors that delighted the palate. And the best part was that the prices were surprisingly affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.
Among the guests enjoying the culinary delights were Allen and Vivian. They were seated at a cozy corner table.
"You surely know how to choose a place," Vivian praised, leaning back in her chair and taking a sip of her drink. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she surveyed the empty plates in front of them. "I must admit, this is some incredible food."
Allen grinned, pleased with Vivian's reaction. "Thanks. This is my go-to restaurant whenever I want to indulge in a delicious meal. The flavors here are just out of this world."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I can't believe I've never heard of this place before. And I've been living in this city for much longer than you. How did you discover it?"
"Well, I had no one here when I moved to this city," Allen began, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "So, I often found myself venturing out alone, exploring the streets, and getting to know this place on a deeper level. It was my way of making a connection, you know?"
Vivian nodded, her interest piqued. "That's a brave thing to do. Exploring a new city all by yourself. But I guess it allowed you to discover some interesting things, right?"
A wistful smile touched Allen's lips as he recalled those early days. "Absolutely. I stumbled upon breathtaking scenery, hidden parks, and charming cafés. It was during these explorations that I discovered my passion for photography. I found myself capturing those moments, freezing them in time."
Vivian listened intently, fascinated by Allen's journey of self-discovery. She sensed that there was more to his story, something that had prompted him to embark on this solo adventure. But she decided to let him share at his own pace.
"Ah, that's why," Vivian mused and put the cup on the table. "Before this, did you have any other hobbies besides playing games?" Vivian inquired, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, eager to discover more about Allen. She saw him as a puzzle she wanted to solve, to unravel the layers of his personality and understand what truly brought him joy.
A playful smile danced across Allen's face as he considered her question. "Well, believe it or not, I used to have a passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes," he confessed, his eyes lighting up with a hint of nostalgia.
Vivian's eyes widened in surprise, and a giggle escaped her lips. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed, unable to contain her astonishment. Allen didn't strike her as the culinary type at all.
Chuckling softly, Allen quickly clarified, "Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not a professional chef by any means. Just a simple home cook with a passion for experimenting in the kitchen. I would often find myself watching recipe videos online and attempting to recreate those mouthwatering dishes."
"You surely are interested in many things," Vivian commented, a playful tone lacing her words as she observed Allen with a hint of admiration. She found herself drawn to his diverse range of hobbies and his thirst for knowledge.
Allen smiled, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I've always had this insatiable curiosity about the world around me. I believe that knowing a little bit about everything can come in handy, especially in those unexpected moments when you find yourself needing to rely on your own skills and knowledge."
Vivian nodded, a newfound appreciation for Allen's independent spirit forming within her. His desire for self-reliance and his determination to be prepared for any situation resonated with her own beliefs. It was clear that he didn't want to be solely dependent on others, but instead, he sought to empower himself and be a source of strength when needed.
"I see... That's a good thing," Vivian murmured, a genuine admiration shining in her eyes as she regarded him.
"Anyway, about the game. I'm thinking of defeating the monster boss after we successfully pass the test. What do you think?" Allen asked, eager to hear Vivian's opinion before discussing it with anyone else. He valued her input, knowing that she had a solid understanding of Player versus Environment (PVE) gameplay and could provide valuable suggestions.
Vivian raised an eyebrow, making sure she understood which boss monster Allen was referring to. "You mean Dracula?" she clarified, her voice laced with curiosity.
Allen nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. "Yeah, that's the one. But it all depends on our new skills and how much our evolution has taken us. We could give it a try and assess our progress, or perhaps we could challenge another boss monster that has a lower level," he suggested, his mind buzzing with strategic possibilities.
According to Kafra, Allen had discovered that in his next tier, he could forge contracts with powerful boss monsters. The prospect of gaining such formidable allies both intrigued and motivated him. However, the addition of new and significant players to the game made him feel slightly restless.
"Hmm, we definitely need to discuss this with the others," Vivian replied, her tone tinged with a hint of doubt.
She couldn't deny her interest in taking on such a challenging boss monster, but the reality was that their current levels were still a bit low, and the boss monster was known to be incredibly formidable. It would require the collective strength and coordination of their entire team to have any chance of success. Moreover, they would need to ensure that everyone was at their peak performance, fully equipped and mentally prepared, as even the slightest distraction could prove fatal in this game's intense battles.
Allen nodded. "You're right. Also, we need to prepare our equipment," he agreed. "We should start gathering the necessary materials now. Let's focus on obtaining the easier-to-obtain items first, gradually working our way up."
Note: Every boss monster/mini-boss monster that has been defeated/contracted by Allen will still spawn again on the map they came from.