Emergency Feeding

"Is that… Unus Town?" Alan asked, flabbergasted, as he gazed upon new, towering buildings that hadn't existed during his last visit.

"It is," Smaio replied, directing the insect to take the road on their left and circle the outskirts. "I'm off to deliver the gloomshrooms. What about you?"

"We'll be fine. Will you be okay getting back on your own?"

"Yes, the weasenox only spawns once a day."

"Drop us here then. And good luck."

"Farewell, Users. May the Goddess Viola bless your path."

"Do you think Viola programmed them to worship her unconditionally?" Alan pondered aloud to Ashley as they watched the cart depart.

"That's worth investigating, though it's not our priority right now."

"You're right, although our primary goal seems far from reach." He met her gaze. "I was eager to enter The Novus, but now that I'm here, I'm unsure where to start."

Ashley paused, her stare unwavering, making him uneasy.

She's pretty cute, but damn, she's weird.

"Though it might be wise to ask the locals about any anomalies in the system, remember we need to keep our inquiries discreet. We can't let sensitive information slip to regular Users."

"What do you suggest then?"

"The only people in Novus we could discuss this with are the Administrators."

Alan exhaled and scratched his chin. "I knew you'd say that. Just let me take the lead a little longer. Let's wait until Astrid contacts me. I bet she can help us get in touch with an Administrator."

"Understood. Just remember, our mission must remain secret. Not even she can know."

"Got it, the importance of secrecy isn't lost on me. Let's find a way to get there."

We'll also need a map. The one I have only covers part of the Renovatio Caves and the road to get here.

They ventured through the back alleys, tantalized by the aroma of food. This must be the restaurant district. Since cooking in Novus doesn't generate waste, there's no stench of trash or decay.

"Alan?" Ashley said, clutching her stomach. "I don't feel so good."

"You must be hungry. I'm starving too."

"But why is this body experiencing this?"

Can she even get hungry?

"Listen, even though the pods feed us nutrients continuously, the system is designed to simulate hunger. Think of it as a necessary feature rather than an annoyance."

Although this hunger is artificial, I suppose the developers included it to remind us of our human vulnerability and dependencies.

Alan looked ahead, noting they were close to the main street. "Let's avoid drawing attention. We need to blend in—Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He exclaimed, amazed by the fancy restaurants, vibrant advertisements, and colorful surroundings. "This place has transformed into a bustling city!"

Bystanders immediately frowned at him.

"Alan," Ashley gripped his shoulder. "We're attracting unwanted—"

"Look at that place! They have ramen. And that one serves pizza! Hold on! If I'm going to finally enjoy good food after so long, it has to be special! Come on, Ashley!" He led her by the hand to a restaurant adorned with intimidating dragon décor, then blushed, realizing what he had done. "S-sorry."

Her hand is so soft. Like a real girl!

"If it's necessary, let's eat then," she replied emotionlessly.

Dammit, Ashley, at least pretend you're embarrassed too!

"Welcome," an NPC greeted as they entered. "Table for two? Follow me, please."

Alan observed the vibrant scene: Users in casual and armor attire, drinking and laughing, while a giant screen displayed a pink-haired girl singing:

++++++ Come on baby, get me back.

Like the first time you held my hand.

In this galaxy so vast and wide.

My love for you, I cannot hide.

My he-aa-art goes boom-bo-boom when you're not around! 

My he-aa-art goes room-ro-room, 'cause you're not around! +++++

There's even user-created entertainment now? That's cool! I wonder if they've started making movies yet.

Once seated, the hostess inquired, "First time here?"

"Y-yes."

"You can access the menu by pressing this button. A waitress will serve your order shortly. Enjoy your meal."

As the hostess departed, Ashley leaned in to whisper, "Alan, I need a crash course on how to eat."

I never thought I'd hear that in my life.

He cleared his throat, trying not to chuckle. "Chew before swallowing. Don't talk with food in your mouth... You know what? Just follow my lead."

The sight of an NPC waitress suddenly caught Alan's attention, and his gaze quickly focused on her maid dress, apron, and thigh-high stockings. 

Just look at that! These beauties make me feel rejuvenated! I had forgotten how cute girls, real or imitations, move and talk!

Wait a minute...

He whispered to Ashley, "I have a task for you."

"If it's within my capabilities, consider it done," she replied earnestly, making Alan feel a twinge of guilt.

Just a little.

"Do you agree we need to blend in?"

"Correct. Passing as regular Users will aid our mission."

"In that case, I think you should learn to act more... girly."

"What do you mean?"

"I've noticed how you walk..."

"What about it? Do I appear unnatural?"

"Yes! I didn't want to mention it earlier, but you move like The Santa María's automatons."

"I understand. I'll observe how these females walk," she said, eyeing a nearby waitress.

"Please, do that." Satisfied, Alan pressed the menu button. A virtual screen popped up, featuring the restaurant's name and a dancing dragon animation. "Alright. Let's try something simple for you: mashed potatoes, chicken soup, and lemonade. For me, a hamburger with fries, lasagna, apple pie, and a soda... Oh, I can already taste it all."

Food arrived swiftly, served by a curvaceous NPC with lavender hair. "Sorry, but I haven't received the lady's order," the waitress said.

"Oh, that's my mistake, I ordered for her. See?" He passed the food to Ashley, who scrutinized the employee.

"I see," the waitress smiled, doll-like. "Enjoy your meal."

Haven't I seen her before? 

"Anyway, Ashley, please focus on eating."

She studied her food, pressing the soup bowl to her lips.

"You should have used the spoon, but that's okay too," Alan muttered, ready to enjoy his hamburger until a sloshing sound made him turn. "Ashley!" he hissed. "Swallow!"

She paused, soup dripping from her face. "By your reaction, I understand I made a mistake."

"Here." He demonstrated with a spoon. "Fill it, put it in your mouth, and practice swallowing."

She wasn't kidding when she said I should treat her like a newborn! 

He glanced at her chest, noting how the system realistically rendered her wet wool dress clinging to her chest.

Frustrated, he rubbed his forehead, before catching a man's gaze from a nearby table.

"Hey," the man called out. "Are you glitched?"

I'm going to regret this.

"Excuse me?"

"It says you're level 5." The man pointed at the number above Alan's head. "That's why I asked if you're bugged."

How do I dodge this question without raising more?

"That's the same thing I was wondering!" Alan said, feigning a smile. "It started yesterday, and I don't know what triggered it. I may get some help from an Administrator…"

"Good luck with that!" the stranger sneered before returning to his own business.

"Y-Yeah," Alan murmured, sipping his cola.

He opened his eyes wide.

Am I dreaming? Well, yes, technically, but this tastes amazing! He savored his burger, as tears of joy streaked his cheeks. Months of work, keeping this system running... All worth it.

Alan glanced at Ashley, who sat quietly, studying her bowl.

"Have you managed to swallow yet?"

"Yes."

"So, how was it?"

"A range of pleasurable sensations activated on my tongue."

"Yes... That's one way to put it."

"May I try this too?" she asked, eyeing the mashed potatoes.

"Go ahead, those dishes are yours."

"Thanks," she said, using the same spoon. After a mouthful, her expression, though neutral, twinkled.

I'm witnessing something unique...

"Can I order something else, please?"

"Sure, go ahead and order whatever you want."

Ashley quickly tapped the menu button and began ordering every available dish.

Oh, come on!

He opened the menu again to check the prices, ranging from 100 to 300 gold. It's all quite affordable, actually. Fine, if you can't finish it, I'll help you. He giggled, remembering the 100,200 gold in his account.

While eating, he checked his User Interface again, scanning his status and friend list. He noticed one menu option was unavailable.

'Error?' It does nothing when I tap it, and I can't recall if it was there before logging out.

"Isa—I mean, Ashley? Could you check your User Interface? What does it say under the Guild option?"

"I do not have the Guild option."

"Figures. Above System?"

She stared at the window for a moment. "It says 'Error'."