Chapter 41 - Rank 2 Internet Cafe

Reclined upon the counter seat, Luke's gaze was captivated by the wondrous panorama unfurling before him. The futuristic charisma of the internet cafe acted as a portal to his long-forgotten inner child, coaxing forth an unabashed, whimsical smile that danced upon his lips.

The sands of time had sifted through the hourglass, marking the passage of a month and two weeks since his entry into this world. Within that span, a metamorphosis of staggering proportions had quietly reshaped the fabric of his existence.

Embracing this unfamiliar realm, he had forged familial bonds that ignited within him an unyielding commitment to shield his loved ones. The awareness that this world surpassed Earth in its perils only fueled his determination to ascend to greater strength, a bulwark against the dangers that lurked.

Realizing this goal requires an ongoing commitment to his role as the owner of the internet cafe. The extent to which he becomes stronger is intricately tied to the computer usage of his customers. Each instance of computer usage contributes directly to the advancement of his own power and capabilities.

Also, completion of system quests acts as a catalyst for his progress, infusing a significant addition into the upgrade progress.

Recognizing the necessity, he became acutely aware of the significance of amassing credits. The contents of the system shop held the potential to tilt the balance decidedly in his favor, altering the course of events to his benefit. However, he confronted a dilemma: the most remarkable offerings within the shop came at an exorbitant cost, a reflection of their extraordinary nature.

In addition to this fiscal concern, he harbored a fervent desire to attract a substantial influx of customers. The rationale was simple yet impactful: each utilization of a computer added a significant contribution to the advancement of his upgrades.

With this symbiotic relationship between patrons and progress, the cafe's success hinged on its ability to draw in a thriving clientele, each keystroke and click propelling him further on his journey to get stronger.

Exhaling softly, he directed his gaze to the masterpiece that unfolded within the confines of the internet cafe's interior. His discerning eye detected a profound transformation—the computers now bore an otherworldly charm, their hexagonal monitors imbuing a futuristic aura that was impossible to ignore.

The keyboard too had undergone an evolution, manifesting as a resplendent LED-illuminated interface. To complete this symphony of technological marvels, the mouse was adorned with a luminous glow, the embodiment of the cafe's avant-garde ethos.

The coin box underwent a metamorphosis, emerging as an object of aesthetic allure resembling a black box plucked from the annals of a future civilization. Furthermore, each computer now sports headphones that harmonize seamlessly with the overall design, a visual treat that transcended mere functionality.

Yet, a curiosity tugged at him as he observed the absence of CPUs, inviting speculation about the intricate mechanisms governing their operation. This enigma spurred his inquisitiveness, kindling a desire to unravel the secrets concealed beneath the surface.

Determined to unveil these mysteries, he employed his skill, scan, directing it towards the recently upgraded computers residing within the hall.

[ Scan ]

[ Model: Divine Lore Nexus

• Processor: Arcane Core Processor

• RAM: Unquantifiable

• Hard Drive: Unquantifiable

• Graphics: Celestial Renderium

• Operating System: Omniqwise Prism Lv.1 & Interdimensional Tutorium Lv.1 ]

As the information unfolded before him, Luke was overcome by a profound shock, a sensation that reverberated through his very thoughts, causing them to momentarily short-circuit in a surge of astonishment.

"What in the world is this?" His voice tinged with incredulity, he gazed at names and terms entirely foreign to him. The sense of familiarity he had with computers back on Earth seemed to dissolve in the face of this unknown realm of technology.

In the wake of this revelation, an impulsive urge seized him—an urge to witness the extent of these changes firsthand. His gaze swung towards his personal computer, positioned on the counter seat, his curiosity ablaze.

[ Model: Divine Epiphany Nexus

• Processor: Arcane Apex Processor

• RAM: cannot be measured

• Hard Drive: cannot be measured

• Graphics: Celestial Dreamweaver

• Operating System: Omniqwise Prism Lv.2 & Interdimensional Tutorium Lv.2 ]

Once again, he was taken aback, his astonishment deepening as the revelation unfolded before him. It became evident that his computer had undergone an elevation beyond that of the others.

Swiftly, he powered it on, and the immediate response jolted him anew. The screen emitted a luminous glow, yet its brilliance remained gentle on his eyes. But beyond the visual comfort, it was as if a window to an alternate dimension had opened before him.

The clarity of the interface was unparalleled, transporting him into a realm that felt akin to a portal to another world entirely. Each click of the mouse and tap of the keyboard resonated like an echo of his excitement, as he delved into the newfound potential of his upgraded computer. Amid this exploration, his inner child burst forth, visible in the sparkle of his eyes and the enthusiasm that echoed in the resounding clicks and keystrokes.

"Hahahaha, finally! I can download and install! Haha, I can finally play computer games," Luke exclaimed, a chorus of laughter ringing in his words. His happiness was multifaceted, stemming from various sources. The prospect of indulging in computer games and the ability to download and install a plethora of software brought him immense joy.

The software store that beckoned from within the computer amplified his elation. With a flurry of actions, the desktop transformed before his eyes.

In a matter of mere seconds, it became a repository of computer games, a testament to the astonishing swiftness of the process. What astounded him even more was the speed at which it transpired, a phenomenon that didn't require Wi-Fi connectivity.

Unbeknownst to Luke, the components comprising these computers were sourced from a realm beyond his awareness, one of higher origin. Moreover, he remained oblivious to the intricate mechanisms that governed their operation, a set of principles divergent from those he was accustomed to on Earth.

However, these complexities held little sway over his perspective. Whether or not he understood the intricacies was inconsequential; what mattered was that the devices functioned as computers. In his eyes, their capability to fulfill their intended purpose eclipsed all else.

With a sense of anticipation, he adorned the sleek, stylish headphones and immersed himself in the experience, selecting a specific game to delve into.

An explosion echoed through the headphones, followed by a rapid succession of gunshots that reverberated within the confined space. The auditory landscape painted a vivid picture, and to any discerning ear hailing from Earth, the distinctive sounds would offer a telltale hint of the game he was currently engrossed in.

•••

In the midst of Luke's fervor, Lunaria embarked on a stroll towards the internet cafe, accompanied by the two kids, Mira and Kai.

The delectable contents of the food basket Luke had provided had been a source of immense enjoyment for them, sustaining them across satisfying meals.

As Lunaria walked along the familiar street, the young ones in her charge holding onto her hands, a sense of confusion took root. Upon their arrival at the internet cafe, her bewilderment deepened—what greeted her gaze was a sight markedly distinct from what she remembered.

The exterior of the establishment had undergone a transformation that surpassed her previous encounters. A momentary hesitation gripped her as she pondered whether she had indeed arrived at the right destination.

Her scrutiny of the exterior unveiled a familiar sign that confirmed her initial suspicion—it was, indeed, the internet cafe. Yet, her gaze caught something more, something that kindled a spark of delight within her.

Before her lay a sight that transcended even her wildest expectations. The exterior had undergone a metamorphosis that painted the canvas of the internet cafe with a whole new palette of enchantment. Its allure had intensified, pulling at her gaze like an inescapable magnetic force. This transformation was a revelation she had never dared to anticipate, a symphony of aesthetics that harmonized in a crescendo of visual splendor.

Each detail, each contour, seemed meticulously designed to captivate and enthrall. The colors melded in a harmonious dance, a vivid tapestry that unfolded before her eyes. The architectural metamorphosis had reshaped the space into a breathtaking tableau, each element meticulously curated to evoke awe and wonder.

As her eyes traced the curves and angles, she felt a surge of excitement intertwine with a curious intrigue. It was an enigma she was eager to unravel, a puzzle that beckoned her to explore deeper into its heart. The atmosphere hummed with a newfound energy, a palpable current of transformation that infused every corner with an electrifying vitality.

This wasn't just a simple upgrade; it was a rebirth, a reimagining that unveiled the limitless potential of this place. And as she stood there, swept up in the visual symphony before her, Lunaria felt an unquenchable thirst for discovery awaken within her soul.

Conversely, Mira and Kai's eyes radiated with a gleam. They swiftly grasped the notion that this place held an aura far from the ordinary.

The prospect of working for Luke enthralled them, though it must be confessed that the allure of the delicious sustenance he provided was also a strong motivating factor.

As Lunaria resumed her stride, the two kids trailed behind, their excitement palpable.

Passing through a doorway that exuded an almost otherworldly resonance, they felt as if they were on the verge of stepping into a different realm altogether.

When the door swung open, their eyes widened in sheer astonishment, greeted by a sight that defied their expectations.