A Hearty Meal

"Master Forest, were you satisfied with my plan?" Gareth asked when he saw Chuck come back downstairs.

"Yes, very. I went with the first plan. But right now, I need to save more money to afford the Razor Stags and the Bear. But everything else is set up."

"Good, good."

"But I am still a bit worried. We are going to be in a pickle if several groups come at us on the same day."

Gareth nodded. "That is true, but there is something you may have overlooked Master Forest. Both Crumb and myself can go upstairs as well."

"Ahh, that true. I guess I can get in on the action myself."

Gareth shook his head. "I would only suggest that if the circumstances are dire. If you die, this dungeon will become ownerless. It isn't worth the risk if it isn't necessary."

"I am still worried that a large group may sneak up on us and we won't even know until it is too late."

"You will be notified automatically once your first minion dies. And there is always the option to spend money to install a surveillance system. With that, you will be able to see outside your dungeon and you will be alerted when enemies approach your door."

"Ahh! There is something that good?" Chuck said in surprise.

"Indeed, but it is a bit expensive."

"No kidding." Chuck said once he found it in the dungeon tab.

The basic surveillance system could monitor 500 feet outside his dungeon and cost him 50,000DP. It was expensive, but it was still added to his wish list.

It was still a bit early for dinner, so Chuck decided to lay down and relax a bit. He was going to browse his classes dungeon menu and see what he should add to his wish list next. First came defense, then came the restaurant. Even though he hadn't had a single customer yet, he still had grand plans.

An hour later, he returned to the kitchen. Crumb was still staring at the sausages that were hanging in the corner of the kitchen while Gareth was resting in his room.

"Alright, let's make dinner." Chuck said.

He took six sausages and then stored the rest. He then brought out the rice cooker and washed some rice before putting it in the cooker. While the machine worked, Chuck turned on the cook top.

He prepared the three deep plates or maybe shallow bowls. He wasn't sure what to call them. He waited a few minutes since the sausages wouldn't take long to cook. When the timing was right, he put them on the cook top after putting down a splash of cooking oil.

*Sizzle*

The meat cooked and released a potent fragrance. Blood sausage wasn't his favorite, but it was alright. Chuck had high hopes since it was made from wild game which tasted better than the meat on earth.

Blood sausages were a staple at most farms. When he was younger, Chuck spent more than a few nights staying at Kyle's uncles farm which was just outside of the city.

He wasn't sure when, but Gareth was sitting across from the cook top at the island. The smell must have called out to him.

A few minutes later the sausages were done. Chuck covered the plates with rice and then set the meat on top. Once the sausages were cut, there juices would soak into the rice giving it a nice flavor.

Three plates were set on the counter and the trio dug in.

Like normal, Crumb paid no attention to the utensils provided. Garret picked up his knife and fork and cut into the sausage. He looked at the bloody meat. The smell was tempting but it had been years since he had eaten any real food.

He cautiously took a bite.

"Mmm." He couldn't contain the faint moan he made from enjoying such a dish. "This… This is amazing. I know that it is made with pig's blood, but it tastes ten times better than any pigs blood I have had before."

This really surprised Chuck since the blood came from the dungeon shop. He could only imagine how good it would be if it was made with the blood of the boar he killed. It was a pity that he didn't save any.

"Good, good." Crumb said while stuffing his face.

"I am glad you like it." Chuck said to Gareth.

"Mmm, very much so. The only thing missing is some red wine." Gareth then looked panicked. "Ah, I did not mean that I am dissatisfied. I was just saying…"

"Don't worry, I think you are right."

Chuck then spent 100DP on a bottle of red wine from the dungeon menu. It wasn't the cheapest stuff, but it was nothing special.

He then poured two glasses and passed one to Gareth. "As I said, good job on that plan earlier." Chuck said while reaching out and clinking his glass with Gareth's.

Chuck didn't bother offering the wine to the goblin since Crumb wouldn't care either way.

Crumb finished his meal in a flash and then waddled into the kitchen to start the dishes without even needing to be asked.

Chuck and Gareth both savored their meals. The dish was in fact much better than what Chuck had eaten before.

When they were done, Crumb took both of their plates and finished the cleaning.

"Master Forest, if it is not too much trouble, I will have the blood sausages as my meal instead of a cup of blood if that is acceptable."

"No problem. No problem at all. I will try out some other blood dishes in the future as well."

"Then I look forward to it." Gareth said. "If it is alright with you, I would like to take a look around outside and familiarize myself with the area since the sun has now set."

"Sure, that is no problem at all. Just don't get lost."

"He, he. I won't go to far."

Chuck nodded and then went to his room. He pulled out his laptop.

[Charlie Forest: Hey, you around]

[Kyle Easton: You know it Bruh]

[Charlie Forest: You still planning on heading this way.]

[Kyle Easton: Yeah, I will set out in the morning. I cleared in that direction today. I managed to hit level 5 before I came back.]

[Charlie Forest: Oh nice, did you get a cool ability.]

[Kyle Easton: Sure did. It's called plant manipulation. I can use mana to make plants grow faster and also take control of them. Came in handy when I tangled up a kobold this afternoon.]

[Charlie Forest: Nice, that sounds great for a farmer.]

[Kyle Easton: Ha, ha, you bet. From my current pace, I think if I leave in the morning, I should be able to reach you by sundown tomorrow.]

[Charlie Forest: If things go well, I plan on meeting you out there. I should be able to find you with that locater.]

[Kyle Easton: Good deal, good deal, that will make it easier. You won't believe it, but I found something amazing today.]

[Charlie Forest: What did you get?]

[Kyle Easton: Guess?]

[Charlie Forest: Umm… idk a new pipe.]

[Kyle Easton: Ha, ha, I wish, you will have to wait and see tomorrow.]

"Master Forest! There is something going on outside. You should take a look." Gareth yelled from the restaurant.

[Charlie Forest: I got to run. Something is happening outside my dungeon. Talk to you later.]

[Kyle Easton: Cool, stay safe.]