Chapter 31: Preparation... (8)

Aaron's bunch returned with no losses. All five members went out and all returned safely. I inquired of Aaron:

"Aaron, how many trolls did you deal with?"

"Just one."

"Good," I acknowledged, pleased with his performance.

Aaron seemed to understand my intention behind the question.

I carefully scrutinized the status windows of the other four individuals. Each of their levels had increased by one, indicating their participation in the battle.

Reflecting on the initial skirmish, when Aaron and two others joined me and Jenna, I realized that while Jenna and I fought, the remaining three observed from behind. Sadly, two of them ended up as sacrifices in the union office. I understood the fate that awaited them, even though they may not have recognized it or felt the need to.

In that sense, Aaron might possess a different ability compared to mine.

"Is today's plan wrapped up?" I inquired.

"Just a moment, it seems like it's almost done," Iselle responded.

The crack had closed, but the overhead light still illuminated the area.

"You can return," I announced.

"Yay!" Jenna exclaimed, eager to head back to the dorm.

Aaron approached me with a thoughtful expression.

"Hyung-nim, the sky is still splendid," he remarked.

"He's just watching us," I replied, likening his observation to that of a divine being overseeing the world or a master studying a city.

He was observing the interaction and consequences of what he had created and accomplished. Our voices couldn't be heard, and there was no discussion. The sitting area we were in went through layers of channels, with the majority of it excluded and only a small part sent to the expert. However, for him, this game would feel like a different universe.

I, too, couldn't forget the energy from that time.

"Would you like to continue to remain there day in and day out?" I asked, addressing the newcomers behind me.

They hesitated but followed.

They entered the residence through the entryway Jenna had opened.

Jenna sprawled on a leather couch, inhaling the fragrance of the cushion.

For now, I decided to let her be.

The quarters had become noticeably more spacious.

The lounge room, which was the first spot you saw when you opened the door, had expanded to the point where it could be called a hall. Even with eleven people, it didn't feel crowded. The floor was covered in soft carpet, and warm light spilled from the fireplace.

"The facilities have certainly improved," I noted.

I headed towards the eatery inside the entryway. An expansive dining table and chairs were set up amidst stylish interior decorations. Further inside was a kitchen, with display cabinets revealing various cooking tools like knives and spoons.

I opened the cabinet below.

In addition to potatoes, there were bottles containing spices like salt, sugar, and butter. There were also various fruits like apples and grapes.

"Potatoes are still the main ingredient, huh?" I remarked.

"Yes, but it's better than just baked potatoes," came the response.

"It will get better over time. When the weekly prison opens, we can gather cooking ingredients ourselves," I added optimistically.

I returned to the hall.

I approached the individual who was perspiring profusely.

"You can cook, correct?" I inquired.

"Yes, I can," came the response.

I glanced at the suggested list for cooks, noticing Dolph's name. Without hesitation, I selected him as the chef for the eatery.

A message appeared, appointing Dolph as the office chef.

"You're responsible for our meals. It's your duty now," I informed him.

"Duty?" Dolph questioned, his coloring turning pale.

"If you don't like it, then go out and fight like the others," I retorted.

Dolph nervously nodded, taking in the task ahead. He noticed the absence of the two individuals who didn't return to the square.

"It's dinner for eleven people. Can you handle it?" I asked.

"I'll do my best," Dolph replied earnestly.

He accidentally stumbled upon the kitchen.

"We're finally saying goodbye to baked potatoes!" Jenna cheered from the couch.

I glanced at the sky once more, realizing that "He" had no desire to log out. Unable to return to my room, I decided to remain in the hall. If I opened the door to the residence, an even better place would appear. I didn't want to give any odd signals to Anytng.

"Hyung-nim, isn't now the right time to converse with them?" Aaron suggested.

"I was thinking the same thing. Since dinner is ready, we can do it while eating," I agreed.

As the number of people increased, there were a few basic necessities we required.

"We need a clock," I declared.

A pendulum clock appeared in a corner of the hall, eliciting gasps from those who saw it.

I glanced at the ongoing time. It was 6:45 PM, the perfect time.

"Everyone gather around. I will explain the rules of this world," I announced.

They required some clarification at least.

The sitting area was not a place that worked solely by one's own power.

We sat down at the dining table, and some time later, Dolph emerged with the food.

It was prepared potatoes.

Jenna made a disappointed face.

"All things considered, it's not my fault. There could have been no other ingredients," Dolph defended himself.

"He didn't even peel the skin off the potato. I had to do it myself just to take a bite," I remarked, noticing the lack of effort put into the meal.

It had that familiar taste.

I sighed.

I suspected, and it turned out to be true. Dolph didn't have any cooking skills in his status window. However, just because there were no significant skills didn't mean it was impossible.

Nevertheless, it seemed he didn't even bother to make a decent effort.

Contrary to expectations, I quietly observed another woman, presumably in her mid-twenties, with long dark hair. Her name displayed in her status window was Chloe, and beneath that, there was a significant cooking skill listed.

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