The moment Kaiser and Aria stepped into the inn, the warm, rustic scent of roasted meats and aged ale filled the air. The place was alive with conversation: merchants laughing over drinks, tired travelers hunched over bowls of steaming stew, and a bard half-heartedly strumming a lute in the corner.

  But as soon as Kaiser entered, heads turned. Freshly groomed, his long black hair now sleek and immaculate, his face free of the roughness from his travels, and his posture no longer that of a wandering rogue but of a man who had, against his will, been made presentable. His black coat, though still rugged, now sat on his shoulders with an air of authority rather than weariness. He looked like someone important. Someone refined.

  And the people of the inn were not used to seeing a man that well-kempt enter Erya’s Middle Finger.

  Kaiser noticed the stares immediately. He frowned, leaning slightly toward Aria. “Why is everyone looking at me like I just declared myself king?”

  Aria blinked at him, then at the gawking patrons. “Oh. They probably think you’re rich now.”

  Kaiser nearly choked. “What?”

  She nodded sagely. “You look too polished. People assume you’ve got money.”

  Kaiser exhaled, already regretting stepping inside. “Let’s just find a table and—”

  Then he saw her.

  Behind the counter, casually counting coins, was Erya.

  His brain short-circuited.

  “NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. NOT AGAIN.”

  Every conversation in the inn screeched to a halt. The bard’s lute twanged discordantly as his fingers slipped. A spoon clattered to the floor. One man nearly choked on his drink, coughing into his sleeve. Erya looked up, blinking in surprise, only for her face to break into a huge grin the moment she spotted Kaiser.

  “Well, well, look who it is!” She practically beamed, striding toward him like a proud sculptor admiring her greatest masterpiece. “My walking achievement! My finest creation! My magnum opus!”

  Kaiser took a step back. “This is not possible. You were, you were just, how are you here?!”

  Erya waved a hand dismissively. “Kaiser, Kaiser, Kaiser. We’ve been over this.” She tilted her head smugly. “I can do anything.”

  Kaiser’s eye twitched.

  Aria, standing beside him, looked between them, utterly lost. “Um…” she hesitated, then gave a small polite smile. “Hello?”

  Erya snapped her fingers, turning her attention to Aria. She gave her an approving once-over. “Ohhh, you must be the little lady who’s been stuck with this mess of a man.”

  Aria blinked. “Uh…”

  “Kaiser,” Erya continued, completely ignoring Aria’s confusion, “who is this absolute darling of a creature?”

  “Her name’s Aria.” Kaiser pinched the bridge of his nose. “And she’s not stuck with me, we just—”

  “Aria! A pleasure!” Erya suddenly grabbed Aria’s hand with both of hers, shaking it enthusiastically. “I’m Erya, the center of the universe, the backbone of civilization, the reason birds sing in the morning.”

  Aria let out a startled laugh. “Uhhh, Nice to meet you?”

  Erya winked. “You are too polite. I like you.” Then she turned back to Kaiser. “Unlike some people, who greet me with screaming and existential crises.”

  Kaiser threw his hands up. “Because it’s physically impossible for you to be everywhere at once!”

  Erya folded her arms. “And yet, here I am.”

  Kaiser opened his mouth, then closed it. Then opened it again.

  Erya patted his shoulder condescendingly. “That’s alright, sweetie. Not everyone is built to comprehend greatness.”

  The inn slowly resumed its usual buzz, though a few patrons kept sneaking glances at the spectacle that had just unfolded. The bard even started playing again—though it sounded considerably more dramatic now, like he was inspired by whatever lunacy just happened.

  Aria, still a bit overwhelmed, cleared her throat. “So, uh… Glunko said we might get a free meal if we mentioned his name?”

  Erya clapped her hands. “Oh, you bet you do! You absolutely do! Glunko and I go way back.”

  Kaiser frowned. “I bet you ran fifteen of his businesses.”

  “Only three.” Erya smirked. “And I was phenomenal at it.”

  Aria couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Well, as long as we get to hear more about Glunko and his… unique business ventures, I’d say this dinner is already shaping up to be interesting.”

  “Alright! You two, sit down, eat and rest, because let me tell you, that haircut is only going to get better if you fuel that body properly.” She flicked Kaiser’s forehead with surprising accuracy, making him flinch. Then, she whistled sharply, her fingers in her mouth like a war captain summoning her troops.

  “Krava!” she barked.

  The room went dead silent for a brief moment as all heads turned toward her.

  Kaiser nearly jumped when a stomp echoed from the back of the inn. From the shadows emerged the bearded maid.

  And Kaiser almost had a stroke.

  She looked like Glunko. A lot like Glunko.

  Same broad face, same round nose, same damn beard. But instead of the bizarre mix of merchant garb and adventurer’s gear Glunko wore, this woman was dressed in a full-on maid outfit. A frilly black-and-white dress, complete with an apron and a tiny lace headpiece perched awkwardly on her head.

  “Yes, Madam Erya.” Her voice was deep and steady, like a warrior acknowledging their general.

  Erya nodded approvingly and then turned back to Kaiser and Aria with a smug grin. “This is Krava. My finest employee. The pillar of this establishment. The unwavering rock in this chaotic storm of my genius.”

  Erya didn’t give him time to process it. She spun on her heel and snapped her fingers, pointing dramatically at the maid.

  “Escort these two to their table with all the grace and professionalism this fine establishment is known for!”

  Grounded gave a single, sharp nod. “Understood.”

  Then, without another word, she turned and marched toward the dining area, expecting them to follow.

  Kaiser, still reeling, cast a side glance at Aria, as if to confirm that he hadn’t just walked into a fever dream.

  Aria, completely unfazed, shrugged and followed after Ktava like this was the most normal thing in the world.

  Kaiser took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself, and followed suit.

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  And then, as they walked past a nearby table, he overheard the words that fully snapped him out of his confusion.

  “The Right Fist came to Arkhold today. Fresh off another journey.”

  Kaiser’s attention locked onto the speakers immediately. The dim-looking men at the corner table sat slouched over their drinks, their voices hushed, their expressions drained.

  Kaiser slid into his seat with practiced ease, making sure to take the spot with his back against the wall. Old habits died hard. His eyes scanned the room out of instinct, taking in the dim lanterns swaying from the ceiling, the low murmur of conversation, the occasional clatter of a mug against wood.

  Aria sat across from him, far more relaxed, stretching her arms above her head before leaning forward onto the table. She rested her chin on her hands, blue eyes flickering curiously as she took in the cozy chaos of the inn.

  Kaiser let out a quiet exhale, trying to shake off the nagging thought in his mind. The Right Fist. The words still lingered, pressing at the edges of his thoughts. His fingers tapped idly against the wooden table, his gaze unfocused.

  Most of the people in the inn looked relaxed, carefree even. One table was arguing about whether or not fish had souls. Another was discussing how outrageously expensive Arkhold’s street food was. Someone nearby was going on and on about how Erya was definitely an eldritch being, and that no mortal should be able to run thirty businesses at once.

  Kaiser barely paid any of it any mind, he was still stuck on the thing the men from before said, and the way they said it in.

  The men at the corner table looked tired. Drained. Their words, though hushed, carried weight. He wasn’t sure why, but something about the way they said it made him feel like he should care.

  He was still lost in thought when—

  THUMP.

  A sudden weight hit the table, making him flinch. His focus snapped forward.

  Aria had sprawled across the table, resting her folded arms on the wood, her face barely an inch away from his. She was staring directly into his soul.

  She didn’t blink. Not once.

  Kaiser leaned back slightly. “…What are you doing?”

  “Trying to catch your attention.”

  He frowned. “You could’ve just said something.”

  She shrugged, still not blinking. “This was faster.”

  He sighed and rubbed his temple. “Alright, fine. You have my attention.”

  She immediately sat up straight, looking satisfied. “Good! You kinda zoned out there.”

  “I was thinking.”

  “Uh-huh. And what was so important that you left me talking to myself for the last five minutes?”

  Kaiser frowned, barely even registering what he was saying as he thought out loud. “Do fish have souls?”

  Silence.

  Aria’s lips parted slightly, and she tilted her head. “What?”

  “I mean, if you think about it,” he continued, scratching his chin, “if people do, and some animals are treated as sacred, where does that leave fish? Like, do they just float off into a water afterlife, or somewhere else?”

  Aria slowly leaned forward, lowering her voice as if genuinely concerned. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Because I’ve heard some dumb things in my life, but that one—”

  “I was thinking out loud!”

  She snorted, shaking her head. “Right. Well, if fish do have souls, I hope the ones I’ve eaten don’t decide to haunt me.”

  The two of them chuckled, the odd tension breaking.

  SLAM.

  A plate was slammed down in front of Kaiser, another in front of Aria.

  Erya stood between them, hands on her hips, looking smug as ever.

  Kaiser blinked. “We… didn’t order yet.”

  Erya rolled her eyes. “Please. You think I’d waste time waiting for you to figure out what you want?” She gestured at the plates. “I know what you need better than you do.”

  Kaiser squinted at his plate. It was steaming hot, a rich aroma hitting his nose. His stomach growled in approval, and, damn it, it did look good.

  Aria, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes at her plate. “But what if I didn’t want—”

  Erya cut her off with a dismissive wave. “Eat.”

  Aria scowled but grabbed her fork anyway, muttering under her breath while Kaiser picked up his own fork, giving Erya a suspicious glance. “You do this to everyone?”

  Erya smirked. “Only the ones who aren’t as amaizing as me.” To that Kaiser opened his mouth to protest—then stopped.

  Aria gave him a knowing look, stuffing a bite of food into her mouth.

  Kaiser stared at his plate, utterly captivated by what lay before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen—an intricate dish that looked almost alive.

  A large, glazed meat sat at the center, its surface shimmering as if kissed by molten gold. Thin, glass-like flakes of an iridescent blue substance were scattered on top, catching the light with every shift. Around the meat, a ring of deep purple vegetables curled like vines, their skin pulsating slightly as if they had only just been plucked from some magical garden. The sauce, a rich, inky black, was speckled with tiny glowing flecks, giving the illusion of a starry night sky captured on a plate.

  Kaiser hesitated. Was the meat… breathing?

  He glanced at Erya. “I’m not about to eat something still alive, right?”

  Erya rolled her eyes. “No, you absolute dummy. That’s Emberback Boar, slow-roasted over Everflame for three days. The ‘breathing’ is just the glaze settling.” She pointed to the vegetables. “Moonroot. Grown under permanent moonlight. Makes you stronger. And that sauce?” She leaned in dramatically. “That’s Eclipse Reduction. Costs a fortune to make.”

  Kaiser raised a brow. “What’s in it?”

  Erya grinned. “No idea.”

  Kaiser blinked. “What.”

  She shrugged. “Chef won’t tell me. Says if I knew what I was eating, I’d cry.”

  Aria, already chewing, swallowed and gave a pleased hum. “Mmh. Yep. This is terrifyingly good.”

  Kaiser frowned, still wary, but hunger won the silent battle in his mind. He cut a piece of the meat, lifting it to his mouth.

  The moment it hit his tongue, his entire body stilled.

  The flavors exploded in layers—first, the deep, smoky richness of the Emberback Boar, its juices carrying a faint sweetness like caramelized fire. Then, the Moonroot, a sharp, herbal contrast that somehow made the meat even better. Finally, the Eclipse Reduction hit—sweet, but with a hint of something unfathomably deep, like he was tasting space itself.

  He dropped his fork. Stared at his plate and in a hushed, reverent whisper, he muttered:

  “…I have seen the face of God.”

  Erya snorted. “Told you.”

  Aria smirked. “You should write poetry about it.”

  Kaiser ignored them, shoveling another bite into his mouth. “This isn’t food,” he mumbled between chews. “This is power. This is enlightenment.”

  Erya sat down across from him, resting her chin on her palm. “You know, I wasn’t expecting to get anything for this free meal, but seeing your dumb face light up like a temple torch is payment enough.”

  Aria nodded. “It’s cute. Like a dog tasting meat for the first time.”

  Kaiser glared. “Don’t ruin this for me.”

  Erya smirked. “Ruin what? Your deep, spiritual moment with your pork chop?”

  Kaiser grumbled but kept eating, trying not to let them see how much he was enjoying himself.

  Erya leaned back, stretching. “Man, you’re lucky I like you.”

  Kaiser wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Lucky?” He scoffed. “I got dragged into your store against my will.”

  “And now you’re clean, fed, and having the best meal of your life. You’re welcome.”

  Aria chuckled, taking another bite. “She has a point.”

  Kaiser grumbled something incoherent but didn’t argue. He was too busy making sure he got every last drop of sauce.

  Erya watched with smug satisfaction as Kaiser devoured his meal, savoring every bite like a starving man who had just discovered that food could be divine. She rested her chin in her palm, smirking. “So, Kaiser, when are you going to admit that I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you?”

  Kaiser, still chewing, pointed his fork at her. “I will never, ever give you that satisfaction.”

  Aria leaned in. “What if she keeps feeding you?”

  Kaiser hesitated. He looked at his half-finished plate. Then at Erya. Then at Aria.

  “…I will consider negotiations.”

  Erya cackled, slamming a hand on the table. “Ah, see? You’re already weak! Food is the path to all victories!”

  Kaiser nodded sagely. “It’s true. I’ve seen entire dynasties fall because of a well-made pie.”

  Aria raised an eyebrow. “That sounds like something that actually happened.”

  Erya stretched her arms, looking far too pleased with herself. “Anyway, enough about how I’m clearly the greatest person you’ve ever met—”

  “Not even top ten,” Kaiser cut in.

  “Shut up,” Erya shot back, before continuing. “I wanna know about you two. What’s your plan now? You gonna keep running around Arkhold until you stumble into more more of me or do you actually have a goal?”

  Kaiser set his fork down, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “We’re figuring it out. I’m still adjusting to—” He gestured vaguely around them. “—whatever the hell this is.”

  As if summoned by his words, a faint beep sounded from Erya’s hand.

  A small, embedded gemstone on the back of her palm flickered to life, projecting a tiny blue hologram above her skin.

  Erya sighed. “Speaking of insane things.”

  Kaiser squinted at the glowing text. “What the hell is that?”

  Erya didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes flicked across the message, and her smirk quickly turned into an exasperated groan. “Ugh. Again?”

  Aria tilted her head. “What is it?”

  Erya turned the projection toward them so they could read it.

  URGENT: A MASSIVE BRAWL HAS BROKEN OUT AT THE ‘BREAK YOUR LIMITS, BREAK YOUR BONES’ GYM. CURRENT DAMAGE REPORT: 5 BROKEN NOSES, 3 DISLOCATED SHOULDERS, 1 GUY WHO GOT KICKED INTO THE CEILING AND HASN’T COME DOWN YET. REQUESTING OWNER’S IMMEDIATE PRESENCE.

  Kaiser blinked. “I—what.”

  Erya pinched the bridge of her nose. “I just had the walls reinforced last week…”

  Kaiser shook his head. “Wait, wait, hold on. First of all, your gym is called what?”

  Erya snapped her fingers, and a floating napkin lazily drifted over to wipe her mouth. “Break Your Limits, Break Your Bones. It’s a motivational name.”

  Kaiser stared at her. “That’s not motivational. That’s a threat.”

  Erya leaned back, cracking her knuckles. “That’s because it is. People don’t come to my gym to ‘get fit’—they come to either become monsters or get obliterated trying.”

  Kaiser sighed. “That explains a lot.”

  Erya stood up, stretching. “Welp, duty calls. If I don’t get there soon, someone’s gonna suplex my roof off.”

  With that, she flicked her wrist, dismissing the hologram, and turned toward the door, already planning her entrance.

  Aria leaned toward Kaiser. “She’s… a lot, huh?”

  Kaiser exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Like a storm that never runs out of wind.”

  Aria smiled. “You like her, though.”

  Kaiser scoffed. “Absolutely not.”

  But he didn’t deny it too hard.