The mouthwatering scent of sweet treats hit Fenix the moment they stepped into the convention, lingering in the air like an irresistible invitation. He had been dying to try the food ever since they passed by the booths earlier, each offering a reimagined version of Haven Online's in-game delicacies.

  “So, what type of food are you in the mood for?” Maya asked, gncing down at the map.

  Fenix rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I’m craving something sweet. Not super hungry yet, though.”

  “Dessert it is,” Maya said, scanning the options. She found one nearby on the map and pushed Fenix over to it.

  They weaved through the crowded aisles, dodging cospyers and enthusiasts with arms full of merchandise. After a short walk, they arrived at an adorable booth named Nana’s Delights. The booth was whimsical, with soft pastel-colored awnings and virtual holograms that shimmered in the air, showcasing the treats on offer. The scent of sugar and cinnamon filled the air, making Fenix's stomach rumble in anticipation.

  Above the counter, a holographic menu dispyed four animated desserts:

  Vedeokin Bonbons: Delicate blue truffle-like sweets, sprinkled with electric blue pop rocks. They promised a burst of fruity fvor with every bite.Dragonturtle Sweet & Sour Crumble: A rich, crumbly cake drizzled with a glowing green golden sauce, said to shift from sweet to tangy with each forkful.Unicorn Soufflé: A fluffy, rainbow-colored soufflé, topped with sparkling sprinkles that are pced on top, giving it a dreamy glow.Dark Cinnamon & Thyme Molten Cake: A rich, spiced dessert with a dark molten center, oozing cinnamon and thyme-infused chocote.Fenix’s eyes widened as he scanned the offerings. Each dish looked more delicious than the st, and his mouth watered just thinking about tasting them. As they moved closer in line, he mulled over the idea of getting all four.

  But the price—9.99 each—pulled him back to reality. He couldn’t blow all his money here, no matter how tempting it was. There was a whole convention to explore, and who knew what else he might want to buy ter?

  “Decisions, decisions,” Fenix muttered to himself, trying to decide which one he wanted to get.

  "Which one do you want to get?" Maya asked, gncing between the options. "I’m leaning toward the molten cake."

  Fenix eyed the image of the Unicorn Soufflé, its pastel colors tempting him with promises of fluffy sweetness. "The Soufflé’s calling my name. It looks too good to pass up."

  "It does look good," Maya mused, still torn. "Maybe I should get the same... ugh, the dilemma."

  With a smirk, Fenix nudged her. "We can always share, you know. Best of both worlds."

  "You’re a genius!" Maya excimed, her face lighting up. "Okay, I’m getting the Molten Cake then.

  When it was finally their turn, the booth operator greeted them with a cheerful smile. "Welcome to Nana’s Delights! What can I get for you today?"

  Maya confidently ordered the Dark Cinnamon & Thyme Molten Cake, while Fenix pointed to the Unicorn Soufflé with a grin.

  As they waited for their treats to be prepared, the operator at the front counter gestured toward a small sign. "While you're here, would you like to fill out a quick survey? If you do, you’ll get a recipe code as a reward."

  Fenix blinked in surprise. He hadn’t remembered anything about this from his past life, but then again, most pyers weren’t too interested in cooking. He was thrilled about the unexpected gain. Maya, on the other hand, looked uninterested.

  "Sure," she said, nonchantly, turning to Fenix. "I’ll give you the recipe since I know you'll put it to better use than I ever would."

  Fenix grinned. "Thanks, I'll make sure to cook you something delicious once you can py Haven."

  "You better," Maya teased with a smile.

  They both filled out the quick survey, which mostly asked about what kinds of desserts they’d like to see added to the game. Fenix smirked, feeling like the game developers were practically spoon-feeding pyers hints for the upcoming update.

  After they finished, the operator scanned their bracelets and smiled. "You’ll get the recipe code sent to your email. You can also collect different codes from other booths—but not the dessert ones."

  Fenix nodded, already making a mental note to hit up the other booths to get more recipe codes.

  Once they had their snacks, Fenix and Maya navigated through the bustling convention hall, searching for a good spot to enjoy their treats. The lively hum of conversation and rhythmic music from nearby booths filled the air. As they approached a door, the cmor from inside caught their attention. Peering in, they saw a stage set up for a trivia contest with an eager audience seated in front.

  Exchanging a quick gnce, they silently agreed to check it out. The trivia contest was in full swing, with questions about Haven Online fshing on a rge screen. Maya skillfully maneuvered Fenix’s Hoover chair to an open spot near the back and took a seat beside him. Once settled, they unwrapped their desserts.

  Fenix broke off a piece of his Unicorn Soufflé and handed it to Maya, while she offered him half of her Dark Cinnamon & Thyme Molten Cake. As Fenix tasted the Soufflé, its delicate sweetness and fluffy texture made him wish he hadn’t suggested sharing. The Soufflé far outshone the rich Molten Cake, which, while fvorful, cked the light, airy appeal of the Soufflé.

  Fenix sighed contentedly, savoring another bite of his dessert, as he watched the trivia contest unfold. He couldn't help but wonder if there was any way to find the Soufflé’s recipe in Haven Online.

  He would see if he could find it ter. Right now, he would just enjoy the show. The contest questions ranged from obscure game lore to intricate details about in-game items, keeping him engrossed.

  “So, what do you think of the trivia?” Maya asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

  Fenix grinned, wiping a bit of Soufflé from his lips. "It's fine but the questions are too easy. If I was participating I would win hands down."

  “Cocky much?” Maya ughed, nudging him pyfully.

  Fenix gave her a cheeky grin. “You know it.”

  After savoring the st bites of their desserts, Fenix and Maya decided to leave the trivia contest behind and continue their exploration of the convention. They wandered through the bustling aisles, enjoying the lively chatter and vibrant colors surrounding them. Before they knew it, the clock on Fenix's phone read 12:45 p.m.

  “Maya,” Fenix called, turning in his chair to catch her attention. “It’s 12:45. We should head for the elevator.”

  Maya gnced at the time on her phone, her eyes widening. “Already? Time really does fly.”

  “That’s what they say,” Fenix said with a smile.

  Maya navigated Fenix’s Hoover chair through the throng of excited convention-goers, weaving between booths until they reached the elevator. She pressed the button, and the doors slid open with a gentle chime. With a smooth push, she guided Fenix inside. As the doors closed, the soft hum of the elevator offered a brief break from the noise of the convention.

  The elevator rose smoothly, and when it reached the second floor, the doors opened to reveal a corridor lined with workers. They stood by several doors, ready to usher participants into their designated areas.

  Maya carefully steered Fenix’s chair toward one of the workers, who was checking names and scanning bracelets. “Are you here for the VR event?” the worker asked. His tone was professional yet welcoming.

  “Yes,” Maya and Fenix answered together.

  The worker scanned their bracelets and nodded. “You’ve got 15 minutes before the event starts. If you need to use the restroom, now’s the time. Once the event begins, you’ll be in there for three hours straight.”

  Fenix gnced at the man and asked, "Where are the bathrooms?"

  “Just down the hall and one door to the left,” the man replied, pointing the way.

  Turning to Maya, Fenix asked, "Do you need to go?"

  “I’ll give it a shot," Maya said with a grin. "If I don’t need to go now, I’ll hold it. I’m not missing out on those prizes.”

  “Alright, let’s go then.”