The frustration vanished.
Even the hostility faded.
She simply sighed.
"Fine."
Kai stared.
"What did you say?"
"State secret."
That somehow raised more questions.
Not fewer.
Alice immediately dragged Raj towards the exit.
"Raj, you're coming too."
"What?"
"Adventure."
"I have work."
"Adventure."
"My boss is literally right there."
The restaurant owner looked up.
He was remarkably bald.
Round too.
Almost egg-shaped.
Alice waved cheerfully.
"I'm borrowing Raj."
The owner opened his mouth.
But never got the chance to finish his sentence.
---
Outside, the neon lights of Asphyxia illuminated the streets.
Alice walked confidently through the crowds.
Raj followed reluctantly.
Kai and Andre followed behind them.
After a few minutes, Andre moved ahead of the group.
Walking backwards.
Talking nonstop.
"This city is amazing."
Alice nodded.
"It is."
"The lights."
"Yes."
"The buildings."
"Yes."
"The food."
"Mostly yes."
Andre pointed dramatically.
"This place is way better than Yggdrasil."
Alice looked strangely proud.
As if she'd personally built the city.
Then she noticed something ahead.
A slight smile appeared.
"Andre."
"Hm?"
"See you."