Ina'nis, her pragmatism unwavering, spoke up. "So, let's get back to the topic. Your war with the Hunters' Blade… how did it start?"
Alex's frown deepened as he looked down at his half-eaten plate. He spoke calmly, "Centuries ago, before the Forsaken monks and the Hunters' Blade, shinobi established themselves as mercenaries. The conflict began when Hunters' Blade shinobi entered our holy grounds on East Island and attempted to steal our sacred artifact from the Temple of Prayers. My brothers defended it to their deaths, but the Hunters' Blade shinobi stole it and returned to their academy in the Wicked Lands."
"Then what happened next?" Gura asked, eager to learn more about the history of the Forsaken monks and the Hunters' Blade shinobi. Her voice was barely audible above the sudden hush that fell over the room. The casual atmosphere had vanished, replaced by a palpable sense of gravity.
"That artifact… it was the symbol of our fate and beliefs. It empowered us, protecting us in danger. But their invasion was a surprise. Their knowledge of its location was suspicious, as if they had studied our monastery," Alex said, his expression serious and cold. "So we decided to retrieve it. We traveled through the Western Swamps using our ki to the Wicked Lands. We attacked their academy but failed to retrieve it; they had already sold it to other nations for profit."
"Sold it?" Ina'nis's voice was sharp, incredulous. "To whom? And what did they do with it?"
Alex sighed. "To some rich family. The artifact—the 'Statue of Bathala'—held no inherent power but was a religious symbol to us. Its value, however, was in the billions."
"Billions?" Mori gasped, her eyes widening. "For a religious symbol? That's insane."
Amelia, ever practical, leaned forward. "So, the Hunters' Blade stole it, sold it for a massive profit, and you're still at war with them because of it?"
Alex shook his head. "No, not just still at war. Their theft started the war. After that, they repeatedly invaded our monastery, their intentions shifting. They didn't just want to steal; they wanted to destroy our beliefs. So we declared war. Our war has lasted centuries."
"Centuries," Ina'nis repeated, the word hanging heavy in the air. "And you've been fighting them all this time?"
Alex nodded, a grim set to his jaw. "Generations of Forsaken monks and Hunters' Blade shinobi have fought. But there was an era of the war so bloody and traumatic that I still remember it to this day," Alex said, his expression deepening.
Alex paused, the weight of memory heavy in the silence. Ina'nis leaned forward, her expression softening with newfound understanding. The others, too, were captivated; their earlier curiosity replaced by a sober respect for the long, brutal conflict Alex had endured.
"Tell us," Ina'nis urged softly, her voice a gentle contrast to the hushed expectancy in the room.
Alex took a deep breath, his gaze distant, lost in the echoes of the past. "It was during the Battle of Bakura 100 years ago. I knelt, my hands covered in the blood of my brothers. Corpses littered the battlefield—Hunters' Blade shinobi and Forsaken brothers alike. I was traumatized, watching the fallen bodies of my brothers. That was the bloodiest era, with both sides suffering fifty percent casualties," Alex said, his expression stoic. "Afterward, our conflict continued, but it was less bloody. Both Forsaken monks and Hunters' Blade shinobi had become mercenaries, fighting for other nations."
Alex's expression shifted to anger. "Even after 100 years, I still remember it vividly," he said, his voice intense. "I was weak then; I couldn't save them. If I had been stronger, I could have saved my brothers." He looked down at his half-eaten plate, gripping his spoon tightly in his left hand, and suddenly broke it in half with a sharp crack, the girls watching in shock.
That was also when Alex awakened his legendary Sakarian transformation, fueled by raw emotion, and he and Brian fought their final battle at Bakura. He had previously mentioned this to IRyS during her visit to his consciousness while he was meditating. Realizing he had broken his spoon, he let it fall to the table, scattering metal shards. He then noticed a drop of blood falling onto the broken spoon. He opened his palm, and it was bleeding. He looked at his left hand with an emotionless expression, as if he felt no pain.
The girls saw that Alex's left hand was bleeding. "Oh no, your hand is bleeding!" Amelia exclaimed, taking Alex's left hand. The other four girls followed suit.
Amelia's touch was surprisingly gentle, her concern evident in her eyes. The other girls gathered around, and they faced a mixture of worry and fascination. The blood, dark and thick, continued to well from a small cut on Alex's palm, a stark contrast to the otherwise pristine white of his skin. He remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the crimson stain spreading across the broken spoon.
"It's...nothing," Alex mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He tried to pull his hand away, but Amelia held on firmly.
"No, it's not nothing," Amelia said, frowning. Turning to Gura, she said, "Gura, can you get the first-aid kit?" Gura nodded and ran to find it; Ina'nis followed. Mori, Kiara, Amelia, and Alex remained in the kitchen. The atmosphere was completely silent.
Then, Kiara broke the silence. "I know war is a brutal experience, Alex. I understand what you felt," she said, a sad expression on her face. "Being a phoenix, I've witnessed much human history, including countless wars..." Alex looked at Kiara, his expression stoic and calm.
Alex looked at Kiara with a surprised expression. "Really..." Alex said, his surprise evident.
Kiara nodded and spoke politely, a little differently than her usual bold personality. "Yes, I'm not only just a phoenix, Alex... but also a warrior as well... I lived and experienced war as well, just like you did..." She said with a warm smile. "But I decided to leave that life and live as I wanted."
Alex was surprised that Kiara was also a warrior like him. He couldn't believe that this bold and mischievous woman, who had been flirting with him from the beginning, was also a proud warrior. He felt a connection to her life.
"Then why did you leave your warrior's life...?" Alex said calmly.
"Because I wanted to experience new things, you know, like having friends, eating delicious food..." she said with a big smile. "And especially, falling in love. And that's what led me here, joining the Myths. I met all of my wonderful friends because I left my warrior's life..." She said, looking at her friends.
Alex's eyes widened in surprise; he understood what she felt. He, too, was dedicated to his Forsaken monk life. He felt both jealous that she could choose her own life and happy for her happiness.
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the soft clinking of cutlery as the other girls ate. Alex, lost in thought, absently traced the rim of his now-empty plate. He hadn't realized how much Kiara's words had resonated with him. The longing for a different life, a life beyond the constant shadow of war, was a feeling he hadn't dared to acknowledge before.
"I... I wish it could be that easy," Alex said, looking down at his plate, his voice low and calm. "It's… different," he finally said, his voice low. "I… I can't imagine leaving my life as a Forsaken monk."
Kiara smiled gently. "It wasn't easy," she admitted. "There were times I doubted myself, times I missed the adrenaline, the camaraderie... but the peace... the quiet...it's worth it." She glanced at her friends, a warmth spreading across her face. "And these girls," she added, gesturing to Amelia, Gura, Ina, and Mori, "they're a big part of why I'm so happy with my choice."
Alex nodded slowly, a flicker of longing in his eyes. He understood what she meant. The camaraderie of battle, the adrenaline rush of combat… those were things deeply ingrained in him, as familiar as the rhythm of his own breath. But the quiet peace Kiara described was a foreign concept, a distant dream.
"I agree," Mori said, nodding. "As a reaper apprentice, I've also experienced the aftermath of war," she told Alex. "I remember hearing about the Battle of Bakura; I was still in training as a Shinigami back in the underworld. My master spoke of collecting many souls in the mortal realm 100 years ago—I believe he was referring to that battle."
Alex stared at Mori, a flicker of surprise in his usually stoic eyes. He hadn't considered the ripple effect of the Battle of Bakura extending even to those so seemingly removed from the conflict. The weight of his memories felt heavier now, shared not just with those who had fought alongside him but with those who had only heard echoes of the carnage.
"Really… You knew of it as well," Alex said, his surprise evident.
Mori nodded, her voice low and gravelly. She looked at Alex searchingly. "Yes, my master… he spoke of the same thing. The sheer weight of those lost in the war… the lingering death and decay… it clung to the land itself. 'It's why we reapers or Shinigami exist in the first place. To guide the lost souls, to help them find peace… to lessen the weight on the world.'"
Amelia, finishing the bandage on Alex's hand, spoke softly. Alex smiled slightly. "Thank you… for guiding my fallen brothers' souls to rest. It was their freedom to serve the monastery for all these years and their honor as proud warriors."
Amelia, Kiara, and Ina'nis blushed slightly, avoiding Alex's gaze as Mori returned his thanks. "You don't have to; that's a reaper's job…" Amelia and Kiara didn't respond, but they smiled as well.
The atmosphere in the room shifted. It wasn't the oppressive silence of shared trauma anymore; it was a quiet understanding, a shared burden, and a collective resolve. The girls, each in their unique way, had connected with the depth of Alex's pain, understanding the lasting scars of war, not just on the battlefield, but in the hearts of those left behind. The broken spoon, a symbol of Alex's fractured past, now seemed less a symbol of destruction and more a testament to the fragile strength of human endurance. The evening continued, the conversation moving towards gentler topics, yet the unspoken understanding of the battle's profound impact lingered, a silent bond forged in the aftermath of a shared story.
Gura and Ina'nis returned with the first-aid kit; Gura's usual boisterous energy was subdued by the somber mood. Gura gave the kit to Amelia, who efficiently cleaned and bandaged the cut on Alex's left palm, her movements precise and caring. Ina'nis, ever observant, noticed a faint tremor in Alex's hand as Amelia worked. She quietly reached out and covered his uninjured hand with hers, offering silent support.
Alex nodded slowly, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He understood her sentiment; the quiet moments of peace were precious, a stark contrast to the cacophony of battle. Yet, the idea of abandoning his life as a Forsaken monk felt impossible. It wasn't just a profession; it was a calling, a bond forged in fire and blood, a life dedicated to a sacred purpose, even if that purpose had become increasingly blurred over the years. He was bound by oaths, by tradition, by the weight of history that pressed down on him like a physical burden.
"It's... different for me," Alex said softly, his voice barely audible above the gentle hum of conversation from the other girls. "My life… it's not just a choice. It's… inherited. I was born into it."
Kiara's smile softened with empathy. She knew the weight of inherited burdens; her own past, though drastically different, was a weight she still carried. "I understand," she whispered, her voice gentle. "Sometimes, the path we're born onto isn't the path we'd choose for ourselves. But that doesn't mean it can't lead to happiness or that there aren't moments of peace to be found, even within the most challenging of lives."
Ina'nis and Gura finally returned, carrying the first-aid kit. Alex, Kiara, Mori, and Amelia noticed their arrival.
"Finally, you two are here; we can finally bandage Alex's wounded hand," Mori said.
Amelia quietly took Alex's hand, applied the first-aid kit, gently cleaned, and bandaged his bleeding hand. Her touch was as soothing as her words: "It's okay to want something different, Alex. It doesn't diminish your past or who you are. You've been through so much." Her words hung in the air, a quiet reassurance. Watching with concern, she added, "We're here for you, Alex. Whatever you decide." The other girls nodded in agreement, their support palpable.
A warmth spread through Alex's chest, a feeling as unfamiliar as the quiet peace Kiara had spoken of. He looked at the girls, at their genuine concern, their unwavering support. He saw in their faces not pity, but understanding, and in their eyes not judgment, but acceptance. For the first time in a long time, Alex felt a glimmer of hope, a crack in the hardened shell he had built around himself over the years. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to life than the unending cycle of violence he'd always known. Perhaps there was a place for him, even a place for a Forsaken monk, in this unexpected, peaceful corner of the world.
The weight on his chest lightened slightly, though it didn't vanish entirely. The memories remained sharp and vivid, but they felt less crushing, softened by the unexpected comfort of friendship and the possibility of a future he had never before considered. He still didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a very long time, he felt ready to face it, not alone.
Kiara then spoke. "So, since you're already living with us, I think it's also good for you to find a job," she said with a smile. "And no, being a Forsaken monk doesn't count," she added in a scolding, teasing tone.
Alex was surprised by Kiara's suggestion that he find a job to support himself while living with them. The sound of her words, surprisingly light and free, broke through the lingering weight of his past, a welcome distraction. He considered her suggestion; the idea of a "normal" job felt both foreign and strangely appealing. What could a Forsaken monk even do? He'd spent his life honing skills of combat and meditation, not exactly transferable to the average workplace.
"I... I don't know," Alex admitted, his voice calm, looking down at the ground. "I'm not exactly qualified for anything."
Kiara grinned, already brainstorming. "Well, we could use an extra hand around the house. And considering your… unique skill set, maybe some… security work?" she suggested, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Mori snorted with laughter. "Yeah, like a bodyguard for the local bakery!"
Amelia, having finally finished bandaging Alex's hand, chimed in, "I agree with Kiara. You're strong, and you're good with your hands and feet, being a martial artist. That alone is a big help in cleaning this massive house."
"Well… my masters did teach me and my brothers how to clean the monastery," Alex said stoically. "I guess that's not a problem."
The girls were surprised by Alex's statement, especially Mori, who raised an eyebrow. "Really? You and your brothers were taught how to clean the monastery?"
Alex nodded. "Yes, it was part of our training. We were trained not only in cleanliness but also in teamwork."
The idea of security work sparked something in Alex. He had spent years anticipating danger, reacting to threats. It was, in a strange way, familiar territory. The thought of using his skills to protect others, instead of engaging in violence, held a certain appeal. He could channel his experience into something positive, something that didn't involve bloodshed.
"Or, if you like… you can also work for me at KFP," Kiara suggested. "Your martial arts skills alone are enough to make you a good security guard; it's not like I can't defend my fast-food restaurant myself. And besides, having another hand in managing the restaurant would be a big help."
Alex responded calmly, "That's also a good idea. How much is the pay?"
"Well, technically, KFP's business is kinda weird, really…" Kiara chuckled, scratching the back of her head.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Kiara continued, "Well, instead of you getting paid… you have to pay me instead…" she said. Alex raised an eyebrow, his expression serious, but he didn't respond.
Kiara continued, "But hey, you'll have the same benefits, like German lessons, and anything you want, of course…" she said mischievously.
Alex's expression remained unchanged. He already knew how to speak German—in fact, almost fifty languages in total, including Russian, Italian, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Filipino, and others. Learning languages was part of his Forsaken monk training, enabling communication with clients. He understood Kiara's "anything he wants" comment, knowing her flirtatious nature. He didn't respond immediately. "I'll think about it…" he said calmly.
Kiara's mischievous grin widened. She knew exactly how to interpret that carefully neutral response. "Good," she said, leaning back in her chair, "Because I have a feeling you're going to need more than German lessons." She winked, then turned her attention back to the others. "So, security work, or KFP? We need to decide on a plan of attack here."
Alex considered Kiara's offer—the absurdity of paying to work at a fast-food restaurant—a stark contrast to the seriousness of his past. The image of himself, a Forsaken monk, guarding a fast-food restaurant, brought back memories of Forsaken monks hired as mercenaries. The quiet rebellion of it, the sheer unexpectedness, held a certain charm. The thought of using his skills less violently, coupled with the camaraderie he'd found, was appealing. He understood the "anything he wants" aspect, given Kiara's flirtatious nature; he just hoped he wouldn't be uncomfortable.
Alex sighed. "Fine," he said seriously. "I'll work at KFP."
A collective cheer erupted. Mori nearly fell out of her chair. Amelia smiled warmly. Even Ina'nis and Gura managed small smiles. Kiara, however, simply raised an eyebrow.
"Excellent choice," she said, her tone devoid of its usual teasing. "You won't regret the payment or the 'benefits' awaiting you." She winked. Alex raised his eyebrows in response.
Mori snorted. "Don't listen to her. Those 'benefits' probably involve unreasonable cleaning and questionable food combinations." Kiara smirked.
Ina'nis added, "While Kiara's description might be...embellished, working at KFP offers advantages: exposure to various situations, new skills, and the opportunity to contribute positively."
Gura, already leaving, yelled, "And lots of fun! A culinary adventure!"
Amelia smiled. "They're right. Kiara can be dramatic, but working with her isn't so bad. She's surprisingly good at what she does."
Alex's expression remained stoic. The contrast between their personalities was striking, but their camaraderie was undeniable. He appreciated their honesty.
"I'm looking forward to working with you, Kiara," Alex said, surprised by the genuine warmth in his tone. The thought of the next day—shopping, new clothes, the KFP experience—filled him with hesitant excitement. He'd spent years mastering control and discipline; now, he was allowing himself anticipation and—dare he admit it?—playful curiosity.
Kiara grinned, clapping his shoulder. "That's the spirit! Now, let's finish eating and go to sleep. We have much to do tomorrow..."
After they finished eating, the girls cleaned the kitchen. Kiara and Mori washed the dishes; Amelia loaded the dishwasher; Gura and Ina'nis cleaned the table; and Alex helped clean. He smiled, a genuine, warm smile that surprised even himself. He felt a comfortable sense of belonging, absent since leaving the monastery. These women, despite their chaotic energy and sometimes questionable methods, possessed a genuine warmth and acceptance he found unexpectedly comforting.
The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement. As they cleaned, a sense of easy camaraderie filled the air—a comfortable, chaotic blend of laughter, playful teasing, and shared purpose. Alex, once solitary, fit surprisingly well into this lively group. He was no longer just a Forsaken monk seeking his true origins. He was a friend, a new member of their team, and perhaps a participant in whatever adventures awaited him. For the first time in a long time, the thought filled him not with apprehension but with eager anticipation.
Amelia clapped her hands. "Okay, we're done," she said. "Let's go to sleep."
Gura yawned. "Yeah, I'm really sleepy too," she said, already feeling tired.
Kiara agreed. "I agree. Besides, we have things to do tomorrow—we need to buy Alex some clothes and then go to KFP to get him started."
Mori, stretching languidly, chimed in, "Speaking of clothes, what style are we going for, Alex? Something that screams 'former Forsaken monk who now works at a fast-food restaurant'?" She chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Alex, still surprised by the warmth he felt amongst them, simply shrugged. "Something comfortable and practical, I suppose. I'm not exactly used to… civilian attire."
Ina'nis, ever the pragmatist, offered, "We could start with a simple, dark-colored t-shirt, jeans, and sturdy shoes. Nothing too flashy, but nothing that screams 'I'm hiding a wolf tail'." She smirked slightly.
Kiara, however, waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, too boring. Alex deserves something… more. Something that reflects his inner stoic warrior, but with a touch of KFP flair. Think… "silent but deadly." She paused dramatically, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Maybe a black KFP uniform with some custom modifications? We could add some cool patches and maybe even embroider his title, 'Alex Garcia, the Forsaken Monk,' on the back."
Everyone chuckled at Kiara's suggestion, except Alex, who remained silent. Amelia, ever the voice of reason, gently interjected, "Kiara, maybe we should start with something a little less… extravagant. A simple shopping trip to find some everyday clothes might be a good start. We can work on the customized KFP uniform later if Alex is comfortable with that idea."
Alex considered this, his expression serious and calm. "What if I just wear my Forsaken monk uniform to KFP? I'm already used to it," he said, referring to his current outfit. His expression remained stoic.
A beat of silence followed Alex's suggestion. Mori choked on her own saliva, sputtering, "You… you're serious?"
Kiara, however, considered it for a moment, a thoughtful expression replacing her usual playful demeanor. "Actually," she said slowly, "that might not be the worst idea. It's certainly… memorable. Plus, it's already a uniform of sorts. And it's probably more durable than anything we'd find in a regular store." She nodded. "Besides," she added mischievously, "I like seeing you in that outfit; it reveals your hot muscles."
Alex, ignoring Kiara's playful teasing, hadn't anticipated the girls' enthusiasm concerning his wardrobe. He was used to his Forsaken monk outfit—a black long-sleeved turtleneck, red pants, and a brown rope belt—worn daily. But the thought of carefully curated outfits chosen by these vibrant and fashion-forward women brought a new kind of anticipation. It wasn't just about new clothes; it was a step further into this new, unfamiliar, and increasingly exciting life.
"Okay, okay," Amelia said, laughing. "Let's not get carried away. A simple shopping trip it is. But Kiara's idea about the custom KFP uniform… that's definitely something to think about for later."
Ina'nis nodded in agreement. "We can assess his needs after he's had a chance to acclimate to a more… casual wardrobe."
Mori, still giggling, added, "I'm suddenly very interested in seeing Alex in a stylish KFP uniform. Think of the possibilities! We could even get him a custom apron with flames on it!"
Kiara grinned. "Flames… I like it. We could also add some glow-in-the-dark embroidery. Or maybe a tiny embroidered picture of a cute little wolf."
Alex, despite himself, found a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Their enthusiasm, while sometimes overwhelming, was undeniably endearing. He appreciated their efforts to make him comfortable and welcome. "Alright, then," he said, his voice still calm but carrying a hint of warmth. "Shopping for civilian clothes tomorrow. We'll discuss the KFP uniform later."
The group finally settled down, the excitement of the day slowly fading into the drowsiness of sleep. They drifted off one by one, each carrying the weight of their own thoughts and anticipating the adventures of tomorrow.
Reaching their rooms, the girls began preparing for bed. Alex's room was next to Kiara's, Mori's next to his, Ina'nis's next to Amelia's, and Gura's beside Ina'nis's. The conversation continued, albeit quieter, a mixture of excited chatter about tomorrow's plans and pre-sleep banter.
Alex entered his room, walked to his bed, and lay down, feeling tiredness engulf him as he buried his face in the pillows. The quiet hum of their conversation, barely audible through the floorboards, brought a quiet comfort and a sense of belonging. He was tired, yes, but a different kind of tired—one stemming not from physical exertion but from the joyful exhaustion that followed a day filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of exciting days to come.
He looked at the ceiling, his expression calm and relaxed, rethinking everything he knew. The monastery was a distant memory, a serene backdrop to the vibrant and unpredictable landscape of his new life. Then, a vision of IRyS, the Nephilim of Hope, appeared in his consciousness. She revealed his true origins: he was a Sakarian prince from the planet Sakar. IRyS also shared news of Sakar's fate, the death of his parents, and how he was sent to Earth to escape the planet's destruction, landing him in the holy grounds where the Forsaken Monks found him as a baby.
She spoke of the barbaric nature of the Sakarians and the impending war between the Sakarians and the Nephilim, specifically the conflict between the Myths and the Council. He promised IRyS he wouldn't reveal the coming war to the Myths, as she would be the one to tell them in the future. IRyS promised to visit his consciousness again, sharing more about the Sakarians. As he drifted off to sleep, he looked forward, not to what he had left behind but to the adventure that awaited him.
Morning arrived with birds chirping. Sunlight streamed through Alex's bedroom window, causing him to groan and slowly open his eyes. He sat up, looked at the floor, stretched, and stood, walking to his door. He opened it and stepped into the hallway; the house was already bustling with activity. He walked to the living room, the floorboards creaking softly beneath his feet. Finding the living room empty, he followed the aroma of frying bacon and something deliciously spiced—a stark contrast to the austere scents of incense and woodsmoke that permeated his life at the monastery—toward the kitchen.
Alex found the others already gathered, a scene of controlled chaos unfolding. Kiara, the epicenter of the storm, directed the others with a mixture of charm and barely contained fury. Mori, surprisingly adept at cooking despite her earlier pancake debacle, expertly flipped bacon. Ina'nis meticulously arranged colorful fruits and vegetables for fresh juice. Amelia, calm and efficient, poured coffee with precision. Even Gura, usually a whirlwind of energy, seemed focused, meticulously arranging condiments and spreads.
The girls greeted him with warm smiles. "Morning, sleepyhead!" Gura chirped. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did," Alex replied, his expression calm and relaxed.
Amelia giggled. "I'm guessing you really slept well, huh? You slept that long."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Really? How late is it?"
Kiara joined in. "Well, it's almost 10 a.m.… and we must say, you really enjoyed your sleep."
Alex sighed. "I guess I did… sorry I woke up late." The girls dismissed his apology. He thought it had been a long time since he'd slept so soundly.
"Oh, don't worry, Alex. Sometimes, we like to sleep in," Ina'nis said gently.
Kiara clapped her hands. "Apologies accepted! Now, sleepyhead, enough chit-chat. We've got a busy day ahead. First, fuel up! Mori's bacon is calling your name."
Alex joined them at the table; the aroma of sizzling bacon and the vibrant colors of the fruit salad tantalized his senses. He ate with gusto, the simple meal far more satisfying than any monastic repast he could recall. Conversation flowed easily, a mix of playful teasing and genuine warmth. He learned that Mori's pancake failure had been spectacular, involving a flour explosion and a near miss with a kitchen fire. Ina'nis revealed her secret to perfectly balanced juices—a complex formula involving precise measurements and a touch of "magical intuition." Amelia shared her surprisingly regimented yet tranquil morning routine. Even Gura's usual chaotic energy seemed channeled into focused enthusiasm for the day's plans.
"So," Kiara announced, clapping her hands, "Now that our resident monk has graced us with his presence, shall we discuss the day's agenda? Shopping trip recap, followed by a thorough KFP orientation, and then…well, the day will unfold as it may. That's the beauty of KFP, isn't it?"
Mori, holding a perfectly cooked piece of bacon aloft, hummed in agreement. "Indeed. After the orientation, I expect a full accounting of Alex's newfound fashion sense. I'm particularly interested in the strategic placement of aforementioned ripped seams."
Ina'nis chimed in. "While I appreciate Mori's enthusiasm for sartorial rebellion, let's not forget the importance of a proper KFP uniform. Comfort and functionality are key, remember?"
Amelia smiled gently. "We'll find a balance, I'm sure. Alex, we'll start with a basic introduction to the kitchen staff. Then, we'll show you the ropes. Don't worry; it's not as chaotic as it looks. Usually." She winked.
Gura, already bouncing on the balls of her feet, vibrated with energy. "And after the orientation, we can celebrate with an extravagant KFP lunch! We're talking phoenix-shaped pancakes, extra crispy bacon, and a fruit salad to rival the Garden of Eden!"
Alex laughed. The enthusiasm was infectious; the blend of organized chaos and genuine warmth created a surprisingly comfortable environment. He felt growing anticipation, a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This wasn't just a job; it was an immersion into a world unlike anything he'd ever known.
Breakfast continued as a whirlwind of conversation, punctuated by the sizzle of bacon and the clinking of cutlery. They discussed the day's plans, debating clothing styles, and speculating about the challenges (and triumphs) of Alex's first shift. Mori focused on potential discounts. Ina'nis meticulously planned their route, optimizing for time efficiency. Amelia provided quiet, reassuring commentary, gently guiding the sometimes overly enthusiastic discussion. Gura, brimming with boundless energy, kept the atmosphere light and fun, offering running commentary on everything from the bacon to the aesthetic appeal of the morning sun.
After finishing their meal, they cleaned the table, washed the dishes, and then went outside to prepare for their shopping trip to buy Alex new clothes. Their walk to the mall was a blur of chatter and laughter.
Gura, true to form, pointed out interesting sights—a particularly plump squirrel, a strangely shaped cloud, a discarded newspaper headline about a cat elected mayor of a small town. Ina'nis, ever practical, navigated the sidewalks with the efficiency of a seasoned urban explorer, occasionally muttering about optimal walking routes and pedestrian flow. Mori, surprisingly, displayed a keen eye for street art, commenting on the techniques and symbolism of various murals. Amelia, meanwhile, maintained a steady, calming presence, occasionally interjecting with insightful observations or gentle corrections to her friends' more outlandish claims. Even Kiara, usually the one in charge, seemed to relax, enjoying the carefree atmosphere.
As the six reached the city, Alex glanced at his surroundings with an intrigued expression. He noticed the tall buildings and the lively atmosphere of HoloCity, a city where humans and mythical creatures coexisted. He observed various mythical creatures from different pantheons: yokai and kitsune from Shinto, kapre, dwende, and diwata from Filipino mythology (Anito), and creatures from Chinese, Hindu, and Indian mythologies, among others. People and mythical creatures alike noticed Alex, turning their heads to look at him. Men were impressed by his physique and handsome face, while some were jealous. Women were either blushing or openly admiring his appearance.
The attention, while unexpected, didn't faze Alex. Years spent amongst the Forsaken monks had trained him to remain composed even amidst chaos. He acknowledged the stares with a polite nod, his expression remaining stoic, yet his eyes betraying a hint of amusement. He was used to being observed, but this was different; this was not the reverent awe of those who saw a Forsaken monk but the open curiosity and admiration of ordinary people and mythical creatures alike.
Kiara, ever perceptive, noticed his quiet observation. "Seems you're getting a lot of attention, huh? Maybe because of how revealing your muscles are under that turtleneck..." she said with a mischievous giggle. Alex didn't react to her teasing; he remained quiet, continuing to walk alongside them.
Mori, ever practical, added, "We should get you a manager. Or at least a publicist. Think of the endorsements! 'Alex Garcia, former Forsaken monk, now working at a fast-food restaurant!'"
Ina'nis, ever the pragmatist, sighed. "Let's focus on the clothes shopping, shall we? We need to get Alex outfitted for his shift before this turns into a full-blown paparazzi frenzy."
Amelia, with her usual calm demeanor, smiled gently. "She's right. Let's find some clothes that are both comfortable and… well, not easily recognizable as "Forsaken Monk attire. "
Gura, as always, added her own unique spin. "Yeah, Kiara, you're just being horny over Alex's physique..." she said in a teasing tone.
Kiara, unfazed by Gura's teasing, simply winked. "Hey, can a woman appreciate a well-toned physique, right? Besides, it's not like I'm wrong, Alex is indeed attractive, in both body and face, a fuckable type of man." Kiara said very boldly.
Alex remained impassive, his expression unchanged. He didn't care about Kiara's blatant interest in him; he was more focused on what would happen next. The attention, while noticeable, didn't register as anything more than an observation. Years spent in the monastery had trained him to remain unaffected by external stimuli. This was simply another aspect of this new life, one he was still processing.
The others, however, reacted with varying degrees of surprise and embarrassment; they all blushed at what she said. Mori, also blushing, said, "Kiara, you're unbelievable! You went straight for the jugular!"
"What the fuck, Kiara, that is not something to say around a man..." Mori added, still blushing.
Gura, still blushing, spoke. "Yeah, Kiara, I can't believe you just straight up said that..."
Ina'nis, ever practical, pinched the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, Kiara, sometimes I wonder if you have a filter at all." She then turned to Alex, her expression softening. "Please, forgive her forwardness. She doesn't always think before she speaks."
Amelia, ever the peacemaker, chuckled softly. "Indeed. Let's just say Kiara expresses her admiration… enthusiastically." She discreetly nudged Kiara with her elbow. "Perhaps we should stick to discussing Alex's wardrobe before we cause a riot."
Kiara, for once, seemed slightly flustered. A faint blush lingered on her cheeks, a rare sight indeed. "Fine, fine," she mumbled, though a playful glint still shone in her eyes. "And besides, he insulted me, for not even feeling anything when I sat on his lap last night..." She said, folding her arms and pouting.
The girls remembered yesterday's events—Alex's claim that he was immune to physical contact with women.
"Do you still remember what happened last night...?" Mori asked Kiara.
"Of course, he insulted me for not feeling anything, as if he mockery of my beauty..." Kiara said, still pouting.
Alex sighed and spoke. "It's not that I don't find you attractive, it's more that I have more control over my own emotions..." He said stoically, his voice calm and relaxed.
Kiara's pout deepened. "Control? You call that control? I practically draped myself all over you, and you were as unresponsive as a stone statue! It's insulting!"
Mori stifled a giggle. "Okay, maybe 'stone statue' is a bit harsh, but you have a point, Kiara. He's... different."
Ina'nis, ever pragmatic, decided to intervene. "Alright, ladies, let's not forget we're here to buy Alex some clothes. This isn't exactly helping the situation." She gestured towards a nearby clothing store. "Come on, let's get this over with."
To be continued.