Neve needed to get two Bond Points immediately, or he was going to lose his mind.
He doubted he could survive another hour without ramen. Especially not after the system's glowing interface had tantalized him with those crisp, high-definition pictures. The springy yellow noodles curled in a glossy, steaming broth; the thick slice of tender pork belly glistening with rendered fat; the soft-boiled egg cut perfectly in half. His mouth watered so intensely it was almost painful, and his empty stomach gave a miserable, rumbling growl.
Groaning, Neve finally let go of his red hair, letting his hands flop heavily to his sides. He slumped forward, resting his chin toward his chest as he panted slowly, trying to talk his erratic pulse down.
Heavy footsteps thundered outside, and a second later, Cael burst through the cave entrance. The leopard beastman's chest was heaving, his golden eyes wide as if he had sprinted across the territory the instant Neve's voice echoed out.
