Spectral Regalia

Ch 28: The Eye of the Beholder

Avrin set the first book down on the desk where the other three were neatly piled. He realized his purchase of the book "How to catch flying fish" was truly not a waste, though mainly because it was being experimented on.

Avrin placed his hand over the book and emitted a nebula mist that began to cover it until only a black silhouette under a hazy purple mist could be seen. The book began to twist and turn in the mist until it was devoured out of existence. Avrin tried to focus as if half-assing meditation trying to picture the contents of the book. He mumbled to himself, "Maybe I should have read a bit just in case." Then he shrugged. Too late now.

Avrin visualized the book as best as he could and felt a slight electrical tingling from within him as if something was beyond his body. If he had to describe it, he'd say it felt like his soul. He could feel a small surge of knowledge slowly seep through his mind. He opened his eyes and spoke. "Flying fish are spread out through pristine lakes in Seleria. They are more inclined to live in the waters of Agrianea, as the water contains much needed nutrients to help this fish grow. Chapter 9 page 102." Avrin smirked to himself.

Of course, this wasn't without problems. It seemed if he wanted to focus on certain parts of information he needed to enter a half meditative state as well as visualize the book for a few moments without interruption. He hoped as he got stronger and practiced more, this wouldn't be an issue.

There was also another test Avrin wanted to try. He had planned to leave the book in his memory banks and would give it a few days before retesting to see if things had sped up and also to see if he could re-copy the book. Knowledge like this, if indeed it was one of a kind, would prove useful if he ever attained his own empire.

After a few hours, the sun properly hid itself and night was upon the village. Avrin made his way down and he could hear chatter as well as music and laughing. It seemed like a joyful place to be in. He made his way over to a shadowy corner with no one was around and he sat himself down at the large wooden table that had a sturdy set of four chairs.

At that moment, a waitress came by and asked for his order. Although Avrin could create food, it had a somewhat synthetic taste. Dark matter had limits to perfectly replicating the taste of food, then again, it was limited to Avrin's memories and knowledge.

He decided to go for broke and ordered the A course on the waitresses' recommendations. The course consisted of 11 different plates from roast beef ribs brazed with a savory gravy which was made from broth that had an assortment of bones and herbs and spices in it, all the way to desert which was a snow flake pudding - basically a large round, somewhat triangular, chocolate pudding with white honey dust extracted from a special type of flower and topped off with some unique looking fruits pickled in syrup.

The waitress was surprised Avrin had ordered such a thing as she only recommended it because it was meant for special occasions of people in groups and it cost a whopping 10 gold as the head chef personally prepared it.

Avrin didn't seem phased on the outside by this. The only reason he bothered to order food as such was tasting it to see if it was different to food in his own universe, but on the inside he was somewhat excited. The fruit he had eaten earlier had stimulated his appetite, but he had put it off due to having other things to take care of.

As the first few meals came out, Avrin received some uninvited eyes from what seemed like adventurers who were celebrating earlier but Avrin kept to himself, as he was still cloaked. He began to eat the first dish which was a sort of lobster with a savory butter mint sauce. He tried not to salivate to ruin his outward appearance.

Just then, a group of adventurers entered the inn. Avrin only snuck a glance. It seemed to be the group from earlier in the day that had saved the little boy. Of course, he cared not for them but what caught his eye was the mysterious cloaked figure in the group that seemed to have noticed him the instant the group had entered. The figure was gazing at him, his face was covered by the hood and the dark.