Story Reader / Affection / Noctis: Indomitus / Story
Noctis: Indomitus I
>Clean Zone, a vast purified area created with the power of the Inver-Hetero Tower.
As humans establish more and more settlements, an increasing number of facilities serving different purposes are being erected.
Many Task Force members would choose here as their getaway destination for vacations.
Maybe out of nostalgia for the Golden Age, or to live the hope for a promising future.
However, your presence here, alongside Noctis, stems from a distinct reason that likely sets you apart from all the others...
The soft rays of the lingering sunlight gently stream into the tavern, casting a warm, dusky hue upon its wooden structure.
Seated by the window, a man is attentively inspecting a photo in his hand, basking in the final glow of the setting sun.
I was stupid. So stupid...
I only remembered that the Corrupted could get easily drawn during patrols as they were roaming around aimlessly.
But I didn't know it was the same during the migration...
My friend...
The friend sitting across the table reaches out to hold his hand, as if to console or persuade him.
Man...
My friend...
It's just a CD. If you're trying to slack off, you don't need to go to such lengths.
Excuse me, I'm gonna turn on the lights.
Click.
A sudden burst of light illuminates the corner. The owner reacts with an exaggerated expression akin to a startled monster caught in the sunlight.
The meticulously crafted serious atmosphere is swiftly shattered by the lively sounds of drinking and chatting.
Alcohol, beverages, onions, cheese... Everything intertwines, setting the stage for a splendid evening, bidding farewell to the sun as it dips below the horizon.
Today's "Vegetable Stew" is as lively as usual.
Can you... do something more romantic?
If you really have the free time, count me in.
Having said that, the man tilts his head to look back.
In place of the owner, who was once a familiar sight before the wooden shelf brimming with jars and bottles, another "lucky soul" now occupies that very position.
I'll have some fried potato.
A beer, please.
Vodka, orange juice, ice...
Bingo, oh, and your smile.
It turns out the "lucky one" is none other than the bipedal self-propelled multifunctional humanoid creature known as Commandant, who is diligently fulfilling the role of a bartender at "Vegetable Stew".
At the same time, the owner is observing everything in amusement while rubbing his chin.
You know what? Ever since that one came to help, my tavern's revenue has at least tripled.
Instead of being a total eyesore just standing around, I reckon I'd be better off grabbing a seat by the window and enjoying some homemade brew...
Food's here.
With a precise and crisp clank, the plate in Noctis' hand collides with the beer mug beside the owner's hand and knocks it away.
Once you're done grubbing, get your ass over here and help.
Having said that, Noctis steals a glance at the commandant behind the counter. He then snatches the beer mug away, paying no heed to the owner's protests, and makes his way toward the counter.
I'll have a Storm No. 17.
Rum, pineapple juice, lemon juice...
And don't forget about the most important piece—a splash of love.
Yo! Here's your fried potato, sir!
As your mind teeters on the brink of exhaustion from the relentless stream of incoming orders, Noctis deftly positions himself between you and the customer, effectively obstructing his view.
A large plate filled with golden fried potatoes unexpectedly lands on the table before the customer, causing salt grains to bounce and scatter all over upon impact.
Want something else fried up, sir? Potato ain't the only option we got, you know.
T-thanks. I'm good.
With a mischievous grin, Noctis nods at you before disappearing behind the door curtain with the service tray in his hand.
Shortly after, the wooden window connecting to the kitchen beside you is pushed open by Noctis with his head.
Commandant, did we get any new orders for fried food?
Got it. On 'em right now.
By the way, Commandant, if that guy still doesn't get his ass over here later, just let me know.
This time, Noctis finds the chance to give you a thumbs-up. Sensing his encouragement, you show him a smile in return.
Then you turn your gaze toward the owner, hoping your stare can urge him to finish his food and come back to his position quickly.
...
The sky grows darker before you notice. When you finally have a moment to catch your breath and rest, you realize that there are no more customers seated by the counter.
A gentle night breeze rushes in as the door is briefly opened, sweeping away the remnants of the hustle and bustle.
With a gentle clinking of cutlery on a table, your work for the day officially comes to a halt.
After cleaning the used utensils and placing them in the disinfection area, you notice the owner grumbling as he sets the key down on a nearby table.
Man, I'm beat. Gonna head back first.
The place's all yours now, as usual. Just don't forget to lock up before you take off, alright?
The door swings open once more, and soon after, you find yourself the only one left in the front area of "Vegetable Stew".
You retrieve a reserved utensil and your handwritten notebook, placing the note on the table in front of you.
Once you remove the lid and verify that the extract in the vessel has reached the desired state, you cautiously tilt it to pour the transparent liquid into a glass...
Yo, Commandant, you gotta see this! I've finally nailed it—a wreath-shaped potato pancake!
Startled by the sudden cue, you swiftly retrieve the vessel, fortunately finding that the amount poured is still within the estimated range, with none of the precious extract going to waste.
As you lift your head from the ongoing experiment, Noctis rushes toward you from the kitchen, holding a plate in his hand.
The potato pancake atop the plate displays a captivating golden pattern and a distinct silhouette, its alluring aroma filling the air.
I haven't tried it yet. Wanna have some first, Commandant?
Witnessing Noctis' success with his new creation ignites a surge of competitiveness within you. Fueled by this newfound motivation, your hands begin to move with restless energy, conjuring their own "magic."
Orange juice, lemon, ice... All the ingredients come to join the party, turning the design in your notebook into a tangible reality.
The contents inside the glass goblet continuously shift and blend as a tiny starry sky materializes within.
Damn, that's a killer sight! I bet it tastes as awesome as it looks.
As you push the drink toward Noctis, he reciprocates by passing the potato pancake to you.
Cheers!
The vessels collide, producing a crispy clank. You take a small piece of the pancake and put it in your mouth...
"Pfft—" "Cough, cough—"
Your vision blurs for one moment, as if the light is suddenly turned off in the room.
Aaaw—this is sour as hell! Commandant, what did you use to make this?!
The initial round of mutual blaming apparently is not convincing for both parties. You two decide to have another round of self-tasting.
"Cough, cough—" "Pfft—"
...
We should just dump 'em...
Cleaning up the oil on your hand, you draw a big red cross sign on your open notebook, which marks a definitive decision to discard this recipe.
When you glance back, the hands of the clock on the wall have already advanced to a position that you would rather not see.
You call Noctis out of the kitchen before rushing outside.
The biting cold of the night wind catches you off guard, sending a shiver down your spine. Only by now are you reminded that you are not clad in the commandant uniform you usually wear for protection and warmth.
Chill, Commandant. It's not like we're on a mission or anything. No need to be so strict about doing everything right on schedule, you know?
After wrapping a scarf around your neck, Noctis closes the door and locks it with the key left behind by the owner.
Nonchalantly, he tosses the key into the air, causing it to trace a swift arc before landing inside the flower pot.
Forget about it. Let that slacker come and find the key himself.
It's almost curfew time. Should be alright..
Bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights, you and Noctis stroll down the empty street, enjoying each other's company on this quiet night.
This is the seventh day since you and Noctis arrived at the conservation area.
The weather is nice today, no unusual events have occurred, and you have done a pretty good job at "Vegetable Stew".
Those "admirers" of yours gave you a bit of a tough time at first, but as you grow acquainted, those misunderstandings have become fun jokes to tell in daily chitchats.
As long as life remains as is, the pain of the past will eventually be soothed by time.
All in all, it was another peaceful day.
