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Noctis: Indomitus VI
Two spoons of β20 extract...
No wonder the glass is almost full with just two scoops.
It's okay. I haven't added anything else, so I can just pour some out for later.
Early in the morning, you and Noctis arrive at Vegetable Stew.
While waiting for the owner to show up, Noctis dives into the creation of his new dish, and you find yourself inspired by his passion, starting to tinker with your own drink recipe.
As you continue your drink experiment, Noctis expresses his desire to have a sip as well...
Oh...
Crap, my potato pancake!
Noctis bursts into the kitchen like a gust of wind, setting off a symphony of clanks and clatters as pots and pans are set into motion.
Shortly after, he returns to the counter with his proud creation.
The captivating aroma floods your senses, its allure so potent that it momentarily erases the memory of the mundane morning grub you had earlier.
Commandant, have a bite.
You are now entering the final stage of your experiment as well.
After carefully adding the corresponding extract and thoroughly mixing the ingredients, the drink, modified from the old recipe, is proudly presented in its complete form.
Cheers.
With a gentle clank, the two small glasses collide in the air.
Whoa, get started already this early?
Rubbing his eyes, the owner pushes open the door of Vegetable Stew, caught off guard by the sight of you and Noctis. He didn't expect anyone to be present at this early hour.
He first runs his finger along the surface of a table to check for any lingering traces of dust.
Then he shifts his gaze toward the ceiling, only to find the lampshade scratched during the fight is gone, now replaced by a brand new one.
Commandant and I went shopping yesterday and ended up buying a new one. We couldn't find the exact same color, so we got one that's pretty close.
But the old one is still usable, right?
Sykes said that thing was an eyesore to him, always making him feel like a piece would drop into his dinner.
The owner offers a simple response of acknowledgment before shifting his attention to the counter. His gaze falls upon Super Potato Pancake and Vegetable Storm, his curiosity clearly piqued.
The owner responds with a nod. Before Noctis can voice his opinion, the owner swiftly snatches a piece of the potato pancake, demonstrating impressive dexterity akin to picking up a chestnut from fire with bare hands. Following that, he once again extends his arm toward the drink...
Hey, Commandant made this for me. There's still some left over. If you wanna give it a taste, go fetch it yourself.
To your surprise, the owner refrains from talking back to Noctis as usual but calmly retrieves a glass and proceeds to pour some of the drink for himself.
They both taste pretty good.
I busted my ass on this thing for a solid two weeks. So, of course, it tastes good.
Oh wait, I was meaning to find out who the hell suggested that Commandant use α40 extract.
Well, that person got lucky this time.
Noctis takes a hearty bite of the potato pancake and follows it with a confident sip of the drink.
Em... Are you down to leave me the recipes?
Upon hearing the owner's words, you share a brief gaze with Noctis, and in that moment, you both recognize the same astonishment reflected in each other's eyes.
Me neither, but you've been so strict with this kind of stuff...
So, does that mean I've reached the level of a top-notch chef?
Quit daydreaming. You still have a lot to improve, but I gotta admit, this one is pretty interesting.
Got any names for them?
Super Potato Pancake!!
I'll never allow that kind of name to exist on my menu...
What about "[player name] & Noctis"? Pretty cool to make them a combo, right? Plus, it's got that nostalgic vibe to it.
Why do I feel that's your true intention from the beginning...
After confirming the details and key points with you, the owner stands up, gathering the note and his notebook. Then, he places them inside a drawer, securely locking it.
Suddenly, a voice from outside the door catches your attention—the delivery for kitchen supplies has already arrived.
"I'll leave the rest to you,"—with that said, the owner walks away toward the door.
The morning sunlight streams through the window, bathing the tables in its warm glow.
A breeze sweeps into the tavern, carrying with it the invigorating scent of grass and the melodious singing of the wind chime. Reacting swiftly, you secure a pen onto the fluttering paper.
Looking around the space with Noctis, not until now have you realized that many changes have taken place since your initial arrival.
All the door hinges have been replaced with new ones by you, and Noctis has added his artistic touch by drawing graffiti on the same part, ensuring that the colors match the surroundings.
The Fortune Cat you brought from Kowloon has been creatively transformed by Noctis into a shark to match the style better. Now, it proudly stands on the counter, exuding a cool and chic vibe...
As you begin to remove your apron, Noctis, prompted by your action, halts in his tracks toward the door and starts mirroring your movements.
Holding his apron in hand, Noctis seems reluctant to let it go, evoking a stark contrast to his previous behavior, where he would swiftly set the apron aside after work.
With a tender touch, Noctis caresses the logo of Vegetable Stew on the apron. Clumsily but carefully, he proceeds to fold it and place it gently on the table.
These past few weeks have felt like a dream to me.
No missions, no enemies, no unexpected calls, no equipment to maintain, and I didn't even have to use a weapon once.
Every single day was just about taking orders, cooking, and shooting the breeze with Commandant...
Noctis falls into a momentary silence, searching for the perfect words. But shortly after, like a ray of sunshine, that familiar grin graces his face once more.
Yeah, I did!
I had so much fun here, and now I don't even want to go back.
Hey, Commandant, if we manage to wipe out all the Punishing Virus, do you think we could live like this for the rest of our lives?
Well, in that case, I'll make a fortune with "[player name] & Noctis" and start a whole chain of it. Commandant can be the boss, and we'll have Ed in charge of the counter.
We'll expand our business empire and open shops in every conservation area and even in the business district of Babylonia.
Noctis allows his imagination to soar freely, depicting a future nestled within his heart—a world where the need to be constantly prepared for battle no longer exists.
And by then, you will finally be able to take off this uniform...
Noctis rubs his nose while avoiding your gaze.
Don't get me wrong. I just think you've been having a blast, too. Over here, you don't always get worried or be in constant danger.
Should we mention it to Commander Nikola...
In embarrassment, Noctis rubs his hair, recognizing how unrealistic his words are.
Sigh, I wish that promise had been made only to Sykes. That guy straight-up ditched us before, so we've got every reason to return the favor.
It seems that Noctis, too, comes to a realization that the presence of the Clean Zone doesn't necessarily mean easier battles in the future.
I know...
Got it! Leave it to me!
You reach for the duster and lightly sweep it across the already-cleaned counter. Then, you carefully place the gift you purchased from a Kowloong merchant on the shelf behind.
Fold the apron with care and seal it away together with your reluctance to leave and all the other emotions and thoughts.
A final glance at Vegetable Stew, basking in the morning sunlight, and with Noctis by your side, you push open the door.
As the delivery staff navigates the streets, a lively energy gradually permeates the air.
The Clean Zone is waking up from its sleep, and its inhabitants are ready to embrace the arrival of a new day.
Will today be another peaceful day? Or will unexpected commotions unfold, giving rise to lively discussions and intriguing tales at the dinner table?
You're leaving? Take care, you two.
Hey Ed, I almost forgot—I'll leave the dishes for you to wash this time.
[player name], you're always welcome in Vegetable Stew. But sorry, no room for Noctis.
Heehee, even though you say that, I'll still leave a counter position to you.
??
Something's telling me it's best not to dig into that.
I just want you to know, no matter what goes down, no matter what ending we get, as long as Vegetable Stew is standing, your aprons will always have a place here.
Though I feel it might come off a bit arrogant saying that in front of the Gray Raven Commandant. Anyways, you two stay safe, alright...
Rest assured. I've got Commandant's back.
We'll come back once it's over.
Yes, we will be back.
When that day comes, perhaps you will no longer be the Gray Raven Commandant and a member of Cerberus.
But just [player name] and Noctis.
Gray Raven Commandant and Noctis of Cerberus, I'm calling from the HQ. Please arrive at Helipad 14 within three hours for scheduled standby.
