The cafeteria of Maya's guild was alive with its usual morning chaos when AK pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and thick stew rolled over him instantly, the buzz of voices crashing like waves—adventurers bragging, clerks shouting orders, mugs clattering.
For once, AK's lips curved into a grin. This noisy life… this was the kind of morning he didn't mind.
In the middle of the room, his group was already the loudest. Hazzy waved a roasted chicken leg like a king's scepter, crumbs flying as he gestured wildly. Ash sat stiff beside him, muttering insults like a schoolteacher scolding a troublesome student. Ayan was doubled over, laughter spilling out so hard his bowl of soup threatened to tip. And Aisha… Aisha sat calmly, sipping tea, her serene expression making it seem like none of this madness was happening around her.
"Oi, AK! Over here!" Hazzy bellowed with his mouth full, nearly choking on grease.
