Chapter 23: Gaining Traction
After the elderly man left, Elias and Selina watched through the window as he sauntered back toward the slums. But they were too far away to see what happened next.
As soon as the old man was out of their sight, his entire demeanor changed. The shuffling gait became purposeful, the bent posture straightened, and the hollow look in his eyes was replaced by sharp calculation.
—This was no ordinary homeless vagrant.
Judging by the contrasting demeanor between his previous persona and current persona, this was someone who had learned to use appearance as a weapon, a way to become invisible to the world.
"What a fine lad. I wonder where he came from?"
He commented with genuine interest, his voice no longer sounding rough.
Then, unable to resist the pastry’s tantalizing aroma, he unwrapped the Deli-Cake as he walked. The pastry was exactly as Selina had described. It was roughly the length of two thumbs, thick enough to require both hands to hold properly, and glazed to perfection.
He took a tentative bite, and his eyes widened in genuine shock. The flavor was unlike anything he had ever tasted. It was rich and complex, with layers that seemed to unfold on his tongue. But more than that, he could feel the pastry’s nourishing properties almost immediately. This wasn’t merely a treat; it was genuine sustenance, as filling and energizing as a proper meal.
He devoured the rest with an enthusiasm that had nothing to do with his assumed persona, then drank deeply from a water pouch at his waist before releasing a satisfied belch.
"Incredible."
He murmured in disbelief, his mind already working through the implications.