Chapter 91: Late-Night Legends
All three of them sat down, and as expected of a diner open this late into the night, only one dish remained on the menu.
The rest had been sold out hours ago, back when the sun still painted the city in hues of gold and heat.
"Better than nothing," Marcus muttered, his tone resigned but far from disappointed.
The waiter approached without a word, placing a tray down in front of them. With practiced hands, he set out three steaming bowls filled to the brim with noodles—each one glistening under the warm, low light of the diner. A savory scent drifted up with the steam, carrying notes of soy, ginger, and something smoky.
Marcus reached out without hesitation, grabbing a fork and digging in.
"So then, what’s the myth about, anyway?" he asked mid-slurp, the sound of noodles disappearing into his mouth cutting through the quiet hum of the near-empty establishment.
Aveline tilted her head, eyebrows rising in clear disapproval. "You’re investigating a myth without even knowing its specifics?" she said, eyes narrowing with disdain as she stirred her bowl.
Still, she took a bite, the criticism softened by the satisfaction that came with a hot meal after a long walk.
Cynthia leaned back slightly, joining the conversation with a sheepish grin. "Well, it was kinda a last-minute plan," she admitted, waving her hand as if to downplay their haphazard decision-making.
Her gesture summoned a delicate rise of broth, strands of noodles floating within it like kelp on a tide. The water rose, shimmering faintly under the diner’s soft lighting, and guided itself smoothly to her mouth—elegant and efficient.
Aveline paused mid-chew, blinking. "I don’t sense any mana signatures from that..." she said slowly, eyes sharp now with curiosity. "Do you have a natural affinity for water?"