(Morcster Chef) Rest - Ch. 96 (Patreon)

“I don’t think any of us are going to have problems with that,” Arek said. He let out a weary chuckle that was matched by the other members of the Happy Sunflowers.

The adrenaline rush from learning they were trapped, getting mind controlled and teleporting through a strange glowing arch, and finally being saved by Magus had already started to wear off. Arek was accustomed to difficult weeks, but even he was feeling the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders.

Magus raised his hands. Pure magic crackled to life around them. It twisted and sparked outwards, forming a rough circle around the group and the B ranked mage.

“Do we have to do anything–”

A crack that sounded like a peal of thunder shook the plains. The group instantly appeared within a warm room, standing around a small circular table. Wisps of smoke rose up from them as the other patrons stared at them in shock.

“Special,” Belmont finished.

“No,” Magus replied helpfully. He let out a racking cough and had to stop talking for several seconds as he gathered his breath. “The guild will cover your expenses for tonight, and you’ll be temporarily granted the privilege of staying withing the adventurer’s guild inn. It’s normally restricted to C rank and higher, but I believe we can make an exception today.”

Magus suddenly became aware that he was still wearing Arek’s large, dirty shirt. He cleared his throat and nodded in the direction of the well-dressed barkeep, who was watching them with his ever-present smile.

“I’ve got business to take care of. Go get some rest. I’ll find you tomorrow.”

“Do we have to remain within the guild house?” Arek asked. “I’m planning on cooking quite the feast tomorrow. I haven’t eaten anything other than jerky and cheese for the last week, and my team is eagerly waiting for me to earn my keep. I have to swing by the market to pick up some ingredients.”

“You’re guests, not prisoners,” Magus said. He tilted his head, listening to something that none of them could hear. “Just keep at least one person here. The guild has gotten around to investigating the last problem you lot were a part of, and your reward is waiting. It’ll be delivered tomorrow.”

With that, Magus snapped his fingers and vanished with a buzz-pop. The entirety of the tavern watched the Happy Sunflowers with shocked expressions.

“Did Magus just personally port that group into the tavern?” One man whispered.

“Find out who they are,” His companion replied.

They ignored the chatter and made their way over to the barkeep, who gave them a slight bow.

“I am aware of the situations – all of them. Rest easy tonight. You will find no trouble within the guild’s walls.”

He locked eyes with Belmont and gave the man a slight nod. His tone made it very clear that he was referring to the incident with the woman who had attempted to mind control the armored man.

“Thank you,” Arek said. The man just nodded as he led them up through a door at the edge of the room. They followed him down several twisting, well decorated hallways before finally arriving in a small room.

The entirety of the room’s floor was composed of a beautifully carved stone flower. It sparkled with enough magical energy to cause Arek’s hair to rise. He eyed the flower suspiciously.

“What is that?” Arek asked.

“A rather new addition to the guild,” the barkeep said. A note of pride was very evident in his tone. “This flower will directly teleport you to your assigned room. You may leave the room by opening the door, which will teleport you straight back to the flower.”

He waved for them to step forward. Too tired to argue, Malissa was the first move. The tall woman took a single step onto the flower, ignoring Belmont’s worried glances. The moment her foot touched the stone, she vanished.

“How do we know this works correctly?” Belmont asked. “New magic can be dangerous.”

“I assure you; it will function as promised,” the barkeep said, his smile not faltering for a second.

“Works for me,” Arek said.

He stepped forward. His foot came down on soft carpet. Arek’s eyebrows rose and he let out a slow whistle. The orc stood in one of the most posh rooms he’d ever seen. The delicate blue carpet felt like clouds beneath his feet, and he almost felt bad about getting them dirty. Almost. There were two beautifully carved wooden doors – one larger than the other. Arek couldn’t be bothered to even glance at them.

His attention was firmly on the four large beds that had been placed in each corner of the giant room. Malissa had already claimed one of them. Arek staggered over to one of the free beds, dropping his travel pack by its foot and flopping into it with a groan.

Ming and Belmont popped into the room moments later. Ming let out a squeal of delight and dove into one of the beds, leaving the one to the left of the door for Belmont. The armored man tracked around the room, pausing to inspect each door carefully.

He grunted and pulled several metal cups out from his extradimensional bag. He stacked them in front of each door. Luckily, there didn’t appear to be any windows in the room and Belmont was too tired to set up any further traps.

Belmont lifted the pillow on his bed, then pulled the sheets back and inspected it for a few moments before finally flopping down onto the mattress. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t bother taking off his armor.

Arek felt a moment of pity for his poor mattress, but the orc was pretty sure that none of their beds would be usable after tonight. They were covered with so much sweat, blood, and grime that Arek could have probably killed all the wildlife in a small pond if he jumped into it.

Now that Belmont’s preparations had finally concluded and the noise in the room dropped to zero, Arek felt the call of sleep rise up from the depths of his mind. He allowed it to take him with a relieved smile.

Within minutes, the Happy Sunflowers were all fast asleep.