Starting from Zero

Book 3, Chapter 29

Dinner Feast

------------------

"Do you know how us Phantom Knights came into being?" Their leader asked me.

"Powered up from Dark Fighter?"

"Oh ho, of course not. We were originally Paladins. But were later killed by vampires and turned ourselves. This, however, did not hinder our strength and abilities as knights, so we chose to become Dark Knights, then promoted to Dark Sanctuary Knights. As vampires, the only branch we can choose next is Phantom Knight. Turning into a bat is our instinct. But doing that will make out bodies vulnerable so we usually don't use that skill."

"I see now!"

"We five were Senior Guard Captains of the Holy Sanctuary, the other five over there were Praetorians of the Lady Priestess. You were fighting with one of the lady's guards. You would be dead already if you chose one of the captains."

"I need to defeat someone first and capture the soul as my Servant, what should I do now?"

"Don't worry. Vampires are living dead. You can summon us as is."

"Oh. Let's do it then!"

The success rate of capturing these guys with full HP is lower than I expected. It took the whole night to finally recruit them under my name.

I contacted Rose after logging out. She's still in the game. Don't tell me she's actually enjoying the jail?

I asked her roommate to wake her. "Rose? You alright?"

"I'm fine! Just a bit bored. Ah yes, I just made a friend in here, an interesting one!"

"A friend?" That doesn't feel good. You know, a man and a woman in jail... Nothing good will come out of it.

"Yes! There's only one other people in here. And she knows a lot about boys!"

"Knows about boys? Your friend is a 'She'?"

"Well duh. The male block is across the passway. We can see them but we can't get close!"

"Oh." I feel embarrassed. Man that was stupid of me. "Wayne told you that I will go rescue you right? Why didn't you log off? It won't feel good to stay in the jail."

" I stayed in here just because you said that. I want to wait for my prince like a good girl! Rosy told me men are all liars and I wanted to prove her she's wrong!"

"Rosy?"

"Rosy is that friend I mentioned. I know we can be good friends when I saw her name."

"You sure you're not coming off? You can just get in there again when I'm prepared. "

"Nope! Imma wait here! It feels good to wait for you too."

...What kind of idea is that?

"So be it then. I'll be quick. But come downstairs for now, let's go eat something." I can't rely on instant food anymore since I have a wife with me.

"Okay. I'll be right there!"

I drove in front of her dorm area and saw her wearing...a full red sexy costume! I recalled there was one of these in my order, but why didn't I notice it earlier?

Red heels, red jeans, red vest and a red dust coat. Ahh my nose! Where's my tissue?! That innocent face of hers can kill any male creature on sight now!

It seems she never wore such high heels before so she is now walking in a subtle catwalk manner. All the males along her path are obviously blushing, some even turned around to hide their "lower embarrassment".

"Where are we going?" She jumped into the car and asked, "How about the small diner just outside? I already wanted to go there but that place is expensive. I'm tired of those cheap meals meant for us poor students."

"A small restaurant?" Well isn't she easily satisfied. I thought women become all picky when it comes to eating. Now I love her even more!

"We're going to the Fortune Grand Hotel's revolving restaurant on the top floor, and try their valentine offer."

"Ok--huh? But, that place is--oof!"

I silenced her with a kiss. I was just giving her a brief peck on the lip but for some reason, I didn't let go. We separated ourselves until we felt the need to catch some breath.

"Like I told you. As my partner, only think about enjoying your life from now on. Don't concern yourself with anything such as how to save money."

We picked a seat with the best view on the dining floor. A waitress approached us but was dragged aside by the hall manager.

"You see that lady over there?"

The waitress looked at our direction. "The red one or the black one?"

"The one wearing black is a mister, stupid! Even if it's a 'she', she is trying to play as a male anyway. Make sure you satisfy their needs on all aspects. Address the one in black as 'mister' when you go there. And tell them that the lady looks really nice. But don't stare at her! Also, tell them they look good together!"

Then the manager stuffed another menu into her hand. "Use this one!"

"But why the valentine--"

"Just go! Don't keep them waiting!"

The waitress walked to us in quick paces. They're not allowed to run in front of customers.

"Greetings, how would you like your meal today?" She handed over two menu books.

Ohhh, the valentine servings are listed right on the cover.

"Your female friend here looks splendid!"

That truly made me happier. Of course a man would be if someone praises their girlfriend like that. On a side note, you should always praise a woman's outfit if you want to make her happy too.

"This one!" Me and Rose pointed at the same dish together.

"Wonderful. A couple with united mind and heart. You two must be the happiest pair out there!"

"You don't say! Hehhehhehe!" I laughed out loudly. While Rose lowered her head, blushing.

With all the flattering, I ordered more food than I planned. It's too late when I noticed the now overloaded table. There's no way we can eat so much.

However it turned out to be a wise move. Because...god please tell me where on earth did Rose put all that meat to, with her slim body?? She was first trying to nip away her helpings with much grace, but soon switched into wolf mode!

The dinner took about an hour. I even gave some tip to the waitress when I paid the bill. (*)

"So what will you do tonight?" I asked her.

"Go back and rest. I ate too much! You?"

"I'll try to figure out how to get you out."

"Be quick you hear me?"

"Of course ma'am!"

I drove Rose back to her place and went back myself, to continue with my jailbreak plan. It seems I still got a lot of preparations to do. I need to work harder.

For the next step, I should go acquire that Soul Manipulator class.

I searched in my bracelet for a while (again) and picked out that damned scroll. There's a map and a coordinate appended to it. My destination is quite far, and surely I don't have enough power to walk into the Dragon State city without getting harmed. Ok, I'll go ask Clark for some better gear.

------------------

(*) Tipping is not a common practice in China. Someone may even consider it a weirdo act.