【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 346 [Empire] High-end Restaurant

Back in the mission hall, we completed the mission. This risk had indeed brought its corresponding reward, even more generous than I expected. The "payroll" on the computer was dazzling, but the merit progress bar still seemed out of reach. The points, however, had accumulated quite a bit, even a bit absurdly so. After all, I usually didn't spend much on these things; I almost always used them sparingly.

I glanced at the numbers, and something clicked in my mind. I then jokingly said to Nightingale, "Are there any high-end restaurants around here that accept points? Come on, I'll treat you to a meal and reward the poor guy I got into trouble with."

Nightingale raised an eyebrow and looked at me, with her usual playful smile on her lips: "What, young master, are you planning to spend a lot of money? But then again, you really are becoming more and more generous."

"Of course, I make a lot of money." I raised my laptop, pretending to show off. "Besides, isn't this all thanks to you, my 'mentor', who accompanied me through thick and thin? Treating you to a meal is a way of repaying your hard work."

"Okay." Nightingale chuckled, shoved her hands in her pockets, and leaned slightly closer to me, as if seriously considering it. "But are you sure you can afford it? Not just any high-end restaurant here can be paid with points."

"That's all for you." I patted my chest, full of confidence, "Pick the most expensive one, I'll cover it."

Nightingale laughed heartily and opened her light brain. "Then I'm really not polite. Since the young master is so kind, I will take you to see the true luxury of the capital planet."

Before long, we arrived at a seemingly low-key yet elegant restaurant. The exterior was a building made of metal and glass, with no sign, yet it exuded extreme taste and unfathomable meaning.

"Here?" I raised my eyebrows, a little bit unbelieving.

Nightingale nodded. "The points consumption here is astronomical, but you have points, don't you? Spend them as much as you want."

I took a deep breath and pushed open the restaurant door. A faint fragrance greeted me. Under the soft lighting, each table seemed like its own little world. The waiters were graceful and polite.

Nightingale looked at the menu and asked with interest, "Are you really planning to spend your points here? This is one of the top restaurants on the capital planet, and the prices are even more expensive than the mission hall."

"Of course." I handed him the menu, my tone deliberately tinged with pride. "Let's consider today a celebration of my achievements in advance. Besides, didn't I say I'd treat you? Just order whatever you want."

Nightingale looked at my attitude, shook his head slightly and laughed. He said softly, "Alright, young master. Since you're so sincere, I won't hold you back. But I remind you, even after you've eaten your fill, don't forget that your goal of becoming an adult is still ahead."

I smiled faintly and raised my hand to call the waiter over: "No problem, reaching adulthood won't stop me from 'squandering' this meal."

We smiled at each other, and the soft light in the restaurant seemed to temporarily dispel the fatigue after the battle and the haze in our hearts.

When the menu was handed to me, my smile faltered, and I fell silent for a moment. As expected, this was a high-end restaurant where you could only pay with mercenary points—not only were the prices eye-popping, but the dishes were also truly unique.

I quickly scanned the names of a few dishes, and the corners of my mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly.

The bright red liquid of the insect blood cocktail, reflected in the light, even had a few fluorescent spots, as if to show off its freshness. The accompanying image indicated that drinking it could improve combat effectiveness and physical recovery, but just looking at it made one's stomach churn.

The menu description for the stir-fried bamboo shoots with combat plant bracts specifically emphasizes that these bracts come from rare, high-level combat plants, specially processed to prevent them from releasing toxins while still retaining the plant's "tough texture" and the "aroma" left over from battle. Well, I can't imagine how pleasant this "aroma" could be.

The name of the dish, Insect Eggs and Beast Custard, is simply unpalatable. Although the menu included the adjectives "selectively seasoned" and "smooth texture," seeing the underripe insect eggs in the picture already killed my appetite.

I put the menu down and looked up at Nightingale. He was examining the menu with great interest, clearly not put off by the unusual dishes. There was even a hint of excitement in his eyes as he was eager to try them.

"This stuff..." I tried to find my voice, "only mercenaries can swallow it. Oh, maybe soldiers can too."

Nightingale looked up at me, a smile on her lips, and said jokingly in a light-hearted tone, "What's the matter, young master? Are you scared? This is a recognized 'high-end enjoyment' for us mercenaries and soldiers. Don't be scared."

I rolled my eyes and pushed the menu back at him. "I don't think this is high-end enjoyment, it's called 'physical training.' Anyone who can still be energetic after eating this is definitely a true combat elite."

Nightingale laughed and casually ordered a few dishes. "Come on, stop playing weak. You're a brat who can handle even high-level combat plants. Don't tell me you can't handle a plate of young bamboo shoots."

I watched him order and couldn't help but sigh silently. The only dishes at this kind of restaurant that could be described as "normal" wouldn't even occupy a single corner of the menu. It suddenly occurred to me that this meal might be more than just a waste of points.

"Alright." I pretended to be calm, leaning back in my chair and encouraging myself, "I've already clicked on everything, so I'll just consider it as gaining life experience."

Nightingale nodded with satisfaction, raised her hand and handed the menu to the waiter, then raised her eyebrows and looked at me: "Don't worry, after you finish eating, you will thank me for letting you experience the true essence of mercenary life."

I shook my head with a wry smile and prayed silently in my heart: I hope I can leave this "high-end experience" alive.

I stared at the insect egg and monster egg custard in front of me with a look of despair. The spoon paused in the bowl for a moment, and finally I scooped a spoonful reluctantly and brought it to my mouth as if I was ready to die.

"Will I really not be called in for a talk by the relevant authorities if I make this thing and sell it?" I complained in a low voice as I put the spoon into my mouth, my words full of despair and accusations.

Nightingale nearly spit out the insect blood cocktail he'd just drunk. He looked up at me, his shoulders shaking from trying to suppress his laughter. "Haha, listen to you. You're really just kidding. You think something as bizarre as this is enough to alert the authorities?"

I swallowed the insect egg custard with difficulty. It didn't taste terrible, but when I thought about the ingredients, my stomach protested restlessly. "I'm really asking this question seriously! How did something like this become the signature dish of a high-end restaurant? Doesn't it cross some line..."

Nightingale was so happy that she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Bottom line? Haha, how many bottom lines do you think we mercenaries and soldiers have that we can encounter while eating? Listen, some of the dishes served in this kind of restaurant are novel, some are practical, and some directly make you stronger. This egg custard you're eating replenishes your brain power and also has a bonus mental strength boost."

"...I only felt a mental shock." I answered with a cold face, looking down at the slippery insect eggs in the bowl, as if they were laughing at my discomfort.

Nightingale glanced at my expression with ill intent, put down her cup, and pointed to another dish. "You haven't tried this 'Battle Plant Petal and Young Bamboo Shoots' yet. I guarantee you'll change your mind about the egg custard."

I looked at the plate of vibrantly colored bamboo shoots, took a deep breath, and tried to steel myself. Sure enough, this kind of restaurant wasn't just a points-earning machine; it was also a testing ground for both the soul and the stomach.

"Okay, to avoid wasting points." I picked up my chopsticks and timidly picked up a piece and put it in my mouth. Instantly, the tip of my tongue was numbed by the spicy taste mixed with a light herbal fragrance. It was surprisingly chewy, but after swallowing, a slight numbness spread in my throat.

I silently put down my chopsticks and turned to look at Nightingale: "...Will this have any side effects?"

Nightingale laughed and patted my shoulder: "Don't worry, if there were any side effects, no one would come here long ago. Don't worry, kid, your meal today is a real 'life experience'."

I stared at him speechlessly, and continued to struggle with these high-end dishes that challenged my psychological limits. Only one thought remained in my mind: It’s so hard to spend points... Even eating a meal can become a tiring task!