Ascension

The moonlight cast a silver glow over the city as night settled in.

The once-bustling streets of the commercial district still hummed with activity, though compared to the daytime, the energy had slightly dimmed.

Lanterns flickered along the roads, casting warm golden hues over the cobblestone pathways, and the distant chatter of merchants and customers created a lively yet subdued ambiance.

Beneath the public section of East Blue Café, within the concealed underground chamber that only a select few had access to, the atmosphere was vastly different.

"Haaah!! Fuck this!"

A loud, irritated voice shattered the relative silence of the dimly lit room.

A burly, middle-aged man groaned as he slammed himself down onto a chair, his frustration evident in the way he carelessly tossed his chef's hat onto the corner of the table.

The day had finally ended, but the stress clinging to his body refused to dissipate.