Chapter 42: Noodles and Resolve

Grrrrmmh! Grrrrmmh!

Hal stood at the edge of the road, watching the sun dip beyond the horizon, painting the sky in fading streaks of orange and gold. A loud, guttural sound echoed in the air.

Grrrrmmh!

He flinched. "What the... Where is that coming from?" He spun around, eyes scanning the quiet street, searching for the source of the eerie sound. But nothing stood out. No monster. No wild animal. Just the wind brushing through the still evening.

'Weird... must be hearing things.' He shrugged and turned to leave.

Then, he stopped mid-step, face scrunching up as a sharp pain twisted through his gut. His hands shot to his stomach.

Groan!

The rumble came again, more urgent this time.

Grrrrmmh! Grrrrmmh!

Hal blinked. Then his expression deadpanned. Oh, for crying out loud… It's my stomach?!

He scoffed, shaking his head at himself. Here I was, alert like a soldier on night watch, and it turns out my own empty belly was the beast in question. Smooth, Hal. Real smooth.

His stomach continued to whine in protest.

"Well," he muttered, straightening up with one hand still over his abdomen, "guess it's time to refuel. Let's move."

With renewed energy, Hal took off down the road, his pace a blur. People passing by only caught a glimpse of movement and turned in confusion.

"What was that?!"

***

A run-down apartment building stood tall in the distance, chipped walls and rusting rails making it look like it belonged in another decade. On the sixth floor, from a side window, the soft clatter of pans and utensils echoed.

Inside, Hal sat at the small kitchen table, eyes gleaming as he stared down a bowl of steaming noodles. Vegetables, green peppers, a slice of boiled potato, and two perfect eggs floated on top. Beside it, a chilled glass of water glistened with beads of condensation.

"I feel like I could eat a horse," Hal muttered with reverence.

The moment he got home, he'd headed straight for the kitchen. After today's intense fight, his body needed recovery. He'd decided to make something light—but filling—and of course, cooked an extra bowl for Bethany. She'd be back from college soon, and he knew how much she loved noodles.

Master chef work accomplished. He smiled proudly.

Grabbing the cold glass of water, he tipped it back, letting the refreshing chill race down his throat. "Ahhh," he sighed with satisfaction.

Always hydrate before the meal. Good manners 101.

He took up his fork and twirled the noodles.

Just as he was about to dive in, he felt a familiar presence.

The front door clicked open.

Bethany stepped in, books clutched to her chest. Her face was unreadable—calm, almost distant.

"Welcome," Hal said with a gentle smile.

She lingered at the door, nose twitching slightly as she caught a whiff of the noodles. Hal watched, amused.

She's caught the scent, no doubt. Now let's hear it…

"Hey, Hal. Good afternoon. What's up?" she greeted, her voice flat.

Then, without another word, she walked past him and into their room.

Hal blinked. No comment about the food? No exaggerated "What smells so good?" Not even a peek into the pot?

Something was off.

Minutes later, she returned to the main room, now dressed in her home clothes. She sat at the table and opened her book, her back to him, flipping through her assignments.

"So…" Hal began, "how was school?"

"It was fine," she replied without turning around.

"Anything new?"

"Nope. Same old." She twirled a strand of hair absentmindedly.

Hal nodded slowly, chewing a mouthful of noodles. He studied her, then asked, "Aren't you hungry? You should eat."

"Oh, no. I'm okay," Bethany replied a little too quickly.

But then—

Grrrrmmh!

Her stomach betrayed her. Loudly.

She froze and clutched her belly, embarrassed. Hal paused, fork midair, and gave her a look.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"I made noodles and eggs. Little bit of potato, too. You sure you're not interested?" he said, standing and walking over to the sink with his empty plate.

Bethany sat stiff as her stomach continued to grumble, clearly ignoring her decision to 'act cool.'

Finally, she stood up, cheeks slightly flushed. "Okay… thanks."

She walked to the kitchen, pulled the bowl from the microwave, and settled in to eat.

So that was it. She didn't want to seem greedy. Probably got something about'college girl etiquette' going on. Hal thought, amused.

It's fine. A big girl can still have her fill of meal, the way she wants once in a while. Hal mused.

Ring! Ring!

Hal's phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts. He pulled it out and checked the caller ID.

Unknown number.

He hesitated for a moment. He already had a pretty good guess of who it could be.

"Hello?"

"Hal? That you? It's Jack."

Thought so. The voice on the other end was unmistakably energetic. It could have been no one other than Sir Jack.

"Yes sir, it's me." Hal replied.

"Good! You know, I half-thought you gave me a fake number just to avoid me. But hey, turns out you didn't. Good man!" The same energetic voice carried on.

_As tempting as that would've been... I'm not that childish._Hal thought dryly.

"Haha, no sir. I wouldn't dare," he replied with forced cheer.

"Well then! I've got a potential raid tomorrow. Thought I'd see if you were up for it." Sir Jack continued.

Hal's heart skipped.

"So, you in?"

"Yes, sir! I should be good to go," Hal said, trying to contain his excitement.

"Great. I'll send you the details first thing in the morning. Be ready."

"Thanks, sir." Hal said his voice quivering with excitement.

"Alright then. Later." Sir Jack replied sharply, and disconnected the line.

Click.

Hal's grin stretched ear to ear. "Yes!"

Another raid meant more XP. More rewards. A higher level.

Not long ago, he would've dreaded back-to-back Gates. But now? Every raid was he couldn't! Every raid was to be cherished! As it was another stepping stone.

He'd leveled up twice today alone from clearing out the Hobgoblins and their boss in the Gate they'd raided.

And tomorrow?

Tomorrow could push him even further.

His heart thumped at the thought.

'Let's level up as fast as I can. Climb through the ranks. Push past every limit.'

With power, wealth, respect, fame and everything he'd ever wanted would be in his grasp.

And tomorrow would be another step toward his goal!