Chapter 8: A Taste of the Familiar

The morning sun painted the city in golden hues as Nagomi wandered through the marketplace. Today, he had no immediate quest to complete, no looming danger—just a rare moment to enjoy the city at his own pace. As he strolled past various stalls, his nose caught a scent so familiar, so nostalgic, that his feet moved on their own.

"This smell… it can’t be…" His heart pounded as he turned a corner and laid eyes on a small food stand, its iron grill sizzling with thick, perfectly seared steaks. The rich, buttery aroma mingled with the smoky essence of charred meat, sending a wave of longing through him.

“Welcome, traveler!” the chef behind the stall greeted with a warm smile. “Looking to try some of the finest beast steak in Estrellis?”

Nagomi swallowed hard. Steak. Real steak. Not some fantasy food with a strange name, but actual, sizzling, mouthwatering steak. His memories flooded back—late-night meals after school, celebratory dinners, the simple joy of biting into a tender, flavorful cut of meat.

“How much?” he asked, barely able to contain his excitement.

“For a fine cut like this? Five silver,” the chef replied, slicing into the steak with expert precision.

Without hesitation, Nagomi pulled out the coins. As soon as the freshly grilled piece was placed in front of him, he took the first bite.

Juices burst in his mouth, rich and savory, enhanced by a subtle blend of seasonings. The outside was perfectly seared, giving way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. A delighted groan escaped him before he could stop it. "This… this is perfection! The balance of flavor, the tenderness—it’s even better than I remember!" He savored every chew, letting the flavors dance across his tongue.

The chef chuckled. “Judging by that face, I’d say you’re enjoying it.”

Nagomi grinned between bites. “I’ve had steak before, but this… it’s like a dream.”

The chef nodded knowingly. “Ah, you must be a traveler from afar. Food has a way of reminding us of home, doesn’t it?”

Nagomi paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. Home… The thought stung a little. This world had become his reality, but moments like this brought back pieces of what he had lost. Yet, rather than sadness, he felt a quiet appreciation.

"Even if I can’t return, even if no one here knows where I came from, I can still find pieces of familiarity in unexpected places."

Finishing his meal with a satisfied sigh, he leaned back, rubbing his stomach. “That was incredible. I might have to come back here every day.”

The chef laughed. “You’re welcome anytime, adventurer.”

With a contented heart, Nagomi continued his walk through the city, ready for whatever his journey would bring next. But now, he carried the warmth of a simple joy—a taste of the familiar in a world of the unknown.