READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 11: Chapter ¹¹ Ramen Interrupted
Chapter 11: Ramen Interrupted
"Have you ever been so close to achieving bliss—like finally eating the perfect bowl of ramen—only to have fate slap it out of your hands? Yeah, that's my life in a nutshell. I'm starting to think I was reincarnated just to suffer."
---
The ramen shop is a small, cozy place tucked between a laundromat and a karaoke bar. The rich aroma of broth and spices hits us as soon as we walk in, instantly lifting my mood.
"Welcome!" the chef greets, a burly man with a beard that could rival a bear's.
"Two specials, please," I say, plopping into a seat.
Reina hesitates before sitting next to me, her arms crossed. She's still fuming from earlier, but I know ramen has magical properties. If anything can defuse her anger, it's this.
---
The chef works quickly, and soon two steaming bowls of ramen are set in front of us.
I clap my hands together. "Itadakimasu!"
Reina sighs but follows suit.
For a moment, all is right with the world. The noodles are perfect, the broth is heavenly, and I'm pretty sure I can hear angels singing.
---
Narration Mode Activated
"There's a certain kind of peace that only comes from good food. Unfortunately, peace and I have never been on speaking terms for long."
---
Just as I'm about to slurp my first noodle, the door to the shop slams open.
"Akira Tanaka!"
I groan, setting my chopsticks down. "Really? Can't a guy eat in peace?"
Reina looks up, startled. "Who is—"
---
Standing in the doorway is a man in a black suit, his presence radiating danger. His piercing blue eyes scan the room before locking onto me.
"You are under arrest," he says, stepping forward.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Oh great, another edgy guy in black. Did the Council run out of cloaks and decide to go with suits now?"
---
The ramen chef frowns. "Oi, no fighting in my shop. You take that nonsense outside."
The man ignores him, his focus entirely on me.
"Akira Tanaka," he repeats. "By order of the Council, you are to be taken into custody immediately."
"Yeah, no," I reply, leaning back in my seat. "I'm kind of busy right now. Can we reschedule?"
---
The man's expression doesn't change. He raises a hand, and the air around us grows heavy with magic. The bowls of ramen rattle on the table.
Reina tenses. "Akira, this guy's serious!"
"Yeah, yeah," I mutter, standing up. "Alright, buddy. Let's take this outside. I've got rules about destroying ramen shops."
---
We step out into the alley behind the shop. The man follows, his movements calm and precise.
"Before we start," I say, cracking my neck, "what's your name? Or are you just another nameless minion?"
He adjusts his tie. "I am Cain, the Council's Enforcer."
"Oh, an Enforcer," I say, smirking. "Fancy title. Does it come with a membership card?"
---
Cain doesn't reply. Instead, he raises his hand, summoning a massive sword made of pure energy.
"Of course it's a sword," I mutter. "Why is it always swords? What's wrong with a good old-fashioned punch?"
Reina peeks out from the doorway, her eyes wide. "Akira, you're not actually going to fight this guy, are you?"
"Fight?" I say, grinning. "Nah. I'm just going to play with him a little."
---
Cain doesn't waste time. He charges forward, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision.
I dodge easily, my movements almost lazy.
"Come on, Cain," I say, dodging another swing. "You're supposed to be the Enforcer. Show me what you've got!"
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Let me tell you, nothing's more satisfying than dodging an enemy's attacks while making snarky comments. It's like the ultimate power move."
---
Cain's expression remains calm, but his attacks grow faster. The alley is soon filled with the sound of clashing magic and shouts.
Reina watches in awe (and maybe a little terror). "How are you so fast?!" she shouts.
I wink at her. "Years of practice. And maybe a little dragon magic."
---
Cain suddenly stops, his eyes narrowing. "You're holding back."
"Guilty," I say, shrugging. "But honestly, you're not worth the full power-up. No offense."
He glares at me, his sword glowing brighter. "You'll regret underestimating me."
Before I can respond, he slams the sword into the ground, sending a shockwave of energy toward me.
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Okay, credit where it's due—that was a cool move. But I've seen cooler. Like that one time I accidentally sneezed and leveled a mountain. Good times."
---
The shockwave tears through the alley, but I stand my ground, raising a single hand. A golden barrier forms in front of me, absorbing the attack effortlessly.
Cain's calm demeanor finally cracks. "What…what are you?"
"Just a guy trying to eat his ramen," I reply, smirking. "Now, my turn."
---
I raise my hand, summoning a small orb of golden light. It looks harmless, almost like a spark.
But the moment I release it, the alley is flooded with blinding energy.
Cain barely has time to react before he's thrown back, crashing into a pile of crates.
---
When the light fades, I step forward, looking down at him. "Still want to play?"
Cain groans, struggling to stand. "You…you won't get away with this."
"Yeah, yeah," I say, waving him off. "Tell the Council they can send whoever they want. I'll still be here, enjoying my ramen."
---
As Cain vanishes in a flash of light, I turn back to Reina, who's staring at me like I've grown a second head.
"You're insane," she says.
I grin. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
---
Later that night, as I'm lying in bed, my phone buzzes.
Unknown Number: "You've made an enemy of the Council. Sleep with one eye open, Dragon God."
I chuckle, tossing the phone onto my nightstand.
Narration Mode Activated
"Note to self: get a better phone plan. These spam messages are getting out of hand."
End of Chapter 11