Gulp—
Everyone instinctively swallowed—not out of fear, but because of the aroma flooding the air.
Floral notes, fruity sweetness, the savory richness of roasted meat, the crisp freshness of vegetables… fragrances both familiar and exotic surged like a tidal wave, overwhelming their senses.
Ellie rubbed her stomach. She'd eaten plenty this morning, yet now it felt as though she hadn't touched a bite in days.
"Should we… go in and take a look?" she murmured.
"Let's go!" someone answered without hesitation.
The tunnel stretched deep into darkness, but at its end glimmered a faint, beckoning light. The farther they walked, the faster their steps became, that glow swelling into a radiant brilliance—until they emerged into a world beyond imagination.
Sunlight.
Dazzling beams poured from above. Everyone knew it was an artificial sun conjured by the dungeon, yet it radiated such vibrant vitality that the swamp's murky gloom felt like a bad dream instantly swept away.
Before them stretched an endless expanse of green.
Colossal trees rose skyward, their leaves thick and fleshy like slabs of meat. Pitcher plants hung from vines like lanterns, each brimming with glistening drinks.
Giant scallions—taller than grown men—sprouted everywhere, while mushrooms oozing glossy chocolate dripped sweetness from their pudding-like caps.
A milky-white river wound lazily through the plain, exuding the unmistakable scent of honey and cream.
And roaming across this surreal paradise were creatures straight out of a fever dream:
Gigantic roast pigs steaming as though fresh from the spit.
Lions with manes of golden sponge cake.
Koalas sprouting cocoa beans across their backs.
Mammoths draped in fur patterned like molten caramel.
Far beyond, at the edge of sight, a colossal plant sat enthroned like a king—its branches heavy with seven-colored, cherry-like fruits that shimmered with an iridescent glow. One glance told them all: that tree was the crown jewel of this entire land.
This place… it was like stepping into a child's fantasy. A wonderland of living food.
Zilaj stood frozen, mind blank—until something hopped onto his hand: a peculiar grasshopper, its back swollen like a tiny flask of brown liquid.
Curiosity won. He squeezed out a drop and dabbed it on his tongue.
"Ugh—salty?!" He blinked in shock. "This… this is soy sauce?!"
Ellie crouched nearby, plucking a dandelion whose head looked suspiciously like meat. She hesitated, then took a tentative bite.
"This flavor… beef tongue?!"
That was all it took. Restraint shattered.
Cheers erupted as the group surged forward into the edible paradise.
"Look, look! These trees are growing racks of roast meat!"
"These mushrooms—holy crap, they're dripping chocolate sauce!"
"This tulip looks so weird… what the—garlic inside?!"
"These grapes are tiny, and the color's odd… huh? Fish roe?!"
The timid priest wandered farthest, drawn to the riverbank. She dipped a hand into the creamy current and tasted it. Warmth blossomed across her tongue.
"…Hot milk," she whispered, eyes wide.
Every step brought new flavors, new wonders. It was intoxicating—ten times more thrilling than any dungeon crawl.
Even the stoic Gibbs lost composure beside a "meat tree," tearing into skewers like a starving wolf. Nearby pitcher plants brimmed with drinks—he even found beer. Meat in one hand, frothing mug in the other—fatigue melted like butter in a skillet.
"Such a perfect oyster…"
Zilaj crouched by the river, spotting a crimson oyster whose layered shell resembled rose petals, releasing a delicate floral aroma.
He pried it open. Inside gleamed tender, rosy flesh drenched in fragrant juices. One slurp—and it slid down his throat, rich and springy, a burst of flavor exploding across his tongue.
"Aah…"
A moan escaped before he could stop it. His eyes glazed over.
This… this is real food. What have I been eating all my life?!
But as they reveled in their feast, the river stirred.
A massive shadow glided beneath its creamy surface—silent, predatory—closing in on the unsuspecting Zilaj.
WHOOSH!
The water erupted. The shadow lunged skyward, wrapping Zilaj in a slick, writhing grip!
"Captain!!"
The timid priest reacted first, shoving him away with all her strength—just as a tentacle coiled around her and yanked her screaming into the air!
"Help—!!"
Everyone spun, weapons flashing.
It was a giant tuna with octopus-like limbs—the very same kind Jack had sold as skewers at his grill… only now, it was the size of a carriage.
"Crap!"
Gibbs moved first, hurling his short sword like a spear.
BOOM!
The blade struck true, detonating a tentacle into chunks of slick meat! The priest plummeted with a shriek, but Zilaj snatched her midair and, chanting fast, unleashed a wind spell. A roaring gust carried them to safety as the monstrous hybrid bellowed in rage—before vanishing beneath the foamy river.
The plain fell silent again, save for the party's ragged breathing.
"…We got careless," Dany muttered grimly. "This is still a dungeon—and not just any dungeon. The Sein Dungeon."
No matter how delicious the scenery, it was still deadly.
"No… it's because we went too close to the river," Zilaj said, voice steadier now. His mind raced, connecting the dots.
"This river… it's the safe zone."
He pointed back toward the tunnel. "From there to here—roughly a kilometer—is the safe zone. Beyond this river? That's where the monsters are."
It made sense. As long as they stayed within that kilometer, this paradise was harmless. But crossing over… meant stepping into hell.
Across the river, those delectable beasts prowled like predators bound by some unseen law, ignoring the humans—so long as no one crossed the line.
Their earlier safety hadn't been a blessing. It was the dungeon's rule.
Ellie exhaled, voice low:
"But if that's the case… even ordinary people could reach this spot. If that happens many will come here to make money."
Dany nodded. The path from the portal wasn't long, and monsters were scarce. Once mapped, any adventurer—even rookies—could find this place.
Bedford City's economy would erupt like a volcano.
They exchanged glances—and the same realization dawned on all of them.
They were among the first to discover the Gourmet Zone.
"What do we do?" Gibbs asked flatly. "About this intel…"
This was a goldmine—but secrecy wouldn't last. Maps leaked. Secrets spread.
After a tense debate, they reached a consensus:
Sell the information. Fast.
They weren't merchants, and the secret's value would only plummet once the masses poured in. Better to strike now.
"…I'm going over there," Gibbs said suddenly, chin lifting toward the horizon. His eyes locked on the towering rainbow-fruited tree.
"My gut says… that thing is worth a fortune."