23 Nightcap (1/2)

Tom took the lead and ordered a cappuccino for them both.He looked to Gerald.”Trust me, the cappuccino is the perfect nightcap.”

Gerald looked doubtful, but followed along anyways.

Alan nodded to show he heard the order and then went back into the kitchen.

As he did so he checked his mission.

Mission: Sell 100 cups of coffee.

Current Completion: 51/100

Looking at it he noticed a problem for the first time.”System, what's the reward for selling 100 coffees?”

”Patience Host, you'll find out when you complete the mission.”

”But in the past you always revealed the reward.”Alan said, confused.

”Host, that was when you were in the tutorial.Now, the reward system has changed.Please look forward to it Host!”

Alan felt some doubt, but pushed it aside and focused on making the cappuccinos.

After doing this for a while now, he had started to take some joy in the precision of brewing a good cup of coffee.There was a science to it, and it reminded him a little of doing experiments in chemistry class.

Then when it came time to decorate the cappuccino with the froth art, he was able to be creative.He debated what image he would create this time.He didn't want to keep doing leaves.He had made them often enough that he felt comfortable with it.This time he wanted to do something original.After thinking about it, he came to a decision.

While Alan was working on the cappuccinos, Gerald had noticed the board above the bar.Aside from the prices, which were surprisingly high, he also was interested in the rules that were listed.

”I've never seen a cafe that imposed so many rules on its customers.”He noted with mild amusement to Tom.

Tom smiled.”There aren't any cafes that serve coffee as good as this one.A few rules are nothing in comparison to the product he offers.”

Gerald didn't say anything, silently thinking that it couldn't be that impressive, and that the rules probably contributed to why the cafe was so empty.

Back in the kitchen, Alan was finishing both cups of cappuccino.He took them back into the cafe area and set them on the counter.”Here are your cappuccinos.”Alan said.”Enjoy!”

Tom reached for it in anticipation but paused when he saw the art.To his surprise, as opposed to the usual leaf, he saw a series of shapes.Looking closer he saw it was the City A skyline.The buildings even had small windows.

He stared, dumbfounded by this display of creativity and control.