Reylin and the others couldn’t help but praise Shane’s thod of handling such things.
’That’s an incredible marketing strategy to get those Temporary Token holders to aim for the permanent ones.’ Reyline smiled.
She wasn’t sure how the Temporary Identity Tokens could be upgraded to the Permanent ones, but it definitely requires so paynts or sacrifices that would benefit Shane or the shelter itself.
At this ti, the others also couldn’t help but realize how effective this was.
"Just hearing that, I can already tell how organized this organization is... Does he have so sort of Administrative Talent? Maybe Clerical Skills?" Maria muttered as she looked at the calm environnt with mild disbelief.
Of course, she also knew that it didn’t have to be Shane to have such abilities, but it was truly impressive.
Before anyone could reply, Duran had already marched toward the counter.
"I’ll have the strongest one. Ember Roast. Black..." he grunted as he showed his gold coins.
He may not have directly traded with the people from Neutral Shelters, but he had opened enough Treasure Chests and found gold coins there.
Maz hesitated but eventually stepped forward, choosing a Frostcap Mocha and a small slice of Lunar Croissant, lured by the scent of lted chocolate and sothing that slled faintly like peppermint and mana dust.
Torren raised an eyebrow. "Starflower Brew. I want to see if it really has so effects." He said this as he heard the conversation of other custors about its subtle Spirit Recovery effects.
It may not be a huge deal since there were already Spirit Recovery Pills or Potions with great effects, and the coffee only had minimal and slow recovery effects, but considering how cheap it was and its availability to everyone, it was definitely a fair price for its bonus effect.
Reylin lingered for a mont, then selected a Spiritfruit Muffin and the sa Starflower Brew. It felt oddly indulgent as she saw the servings from the others.
Furthermore, the shop itself was really welcoming, and it made them want to relax for a bit and forget all of their problems.
There was warm lighting, a nice aroma, and the quiet clink of cups and laughter from nearby tables... it was a good mood.
And thankfully, they all had so collection of gold coins left from old trades and loot...
The group found a table beside a window that overlooked a monunt of Shane at the center of a huge pond...
"Wow..."
"Whoa~"
"He’s definitely the Lord here..."
"He looks dashing."
"Hmmm... Is he actually being worshiped here?"
The group had different reactions after seeing one of Shane’s monunts, but Butler Edwin remained silent and just chuckled at them, before ordering his own coffee.
Then, as they continued talking and looking around the shop to pass he ti, they saw birds, actual birds, not mutated ones, hopping along the railings outside, chirping gently.
They all looked at each other as they couldn’t help but feel a little ashad. After all, if this happened in their shelter, everyone would do their best to catch the bird for a tasty al later, or perhaps capture it to procure eggs.
However, in this shelter, they were ignored, and so children even fed them!
Still, none of them talked about this as soon noticed the barista bringing a tray to their table.
The drinks and appetizers ca out quickly, and with one sip, Reylin’s eyes widened.
"...This... is amazing." The warmth of the Starflower Brew spread down her throat and into her chest, leaving a subtle tingle in her fingertips.
It wasn’t just refreshing—it felt like sothing inside her spirit unclenched.
It was simply too good... She had never tasted a coffee this good since arriving here!
Maz, for once, looked visibly relaxed. She tore off a piece of croissant and tasted it.
"...This is real. Flaky, buttery, layered. I even received so effects. Stamina Recovery..."
Just like that, everyone seed to have beco food critics as they consud the food and drinks.
Duran’s grizzled face contorted slightly as he grunted after his sip. "Damn. That’s strong. Like liquid fire—but clean. I like it."
Even Torren, whose tastes usually leaned toward bland nutrient cubes and tea, gave a warm smile. "I didn’t know we could still enjoy things like this..."
Edwin just continued to watch them while drinking his own coffee, but he was secretly pleased with their reaction.
"Lord Shane believes in what he calls Restorative Civilization. He says people must be more than survivors. They must be drears. And sotis, all it takes is a warm cup of coffee to remind them they’re still alive."
It may be an exaggeration since Shane didn’t say these things, but this was his own interpretation of Shane’s plans.
Reylin stared into her cup for a long mont.
Once, back in her teaching days, she would grab cheap instant coffee before rushing into her morning classes.
She thought that part of her life was over. Lost in ash and blood and barricades. She only had three Apocalypse Options after all.
They were Ragnarok, Demon Invasion, and Zombie Infestation.
She knew about the Ragnarok as it involved the gods of mythology. It was super dangerous and definitely not an option. The Demon Invasion was also too scary to think about... After all, she thought that such demons could even disguise themselves as normal humans...
Whatever they were, Demons weren’t sothing she could deal with.
Only the Zombie Infestation seed quite doable for her, as she had trained as a Girl Scout and learned many Survival Skills...
Thankfully, it went sowhat well for her journey, but during all those tis, she barely had the ti to relax and appreciate so nice things.
But now, she was here—drinking real coffee, eating pastries, surrounded by warmth, her friends... and hope.
She looked at Edwin, then at her companions.
"We’re not just rging into a stronger clan," she said softly. "We’re becoming sothing greater."
Maria nodded. "Yes..."
She knew for a fact that an establishnt like this coffee shop wasn’t possible in their shelter. It ant not just good drinks or food, but it was sothing more... It involves the Clan or the Shelter’s wealth, resource channels, residents’ security, source of inco, and many other things.
On the other hand, Torren just smirked as he soon finished his servings. "Let’s just hope they keep making muffins this good."
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