Chapter 2: The Buffet System

If only real life had cheat codes like this. Still, I couldn’t help feeling a weird blend of guilt and relief. At least with this system, no one had to go to bed hungry tonight.

It might not do much else, but at least I could eat my fill.

I summoned the system and pulled out a Combo A and a Combo C. Honestly, I wasn’t craving boxed meals, but I mainly wanted the Coke from Combo C.

The red can was so familiar—like a cold splash of home in a world that felt impossibly far away. My mouth watered just looking at it, the memory of carbonation tingling at the back of my throat.

Having suddenly landed here, my body felt perpetually thirsty.

I licked my lips, realizing just how much I’d been missing modern comforts. Suddenly, a Coke seemed like the most precious thing in the world.

Dale watched as, like some kind of magic trick, I suddenly had two takeout boxes in my hands. He stared at me, suspicious and a little freaked out.

His eyes darted between me and the food, as if he was waiting for me to pull a rabbit out of my hat next. I realized, to someone like him, this must look like real magic. His jaw clenched, and I saw the muscle twitch in his cheek—part disbelief, part hope.

It was my first time using the system to get a meal, so I was curious what this so-called buffet system would serve up.

I cracked open the takeout boxes, letting the steam and aroma waft out. Suddenly, the tent felt warmer, cozier—like the inside of a diner on a rainy night. The food looked shockingly real.

I opened Combo A: a big slab of pot roast, sautéed cabbage, zucchini, and chives with bean sprouts. Combo C: scrambled eggs with tomatoes, fried squash, pickled greens, potato wedges.

The scent was mouthwatering—comfort food at its finest. I had to remind myself this wasn’t some fever dream; the food was right here in my hands.

I waved Dale over: “Come on, eat this.”

Dale’s eyes went wide as saucers when he saw the takeout meal: “Boss, where’d you get this food?”

His voice was barely a whisper, as if he was afraid someone would overhear and take the food away. The look on his face was pure awe—like he’d just seen a hundred-dollar bill drop out of thin air.

Looking at Dale’s honest face, I really didn’t know how to explain. I couldn’t just say it was a system reward.

I caught myself thinking about how absurd the truth would sound. The last thing I wanted was for Dale to think I was possessed or a government spook.

Dale kept staring at me, dumbfounded.

He was waiting for the punchline, or maybe for me to hand him back the rock-hard biscuits and say it was all a joke. Instead, I just smiled and tried to look normal—whatever that meant in this situation.

I waved him off: “Hurry up and eat. I’ve got more questions for you.”

I tried to sound a little impatient, hoping he’d drop it. No need to get philosophical over dinner.

Seeing I seemed a little annoyed, Dale didn’t dare ask further.

He shuffled closer, eyes glued to the food, then carefully took the boxes, as if they might vanish at any second.

I handed both boxes to Dale, twisted open the Coke for myself, and kept gnawing on my cornbread biscuit.

The Coke fizzed, its scent instantly familiar. I took a long, cold swig, and for a moment, the world felt almost normal again—like I was just home after a long shift, not stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Dale took the takeout boxes with both hands, staring blankly, his body trembling: “Meat... white rice...”

His hands shook so much the rice nearly spilled, but he steadied himself, mouth hanging open in disbelief. To him, this must’ve felt like a miracle.

“What are you staring at? Eat up,” I urged, a little impatient.

The grumble in my own stomach reminded me I shouldn’t waste time. I motioned for him to dig in.

Still holding the meal, Dale sat back on his heels, eyes wide, hands shaking. “Boss, you didn’t have to do this for me. I owe you, big time.”

The tent shuddered slightly as he shifted. I could see tears glimmering in his eyes—raw gratitude and shame all tangled up. It made me feel awkward as hell.

I was almost exasperated. Was this guy for real? It’s just a takeout meal, no need to make such a big deal!

The ritual felt out of place, like something from a movie. I shifted, wishing he'd just eat and save the drama for another time.