The Fox Hole (Multiversal Restaurant)

Chapter 73:

– Dr Grace –

"What the hell am I looking at here, Grace?" Parker demanded impatiently, staring at the remote drone footage displayed on the monitor. The video replayed scenes of chaos unfolding at the Na'vi Home Tree.

Grace exchanged a baffled glance with Norm, who stood just as stunned beside her. "Honestly, Parker, I have no idea," she admitted, her voice trailing off as she leaned closer to the screen. The footage was from yesterday, and it showed something utterly impossible.

Behind them, Colonel Miles Quaritch clicked his tongue loudly, clearly irritated. "Looks like some kind of goddamn superweapon someone decided to unleash on these blue bastards," he said gruffly. "An experiment, maybe? Androids or secret super-soldiers? Didn't even know we had that kind of tech operational yet."

Grace shook her head sharply. "We don't. At least, this company doesn't. There's nothing like that anywhere in our inventory."

The room went silent as everyone watched in disbelief. On-screen, a small, pink-haired girl and an even smaller, golden-haired girl with unmistakably fox-like ears and nine waving golden tails were effortlessly defeating dozens upon dozens of fully grown Na'vi warriors. Both girls were wearing colorful masks and capes, as if they were playing dress-up superheroes rather than waging an actual battle.

Norm leaned in, eyes wide. "Are they…actually catching arrows mid-air?"

Grace nodded slowly, completely dumbfounded. "And throwing warriors five times their size around like toys."

Colonel Miles let out a low, appreciative whistle. He crossed his arms, his expression calculating. "I don't care if they're androids, super-soldiers from another outfit, or little aliens from god knows where—I want those girls. Find out how to bring them here."

Grace rolled her eyes at the Colonel's predictable fixation on weaponry. "What interests me," she said pointedly, "is how two humanoids are running around Pandora without oxygen masks or protective gear. Not to mention their clearly enhanced physiology. No human or Na'vi child could possibly perform feats like that, not even close."

The video showed Jake—clearly recognizable even in his Avatar form—charging into the fray, only to be promptly knocked unconscious by a blazing blue fireball that exploded at his feet.

"Well, at least nobody died," Grace murmured dryly, relieved despite herself. "Looks like most of the Na'vi just suffered bruises and injured pride."

Colonel Miles frowned, leaning forward with intense interest. "Patch us through to Sully. I want a firsthand report of exactly what happened down there."

One of the technicians immediately contacted Jake. Moments later, Jake's bruised and battered Na'vi face appeared on the main monitor. He looked dazed, clutching his head painfully, eyes unfocused.

"What the hell happened out there, soldier?" Colonel Miles demanded.

Jake winced slightly, clearly still reeling. "Honestly, sir, I don't even know. One minute everything was quiet, and the next, the entire clan was screaming, grabbing their bows, and attacking two little girls who looked like they'd stepped right out of a comic book or something."

He rubbed his head again, grimacing. "When I got closer, one of them—the little fox-girl—threw a blue fireball at me. I dodged, but the explosion knocked me out cold."

Grace clicked her tongue anxiously, frowning at the evident concussion symptoms Jake was exhibiting. Hopefully, his Avatar body's natural healing would sort it out quickly.

Colonel Miles exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated but understanding. "Don't sweat it, soldier. None of us anticipated this shitstorm. Any idea where these little intruders came from, at least?"

Grace perked up immediately, intensely curious herself. "Yes, Jake. Where exactly did they come from? Did you see how they entered the area?"

Jake hesitated, looking unsure how to phrase his next words. "Well, um…they came from this weird restaurant that popped up right underneath Home Tree."

Silence enveloped the room as everyone froze, processing his statement. Parker finally exploded, "What fucking restaurant?!"

Colonel Miles eyed Jake skeptically, his tone softening only slightly. "Son, are you sure you're alright? Maybe that hit was worse than you think."

Grace ignored their reactions entirely, stepping forward eagerly. "Jake, wait—are you saying the Na'vi actually have restaurants now? That's groundbreaking anthropological news!"

"No, no," Jake clarified quickly, shaking his head. "Not the Na'vi. The building looked human-made—like a decent-sized wooden restaurant. It just suddenly appeared out of nowhere, right at the base of Home Tree. After those girls beat up everyone, they ran straight inside and haven't come back out. The Na'vi are all freaked out—nobody dares go near it."

He paused, visibly gathering his courage before continuing, "I only just woke up, Colonel. But if you need someone to go investigate directly, I'll volunteer."

Colonel Miles considered this, clearly intrigued. Grace stepped forward, cutting him off before he could respond. "Jake, first recover fully before you head anywhere near it again. We need you healthy. In the meantime, Norm and I will run more scans and see if we can pinpoint exactly what's going on with this…restaurant."

Parker groaned, rubbing his temples dramatically. "A random fucking restaurant full of super-powered little girls, suddenly popping up in the middle of our mining operation. Perfect. Just what we needed." He then turned his attention to Grace. "You're our expert when it comes to weird shit on this planet. I want you to figure out what the hell this all is, and if you can't, then the Colonel here is going to kill it..."

The Colonel chuckled darkly at that. Staring at the images of the two girls on the screen almost obsessively. "Damn right I will!"

"Nevermind the scans then…" she huffed. Grace turned to Norm and told him to get ready because they were heading out immediately before the Colonel did something dumb…

– Haru –

I stood next to Kunou in the kitchen, watching as she scrubbed dishes by hand, soap and water splashing everywhere. Using magic was strictly forbidden right now—Mom's orders. After we learned Kunou had snuck off to Rimuru's world behind everyone's back to gain new powers, Mom was understandably pissed. That only got worse when Kunou finally spilled the full details of her and Milim's adventure.

It wasn't like Mom or I were upset that Kunou had gotten stronger—we both knew how dangerous things could get in the supernatural world and in other worlds as well. 

But running off without permission, especially to Rimuru's village—which was completely empty since Rimuru and his people were off at war—was reckless, even for Kunou. Ironically, Milim's presence probably kept my little sister safe. Rimuru's forest was home to some seriously powerful monsters, and Milim being there with her scary Demon Lord aura at least guaranteed Kunou's safety.

Kunou let out an exaggerated whine, shooting me pleading eyes. "Onii-chan, haven't I suffered enough already?"

"Nope," I said firmly, gesturing toward the stack of dirty pans. "Keep scrubbing, Kunou. You know the rules."

She groaned dramatically, but continued washing the dishes, her ears flattened unhappily. 

Enri, who stood nearby drying some plates, smiled gently. "Don't worry, Kunou-chan, there aren't that many left."

Kunou pouted. "You're just saying that because you're not the one scrubbing."

Enri laughed softly, glancing at me with amusement. "Maybe, but I'm helping, aren't I?"

At the counter, Milim sat happily munching on a large plate of chicken wings, trying to say something through a mouthful of food. She waved one of the bones at me, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hmrph, Hrruu, I'f gotta tella yu sumthing—"

I chuckled, holding up my hand. "Milim, swallow first, please. I can't understand a word you're saying."

She paused, cheeks puffed out with chicken, and nodded sheepishly before swallowing loudly. "Sorry! Anyway, Haru, you'll never believe what I—"

Before she could finish, the front door opened, and I looked up, expecting someone else to be stopping by. 

Instead, Erza Scarlet walked into the restaurant, smiling warmly when she saw me. She wore a tight white shirt and a short blue skirt that perfectly showed off her toned legs. My mood brightened immediately at the sight of her, but Erza noticeably flinched as soon as her eyes landed on Milim at the counter.

Milim tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly as if trying to recall something. Still chewing, she attempted to address Erza, "Mm? Aren't chu dat girl who mad Haru shad da odder day?"

Erza stared at her blankly, clearly unable to decipher what Milim was saying. I sighed softly, shaking my head. "Milim, seriously, swallow your food."

Milim gulped down the chicken wing and then repeated herself, this time clearly and loudly. "I said, aren't you that girl who made Haru sad before?"

Erza immediately blushed, embarrassment clear on her face. She glanced apologetically toward me. "Ah...yes. I'm really sorry again, Haru. Like I said before, my guild's first master and Master Makarov completely overreacted by forbidding everyone from interacting with you and your restaurant."

Milim squinted suspiciously, looking between Erza and me. I gave Milim a reassuring smile. "Relax, Milim. Erza came back and apologized properly after you left the other day. We're all good now."

"Oh!" Milim brightened immediately, nodding and grabbing another chicken wing. "Well, okay then! I forgive you for making my bestie sad." Erza relaxed slightly, relief evident on her face, but Milim wasn't finished yet. Leaning forward on her stool with a sly grin, she raised an eyebrow at Erza. "So, baby dragon, why are you back? Are you trying to become Haru's wife or something? Sorry to tell you, but that spot's already taken!"

Erza sputtered, eyes widening in shock, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red as she glanced quickly toward me.

I waved dismissively, giving Erza an apologetic look. "Ignore Milim. She doesn't actually know what a wife is."

Milim immediately puffed up, crossing her arms beneath her chest in indignation. "I do too know what a wife is, Haru!"

"Really?" I said playfully. "Then what's a wife, Milim?"

She paused, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully for several long seconds before confidently answering, "It's the person who gets to eat tasty food cooked by Haru every single day!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "See, told you she doesn't know."

Erza laughed before shaking her head. Erza then glanced uncertainly at Milim. "Wait a second. Why did you call me 'baby dragon' earlier?"

Milim paused in the middle of another bite of food and then leaned close to Erza. Milim started sniffing her, inhaling deeply through her nose several times. 

Erza immediately blushed bright red, stiffening awkwardly as Milim invaded her personal space. She shot a helpless glance in my direction. "Seriously, Haru…what's with the people in this restaurant always sniffing me!?"

My own cheeks flushed slightly. Before I could even start explaining, Milim's eyes lit up, and she bounced excitedly on her stool.

"Woah! No wonder you smell so familiar! You're just like I used to be—you're half-dragon!" she exclaimed triumphantly.

"Really, Milim? I know her mom's a dragon, but I thought Erza's blood was diluted," I said.

Milim shook her head vigorously, with her pink ponytails bouncing wildly. "Nope, you're wrong! Her dragon blood isn't weak at all—it's just magically suppressed and buried really deep." She turned back to Erza, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You know, baby dragon, you could be a whole lot stronger if you let me name you properly. Naming you would awaken your dragon powers and unlock your full potential!"

Erza frowned slightly, clearly intrigued but still skeptical. She scratched her cheek thoughtfully. "Stronger, huh? I'm already considered the strongest woman in Fairy Tail…" Her voice trailed off slowly, eyes darkening as an unpleasant memory flashed across her face. "But even that strength meant nothing when that vile dragon slaughtered so many innocent people right in front of me and my guildmates, I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it." Her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

Milim nodded firmly, looking genuinely sympathetic for a second. "That's exactly why you should let me name you! Your hidden dragon blood would fully awaken, and you'd have the power to fight monsters like that. We could form our own super-powerful faction! Together, we could definitely steal Haru away from all the other girls who've already sunk their claws into him." She thrust her finger dramatically into the air. "Haru will be our wife!"

Wait, WHAT!?

I sighed, shaking my head at her nonsense. "Milim, I'm pretty sure you've got that backwards…"

Milim huffed indignantly, cheeks puffing out in annoyance as she shot me a stubborn glare. 

I held her gaze calmly, deciding to make things explicitly clear. "Listen, Milim, I'm not leaving any of my girls. I'm a very possessive demon fox…"

Milim pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. "Aww, Haru! You're no fun."

Erza cleared her throat softly, cutting back into our conversation. She looked torn, clearly wrestling with the idea of letting Milim name her. "Wait, slow down a moment. What exactly do you mean by 'naming,' anyway? How exactly would it make me stronger?"

Milim eagerly turned back to face Erza, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Naming someone powerful is a special ritual! I'd share my magicules—that's basically magical energy—with you, which helps unlock your hidden potential. Because you have strong dragon blood inside you, it would mean awakening your dragon side fully. You'd become stronger, tougher, and faster. Basically, you'd become super awesome, like me!" She placed a proud hand on her chest, looking exceedingly smug. "Well, not quite as awesome as me since I'm the bestest Demon Lord in the world–and now the multiverse–but you'll be pretty awesome too…"

Erza hesitated, clearly weighing Milim's offer carefully before finally shaking her head. "I…I'll think about it," she said slowly. "Honestly, I don't know if I'm ready to fully become a dragon, like my mom."

Her mention of Irene suddenly made me curious. I leaned casually against the counter, eyeing Erza with interest. "Speaking of your mom—any idea where she's been lately? I keep wondering when that crazy dragon milf might roll into my restaurant again."

Erza let out a quiet, embarrassed chuckle at my blunt description of Irene, her cheeks faintly reddening. "Honestly, Haru, I have no clue. It's been almost two weeks since she last contacted me."

Before we could discuss Irene any further, the restaurant door swung open, distracting all of us. The person—or rather, alien—I was expecting finally arrived. Councilor Tevos stepped inside gracefully, her gaze calm and professional as she approached the counter. She glanced around briefly before offering me a gentle smile. 

"Not quite as many customers here today," she noted with polite curiosity.

"They come and go," I replied lightly, shrugging. "It's the holiday season in a lot of Earth-type worlds, so I figure everyone's busy spending time with family."

Tevos nodded in understanding, seemingly accepting that explanation. She then looked at me directly, her expression serious again. "Are you planning to personally accompany me for this diplomatic mission, Haru?"

"Of course," I said firmly. "Are you handling things personally, too?"

She nodded gracefully. "Yes. Before becoming a Councilor, I was an experienced diplomat. All Asari have a natural gift for calming other species and encouraging dialogue." Her face darkened slightly, and she added quietly, "Except maybe for the Yahg…" A small shudder passed through her, and it was clear she didn't want to elaborate further on that point.

Milim and Erza exchanged curious glances at the mention of this mysterious species but wisely didn't press for more details.

Tevos quickly regained her composure and turned the conversation forward. "So, who exactly will be joining us on this diplomatic visit?"

"Me, obviously," I replied without hesitation. I glanced over at Milim and Erza. "I'm heading back to the giant tree to try talking things out with the big blue aliens before they decide to try burning down my restaurant or something."

It wouldn't work, obviously—my restaurant was nearly indestructible—but I preferred avoiding any more hostility with the locals.

Milim immediately whined, slumping dramatically over the counter. "Aww! Do I really have to say I'm sorry? They attacked me first!"

Tevos gently cleared her throat, addressing me directly. "It might actually be wiser if Milim stays behind, at least initially. She and your little sister were the source of the conflict in the first place."

Milim instantly brightened up, grinning widely. "Yay! I'll stay here and talk with Ezra more!"

"My name is Erza!" The redhead sighed in exasperation.

Milim simply wagged her finger, smiling smugly. "Not yet, it isn't. It'll only be Erza once I've properly named you like a good little baby dragon!"

Erza groaned quietly, pressing a hand to her forehead in mild defeat, but she didn't argue back.

I shook my head with an amused sigh, resigning myself to Milim's antics. "Kunou!" I called loudly toward the kitchen. "Be good while I'm out. Enri, please keep an eye on her, okay?"

"Of course, Lord Haru!" Enri called back cheerfully.

Kunou let out another exaggerated whine but continued scrubbing dishes obediently.

I turned back to Tevos and gestured toward the door. "Ready?"

"Yes," she replied smoothly, following me as we headed outside.

The massive forest outside was definitely beautiful, but it also looked bizarre, with glowing plants and towering trees unlike any I'd seen before. It gave off the feeling of stepping into an entirely different universe—which, I guess, was exactly what it was.

Councilor Tevos followed right behind me as we stepped out of the restaurant. The moment she took her first breath, though, she instantly froze, clutching at her throat in panic. She shot me a terrified look, gasping painfully before stumbling back inside the Fox Hole.

Confused and worried, I immediately rushed back inside after her and quickly shut the door behind me. Tevos leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, her face pale with fear.

"What's wrong? What happened?" I asked urgently, reaching out to steady her.

She took several deep, ragged breaths, her eyes wide with shock. "The—the air on that world. It's toxic to my species," she said shakily, trying to regain her composure.

I blinked, genuinely surprised. "Really? It seemed perfectly fine to me."

From her seat at the counter, Milim turned to us, her expression curious. "You're back already? What happened?"

"Tevos can't breathe outside," I explained simply, still keeping an eye on the Asari councilor as she gradually recovered.

"Oh! I can fix that easily!" Milim said cheerfully. She hopped off her stool and ran over, her small hand glowing bright gold as she stood on her tiptoes and gently patted Tevos on the shoulder. "There you go! Now you're blessed with the ability to breathe anywhere—even underwater!"

Without another word, Milim skipped happily back over to Erza, who just shook her head with an amused smile.

Tevos stared at Milim, completely flabbergasted. She cautiously tested her breathing again, clearly amazed when she took in air without any discomfort. "That's…incredibly handy," she finally said, sounding impressed but a bit bewildered. She turned to me and lowered her voice slightly. "Are you certain she's really supposed to be a Demon Lord? Because she seems quite sweet to me…though admittedly rather strange."

I shrugged, smiling faintly. "Honestly, I've never seen Milim do anything I'd actually call 'evil.' In her world, I'm pretty sure 'Demon Lord' just means someone extremely powerful who's not human."

Tevos nodded thoughtfully, still glancing in Milim's direction with cautious fascination. "Interesting. I'll take your word for it."

With Tevos now safe, we decided to head back outside. This time, she stepped out much more slowly and carefully, taking a tentative breath. "It worked. I can breathe normally now," she said, sounding pleased as she activated her Omni-tool to scan the air around us. After a brief moment, she frowned. "Strange… According to my scans, the air is heavily toxic. I wonder how you're able to handle it?"

I shrugged again, casually glancing around at the alien foliage surrounding us. "Probably because of my evolution back in Milim's world. It must've given me some weird resistance to toxins."

"What an unusual concept," Tevos murmured, scanning me briefly with her Omni-tool before turning her attention back to the massive environment around us.

Together, we headed toward the colossal tree looming ahead, its immense trunk easily dwarfing even the tallest skyscrapers I'd ever seen in Kyoto or Tokyo. Tevos scanned the roots as we approached. "These roots are composed of organic material, yet they're nearly as strong as starship hull plating," she said softly. "This whole world might be a treasure trove of science!"

I glanced upward sharply when I heard the unmistakable sound of heavy wings flapping. One of those flying dinosaur-like creatures Kunou had been excitedly rambling about earlier was rapidly approaching, soaring directly toward us. A large, blue-skinned alien was riding on its back, watching us intently.

"Looks like we've got company," I muttered to Tevos.

XXX

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Here is the list of Current Advanced Chapters on there:

The Fallen Gamer ch 327-331

Thunder and Black Wings 19

The Fox Hole 78

The Blood Queen 43

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 5

The Fox Hole 77

Thunder and Black Wings 18

The Fox Hole 76

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 4

The Fox Hole 75

The Fox Hole 74

The Blood Queen 42

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 3

The Fox Hole 74

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 2

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 1

Thunder and Black Wings 17