NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: Bab 7
Gara stared at his status screen, stunned.
Both were passive. He couldn't activate or control them at all. He had been so excited when his Bloodline awakened, thinking he'd finally become stronger. Now? It just felt like a cruel joke.
With his gaze cast down, Gara followed Madha's steps in silence, disappointment weighing on him like a stone.
Thud.
His forehead bumped into Madha's back. He had stopped walking.
Gara looked up.
"You tired? Want to head back to the inn and rest?" Madha asked gently, concern written all over his face.
Ah. Right. He forgot this guy liked him. Of course he'd notice something was off.
"No. I want to see the town's market," he said quickly.
If his talent wasn't going to be useful, then fine. He'd just enjoy the town instead. No point sulking forever.
"We're here," Madha said, motioning ahead.
Gara looked up.
A large, cone-shaped tent stood tall before them, shading a bustling row of vendors. Tables were stacked with fresh vegetables, meat, fish, bolts of fabric, and clay kitchenware, plates, bowls, and more.
Madha gently guided him toward the side area, where a few snack stalls were set up. Gara stopped in front of one.
On display were small round cakes coated in thick shreds of ivory-colored coconut.
"Two shred coconut balls, ma'am," Madha said casually from beside him.
"That'll be two white coins," the vendor replied, extending her hand. Her eyes scanning their clothes, clearly sizing them up as poor village kids.
Gara instinctively reached out to stop Madha, but he had already handed over the coins.
To him, that price was ridiculous. And honestly, he didn't like the vendor's attitude. If it were up to him, he wouldn't have given someone like that a single coin.
But Madha had paid, so Gara reluctantly took one of the coconut balls and bit into it.
Sweet palm sugar melted on his tongue, balanced by the refreshing texture of the coconut. His eyes lit up.
Yep, sweet food really could fix your mood. He felt a little better already.
Madha smiled as he watched him eat.
"Go on, finish the other one," he offered.
Gara quickly shook his head.
"You eat it. One's enough for me," he said, his left cheek puffed out like a squirrel, still full of the soft cake.
Madha chuckled and nodded, popping the second coconut ball into his mouth.
They wandered further into the market, browsing other stalls. But Gara didn't stop to linger anywhere. He walked slowly, casually, careful not to look too interested.
He was worried Madha might think he wanted something again, and that he'd try to buy it for him.
He wasn't some clingy girlfriend expecting to be spoiled!
Most of the snacks around here seemed to be made from coconut and palm sugar. "Tropical ingredients, huh…" Gara mused silently.
What he really wanted was fried snacks. Back in his old world, he loved fried meatballs, sausages, fries, churros, tempura. Basically, anything crispy and deep-fried.
Then he saw it. A stall with a sizzling wok. His eyes sparkled and he rushed forward. Only to stop dead in her tracks.
The oil in the wok was… black.
"Wait. Is that black because it's ancient cooking oil or because they just never change it?" Gara hesitated, his appetite flickering.
"You want to try the sesame balls?" Madha asked beside him.
He eyed the snack. Round, golden-brown, topped with sesame seeds. It looked crunchy and familiar. He bet it was filled with palm sugar again.
He quickly shook his head.
"Let's keep looking," he said, turning away before his curiosity got the better of him.
After finishing their snack tour, they wandered into the accessories section of the market.
There were trinkets for everyone and everything. Bracelets for people, charms for homes, even tiny collars and ornaments for pets.
At one stall selling bracelets, Gara's eyes caught sight of a girl. A very cute girl. What really drew his attention, though, was the heart-shaped icon floating above her head. It read 10%.
Ever since arriving in town, they'd been surrounded by young people. Whenever girls looked at Gara, the numbers above their heads stayed at 0%, or worse negative.
But the guys? Some shot up to 10%, even 20%. That was when Gara's Charm stat was still at 10.
After his Bloodline awakened, some guys were going as high as 40%. Even a few girls ticked up to 5%. Gara could only laugh bitterly inside.
The girl before him had warm, golden-brown skin and clear, round eyes. Her nose and lips were small and delicate. She wore a soft yellow dress that made her stand out from the townspeople around them, most of whom wore faded, earthy tones.
She was shorter than Gara, which was rare. Most girls here were nearly his height. And she was adorable.
"I wanna check out some bracelets. Might help if I bring my mom a gift or something," Gara said to Madha.
Madha nodded, buying it without question.
Gara stepped up beside the girl, deliberately rummaging through the display with enough noise to get noticed.
When the girl reached for a simple brown bracelet, Gara quickly moved his hand, just enough to brush against hers.
Their fingers touched.
Startled, the girl recoiled, cheeks turning pink. She looked up shyly, only to be met by Gara's best charming smile.
She smiled back, bashfully at first. But then, strangely, her flustered expression vanished.
Something felt... off. Gara squinted inwardly. Did she not see him as a guy?
"If you want it, go ahead and take it," the girl said sweetly, offering the bracelet.
Looking into her pure, innocent eyes, Gara felt a pang of guilt. He was only talking to her because of the system's challenge. But a girl this cute? She should be protected, not used.
"No, just browsing," Gara said quickly, shaking his head.
They didn't speak again after that. Madha showed him a few bracelet options, and Gara half-heartedly responded. He had no real intention of buying anything. He didn't even have money.
Just as they were about to leave, the girl in the yellow dress called out to him.
She held out the same bracelet from earlier.
"This is for you. A gift for our meeting."
"But… we just met," Gara said awkwardly.
"It's okay. If we meet again someday, we'll recognize each other right away." She placed the bracelet in his hand, then walked off, waving gently.
"…I think she likes me," Gara murmured to himself.
Then he suddenly remembered Madha. What if he was jealous?
Gara stole a glance at him, but Madha looked totally unfazed.
"She could be a good friend for you, Gara," Madha said casually.
"…What's that supposed to mean? Huh?!"
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