The menu was written in a type of book called the Eternal Book, with a width of around 18 inches, a height of 24 inches, and a depth of 9 inches. I opened the menu and flipped through its pages one by one — thousands, millions, billions, trillions — and in just one minute, I had reached trillions of pages, yet the pages never ran out.
I didn't even reach half of the book. This thing was literally endless.
I closed it and opened it again in the middle. The page number shown was something I didn't even recognize, but one thing was certain — those numbers were far beyond what ??? Entirely endlessly so could measure.
I closed it again and reopened it in the middle; different pages appeared. I repeated the process multiple times — closing
and opening the middle — and each time, new pages would appear.
I closed the book once more and opened it from the back, page by page — same result. Endless pages, but the numbers here were far higher than those at the front or middle of the book.
Then I tried opening all the pages at once — and instantly reached the end, as if the book were no longer endless.
"So as long as I don't flip its pages all at once, the book remains endless. Interesting."
I flipped the book, turned it around, and even spun it a few times. I inspected the book thoroughly, losing myself completely in it. My mind was locked on the mystery before me — at that point, it felt like only I and the book existed.
I was only awakened from my trance by Misha's words and a tug on my sleeve.
"Customer, please order. I still have many things to do," Lin said.
"Sorry about that, Lin."
"No problem."
"Thank you, Misha."
Misha giggled. "You're welcome. You were too cute in that state. Are you perhaps a book lover?"
"Not really. I'm just too interested in the unknown — in mysteries."
"Lin, can I have one order of this series called Dino's Banquet?" Misha said.
Lin wrote Misha's order on a paper that she pulled out of nowhere.
"How about you, mister?"
"Normal steaks — thousands of them."
"Got it. See you later!" Lin said, bouncing away like a happy child.
As Lin left, another pig approached. It was violet, similar to Lin but much larger — as big as a cow. The only difference aside from color and the black stripes on its body was its sheer presence.
The purple pig didn't say much. It simply asked for the menu, which we handed over, and then left.
"That purple pig isn't ordinary," I said with certainty.
"That's Lucas — the Purple Pig of Calamity," Misha replied.
"That's an ominous title."
Misha shrugged. "That pig's true form could swallow all of existence with a single bite."
"Well, that's a calamity all right."
Misha chuckled and added, "And that's only the beginning. If he releases his true power, countless transformations would unlock for him — each endlessly greater and larger than the last."
"Let's stop there," Misha said, showing a seductive smile. "Let's talk about us."
Misha and I started a casual conversation — talking about ourselves: our hometowns, favorite things and foods, hobbies, where we came from, our families, life experiences, schools, and more. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell her about my hometown.
I cracked a few jokes, making her laugh nonstop, and even sang a few songs I personally composed afterward.
"I didn't know you were a good musician," Misha said, smiling.
"Thank you for the compliment. Here's another one — I call this one Black Light."
I was about to start singing again when our food arrived.
Lin walked toward us, carrying our orders. Behind her was a familiar face — a beautiful elf.
She was the same elf I encountered at the city gate — one of the guild's employees who checked those entering the city.
"Is that your boyfriend, Misha?" Sophie asked teasingly.
"No, not yet," Misha replied.
Sophie turned her attention to me. "You look familiar... ah! You're the guy from the gate!"
"Well, that's me."
"If I remember correctly, you're John, right? John Alver?"
"Yes, I'm John Alver — a new adventurer."
"I'm Sophie. Sophie Silvergreen, and the owner of this place."
From the sidelines, Misha added, "And also the strongest and luckiest in the guild."
Sophie smiled sheepishly. "I'm not that lucky."
Misha rolled her eyes. "Favored by the Rumig Clan of Living Constructs, sole contractor of the Mount of Eternal Pig, and countless other incomprehensible things — you've already gone far beyond luck."
Sophie wanted to retort that it was all coincidence, but she stopped. She knew Misha was right — though she remained in denial, refusing to admit her absurd fortune.
"Anyway, why did you come here? Is there something you wanted to say, Sophie?" Misha asked.
"I was just eating earlier, and when I saw your order, I thought — why not eat with you?" Sophie said with a smile.
As Misha and Sophie chatted, more food began arriving.
"Your appetite is unbelievable," Sophie remarked as she watched me eat with a smile.
"Thank you for your compliment," I said between bites, gulping down food nonstop and cleaning one dish after another. Lin kept walking in and out of the kitchen carrying our meals.
"Isn't he cute?" Misha said with a sweet smile.
"Well, you're right," Sophie replied.
We enjoyed dinner peacefully, chatting to deepen our friendship. We talked about hobbies, favorite foods and colors, likes and dislikes, and even personal matters. Eventually, the two started talking about their type of men and the romantic expectations of their first love — typical girl talk. Somehow, I got dragged into it, giving my honest opinions when asked.
Time passed, and dinner finally ended. I walked Misha to her home and then slept somewhere on my property.
Early Morning
As soon as I woke up, I went to the main street and followed it toward the center of the city, where the Babel Tower resided.
I stood a meter away from the Tower Barrier that surrounded the entire Babel Plaza and Babel Tower.
The Tower Barrier occupied a five-mile radius of land.
I observed it carefully — invisible and undetectable to anyone below the ??? level.
The sight of the Tower Barrier sent tingles through my blood — excitement and curiosity rising from my endless thirst for knowledge.
Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself. Then, with one step forward, my body plunged into the Tower Barrier, vanishing from everyone's sight.
The people around didn't even bat an eye — to them, it was a normal sight.