Things as always weren't so simple… for in fact, real robbers had come to town.
Their objective was, of course, to steal the secret sauce - and recipe - of sizzling the perfect steak from Gordan Handsey.
And of course, the real Cops got a tipoff, from a ragged-clothes-wearing guy slurping instant noodles. You know who it was. It was (your favourite) Author come back to deliver what he promised - to elaborate on Bob's alter egos in order to build up the story.
Moreover. It was also high time for the series' favourite - well, *only*, but it was close enough, virtually the same thing… - beleaguered Inspector Ross to make another appearance.
"...So let me get this straight… the infamous "SS" real-life Robber, Steyk Steeler, is planning on entering the "Cops and Robbers" game?!
"That's right. I'll give you a heads up: His objective would be the steaks, or failing that, the recipe. Word on the street has it that he wants to taste Gordan Handsey's meat at least once in his life."
"...You gotta watch your phrasing…"
"Ah Yeah, my mi...steak."
"..."
"🤭..."
"Hmm… Couldn't he just go to the restaurant and buy one like everyone else?"
"Well… apparently... he's… poor."
"...Why doesn't he work?"
"Well, this is him… working."
"I see."
"I'll give you another tidbit of intel. A psychic, who styles herself as "Medium Raré", would also be making an appearance."
"..."
"..."
___
As a matter of fact, thanks to the esteemed readers' power stones, Author had been able to purchase himself some wagyu beef to elevate his Instant noodles, and in the process, this was how he had discovered that the steaks of the game were going to be raised.
Medium Raré was no ordinary psychic. Using the power of telekinesis, she could levitate things, and her main mission was to literally, raise the steaks up in the air, partly so that they could be better appreciated and displayed, but mainly so that the Author could make a bad pun about how the steaks in the game had just been raised…
"You're kidding…"
"Well, she did receive some powerstones for her troubles. Aren't you glad about that?"
Cut to a shot of Medium Raré, yes she's a breathtaking beauty of course, her hair neatly styled, and she is dressed in an elegant kimono and seated gracefully at a table.
She is surrounded by psychic energy, and the steaks which have been set aside as prizes in the game also vibrate as they become similarly surrounded by her powerful aura, and raise up a few centimeters in the air.
"I-I have to keep this up until the game ends?!" She telepaths.
"That's right, I thought it was a good way to raise the steaks," author says as usual shamelessly.
"Don't worry though, you'll be well supported throughout…" He chucks her a powerstone and immediately, her pale face gains a tinge of colour.
"T-thank you, esteemed readers for supporting me…"
She opens her beautiful eyes and sends across a burst of grateful feminine energy over to you the reader, filling you with feelings of happiness, a desire to protect and nurture, and a sense of genuine accomplishment…
It's probably the best use of powerstones ever, the good looking and kind hearted readers thought to themselves…
Oh… Oh dear… my energy is running low again 👉👈…
Without a second thought, the esteemed readers knew this was their cue.
*Powerstone +1!!! Powerstone +1!!!
Powerstone +1!!!!!! …*
Immediately, the air is filled with the sweet, melodious sound of powerstones being sent over, whilst the young girl's face flushes as her hesitancy is replaced with strength and determination.
The author inwardly chuckled to himself, but outwardly kept an impassive straight face, as if all this was part of the plan and within his expectations…