Blazewood.
By this time, everyone had already woken up.
They were all gathered in the same place they'd held their meeting yesterday afternoon, sharing breakfast together.
Since there were many people, they split into two tables. The food, naturally, was a spread of dishes conjured by Sol himself—using Projection Magecraft made cooking effortless, after all, and it costs him nothing.
It was, admittedly, a little funny.
Sol possessed such a powerful ability, yet aside from forging armor and Demara-brand products now and then, he mostly used it to recreate delicious food.
He couldn't help but think back to that Fate story—about Arcueid Brunestud, who once used Projection Magecraft to slaughter so many magi from the Clock Tower that the rest trembled at her name. Even without that power, she was still terrifying enough on her own.
If anyone here learned that his ability could casually conjure superweapons, Sol wondered what expressions they would make.
Only one reaction was certain: Soukaku. That blue-skinned little gremlin would probably dive headfirst into an ocean of food and never come out again.
"Sol, your power is so convenient. I wish I had it too."
Belle took a happy bite of her molten custard bun, her eyes shining with admiration—as if she could already see her dream life of infinite snacks.
"Jealous, huh? Too bad it's a patented exclusive," Sol teased.
"Hmph! I still want another one," Belle huffed, holding out her left hand.
"Here you go, little glutton."
Sol handed her another custard bun.
"Heehee, doesn't that make it the same as having your power?" Belle winked proudly.
As long as Sol was by her side, she'd never have to worry about going hungry.
"I want two more hamburgers!"
"Give me two baskets of dumplings—one beef, one crab roe."
"Meow, I want ten grilled mackerels, can I have them, meow?"
Three voices rose at once, three hands reaching toward Sol from different directions.
Anby's face was deadly serious, as if this was some sort of solemn contest.
Nicole, however, upped the ante with a list of orders, determined to assert her status as the official partner.
Both of them glanced at Nekomata, whose bright, innocent eyes made it seem like she genuinely just wanted more mackerel.
"Alright, one for each of you."
Sol couldn't help but smile at how adorable their jealousy was—but still made sure to grant everyone's wish.
These girlfriends of his were too cute. Their "competition" was about who could eat more, not who could pull out the biggest weapon or swing the blade of truth at him.
What else could he do but spoil them rotten?
"The hamburger's so good."
Anby took a bite and sighed with satisfaction.
She'd eaten one more than Belle—so she won.
"The dumplings aren't bad either."
Nicole glanced smugly at Belle as she enjoyed her meal.
She had ordered more variety—so she won.
Meanwhile, Nekomata quietly munched away, the real winner of the round.
Belle pouted, clicking her tongue with a hint of sourness. "Childish."
"…"
Wise suddenly felt that the steamed dumplings in his hand didn't taste as good anymore.
"Piper, they're acting really weird," Burnice said, gnawing on a golden roasted chicken drumstick, curious about the odd tension on the other side.
"The world of adults is just like that," Piper said between bites of pastry, speaking with exaggerated maturity. "Once they fall into the whirlpool of feelings, there's no getting out. You're still too young to handle it. If Sol ever tries to do this or that to you, just ask her for help."
So that's how adults were—realistic and blunt. Piper still remembered how generously Sol had gifted her a military-grade engine. Truly, the mark of a rich man.
When she retired, she thought, it would be perfect to just move into Sol's house and lie flat.
Drink tea, race bikes, rest whenever she wanted… maybe even have a kid to play with. That was the dream life.
But if she had a kid, she'd need a wet nurse. Couldn't let the baby go hungry.
Hmm… Caesar and Burnice seemed like good choices—definitely enough to feed a baby.
But Lucy? No, her kid would have it rough.
"Eh?"
Burnice and Caesar both stared blankly at Piper, feeling like she'd just said something outrageous.
"Piper, how could you think like that?!" Lucy whispered harshly, scolding her like a disappointed teacher. "You're supposed to be the mature one—don't go astray now!"
"I was just imagining it," Piper waved it off with a sigh. "Every adult dream of mooching off someone rich until they die. Sadly, reality is cruel. Dreams are just dreams."
"Why are you having these deep life revelations now, of all times?!" Lucy groaned, exasperated.
"…"
Sol, at the other table, was speechless.
Piper, you can dream all you want—but maybe not out loud next to everyone.
He was the kind of good guy who'd help others realize their dreams, but saying it this loudly only made things harder.
Even though Piper had lowered her voice, Sol knew perfectly well that Nicole, Anby, and Nekomata—all strengthened by him—had heard every word.
Hadn't they noticed? The same two girls who'd just been smugly competing were now giving very sharp looks across the table at the blonde mechanic in her work uniform.
Thanks to that, helping Piper fulfill her dream just got a lot more complicated.
Suddenly—
Sol's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, then picked up.
Zhu Yuan's voice came through, brisk and clear. "Sol, Qingyi and I just arrived at Blazewood's town entrance. Where are you guys right now? We'll meet you there."
"Walk forward about two hundred meters, then turn left twice—you'll see an open wooden platform. We're having breakfast there," Sol recalled, describing the route.
"Got it. We'll be right there," Zhu Yuan replied crisply.
After hanging up, Sol stood and addressed the group. "Zhu Yuan and Qingyi are here. I'll go pick them up."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Before long, Sol returned, leading Zhu Yuan and Qingyi to the group.
After exchanging greetings, the members of the Sons of Calydon were formally introduced to the two officers.
"Sorry to intrude so suddenly—we didn't mean to interrupt your breakfast."
Zhu Yuan looked a bit embarrassed.
Sol shook his head. "No need to apologize. Everyone's happy to see you. You came early—want to join us for something to eat?"
"I already ate," Zhu Yuan said politely. She had woken up early and grabbed a quick egg sandwich before heading out.
"We're all friends here—no need to be polite with Sol."
Qingyi stepped forward, moving beside Sol with a friendly smile. "Neither of us are picky eaters. We'll just have a little something to fill our stomachs."
She had seen Zhu Yuan grab that tiny sandwich earlier—barely enough to sustain anyone. With today's investigation into Perlman ahead of them, they might not even get lunch. She wasn't about to let her partner work on an empty stomach.
"Alright then, sit and eat while we talk. Once we're done exchanging intel, we can set out immediately."
Sol handed them some food and gestured for them to sit.
Without further fuss, Qingyi and Zhu Yuan joined the meal, discussing the details of the Perlman case with everyone as they ate.
Half an hour later, breakfast was over.
Everyone was properly acquainted, and their information was fully exchanged.
After a bit of preparation, Lighter stayed behind with Big Daddy to hold the base, while the rest of the Sons of Calydon led Sol's group toward the Vanquishers' base.