Chapter 79 - 81 The Weight of Trust
"You've returned sooner than usual this time," Wayn greeted cheerfully, her eyes lighting up as Gin stepped into the café.
During his last visit, Gin had barely been able to stop by, too caught up in developing new equipment after his return from the hidden world.
In response to her comment, he merely smiled and glanced at the custom equipment he had built for the café.
"How's it working? No issues or inconveniences?" he asked casually.
Wayn grinned and shook her head. "It's just for brewing drip coffee. Nothing complicated about it.
I come in early to prep for the day, so everything runs smoothly. No complaints here."
She leaned in close, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Besides, isn't this equipment the secret behind our café's amazing coffee?"
Gin chuckled and nodded, whispering back, "That's right. So, take good care of it."
Wayn stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Understood, boss. So, are you planning to visit more often from now on?"
"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about," Wayn said, gesturing toward an empty table nearby. It was still early, so the café wasn't crowded yet. By lunchtime, every seat would be filled.
Wayn followed him and sat down gracefully, her heart beating a little faster.
She sensed something important was about to be discussed.
"How are you feeling about work these days? Still enjoying it?" Gin asked.
"I am," she replied with a warm smile. "But it'd be more fun if you were around more often."
Gin scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Yeah, about that... It's probably going to get even harder for me to be here regularly."
"I figured as much," Wayn said knowingly. "You've been so absorbed in something lately. Don't tell me you've got a secret girlfriend or something?"
The image of Alberta, who had visited the café before, flashed through her mind for a moment.
"Girlfriend? Nah, I'm nowhere near that point. Work's just too exciting right now," Gin replied.
"Thought so." Wayn's smile deepened. "Alright then, what's on your mind? If there's something you want, just tell me.
I'll do my best."
Gin hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Can you take full responsibility for the café?"
Wayn tilted her head. "What do you mean? I'm already managing the café, aren't I?"
"I mean really take charge—completely," Gin clarified.
"You're asking me to become a full-time manager?"
Currently, Wayn was working part-time and didn't have to be there every day, though she showed up more frequently than the other employees.
"Yeah, something like that. But more than just a manager. I want you to run this place as if it's your own.
Do whatever you want with it—just stick to my coffee recipes."
Her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected this.
"You mean…?"
"I want you to become the official representative of Café Wizard," Gin said with a nod.
He had observed Wayn closely and trusted her capabilities. In fact, he had long-term plans to utilize the talents of everyone who worked here.
Wayn stared at him, momentarily speechless.
"Why the hesitation? Don't think you can handle it?" Gin teased.
She shook her head vigorously. "No! I can handle it. Honestly, if I couldn't sell your coffee with confidence, I'd be a fool."
"Good. And if you ever want to expand—open more locations, maybe even turn it into a franchise—I'll support you," Gin added.
"Really? You'd let me do that?"
"I trust you completely."
Hearing those words, Wayn clenched her fists with determination. "I won't let you down."
"So, you'll take it?"
"Yes," she replied firmly.
"Good. Keep attending school, though. Hire more staff if you need to, but make sure you graduate."
"I will." Wayn took a deep breath, her emotions calming.
Slowly but resolutely, she said, "Thank you."
"No, I should be the one thanking you." Gin smiled and stood. "Alright, let's get to work. I'm here today, so you can boss me around as much as you want."
Wayn laughed brightly, her voice ringing through the café like a gentle melody.
While assisting with café duties, Gin discreetly observed the atmosphere.
He noted that the number of ability users among the patrons had increased.
Most of them bought their coffee to go, rarely sitting down to chat as they used to.
There was a tension in the air—a shadow of unease etched onto their faces.
His mind wandered back to the attackers who had ambushed Alberta,
as well as the men armed with portal detection devices.
He remembered the crossbow-wielding assailants who had mercilessly hunted other ability users.
I wonder what became of them... And what about Team Young? Gin pondered. He wanted answers but found little opportunity for information. The users in the café weren't lingering long enough for casual conversations.
I'll have to track someone down or revisit that place, he thought.
To do so, he needed to improve his "distortion." Until his recent journeys to the hidden world, he hadn't given it much thought, assuming there was no need to display magic openly on Earth. But now, refining his distortion magic had become essential.
His research branched into three main areas: studying biological samples, converting his hidden world's mana control into a passive state, and enhancing his distortion.
Prioritizing the latter, he directed all his resources to it, aiming for swift progress.
By the time his shift at the café ended, Gin had successfully perfected his distortion technique. No longer would any magical presence or aura leak out—he had become as invisible as a shadow.
However, he wasn't finished yet. His next step was to mask sound, presence, and mana entirely. If he was going to conceal himself, he would do it flawlessly.
With his improvements complete, Gin set out with renewed purpose.
He planned to gather all the answers he had been seeking, starting with the infamous battlefield—where ability users had once clashed and spilled blood in the shadows of three ominous warehouses.
Gin released his distortion spell briefly to hail a taxi, taking it to a bustling district near his target. Once there, he cloaked himself in perfected distortion once more, moving swiftly and silently toward his destination.
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