"Bang!"
The door slammed shut behind her, sealing off the outside world. The entire bar fell deathly silent, save for the squeaking of glasses being polished.
An Ke cautiously signaled to the attendant that she needed no help, then approached the bar, intending to ask the bartender about clues to Transcendence.
Before she could speak, however, the bartender behind the counter instantly set down the clean glass in his hand and stepped up to her:
"Honored guest, what would you like to drink?"
"Would you like some music?"
Watching the bartender lean almost half his body over the counter, An Ke felt a little uncomfortable. He seemed far too enthusiastic.
"No, I just have a few questions. I can pay you for your trouble."
"Do you know about what's in the sky..."
Before An Ke could retrieve the universal banknotes she had exchanged through the system from her pocket, the bartender suddenly spoke:
"Honored guest, I will answer your questions. It is our honor."
"But are you sure you wouldn't like a drink?"
"No, I..."
"Honored guest, are you sure you wouldn't like a drink?"
"Honored guest..."
"Honored guest..."
As the bartender kept repeating his questions, An Ke's heart jolted. Seeming to realize something, she had no choice but to order the cheapest drink.
The instant she agreed, the bartender behind the counter broke into a radiant smile:
"Honored guest, it is wonderful that you are willing to accept our service."
"It has been a long time since I last completed my work."
"Oh, and you need not pay anything. It is our honor to serve you."
With that, the bartender quickly prepared his tools and set the base spirits on the counter with practiced movements.
An Ke's eyes flickered as she began to suspect why the bartender kept asking