The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]

He should have known better.

As someone who already felt as if something invisible were guiding his life, he really should have done more than simply take a few shots and a short video.

If Reeve had been in his right mind, he would have pulled out all his equipment, switched on every recording mode he had, and prepared himself to document history.

But no.

Because those round things beckoned him like no other.

They say sirens used to beguile people, but in truth, people only say that because they have never met something as alluring as this.

The first ball met his lips.

Then his teeth.

And then his world shattered.

From his toes to the top of his head, Reeve Solin felt as if he had been struck by divine lightning. His fingers and toes curled. His eyes flew open so wide that even a passing child felt compelled to stop to watch him.

His jaw slacked.

His throat tightened.

His knees trembled with the force of a newborn beast.

It felt like he had been electrocuted by joy.

Because inside that tiny golden sphere, which looked innocent, soft, and absolutely unthreatening, was a shockwave of flavor that no one in the Empire should have ever deemed possible.

The thin crispy exterior crackled delicately between his teeth, breaking open like a warm secret. Then came the goo.

A molten rush of flavor that burst forward like sunshine in liquid form. It was so unexpectedly perfect that he let out a strangled sound he had never produced before.

This was warm, velvety, savory goo that melted across his tongue like it had been waiting its entire life for this moment.

”What... what is this?!” he whispered, voice cracking like he had not used human language in years.

He didn’t know what the creamy substance was, nor did he understand how something could have so many different textures in one go. All he knew was that whatever it was, it coated his tongue and sent waves of something indescribable through his nerves.

”Customer, that’s called cheesy garlic potato balls. It’s a product of our guild’s farm and, in fact, can be eaten with a variety of dips.”

What?

He had so many questions. Because he could understand the words separately, but couldn’t figure out how they could all make sense when strung together.

However, before he could even voice all his concerns, a sudden surge hit him squarely in the chest.

Reeve had never been one of those gifted with a lot of spiritual energy, which was why he couldn’t really enlist in the military and ended up as a journalist. But that didn’t mean he had none.

However, because he had so little, he was so shocked about what had entered his body that he almost fell back.

A relic?!

His brain raced so fast that he kept on pointing at the said potato balls, then at himself, then at Luca, without being able to muster the right words because he wanted to simply scream, ”SPIRITUAL RELIC!” like a madman.

Did he just actually eat a spiritual relic for free?!

Apparently, he did.

Gods. He really did.

What does he even do with the information, and how come the person before him was looking so relaxed, like he really was out there serving spiritual relics?!

The stunned media personnel only managed to squeak, ”Really? I can really have them?”

Surprisingly, Luca nodded with a smile, and the young journalist almost melted.

Reeve was so astounded by the revelation that he only belatedly saw what Luca—now known on Star Net as the Blazing Seraphim—was gesturing at.

”!!!”

It was a small rectangular plate that had four divisions, and the intern wasn’t exactly sure what it was until the smiling guild leader told him, ”Customer, these are dips you could use to enhance your eating experience.”

Reeve wasn’t sure how that life-changing experience could be enhanced further, so he felt compelled to clarify, ”Dips to enhance the experience?”

”Yes. For now, we have four options available.”

It was then that the intern remembered who he was and realized he needed to take note of it all. So he coughed and asked, ”Excuse me, this explanation... would you mind if I record it and post it online for content?”

Well, in truth, he didn’t think he would need to ask because that was part of the contract every guild signed for the expo, but he couldn’t help but want to be polite because, shit, he could do that much for someone who practically gave him the will to live.

”Oh. No problem, customer! I will try to explain it as best as I can!” Reeve then watched the younger man tilt the small plate carefully.

”This one is a spicy cheese dip. It’s made of cheese, chili flakes, paprika, and a bit of garlic. It should have a gentle kick, then a warm, satisfying burn at the back of the tongue.”

”Then the next one is called a spicy mayo that has a spicy note as it uses a bit of chili sauce and a squeeze of lemon. But in truth, it would start cool and creamy and can be said to be mildly sweet.”

”This one here is called marinara and has a tangy and refreshing feeling because the acidity of the tomato would cut through fried richness almost instantly. I personally like how the garlic, basil, and oregano add that distinct warmth and fragrance that lingers on the palate.”

Reeve had absolutely no idea what he was hearing, but he could definitely smell that fragrance he was talking about.

And sure enough, it wasn’t just him.

Because, really, from the hallway, a few curious people had actually gathered. The attendees who had come from the pandemonium of an entrance were finally making their way to the edges, and some people couldn’t help but observe curiously.

There was that child who stopped and hadn’t moved since he’d witnessed the man convulse like a worm, and his parents, who arrived panting, trying to catch up to their son.

They had all gathered around tentatively, watching yet not coming forward because they didn’t know what to expect. However, they couldn’t help but stay, gripped by everything about that odd booth that called to their souls.

__

A few long strides meant nothing, though.

Because from where they stood watching, they could still hear the smiling cadet’s explanation loud and clear.

”This last one is called the sour cream and chive dip. It’s thick, smooth, and cool, just like the refreshing feeling you’d get because of the tangy sour cream. I personally think it resets the palate in the most satisfying way!”

Reeve had to gulp at that. Everything Luca Kyros said sounded like music in his ears. But what to do? He had been given five of those balls, and he’d already eaten one. Would he have to pick from the four?

The intern looked at the tiny rectangular plate and was at a loss, deciding on such a life-and-death matter, when the golden-eyed leader handed him the said treasure.

”!!!”

”Huh?!”

”Oh, customer! This is part of today’s menu item, so you might want to try them.”

”I’m sorry, what? Are you saying I can try all the dips?”

”Yes, customer! On a side note, you might want to have a drink ready for the spicy ones, just in case it’s a little too much.”

”Water would do. But if you don’t happen to have that with you, we do sell lemonade here for three thousand star coins per bottle.”

Woah.