Ball of Nothing

When it came to understanding humans, none of the Great Gods could compare to Freya. The beautiful goddess was burning with passion. No, she was literally burning with passion. Her red hair was on fire for some reason. She even borrowed an outfit from owner Grem for the purpose of getting into the mood.

She now wore a pair of red half-framed glasses and a bright red dress to compliment her burning hair. Mind's Eye didn't detect any special effects from the outfit she wore. It was probably a goddess thing to fly into passion.

Sedna looked tired and I can't help but feel the same. After all, a passionate Freya was one who demanded attention at every turn. The lesson has yet to begin but she has already launched into a lecture about the ugliness of humans, how to kick them in the groin and poke their eyes out. How this has anything to do with table manners is anybody's guess.

"... Also, you must never follow anyone who gives you sweets. Do you hear me? It is especially dangerous for a cute boy like you. They will do all sorts of nasty things to you and sell you away to the devils!"

The dew tea's effect had long worn off. I was beginning to feel restless from her meaningless lecture. Sedna noticed my discomfort and interrupted Freya before the goddess could launch into another lecture.

"Freya, I think we should move on to the main topic. I'm sure Zero is very curious about the proper dinning etiquette by now. Shall we start? I'll have Jeremy bring the brownies and Jen prepare a few more cups of tea. We can enjoy tea break while we are at it. Practical experience is important after all."

As if on cue, Jeremy entered carrying that plate of brownies and three cups of dew tea. He set them down in front of us and Freya taught me briefly about how to sit, use a napkin if needed and introduced some table utensils. Apparently the brownie has to be eaten with a cake fork.

What's most shocking was how the act of eating consists of putting cake into your body. After watching Freya demonstrate it once, I was hesitant. Wouldn't it hurt? Then again, humans did this all the time according to Freya. Maybe I'm thinking too much.

Watching her repeat it and explaining about chewing the food, I had a brilliant idea. I could absorb it secretly after putting it in my mouth! I'm sure that's what the goddesses are doing too. They probably act like humans to blend in. Who would willingly swallow food? I remember how the bird swallowed Namekuji and died. I'm not going to make that same mistake.

"Try it! I'm sure you'll come to love these chocolate brownies too."

These brownies didn't look appealing with their dull colour but since Sedna nodded, I decided to try it.

Holding the cake fork was tricky. My new body's fingers struggled with holding it correctly. Sedna helped to correct the position my fingers were gripped the fork. It became a lot easier after that. The brownie was surprisingly soft and it made me curious. Maybe food made by humans didn't hurt. Also, I didn't sense any life from the brownie. Maybe it was harmless?

The brownie was cut into a small piece and I had to balance it on the fork until I could put it in my mouth. The fork didn't have any taste but it was cold. On the other hand, once the brownie touched my tongue, a wonderful sensation exploded. Now I understood why Sedna and Freya had weird expressions and made funny noises when they ate.

Before I knew it, I'd swallowed the brownie. Alarmed, I checked the notifications. Nothing appeared. Wasn't I suppose to receive energy from this?

Oh well, it didn't really matter. It's probably not important.

"Did you like it?" Freya eyes were sparkling for sure and her hair was back to normal. Maybe eating brownies helped return her to normal.

I nodded. They were good. In fact, I wouldn't mind trying a second time. Eating was a true privilege. Humans have it going.

Sedna smiled and passed me a cup of dew tea.

"Here Zero, try this. Make sure to blow it first, it's hot."

I blew on it twice before holding a small bit of tea in my mouth. It hurts so badly that I started to tear. Sedna and Freya began to fret.

"What's wrong? Is it too hot?"

"Spit it out!" Freya commanded and I made a face.

The heat was subsiding and I could taste the tea. It was a strange thing really. If the brownie was what the goddess described as sweet, the tea was described as mildly sweet.

As the pain disappeared, I found that I enjoyed the tea more than the brownie. I swallowed after a while and the goddesses gulped in anticipation. To ease their concerns, I gave them a bright smile.

Freya's cheeks matched her hair and Sedna trembled a little. I paid no attention to that and continued blowing the hot tea. It took a while before the temperature was nice. Once it reached a good temperature, I drank everything in one breath. It was delicious!

[You have consumed Dew Tea and gained a temporary effect [Calming +1] for 5 minutes.]

[You have gained the title [Tea Lover]. This title helps to increase familiarity between you and the tea brewer every time tea is drank.]

What's this random notification again? I'm beginning to think that my past self was a huge worrywart. He's babying me too much!

Then again, from this system I found out that effects only take effect when I've finished the food. I guess in order to gain energy, I should finish that slice of brownie.