Zenless Zone Zero: Morax in a New World!

Led by Nicole and Billy, the group soon arrived at the only restaurant in Carrydon Town.

Along the way, Sam Li kept observing the town's recent changes.

Compared to a month ago, Carrydon had improved significantly. Many of the previously abandoned buildings had been repaired, the streets were cleaner and more organized, and several construction sites were visible...

Building materials were piled up all over the town—supplies Caesar had acquired through various channels from the black market and the city.

...

But in Furina's eyes, it was a different story entirely.

She had seen all the splendor of Fontaine, and now, standing in the middle of Carrydon, it reminded her of Baishung—just a cluster of rundown buildings that resembled a heap of ruins.

If she had to be generous, it might be slightly better than Baishung... barely.

Standing at the entrance of a shabby restaurant, Furina hesitated.

"Are you sure this is actually a restaurant?"

Nicole nodded.

"Of course. This is the Outer Ring—we're used to places like this. If the worn-down look bothers you, I'll take you to the city in a few days. You'll see the real prosperity of the New Eridu urban district."

Furina sighed and shook her head.

"Forget it. This'll do."

She clearly didn't believe Nicole. After all, over half a year ago, she had already visited Liyue Harbor—Liyue's most bustling city. In terms of luxury and prosperity, it was at least on par with Fontaine.

So this so-called New Eridu likely wasn't much to look at either.

...

A moment later, Furina followed Nicole inside the Carrydon restaurant.

From the outside, the place looked rundown...

And once inside, it was even more so.

But Furina had mentally prepared herself beforehand.

Not every place could be like the lavish restaurants of Fontaine. As long as she could get some small cakes, she'd be satisfied.

As soon as she sat down, she couldn't help blurting out,

"Boss, bring a few small cakes for starters—dessert before the main meal."

The restaurant owner shook his head.

"Sorry, we don't have small cakes here..."

Furina tried again.

"Then just any dessert will do."

The owner shook his head again.

"None."

Cakes and desserts didn't store well, and with no cold storage in Carrydon, they didn't even bother stocking such ingredients.

Even if they did, no one around here would buy them.

After all, how many locals could afford to spend thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of Dennies on a single cake?

Seeing the boss keep shaking his head, Furina sighed in exasperation.

"Fine. Just give me the menu."

Sam Li reminded her,

"There may not be any desserts, but this place does have a few signature dishes worth trying."

Piper chimed in,

"Yeah! Stuff like braised lizard tail or stir-fried cactus—Lucy's favorites!"

Lucy shot her a glare.

"They are not."

Furina's expression grew increasingly grim as she listened, her confidence in the menu plummeting.

She took the menu from the owner, opened it, and sure enough—there they were: the dishes Piper had mentioned.

And not just those. Fried sandworms, millet scorpion porridge... a whole page of bizarre Outer Ring specialties.

Thankfully, there were still a few "normal" dishes—ingredients likely brought in from the city.

Furina quickly pointed them out.

"Braised pork, poached mackerel, fried tofu, five-color pizza... That's enough for me. The rest is up to you."

She cautiously handed the menu to Piper.

Piper didn't hold back, immediately ordering stir-fried cactus and fried sandworms.

Caesar, Nicole, Nekomata, and the others also picked their favorites.

...

Soon, all the dishes arrived.

To Furina's surprise, those so-called "dark dishes" weren't nearly as horrifying as she'd imagined. The fried sandworms, for instance, were golden and crispy, looking tender inside and surprisingly appetizing.

Still... she wasn't brave enough to try them.

At that moment, Nicole turned to Caesar.

"By the way, I heard the Sons of Carrydon are joining this Tour de Inferno race. What's going on?"

The mention of the race instantly lit Caesar up.

"Basically, the Tour de Inferno is an off-road motorcycle race through the Hollows. Only two teams compete. First team to reach Cinder Lake and toss the ignition stone into the water wins."

Belle asked curiously,

"There are so many places in the Outer Ring suitable for off-road. Why go through the Hollows?"

The Hollows were unpredictable—and dangerous.

Caesar grinned.

"Because it's about glory. Becoming the top of the biker clans—the overlord."

Belle nodded thoughtfully.

"I see…"

Furina looked surprised.

"That sounds risky. Is it really worth it?"

Lucy snorted.

"Don't listen to Caesar's nonsense. That whole 'glory' and 'overlord' stuff is just for show. The real reason is profit. These past years, the ruling gang has been suppressing us—stealing our transport routes. If it keeps up, the Sons of Carrydon will be pushed out completely. That's why we're going all-in for a shot at the top."

After Lucy's explanation, the others all nodded in agreement.

It made sense now.

Still, Furina was a bit lost.

"Could someone explain… what exactly is a motorcycle race? And what's a motorcycle?"

Caesar looked at her, stunned.

"What? You don't even know what a motorcycle is?"

Lucy explained patiently,

"Earlier, when you arrived, did you see the two-wheeled vehicles we were maintaining? Those are motorcycles. Some are even modified with more wheels."

Furina nodded slowly.

"I see... So it's a kind of vehicle."

It sounded interesting.

She decided she'd take a closer look at one after the meal.

...

Finally, it was time to settle the bill.

Everyone turned to Furina—she had said she'd cover it, after all.

She raised her hand.

"Boss, check please."

The restaurant owner walked over quickly.

"That'll be 20,000 Dennies. We don't take scans or credit cards—cash only."

20,000?

Furina blinked, puzzled. Then she pulled out 20,000 Mora.

"I don't have Dennies. Just Mora. Is this enough?"

She placed the golden coins neatly on the table.

The owner frowned, suspicious. It had taken forever to get this many customers—was she about to try and walk out without paying?

But the moment he saw what was on the table...

He froze.

Golden Mora.

No—more precisely, gold coins... real ones.