4 New Start

"I'm home."

Finally, I arrived at my house after a long day. As soon as I stepped inside, the fatigue started to dissipate, thanks to the inviting atmosphere. It struck the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity.

I kicked off my shoes and headed to the well-designed kitchen area. The kitchen took up almost half of the first floor, catering to the needs of a professional chef. The remaining space was divided into public and private areas, with the private rooms centered on the second floor.

"Hmmm... since I have some tenderloin fillets, let's make steak sandwiches!"

For dinner, I wanted to prepare something that would lift the mood, be casual and fun to eat, yet still retain an element of sophistication.

I brought out the exquisite fillets; if the meat had a Rolls Royce equivalent, it would be these tenderloins. Carefully, I placed the cylindrical meat on a large wooden tray, observing how its shape transformed into a block, a testament to its tenderness.

I seasoned it beautifully with salt, using a pepper mill to evenly distribute the pepper. Slowly rolling the steak, I ensured that the spices coated every inch of its surface.

Next, I heated a pan and drizzled it with fragrant olive oil.

Gently, I placed the seasoned protagonist into the pan, ensuring it didn't slip. Tipping the pan slightly forward allowed the meat on the back, pressed against the edge, to be exposed to the heat.

TSSSS!

"Listen to that melodious sizzle... The sound is akin to a symphony when the steaks are perfectly grilled with fragrant olive oil."

Afterward, I rolled the steak backward with tongs, ensuring it cooked evenly on all sides.

I added a halved garlic clove, still in its skin, to the pan along with some thyme. The flavors danced together as the meat seared.

Without delay, I lifted the steak, placing the thyme on top of the garlic. Then, I positioned the tender fillets on the bed of toasted onions and herbs.

Now, it was time for butter. I added it to the pan, allowing it to melt, and infused it with the fragrant garlic and thyme.

Removing the pan from the heat, I used a spoon to baste the fillets with the aromatic butter.

I transferred the pan to the oven and set the timer for eight minutes.

While I waited, I decided to prepare a slightly spicy tomato relish.

I halved a red onion and sliced it into thin strips. Then, I diced it into small, uniform pieces. Along with the diced onion, I added the red chili to a pan drizzled with good olive oil. To enrich the relish, I added a little more olive oil.

I selected red and yellow tomatoes, as they offered the perfect balance of color and flavor. After halving them, I placed them in the pan and allowed them to roast beautifully.

Using a wooden spoon, I crushed the tomatoes, creating a textured and ripe tomato mixture.

To give it a delightful tang and balance the sweetness of the tomatoes, I added a teaspoon of cherry vinegar.

Finally, I turned off the heat and let the relish cool.

"Ah! I almost forgot."

Steak sandwiches would be incomplete without mustard mayonnaise. I retrieved mayonnaise and grain mustard from the drawer, combining three tablespoons of mayo with one tablespoon of grain mustard in a bowl.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't resist tasting it after dabbing my index finger into the mixture.

"Mmm... just right."

To elevate the aroma of the tomato relish, I added thinly sliced basil leaves.

Ting!

The timer went off, indicating that the steak was ready. "Look at you!"

Apologies, dear protagonist, but I had to dethrone you from your garlic throne because I couldn't resist devouring you.

Using tongs, I transferred the steak from the pan to a wooden cutting board.

I let the meat rest for a while.

While waiting, I prepared the Ciabatta bread, seasoning it generously and drizzling it with olive oil for a crispy texture when toasted in the pan.

Once the bread was ready, I returned to the succulent meat. I brushed it with garlic and thyme-infused butter.

Then, with a knife, I made elegant cuts.

"Hmm, oh meat, why are you so tender!"

The knife sliced through the meat effortlessly, revealing its butter-like tenderness. The inside was perfectly pink, with a burst of juicy liquid.

"Wow, so juicy!"

I brushed two slices of bread with the mustard mayonnaise before adding a layer of fresh lettuce leaves.

I placed the perfectly cut meat on the bread and generously topped it with the rich tomato relish.

After assembling one sandwich, I repeated the process until all the bread was filled with these delectable ingredients.

With a flourish, I presented the sandwiches and quickly took a seat.

"Finished!"

"Thank you for the food!"

I grabbed one sandwich and immediately took a bite.

Crunch!

The medium-rare fillet steak melted in my mouth, its juiciness and tenderness apparent with every chew. The sweet, savory, acidic, and bitter flavors harmonized perfectly, complemented by the rich tomato relish. The bread, smeared with mustard mayonnaise, added an extra layer of indulgence.

"Ahhh!"

I covered my mouth, surprised by my spontaneous reaction.

Holy cow! Did I just moan like a food enthusiast?

Was it the sheer deliciousness of the dish that caused such a response?

I haven't put any LSD in this, right?

"What on earth!?"

"What kind of cooking skill did the system give me?"

While I must admit that my cooking skills are extraordinary, I have no explanation for such a reaction.

Did I accidentally add something to that meat?

"What on earth!?"

"What kind of cooking skill did the system give me!?"

I must admit that the cooking skills are incredibly impressive and mind-boggling, but I have no idea about that reaction.

I have always been a lover of culinary delights, exploring various delicious dishes within my means. From street food to renowned chefs' creations, I've tried them all.

"Thanks to the generous director, I can indulge in five-star dishes when the company earns significant profits."

However, I have never experienced a reaction quite like this before.

My right hand trembled uncontrollably as I struggled to resist grabbing another bite of the sandwich.

"But I simply must have more!"

I couldn't resist the temptation, and my hands continued to snatch pieces of the sandwich.

This dish is so exquisite, it takes my breath away.

"I wonder how Miyuki and Tatsuya would react to this."

"Heh..."

Imagining their reactions brings a smile to my face. I won't miss this opportunity, hehe.

The day seems to be passing by in a whirlwind of experiences I never imagined having.

After the peculiar dinner, I washed the dishes, took a warm shower, and changed into my pajamas.

"Well... that was a strange dream."

The thought crossed my mind that all of this could be just a dream. But it feels too real to be classified as a mere fantasy, and I'm not ready to wake up and return to reality.

Puff!

I flopped down onto my soft bed.

"Hmm, it seems I still have much to learn about this world..."

Even with the system's assistance, the amount of information I've gathered is merely a drop in the ocean. After all, one shouldn't expect to acquire comprehensive knowledge without spending any points at all.

"Well, it's better than nothing."

Sigh... I shouldn't get my hopes up when it comes to freebies.

"System... how can I gain admission to First High without taking the entrance exam?" Having a system feels like cheating as if I possess the power of a god's right hand, capable of turning fantasies into reality as long as I have enough points.

[The system has its methods.]

"How? Sigh... so you won't tell me?"

[Under certain circumstances, the system has a program that automatically assists the user.]

"Sigh... fine, I understand. Whatever."

This topic is too exhausting for now. I feel sleep approaching, but I'm still plagued by worries about what lies ahead. The fear of potential mishaps keeps me awake.

"Alright, I'll take a quick browse through the system shop."

-SYSTEM SHOP- [?]

[SKILLS]

[POWERS]

[OTHERS]

The system screen materialized in front of me.

I scrolled through the options with my index finger. The system shop is quite straightforward, with three main categories: skills, powers, and others.

Skills encompass ordinary human abilities, while powers include supernatural abilities like magic, and others consist of inanimate objects or living beings that can be purchased, such as weapons, information, or even random items like toothpicks. Additionally, one can acquire living things such as servants or animals.

And lastly, for the lazy ones who don't want to search, the system offers a feature where you can ask for items to exchange for points, and the system will search for them, just like when I exchanged my cooking skill for karma points.

After a glance, it seems that my somber mood dampened my interest in the system shop.

Since sleep is beckoning, perhaps I'll revisit the system in the morning

---

April 1, 2095

Ring!

The blaring sound of the alarm jolted me awake, and I realized that the sun had yet to rise.

I threw off the blankets and made my way to the bathroom, splashing water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep.

Afterward, I changed out of my pajamas and slipped into all-black sportswear, tying my hair up in a ponytail. I wanted to start the morning with a warm-up, to feel my body's vitality, so I decided to go for a run. It would help clear my mind and set a positive mood for the day.

"Let's go..." I slipped on my running shoes and stepped out of the house, immediately setting off on my morning jog.

True to expectations, I felt unusually strong.

In less than fifteen minutes, I had completed a 10-kilometer loop without even breaking a sweat.

"Ugh! How much stamina do I have exactly?"

I may sound like I'm complaining, but it's genuinely astonishing. I used to have the mindset of an average person with a frail body, so my current physical capabilities, which the gods refer to as a "Heavenly Body," took me by surprise.

"It's partly my fault too. My mindset is too ordinary for this extraordinary body." I sighed, reflecting on my misconceptions.

Dash!

I continued my usual routine, running four laps at a moderate pace. In less than an hour, I had covered a distance of 50 kilometers.

"Now that was just a warm-up."

For me now, it's merely a warm-up. I paused for a moment near a lake, realizing that I had gone slightly beyond my intended finish line, which should have been back at home.

"Towel."

I raised my hand, and a mist-like towel materialized, accompanied by a faint spark of lightning.

"It's undeniably cool, but does it have to be so flashy?" I wished that every time I summoned something, it wouldn't require such a dramatic effect. I had no desire to show off or draw attention to myself.

Using the towel, I wiped away the sweat from my slightly damp face and neck. Surprisingly, there was no unpleasant odor accompanying my perspiration, unlike my usual self. Instead, my sweat emitted a subtle perfume-like fragrance, a scent I had never encountered before.

I sat on the grassy slope by the edge of the lake.

Chirp! Chirp!

"Ah, but relaxing like this after a morning run isn't half bad."

The feeling of stretching and then unwinding in this manner was truly enjoyable.

As I savored the tranquility of this moment, the sun began to rise, casting its warm glow on my contented smile. The melodious chirping of birds and the gentle breeze made my first morning in this world feel extraordinary.

"Hmm, this is nice, but I should get going before the crowds arrive." I rose to my feet and stretched my arms upward. Honestly, I didn't want to spoil this peaceful ambiance by encountering too many people.

"And... early morning creeps aren't a pleasant sight."

Sigh. Who wouldn't appreciate the sight of beautiful "girls" after a workout? But I'm sorry to disappoint; I'm a guy.

I made my way back to my house, not far from the lake.

"Good morning."

On my way, I encountered some elderly individuals, and out of politeness, I greeted them.

"Hmm? Ah, good morning, young lady." An elderly woman returned my greeting with a warm smile, akin to that of a doting mother.

Hearing her address me as a "young lady" felt a bit awkward, but I didn't want to startle her

"Are you Haku?" Suddenly, my steps came to a halt as I heard that question.

I turned around and examined the passer-by's face more closely.

And there he was, making me realize how small the world can be.

"Could it be Tatsuya-kun?" I asked, pointing at him.

Why do I keep running into this person?

Out of all the people in the world, why does it always have to be him?

"It looks like you just finished your morning run." After Tatsuya-kun recognized me, he walked closer...

"Oh? Yes, I just finished and was about to head home. W-Wait a minute, Tatsuya-kun! Why are you here?" I was initially taken aback, but as soon as I realized it, I panicked and blurted out the important question that should have been asked first.

'Ugh! Why am I getting so worked up... My instincts always tell me that trouble is lurking whenever I have to deal with him.

"Sigh... I should probably calm down. It's also impolite to think like that." I gave up and tried to compose myself.

"Can't I go for a jog in my neighborhood?" Tatsuya asked with his usual expressionless face, stating another fact.

I was taken aback by his question.

"Is your house nearby?"

I was left speechless.

"Well, I assumed that if you're out running this early around here, your house must not be too far, right?" he replied.

"Sigh... yes, that's true, Tatsuya." I smiled helplessly at him.

Resting my hand on my chin, I said, "Well, if this is destiny, then so be it, right?" Fuhaha..." I attempted to diffuse the awkward atmosphere by laughing and maintaining a genuine smile.

"If this is fate, it might be more like a curse," he retorted, his eyes lifeless and expression blank.

I kept smiling, but deep down, I felt a twinge of annoyance at his bluntness.

Why can't this guy read the mood?

Why did I even bother being polite in the first place?

"Of course, I was just kidding," he said, grinning.

'THIS GUY...'

I clapped my hands and said, "Well, this might be sudden, but how about joining me for breakfast at my place? What do you think, dear neighbor..." I extended an invitation to Tatsuya to have breakfast together.

Don't get me wrong, Tatsuya. This is just my survival strategy.

I don't want to give this guy a bad impression, even though his appearance is so-so, his abilities are extraordinary. Maybe he's skilled in modern magic or something.

Besides, when I saw Miyuki, it was clear that their family background was anything but ordinary. Only an idiot would believe they came from a regular family. I suspected Miyuki might be a princess seeking to experience life as a commoner.

"Since I'm invited, I don't mind," he accepted the offer without hesitation but appeared slightly humbled.

"Ah! You should call Miyuki... I have a feeling that if you show up alone, she might get angry."

Yeah, I can tell. Don't ever make her mad.

I heard him chuckle and then saw a warm smile appear on his face. "You're right, Haku."

With that, he took out his terminal device and quickly typed on the screen.

"Then follow me, dear neighbor."

I turned around again and began walking towards my house, with Tatsuya walking beside me.