Round 64

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Since returning from the Dungeon of Gluttony, the daily lives of Young-seong and his wife had changed significantly. 

Perhaps it was because they enjoyed the dungeon so much that they even experienced some aftereffects.

“We need to work hard on rehabilitation to go back someday.”

“But honey, aren’t I almost fully recovered? Honestly, I feel fine.”

“That’s true.”

Choi Young-seong nodded while scrutinizing something carefully. 

Kim Si-young, who was moving her wrist while holding an 80kg dumbbell with one hand, grew curious about what her husband was doing and approached him.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh? Oh, this? I told Kyu-seong last time that I would try making some alcohol. I’m researching that.”

“Alcohol?”

Choi Young-seong explained as if making an excuse to Kim Si-young, who tilted her head in confusion.

“No, it’s not for me to drink! I’m just curious about what kind of taste it would have if we made alcohol from Kyu-seong’s crops. If it tastes good, it would enhance Kyu-seong’s brand value.”

“Hmm, do you really have to do it yourself?”

“Well, you know, there’s nothing to do at Ara Hongryeon now, and you’re all better too, so I have some time… It’s also to repay Kyu-seong’s kindness.”

“Honey, isn’t that too many excuses?”

“What?! No, why would it be an excuse? It’s the truth!”

As Choi Young-seong spoke, seemingly flustered, Kim Si-young’s eyes narrowed slightly. 

In response, Choi Young-seong quickly smiled awkwardly and grabbed Si-young’s arm.

“Come on, honey. I can help out a bit. Honestly, I won’t deny that I was also interested.”

“You need to drink moderately, okay?”

“Of course! And this is about making it, not drinking it. I might taste it a bit during the process, but…”

Beep-beep-beep-

Choi Young-seong’s words were interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing. 

He immediately answered the call.

“Yes, Guild Leader! What’s the matter?”

At the mention of the guild leader, Kim Si-young’s ears perked up. 

Her powerful hearing as an 8th level awakener allowed her to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“Vice-chief Choi, this is about the recent visit of awakener Ino Junichi to Korea.”

“Oh! That happened? I guess he came and left quietly since the media didn’t mention it?”

“That’s right. He visited privately because of Kyu-seong.”

“Because of Kyu-seong? Ah! Because of his cooking!”

Having encountered Ino Junichi a few times as a former executive of Ara Hongryeon, Choi Young-seong quickly understood the reason.

“I’m sure Junichi was satisfied! I can already imagine it!”

“Haha. Yes, he was very pleased. Watching him enjoy it made me happy too. If possible, we’d like to ask Kyu-seong again when overseas awakeners visit Korea next time.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

After some light conversation, Han Seok-jun revealed the real reason for his call.

“I heard you’re researching alcohol, Vice-chief Choi.”

“Must’ve been Team 2 leader who told you. That loose-lipped guy.”

“Actually, I mentioned it to Junichi just before he returned to Japan, and he showed great interest, asking if he could join you and Kyu-seong.”

This unexpected proposal made Choi Young-seong pause in thought. 

He was aware of  Ino Junichi’s passion for gourmet food. 

In fact, most awakeners, especially those at the top of the world, pursued fine dining.

‘They have nothing more stimulating or enjoyable left.’

Awakeners lived thrilling lives, hunting monsters in dungeons every day. 

As a result, they became indifferent to most things, and with their accumulating wealth, fame, and honor, many found life increasingly dull. 

For them, gourmet food was one of the few remaining pleasures.

“I understand that Ino Junichi awakener is also well-versed in alcoholic beverages.”

“That’s correct. He mentioned owning two breweries, one of which is quite famous.”

“Hmm, if we collaborate, we can receive a lot of help.”

Choi Young-seong was confident he could manage on his own.

With his experience as a researcher, he believed he could analyze and break down the components of the alcohol, deducing why it was delicious and how to achieve good aromas through chemical formulas.

‘But if Junichi’s brewery is involved?’

They could achieve better results in a shorter time.

“I understand, Guild Leader. In that case, could you provide me with his contact information?”

“I’ll send it to you right away. Best of luck.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

At the same time, in a restaurant in Japan.

Ino Junichi was personally guiding Lee Jae-seong through a restaurant where Shimomoto Orie was the head chef.

“This is the kitchen.”

“…”

The grand kitchen, which he had always dreamed of, was splendidly spread out before him. It was evident that no expense had been spared, befitting a top-tier awakener’s restaurant in Japan.

“How do you like it, Jae-seong?”

“It’s wonderful. I feel very motivated.”

“By the way, I forgot to mention that while you work here, you’ll also practice manifesting your abilities daily. We’ll assign one of our guild members as your mentor, so make sure to learn well.”

“This is an unexpected consideration. Thank you, Junichi.”

As they continued to explore the kitchen, people began to arrive.

Clad in white uniforms, they were the chefs of ‘Oriental Cuisine.’

There were hardly any unfamiliar faces.

Among the young chefs, they were some of the top talents.

Recognizing Orie among them, Jae-seong gave a silent nod in acknowledgment.

Junichi, smiling with satisfaction, gathered the arriving chefs.

“As you’ve heard in advance, this is the new chef, Lee Jae-seong. He’s from Korea and will be your colleague from today, so please teach him well.”

Despite Junichi’s words, the chefs’ reactions were cold.

It was only when Orie reluctantly started clapping that the others followed suit.

‘Hmph. The atmosphere isn’t very welcoming.’

Since everyone communicated in English, Jae-seong understood the situation but remained silently standing.

Thunk!

At that moment, Junichi placed the bundle he had brought on the kitchen table.

“Everyone, shall we start by tasting these and then proceed with introductions?”

Though an 8th level awakener, Junichi never treated the chefs lightly. To him, cooking and gourmet food were precious.

The chefs gathered here were all highly skilled, overshadowed only by Shimomoto Orie. They were talented enough to easily pass through the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.

In other words, their pride was immense, but Junichi smiled and overlooked it.

“Cucumber?”

“Is this an eggplant?”

“But what’s this? Is it a new variety? Its appearance is unusual.”

“Since Junichi brought it, it can’t be ordinary.”

The chefs who had shown no interest in Jae-seong became intrigued by the crops revealed from the bundle.

Having already tasted Kyu-seong’s crops, Orie nervously handled the produce.

“Hmm? Does Chef Ori know what this is?”

“Chef! Do you know something about this?”

Orie remained silent.

In Korea, she had been too rushed to do anything but cook with the pre-prepared ingredients, but now it was different.

Knowing how exceptional and rare these crops were, she was more cautious than before.

“First, smell it, feel the texture, and taste it.”

Junichi smirked.

To Orie, Junichi seemed almost evil for suggesting they handle such precious ingredients so carelessly!

She worried about the chefs’ reactions once they realized the truth.

Crunch!

“Huh? Mmm?!!”

“Whoa! What is this?!”

Following Junichi’s instructions, the chefs smelled, tasted, and examined the produce in various ways. 

Each of them soon encountered a new world of flavors they had never experienced before.

“No way, this is…”

“Junichi! Where did you get these? I’ve never encountered such vegetables in my life!”

“This is unbelievable. The taste is so extraordinary it might even overshadow the meaning of cooking. Can I even handle these ingredients? Do I even deserve to?”

Junichi, savoring their reactions, smiled brightly.

“How is it? Amazing, right?”

“‘Amazing’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

Orie finally spoke up.

The other chefs nodded vigorously in agreement with her words.

“Alright, let’s reintroduce ourselves. Everyone, this is the new chef from Korea, Lee Jae-seong.”

“S-suddenly?”

Someone muttered, but soon fell silent as Junichi continued.

“The person who cultivated these ingredients is none other than Jae-seong’s brother, Kyu-seong. Thanks to Jae-seong joining us, we will now receive these crops regularly.”

“…”

All eyes focused on Jae-seong.

Standing like a bystander until now, Jae-seong finally bowed silently.

“I am Lee Jae-seong. Nice to meet you all.”

His fluent English surprised the multinational chefs of ‘Oriental Cuisine,’ changing their impression of the young man.

“If you want to handle these ingredients more, you’d better treat Jae-seong well. Hahaha!”

With those words, Junichi left, telling them to get acquainted. 

An awkward silence lingered momentarily until Chef Orie broke it by stepping forward.

“Welcome, Jae-seong, to our restaurant.”

“Thank you, Chef.”

“No need to thank me. I brought you here because I believe your talent will benefit our establishment.”

Jae-seong felt slightly moved by Orie’s confident words, though he didn’t show it.

“As I said before, you are here because of your talent. Your awakened abilities and the cooking skills you demonstrated that day have proven yourself to some extent. You’re not here because of your brother.”

“Chef Orie, I apologize for my sudden opinion, but…”

“Go ahead.”

“I consider my brother’s crops to be my weapon. My ultimate goal is to become the chef who can handle his produce better than anyone else in the world.”

“…”

It wasn’t exactly the answer one would expect from someone aspiring to be a top chef, as it suggested he would focus on limited ingredients. 

However, a nearby white chef spoke up in support.

“That’s going to be tough. Becoming a Michelin 3-star chef would be an easier path.”

His comment opened the floodgates for others to add their opinions.

“These ingredients are both incredibly inspiring and highly frustrating. What if they don’t taste as good as when eaten raw? What if I ruin them because of my poor cooking?”

“It’s a tough path indeed. But also a bit unlucky.”

“Personally, I don’t like it. But who am I to judge someone’s personal goal?”

Facing them all, Jae-seong calmly replied.

“Feel free to give me as much work as you want. Since I have to handle my brother’s produce, I should naturally be perfect with ordinary ingredients.”

“…Once again, you’re really unlucky.”

“Shall we see what our youngest can do?”

The others began to warm up, casting fiery glances at Jae-seong. Watching them, Orie chuckled.

“Alright! Let’s all work hard towards our respective goals!”

* * *

“Ahhhhhh!”

At the same time, in an endless dungeon.

A man, unaware that people were talking about him elsewhere, was screaming in despair.

“My three million won!!”

The man was holding a white, discolored magic stone.

Next to him, a cute child with tiger ears asked,

“Is that something I can eat?”

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