"Young man, I see you have extraordinary potential. Come learn to cook with me."
Ransei, a regular university graduate from Central South University who majored in Mining and Metallurgy, was currently looking for a job. When he heard someone calling out to him from the roadside, his first reaction was that an old friend was playing a prank. After all, this kind of joke was all over the internet. But when he turned around, he froze. It wasn't his friend, but a tall, imposing stranger.
The man wore a short-sleeved trench coat. His exposed arms were as sturdy as steel bars, and his hands were wrapped in bandages—a truly bizarre sight. Paradoxically, the man didn't look old, yet he carried a strange aura, much like an old professor at Ransei's university who was said to have been a soldier in his youth—dignified and oppressive.
Because of this aura, Ransei immediately dismissed the idea that this was a common case of "Chuunibyou" (delusional teen). Even if the man were delusional, he was surely the high-level type capable of total self-hypnosis. Still, the strange aura, powerful physique, and that nonsensical opening line sparked Ransei's curiosity.
Looking around to confirm he was on a busy street with plenty of people, Ransei wasn't afraid of anything happening, so he simply walked over. With time to kill before his interview, he figured he could chat to settle his nerves.
Ransei never could have imagined where that single step would eventually lead him...
Inside a seemingly ordinary restaurant, a "salted fish" was currently slumped over a table with a face full of exhaustion.
Having just left university, Ransei wouldn't say he was radiant, but he had been full of drive. As a graduate of a top-tier metallurgy program, he could have easily found a job at a smelting company, but he had spent his time chasing his dream of cold weapons (swords and blades). He never dreamed he'd get the chance to fulfill that dream through an "accident"—though the path was full of hurdles.
"Where are the skill books? Where is the instant knowledge transfer? God, life lately hasn't been for humans..."
He remembered how he used to pant after running just one kilometer in school. Now, looking at the hardened muscles on his arms, he didn't know whether to be proud or sad.
Even now, Ransei didn't know the identity of that strange man, but he was certainly no ordinary human. Someone who could whisk him away to another world couldn't be normal.
As for why he was so certain it was another world? Setting aside the fact that everyone dressed like they were in the Middle Ages, the sight of dragons flying overhead and monster carcasses being dragged through the city gates said enough. Even his "Chef" instructor was unique: a strange orange cat that the man called "Aibo."
The cat's cooking was extraordinary. Ransei remembered the feast on his first day; he nearly swallowed his tongue. That cat was his culinary teacher. Ransei often wanted to complain: since a cat taught him, why did that man sound so righteous when he "recruited" him on the street?
Months of training transformed Ransei from a "noob" who only knew "instant cooking" (frozen dumplings and cup noodles) into a self-proclaimed "expert." After his course ended, his freedom wasn't restricted. Though he didn't dare leave the city, he used his knowledge of metallurgy to befriend three strange elders: Bone, Iron, and Dragon. They were Wyverians. From them, he learned the art of forging cold weapons and even crafted a short blade. "Interest is the best teacher"—his blacksmithing progress actually surpassed his cooking.
To Ransei, who had been alone since childhood, these months of learning were joyful, even blissful. But the happy days passed too quickly. Just as he thought this life would continue, the man who had left him with the cat, Teig, reappeared.
A true "choice" was placed before him: Return to the mundane life of struggling to survive, or accept a new role as a "Shopkeeper." Perhaps it was a hidden spark of adventure, or perhaps he truly enjoyed this life, but Ransei solemnly told the man he was willing to be the "Shopkeeper."
The man didn't seem surprised. Before Ransei could react, he found himself inside this small shop.
The memory ended, but Ransei remained slumped there like a "salted fish." He wanted to complain about being tossed around without explanation, but he gave up. This was his choice. Abandon the mundane, embrace the unknown.
"I guess I'm a weirdo, too," Ransei muttered. He began to wonder: why would such a powerful man specifically look for him?
The answer lay in the box before him—the only thing left behind when the man hurriedly sent him back. It was a simple wooden box. Inside was a single Azure Earring.
Ransei faced a serious problem: he didn't have his ears pierced. But as he held the earring to his ear to measure it, the earring suddenly floated up and shot toward his earlobe.
Puncture!
A sharp pain, followed by a screen appearing in his vision:
[System Initiated]
[Welcome to the System]
[Available Sub-systems: 1. Quest, 2. Personal, 3. Equipment, 4. Restaurant, 5. Blacksmith]
Stunned, Ransei noticed the 'Quest' icon flashing. He touched the light, and a screen opened.
[Main Quest: Newbie Trial—Complete]
[Difficulty: C]
[Description: Become a qualified chef under the guidance of the legendary Hunter's Aibo, Teig.]
[Reward: System Activation, Newbie Gift Pack.]
Teig was a Legendary Hunter's Aibo? So that man was a Legendary Hunter? Before he could process the "gift pack," a knock came from the door.
"Penguin Express! Anyone there?!"
Penguin Express? Did the Penguin company (Tencent) start a logistics wing? Ransei wondered. And did they really get so powerful that they deliver for a 'Legendary Hunter'?
He opened the door and froze. A "cool" young woman stood there with a handcart. She was short, with short hair and leather gloves. But the most striking thing was the glowing halo on her head and the wings floating behind her.
"Your delivery. Please sign here," the woman said.
This was Exusiai, one of Penguin Express's best. This mission was so bizarre her "Boss" had to personally guarantee it. She relaxed when she saw the recipient was a normal-looking man. I wonder what race he is? she thought, looking past him into the shop. "Is this a restaurant? Like the ones in Lungmen?"
Ransei signed the paper, noting the sender was just a cat's paw print. He wondered if Penguin Logistics could actually deliver across dimensions.
"Miss Courier, I'm finished."
"Um... is this a restaurant?" Exusiai asked.
"Yes."
"Do you have... Apple Pie?"
Ransei knew how to make it—Teig had taught him Western home cooking—but he had no ingredients. Just as he was about to apologize, a light appeared:
[Side Quest: Unexpected Guest]
[Goal: Make an Apple Pie that satisfies the diner.]
[Reward: Ingredient Shop unlocked.]
"I was going to open in a few days," Ransei said awkwardly. "The ingredients aren't here yet..."
Exusiai's disappointed gaze made Ransei feel a twinge of guilt, but he wasn't ready to give up yet.