Cooking? I've never done it before...
Huh? Cook right after getting home?
At least let me take a bath...
"Sayaka, can I take a bath when we get back? It's a bit... you know."
"That's fine! But come back up quickly!"
Such pressure...
Alright, alright, I'll be quick...
[Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Undressing Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Undressing Level 4' merged.]
Annoying.
Okay, I need to hurry up and get in the bath.
Alright, I've rinsed off, now for my hair...
[Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.]
︙
[Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Shampooing Level MAX' merged.]
Why do I have to put up with this noise even in the bath?
Alright, next is my face...
[Skill 'Face Washing Level MAX' activated.]
Huh?
No sweat or oil?
This is convenient, except for the notifications...
How many times have I sighed today?
This is tough...
Next is my body...
[Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.]
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[Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Body Washing Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Body Washing Level MAX' merged.] [Skill 'Shampooing Level MAX', 'Face Washing Level MAX', 'Body Washing Level MAX' confirmed.] [Skill 'Full Body Cleansing Level MAX' merged.]
Annoying. Really, please stop.
Though there's nothing I can do...
Well, whatever. No point in thinking about it.
At least I don't get notifications for drying off...
[Answer: You acquired 'Dry Towel Level MAX' an hour and a half ago after swimming, so no further acquisitions.]
I didn't ask for that...
And I wish it would stop unless I clearly want to hear it.
[Due to Skill 'o-4lpd@ef', that request is not possible. Apologies.]
Stop with the cryptic information.
I'm really going to lose it...
[Skill 'Stress Resistance Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Stress Resistance Level 4' merged.]
So noisy...
Alright, let's get dressed.
[Skill 'Dressing Level MAX' activated.]
Huh? Why am I dressed already?
Wait, huh?
[Answer: Due to the effect of 'Dressing Level MAX', dressing time was reduced by 100%.]
Oh, right.
I forgot about the skill.
Now to dry my hair.
I have a bad feeling... and it'll probably come true...
[Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.]
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[Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Drying Level 1', 'Heat Resistance Level 1', 'Hot Air Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Drying Level MAX', 'Heat Resistance Level MAX', 'Hot Air Level MAX' merged.]
When will I get back to a quiet, normal life?
I really need that to happen.
Sayaka's probably waiting.
Most likely in the kitchen, knowing her.
I don't want to go, but I can't keep her waiting.
"You're so slow! Why didn't you come up sooner?"
Sayaka's pouting.
As expected, she was waiting in the kitchen.
...Not many girls make that face these days...
Also, it's not my fault I was late.
Those annoying notifications slowed me down.
But making excuses will probably make things worse.
"Sorry. Just got a bit tangled up, that's all. Forgive me?"
"Hmm... Should I forgive you~~ or not~~?"
"I'll try my best during the training, so please forgive me..."
"...Alright, I'll forgive you for now. ...Okay, let's cook!"
"Make sure to teach me, okay?"
"You have those amazing skills, don't you~~? You can just ask them..."
"Oh, that's true."
"Hmm, that kind of irritates me... Anyway, let's get started!"
"Alright, alright. That English phrase is annoying, stop it~~"
"Hey, you're not supposed to say things like that?"
This girl...
She's totally underestimating me.
I'll show her by using my skills.
So, why are we making Chikuzen-ni?
There were other options, weren't there?
First, I need to cut the vegetables...
Cutting? I have a bad feeling...
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1' acquired.]
Yep, bad feeling was right.
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level 1', 'Slicing Level 1', 'Dagger Technique Level 1', 'Random Cut Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Cutting Level MAX', 'Slicing Level MAX', 'Dagger Technique Level MAX', 'Random Cut Level MAX' merged.]
...Well, I was prepared for it.
I'm getting used to it, though...
Also, 'random cut' and 'random slash' are different, you know?
Why does it say 'random slash'
[Answer: While the pronunciation is the same, the kanji differs. 'Random slash' was an attempt to pronounce it.]
That's too confusing!
Alright, I'll just finish cutting these.
Let's get the meat ready, too.
[Skill 'Butchering Level 1', 'Slicing Meat Level 1', 'Dismembering Level 1' acquired.]
Huh?
Sayaka's looking at me suspiciously.
Did I do something weird?
"...Hiro?"
"Yes?"
"...Are you doing okay?"
Why do you look worried?
"Why are you holding that knife... in such a weird way?"
"Huh? Uh... I thought this would be more efficient?"
"More efficient?"
"Yes..."
"That's kind of scary..."
Sorry for being scary, but it's not my fault!
I'm just following what the skill says!
"Um, I'll try a more normal way next time..."
"Please do..."
She's backing away...
Well, let's proceed as normally as possible.
[Skill 'Disguising Level MAX' activated.]
Alright, now to handle this smoothly.
"...Hmm, you're actually pretty good."
"Really? Thanks."
"I was worried for a moment there, but you seem fine now."
"That's good to hear."
"You're not going to go crazy, right?"
"I won't."
Why does she keep bringing that up?
I guess I did look a bit strange...
But I'm just doing my best.
"Alright, it's ready!"
"We did it!"
"Now, let's eat!"
"Yes, let's!"
Sayaka looks really happy.
Did it turn out well?
I'm glad I could help.
"Thanks for helping, Hiro. I couldn't have done it without you."
"You're welcome. It was fun."
"Really?"
"Yeah. We should do it again sometime."
"Definitely! Let's cook together more often!"
Well, I guess this isn't too bad.
If Sayaka's happy, then it's worth it.
Chapter 5 - Daily Life & Entertainment
"Alright, let's relax a bit now."
"Sure. What do you want to do?"
"How about we watch a movie?"
"Sounds good."
"What kind of movies do you like?"
"Hmm, I'm open to anything. What about you?"
"I love action and comedy."
"Alright, let's pick something from those genres."
We browse through the options and finally settle on an action-comedy.
"This one looks fun."
"Yeah, let's watch it."
We sit down and start the movie.
It's nice to just relax and enjoy a film together.
Later that evening...
Sayaka falls asleep on the couch.
I should probably carry her to her room.
Gently, I lift her up and head to her bedroom.
[Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.] [Skill 'Carrying Level 1' acquired.]
[Skill 'Carrying Level MAX' merged.]
...This is getting really old.
Finally, I tuck Sayaka into bed.
She looks peaceful.
I should let her rest.
"Goodnight, Sayaka."
I head to my own room and get ready for bed.
Today was exhausting, but it wasn't all bad.
Maybe things are starting to look up.
Chapter 6 - A New Day
Morning comes, and I'm up early.
Time for a new day.
[Skill 'Early Rising Level MAX' activated.]
This skill again...
I should start making breakfast.
[Skill 'Cooking Level MAX' activated.]
Let's make something special today.
Sayaka's still asleep.
She deserves a nice surprise.
I quietly start preparing a delicious breakfast.
"Good morning, Sayaka."
"Hiro? Did you make breakfast?"
"Yeah. I thought you might like it."
"Wow, it smells amazing!"
"Thanks. Let's eat."
We sit down and enjoy breakfast together.
It's moments like these that make everything worthwhile.
Epilogue - Looking Forward
Days pass, and life starts to feel normal again.
Despite the constant notifications, I'm getting used to my new abilities.
Sayaka and I grow closer, and we find a rhythm in our daily lives.
I don't know what the future holds, but I'm ready to face it.
With Sayaka by my side, anything is possible.