The sun rose over Naples, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, but Evan Saito's restaurant was still eerily quiet. He stood behind the counter, staring at the holographic system menu floating before him.
"Quest: Impress your first customer with a unique dish. Reward: Enhanced Knife Skills."
The words taunted him like a teacher demanding homework he hadn't done.
"I've got no customers!" Evan groaned, pacing the empty restaurant. "How am I supposed to impress anyone?"
The system chimed in, its robotic cheerfulness unrelenting.
"Suggestion: User should advertise the restaurant. Standing in front of the establishment and shouting is 56% effective in dense urban areas."
Evan frowned. "So, you're saying I should… yell at strangers?"
"Correct! Alternatively, dancing in a mascot costume is 82% effective but requires additional charisma."
Evan sighed. "Thanks, but I think I'll pass."
Determined to draw in a customer, Evan set up a small table outside the restaurant and placed the remaining slices of last night's pizza on it. A handwritten sign read: "Free Samples!"
Minutes turned into hours, and the only creatures taking interest were pigeons. Evan swatted them away, grumbling under his breath. Just as he was about to give up, a shadow loomed over the table.
"Smells good," said a gruff voice.
Evan looked up to see an older man with a thick gray mustache and a suspicious squint. He wore a tattered suit and carried a battered briefcase.
"Is this free?" the man asked, pointing to the pizza slice.
"Uh, yeah! Go ahead!" Evan said, forcing a smile.
The man picked up the slice and took a cautious bite. His eyes widened, and a strange sound escaped his lips—something between a gasp and a moan.
"This… this is incredible!" the man exclaimed, devouring the rest in seconds.
Evan blinked in surprise. "Really? You think so?"
"Think so? Kid, this is the best pizza I've had in years!" The man wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and grinned. "Name's Mario. I'm a food critic for the local paper."
Evan's jaw dropped. "You're… a food critic?"
Mario nodded, his expression turning serious. "But don't think one free slice is enough to win me over. If you want a proper review, you'll have to make me something unique. Something unforgettable."
Back in the kitchen, Evan panicked. "Unforgettable? What am I supposed to make?!"
The system chimed in, as unhelpful as ever.
"Recommendation: Combine contrasting flavors for maximum impact. For example, sweet and savory."
"That's easier said than done!" Evan muttered, rummaging through the fridge. He pulled out a block of mozzarella, a handful of figs, and some prosciutto.
A recipe popped up on the holographic screen:
"Quest Hint: Fig and Prosciutto Pizza. Combine the sweetness of figs with the saltiness of prosciutto for a bold flavor profile."
Evan stared at the ingredients, doubt gnawing at him. "Figs… on a pizza? That's insane."
"Reminder: Insanity is often mistaken for genius."
"Thanks for the fortune cookie wisdom," Evan grumbled, but he got to work.
The kitchen turned into a whirlwind of activity. Evan kneaded the dough with newfound precision—his Basic Dough Mastery skill guiding his hands like a pro. He spread a thin layer of fig jam across the base, topped it with slices of mozzarella, and arranged the prosciutto like delicate ribbons. A final sprinkle of arugula added a touch of freshness.
He slid the pizza into the oven and held his breath. Minutes later, he pulled it out, the crust golden and the toppings glistening. The smell was intoxicating.
Mario sat at the table, his eyes lighting up as Evan placed the pizza in front of him.
"Here goes nothing," Evan whispered as the critic took his first bite.
Mario chewed slowly, his expression unreadable. Then, he closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, a blissful smile spreading across his face.
"This… is magnificent," Mario declared. "The sweetness of the figs, the saltiness of the prosciutto, the peppery kick of the arugula—it's like a symphony in my mouth!"
Evan felt a surge of pride. "So, does this mean you'll write a review?"
Mario chuckled. "Write a review? Kid, I'm going to sing your praises to the entire city!"
The system chimed in with a triumphant tone:
"Quest Complete! Enhanced Knife Skills Unlocked. Reward: +20 System Points."
As Mario left the restaurant, Evan slumped into a chair, exhausted but exhilarated. For the first time in his life, he felt like a real chef.
But his moment of triumph was short-lived. The bell above the door jingled, and three burly men in dark suits entered. They surveyed the empty restaurant with sneering smiles.
"You the owner here?" the tallest of them asked.
"Uh, yeah," Evan replied nervously.
"We're with the organization," the man said, cracking his knuckles. "You're overdue on your protection payment."
Evan gulped. "Protection? From what?"
The thug leaned in close, his breath reeking of garlic. "From accidents. Fires. Broken windows. You know, the usual."
Evan's hands tightened into fists, but before he could respond, the system chimed in again:
"New Quest: Challenge the thugs with your cooking! Reward: +50 System Points and Enhanced Reflexes."
Evan smirked, a spark of defiance lighting in his eyes. "You guys hungry?"