The restaurant was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the ghost town it had been just days ago. Customers filled every table, chatting animatedly and snapping photos of their dishes. Evan Saito dashed between the kitchen and the dining room, his apron streaked with flour and sauce but his spirits soaring.
"Two Margherita pizzas and one Inferno Diablo Pasta!" Sophia, his new waitress, called out.
"Got it!" Evan shouted, tossing dough into the air with a flair he didn't know he had. The system chimed occasionally in his ear, offering helpful tips:
"Optimal cheese distribution achieved. Proceed with sauce layering."
The smell of freshly baked pizza and sizzling spices filled the air, and Evan couldn't help but smile. For the first time, the restaurant felt alive.
By mid-afternoon, the rush died down, and Evan slumped into a chair to catch his breath. Sophia plopped down across from him, balancing two plates of leftover tiramisu.
"Busy day, huh?" she said, sliding a plate over to him.
Evan grinned. "Busy's good. I'll take this over an empty dining room any day."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried? I mean, word's out about what you did to those thugs. People are saying the mafia might come back."
Evan's smile faltered, but he shrugged. "Let them come. I've got my secret weapon." He gestured to the kitchen with a flourish.
Sophia laughed. "Well, your 'weapon' better be ready for battle."
Evan didn't have to wait long. That evening, as the last customers left, the bell above the door jingled ominously. Three men entered, their dark suits pristine, their eyes cold.
They weren't the same thugs from before. These men were sharper, more composed, and clearly higher up the chain. The leader, a tall, slick-haired man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward.
"Good evening," he said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. "I believe you're Evan Saito?"
Evan wiped his hands on his apron and stood tall. "That's me. You here for dinner or trouble?"
The man chuckled. "Dinner would be nice, but I'm here on behalf of Don Carlo. He's not happy with how you treated his men."
Evan crossed his arms. "They came here demanding money. I don't take kindly to that."
The man's smile vanished. "Then you'll understand when I say this isn't a request. You either pay up, or things get… difficult for you."
Sophia, standing behind the counter, gave Evan a worried look. But Evan felt a familiar chime in his ear.
"New Quest: Dissuade the mafia's enforcers. Reward: +100 System Points and 'Advanced Culinary Precision.'"
Evan's confidence surged. He stepped forward, his voice steady. "How about I make you a deal instead? One dish. If you don't like it, I'll pay your 'protection fee.' But if you do…" He smirked. "You walk out of here, and you tell Don Carlo to stay out of my kitchen."
The man raised an eyebrow. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Evan replied.
After a tense moment, the man nodded. "Fine. But you'd better hope this is the best damn thing I've ever eaten."
Back in the kitchen, Evan's mind raced. The system chimed in, offering suggestions.
"Recommendation: Utilize Advanced Knife Skills and Reflexes to create a dish that combines speed and precision."
Evan grabbed a fillet of fresh sea bass and began slicing with lightning precision. The blade moved like a blur, guided by his newly enhanced reflexes. He marinated the fish in a blend of lemon, olive oil, and secret spices, then seared it to perfection.
Next, he whipped up a bed of saffron-infused risotto, the golden grains shimmering like sunlight. A delicate garnish of microgreens and edible flowers completed the dish.
"Dish Complete: Mediterranean Symphony."
Evan carried the plate out, placing it in front of the scarred man. "Here you go. Enjoy."
The man hesitated, his cold demeanor cracking just slightly. He picked up his fork, cut a piece of the fish, and tasted it.
His expression shifted almost immediately. His scarred face softened, his eyes widening. He took another bite, then another, the tough exterior melting with every taste.
"This…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is…"
Evan leaned forward, grinning. "Magnificent, right?"
The man set his fork down, his hands trembling. For a moment, it looked like he might cry. Then he stood abruptly, his sharp demeanor returning.
"You win," he said, his voice low. "I'll tell Don Carlo what happened here."
Evan smirked. "Make sure you mention the saffron."
The man shot him a glare but nodded curtly before turning to leave, his men following close behind.
As the door swung shut, Sophia let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I can't believe that worked."
Evan grinned, his confidence riding high. "Told you I had a secret weapon."
The system chimed in:
"Quest Complete! Reward: +100 System Points and Advanced Culinary Precision Unlocked."
Evan flexed his fingers, feeling a strange warmth as the new skill integrated into his system. He glanced at Sophia, his grin widening. "You think they'll come back?"
Sophia shook her head. "If they do, I think you might actually scare them off—with food."
Evan laughed. "That's the plan."
But as the night quieted down, Evan couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Somewhere in the shadows, Don Carlo was undoubtedly planning his next move.
For now, though, Evan was ready.