The festive spirit of Christmas had settled over the city like a soft blanket of snow. Streets were lined with colorful lights, and cheerful carols played from every storefront. People bustled about with their holiday shopping, arms laden with gifts and treats.
But inside his room, Steven Blake had no time for celebration. He sat at his desk, a stack of books and his glowing computer screen in front of him. His determination radiated as he flipped through digital pages and scribbled notes furiously.
Steven had noticed something odd. After mastering the basics of many subjects, rereading the same books no longer increased his proficiency. He communicated with the system for an explanation.
[Host has reached the maximum knowledge capacity for current materials. To advance further, Host must explore new resources of greater complexity.]
Steven leaned back in his chair, mulling over the system's words. He nodded to himself. "If intermediate-level books aren't enough, I'll just go higher."
He began searching for advanced textbooks—the kind that college students or even researchers used. His eyes darted between topics as he absorbed the intricate details of advanced concepts. Hours turned into days as Steven poured his focus into learning.
The system rewarded his efforts with new notifications:
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Mathematics (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Physics (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Programming (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Chemistry (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
[Skill Unlocked: Advanced Biology (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
Each time he unlocked a new skill, Steven felt a rush of knowledge filling his brain. These were no longer basic subjects. They were stepping stones to mastering fields far beyond his peers' comprehension. He gained deeper knowledge of the subjects.
Steven also discovered something new about skill levels.
[Note: For foundational skills such as Basic Cooking or Basic Mathematics, there are only three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. However, for advanced skills, there are five levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, and Master.]
He grinned. The challenge ahead was exhilarating.
When Steven wasn't immersed in academic study, he helped his parents at the family restaurant. The bustling shop had seen a steady rise in sales thanks to his improved recipes, and the financial burden on the family was easing.
Steven's active participation in managing the restaurant unlocked a new skill:
[Skill Unlocked: Restaurant Management (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
In between shifts, he maintained his physical training and combat practice. The daily quests often included exercises and martial arts drills, which Steven performed religiously.
Additionally, Steven discovered a new feature in the system's Virtual Reality mode: Simulation. This feature allowed him to simulate famous global players in various sports and compete against them.
Through relentless practice in VR, Steven gained intermediate proficiency in several sports, including:
Basketball (Intermediate Proficiency: 27/100)
Volleyball (Intermediate Proficiency: 12/100)
Football (Intermediate Proficiency: 17/100)
Tennis (Intermediate Proficiency: 19/100)
Rugby (Intermediate Proficiency: 18/100)
Golf (Intermediate Proficiency: 16/100)
On the evening of December 24th, Steven stepped outside to breathe in the crisp winter air. The sight of bustling streets filled him with a sense of purpose. While the restaurant's improved menu had boosted sales, Steven wanted to do more.
His gaze fell on a family across the street, happily carrying a box of pastries from a nearby bakery. An idea sparked.
Returning home, Steven approached his parents. "Tomorrow's Christmas, and I think we should add something special to the menu."
"What do you have in mind?" his mother asked, intrigued.
"Cakes, pastries, and hot drinks," Steven said. "But with a twist—something so unique that it outshines the other bakeries."
His parents exchanged uncertain glances. "We've never sold anything like that before," his father said.
Steven smiled confidently. "Leave it to me."
Steven went to the supermarket, his mind buzzing with ideas. He returned with bags of ingredients, decorative lights, and two large cake display counters. His plan was ambitious: to transform the restaurant into a temporary bakery for Christmas.
He spent hours researching unique cake and pastry recipes online, his system guiding him through each step. Soon, the kitchen was alive with activity. Steven worked tirelessly, creating a variety of desserts:
CheesecakeMuffinsBrowniesCroissantsCake rollsMacaronsDoughnuts
As he baked, the rich aroma of vanilla, chocolate, and fresh pastries filled the air. The shop began to take on a festive atmosphere. Steven decorated the space with colorful lights strung along the ceiling and walls. A large Christmas tree stood proudly in the center, adorned with shimmering ornaments.
[Baking. Skill Unlocked: Baking (Basic Proficiency: 1/10).]
[Skill Upgrade: Baking (Intermediate Proficiency: 11/100)]
[Baking Proficiency Progress: 25/100.]
By the time Steven finished, the display counters were packed with an array of vibrant treats. He also brewed tea, hot chocolate, and coffee to complement the desserts. The smell wafted out onto the street, drawing curious passersby.
As the evening turned to night, the restaurant was bustling with customers. Families gathered around tables, sipping hot drinks and savoring Steven's creations.
Steven's parents watched in amazement. Their humble noodle shop now resembled a high-end bakery, its warm atmosphere inviting and its offerings irresistible.
"This is incredible," his mother said, her eyes glistening. "I never imagined our shop like this."
"It's all thanks to Steven," his father added, pride evident in his voice.
By the end of the night, the shop had sold out of nearly every item. The profit was the highest they had ever made in a single day. Steven's cooking skill had also reached a milestone.
[Basic Cooking Proficiency Maxed. Level Up: Basic Cooking (Advanced Proficiency: 100/100).]
Tired but satisfied, Steven returned to his room with a slice of cheesecake and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He flopped onto his bed, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.
[Quest Complete: Christmas Bakery Transformation. Rewards: +2 Creativity, +1 Charisma, Advanced Cooking Unlocked.]
As he sipped his drink, Steven smiled to himself. The day had been a success, but he knew this was just the beginning. The restaurant was on its way to reclaiming its former glory—and beyond.