My Life Changed with the Unlimited System

Elias sat at a corner table in the quiet restaurant, a stack of old magazines spread before him. The pages were worn, their edges curling slightly as though they had been thumbed through countless times.

He flipped lazily through one titled The History of Mountain Cultures, his expression one of mild amusement. Every so often, he hummed thoughtfully, pausing to read a particularly interesting paragraph.

Outside, the door creaked softly as Celia and Marie stepped into the street, the crisp mountain air biting gently at their cheeks. Marie adjusted her cloak and glanced over her shoulder at Elias, who hadn't so much as looked up when they left.

"Does he ever stop reading?" she muttered, pulling her staff closer.

Celia shrugged, her tone dry as always. "If he stopped, we'd all hear about how bored he is. Trust me, this is better."

Marie grinned, nodding toward the distant outlines of buildings beyond the restaurant. "Alright, let's make our rounds. Routine patrol, but keep your guard up. You never know."

"Because we're so likely to find a demon in this peaceful little town," Celia replied, her voice laced with skepticism. Still, she adjusted her gloves and moved in step with Marie, her sharp gaze scanning the quiet streets.

Marie's expression softened. "Look, I know it's unlikely—the old man would sense it before anything got close. But just in case… well, it doesn't hurt to be cautious."

Celia rolled her eyes but didn't argue, the weight of their shared responsibility settling over them as they moved farther from the restaurant.

Inside, the clatter of utensils and the murmur of voices from the kitchen filtered through the restaurant. Elias glanced up briefly, one eyebrow raised at the faint but distinct sound of Ethan's voice, firm and unwavering.

"No, not like that. Your knife angle's too steep. Keep it even—see? Like this."

There was a pause, followed by one of the assistants' hesitant reply. "I've always done it this way—"

"And that's why your carrots aren't uniform," Ethan interrupted, his tone measured but undeniably strict. "If they're uneven, they'll cook unevenly. Again."

Elias chuckled softly to himself, returning to his magazine. "Well, well, who knew the boy had it in him?"

From the kitchen, another voice piped up—another assistant, nervous but eager. "Like this, Mr. Ethan?"

Ethan's reply was immediate. "Better, but don't rush. Precision over speed. Consistency is key."

The muffled sound of chopping resumed, and Elias couldn't help but shake his head, amused by the faint edge of exasperation in Ethan's voice. "Strict but fair," Elias murmured under his breath, turning another page. "I can't decide if he's a natural or just finding his groove."

The chef's voice carried through next, lower but filled with reluctant admiration. "I've never seen anyone work with such precision. It's like you've been doing this your whole life."

Ethan didn't respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his tone was quieter, almost contemplative. "Maybe I have," he said simply.

The room fell briefly silent before the rhythm of the kitchen picked up again, the clatter and hiss of cooking filling the space with life.

Elias leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the kitchen door. "Whatever happens," he mused softly, "this town might just end up with the best restaurant in the mountains."

After several hours of intense focus, clear guidance, and more than a few moments of sheer culinary determination, Ethan finally heard the familiar chime in his mind. A notification appeared, bringing with it a sense of accomplishment.

=====

[Mission Complete: Culinary Redemption]

Objective:

Teach and assist the chef until he can replicate at least 80% of your culinary skill for the four main dishes you prepared. Ensure the flavors, presentation, and quality meet a high standard.

Duration:

1 Day

Reward:

10,000 EXP50 Ascension Points

=====

Ethan allowed himself a small smile, standing back as the chef and his team worked through their final test under his watchful eye. 'Not bad for a day's work,' he thought.

The familiar Status Panel unfolded in his mind, now updated with the newly gained rewards.

=====

[Status Panel]

Name: Ethan ????

Level: 13

Rank: High Star Apprentice

EXP: 89500 / 90000

Ascension Points: 129

Wealth: Unlimited

Attributes:

Strength: 107

Speed: 177

Endurance: 105

Intelligence: 105

Charisma: 1067

Free Attribute Points: 20

=====

Ethan's eyes scanned the panel thoughtfully. One more successful mission, and he'd likely level up again. He closed the panel with a soft exhale and turned his attention back to the kitchen, where the chef and his team were plating their final dish. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

"Alright," Ethan said, clapping his hands together lightly. "Let's see if you've mastered it."

The chef and his team worked with focused urgency, their nerves almost visible as they put the final touches on the dishes. The energy in the kitchen was charged, a mix of determination and apprehension.

Each movement was deliberate, each detail scrutinized, as though their entire future hinged on this one moment—which, in their minds, it did.

Ethan stood off to the side, arms crossed, his expression calm but watchful. He didn't need to say anything; his presence alone carried an unspoken expectation.

The faint clatter of utensils and the soft hiss of pans on the stove filled the room, the team moving in sync as they plated the final dishes.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the restaurant door creaked open. Marie and Celia stepped inside, their boots lightly dusted with dirt from the mountain paths. Marie's face lit with curiosity. "What did we miss?" she asked, shaking out her cloak.

Celia glanced toward the kitchen, the faint aroma of seared herbs and spices catching her attention. "Smells delicious in here," she said flatly, though the faint tilt of her lips betrayed her interest.

Elias looked up from the magazine he'd been flipping through, setting it aside with a theatrical sigh. "You're just in time," he said, gesturing toward the kitchen. "Though I must warn you, the boy's been running this kitchen like a military camp. I wouldn't be surprised if those poor chefs are ready to march out in formation."

Marie grinned, glancing toward the kitchen. "Sounds about right. Can't wait to see the results."

From behind the counter, the chef emerged, carrying the first of the plates with meticulous care. His team followed closely, each holding a dish as though it were a priceless artifact. Their expressions ranged from nervous to quietly proud, the weight of the moment not lost on them.

Ethan stepped forward, his expression calm but intent. "Set them here," he instructed, motioning toward the table where Elias sat.

The plates were arranged with care, and their presentation was meticulous. Elias leaned in slightly, his sharp gaze appraising every detail. Marie and Celia took their seats, their curiosity evident as they exchanged glances.

"Luckily," the chef began, his voice steady despite the faint tremor in his hands, "I chose to close the shop. Well, this feels more important."

Ethan nodded, his approval quiet but genuine. "A good decision," he said simply. "Let's make it count."

Outside, the town buzzed with its usual evening activity. Lanterns glowed warmly along the cobblestone streets, illuminating the figures of townsfolk chatting on corners, browsing shop windows, or strolling to the nearby inns. The crisp mountain air carried a faint chill, refreshing yet gentle.

Marie glanced out the window, watching as a young couple walked past, hand in hand. "This place has a charm," she said softly. "People come for the quiet, the hiking, the fresh air… not realizing what's just beyond the ridges."

Celia, ever practical, shrugged. "Probably for the best. If they knew, it wouldn't be this peaceful."

Elias tapped his fork lightly against the edge of his plate, drawing their attention back. "Enough talking," he said. "Let's see if our resident drill sergeant has turned these chefs into artists."

Ethan watched silently as Elias took the first bite, the room seeming to hold its breath. The chef stood a few steps back, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, while his team exchanged nervous glances.

Elias chewed thoughtfully, his face giving away nothing. Finally, he set his fork down, leaning back with a contented sigh. "Well," he said, his tone light but deliberate, "it seems you've managed to pull off the impossible."

The chef exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging with relief. His team exchanged grins, their tension melting away as Elias's words settled over them.

Marie and Celia dug in next. Marie's eyes widened after her first bite, and she pressed a hand dramatically to her chest. "This is… much better. I can't believe it is the same dish you cooked earlier," she declared, her voice muffled slightly by the food.

Celia, as composed as ever, nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Better than before but slightly way off than Ethan's," she said, her tone dry but sincere. Her faint smile betrayed her real feelings.

"I understand. I'm not able to surpass this boy. He's... simply on another level. However, if I could acquire even a fraction of his skill, I would consider that a win," the chef remarked with a chuckle.

Then, the chef approached Ethan hesitantly, his voice quiet but filled with gratitude. "I couldn't have done this without you," he said.

Ethan met his gaze and replied simply, "You had it in you all along. I just helped you see it."

The chef nodded, his expression a mixture of humility and determination. "Thank you," he said, his voice firmer now.

As the meal continued, the restaurant seemed to hum with quiet warmth. Outside, the town carried on with its nightly rhythm, the mountain's hidden secrets safely veiled by the calm of the moment.

And in the stillness of his own thoughts, Ethan felt something stir—a faint flicker of hope, like a distant light in a fog. Maybe helping others find their way was the key to finding his own.