People Abandoned by the New Era

Gradually, the Director and Gin slipped into a dreamlike state.

The world around them transformed into something ethereal—a divine palace shimmering with heavenly hues. Atop the palace roof stood the regal Phoenix, its finely carved feathers swaying gently in the breeze, exuding a surreal beauty and graceful dignity.

Suddenly, the divine bird spread its majestic wings, the golden light cascading from its plumage under the vibrant colors of the sky. It let out a melodic cry, echoing across the palace like a hymn to its own splendor.

Then, it soared.

A single flap of its radiant wings, and the Phoenix lifted off, soaring into the sky like a vision of perfection.

It was the kind of sight that could fill even the most hollow soul with awe.

"Chirp, chirp!"

The illusion faded as the Director returned to his senses—his clothes bursting apart with a loud rip.

Eyes still wide and entranced, he stared at the now slightly picked-over Phoenix dish before him.

And then, unable to restrain himself, he picked up his chopsticks and began shoveling bean sprouts into his mouth with the hunger of a man starved of soul food.

"Director!" Gin exclaimed. "At least leave some for me!"

Watching the once-dignified Director devour the dish so ravenously, Gin was both amazed and slightly panicked. He hadn't expected the dish to overpower the Director's restraint—let alone trigger his signature "burst."

And as he realized the dish was disappearing at an alarming rate, Gin lunged in with his own chopsticks, desperately trying to secure a share.

In that moment, the tavern bore witness to a ridiculous scene—two grown men, both powerful figures in the culinary world, scuffling like toddlers over a plate of bean sprouts.

A while later…

The Crystal Phoenix was completely gone. Not a shred of cabbage, not a single bean sprout remained.

"Phew…"

Gin let out a breath, leaning back in his chair. "I never thought… I'd end up fighting you over bean sprouts, Director."

He glanced down at the now-empty plate, a touch of emotion in his eyes.

Despite having eaten it all, Gin could still feel the echoes of the dish lingering on his tongue. The artistry of it… the secrets behind it… still danced in his mind.

From its precision-carved structure to its beautiful presentation—everything about the dish demonstrated an absurd level of skill and patience.

"To think such culinary mastery lies in a humble tavern…" he muttered.

He turned toward Zane.

"True masters… are often hidden among the common people," Gin said sincerely. "Shop owner—your Crystal Phoenix is a masterpiece."

"I never imagined someone your age could already possess such refined technique and vision. It's truly impressive."

Zane offered a light smile, composed as ever.

"It's just a simple bean sprout dish," he replied. "But if it earned the praise of someone like you, I'll take it as an honor."

His words were modest, but deep inside, he couldn't help feeling a hint of pride.

After all, being able to stun one of the top chefs of Totsuki with such basic ingredients—bean sprouts, potatoes, minced meat—was no small feat.

"I'm a chef too," Gin said after a pause. "So I understand the value of what you've done here."

"To turn such simple ingredients into something that stuns both the eye and the palate—it's no easy feat."

"Your approach, your attention to detail, the spirit you pour into presenting your food… As a tavern owner, your devotion is admirable. And it's something I truly respect."

His voice was filled with honesty.

Then he turned slightly to the Director.

"Director, I… I acted a little shamefully just now. Allow me to apologize."

The Director looked over and nodded.

"Gin," he said. "You've always been Totsuki's highest-scoring graduate. But time moves on, and the stage now belongs to the next generation."

"People like you and me—we're still respected in the current culinary world, yes. But our era is slowly fading."

"The new age is on the rise. And it will sail past us, whether we like it or not."

His tone was calm, but carried a profound weight.

More than twenty years ago, Gin, Joichiro Yukihira, and Azami Nakiri stood at the forefront of a revolution in cuisine. Their sheer talent and presence had ushered in Totsuki's "Golden Age."

Back then, they were full of fire and ambition. The future of the culinary world seemed destined to be reshaped by their hands.

But life had other plans.

Now, with the benefit of hindsight, their journeys looked more like cautionary tales than glorious legends.

"You're right," Gin admitted, lowering his gaze. "The culinary world has long lost its former brilliance. And people like us… can no longer change it."

He paused, his expression thoughtful.

"When Joichiro had to drop out, it was already the beginning of the end. That day, the culinary world lost its brightest hope."

"As his friend, I've never stopped regretting what happened. His downfall wasn't entirely his fault—it was the system. The pressure. The lack of understanding from the world around him."

"And because of that… I've known for a long time. Our world needs change. It needs someone to ignite a new fire."

"But…" Gin's voice trailed off. "Who could do it? Who, in today's world, truly has what it takes to lead us into a new era?"

He thought back to the countless offers he'd turned down—eight hundred renowned culinary establishments, all eager to hire him. And yet he had chosen to stay at Totsuki Resort.

Why?

Because he believed in Totsuki. He believed the next generation's leader would come from there.

But now…

Today, he finally understood.

That person wasn't at Totsuki.

He was standing right here.

In this humble tavern.