Chapter 1. 20th Ward, Midnight Diner System, Utaha Kasumigaoka

Tokyo, 20th Ward. Evening.

As the sun slowly dipped below the skyline, a small diner tucked into the very end of a quiet alley in the safe zone finally opened for business.

A sleepy young man opened the front door with a yawn, hung up the bell, and flipped the sign to "Open."

The diner wasn't small—two floors including a front and back courtyard, taking up the entire alley's end.

But because the alley was so deep and hidden, most passersby never ventured far enough to even notice it. As a result, there were usually no customers.

At this moment, however, just outside the courtyard, a hungry young girl in black stockings clutched her belly, her gaze a little resentful.

"Hayashi, Manager... why can't you open earlier in the day? I've been waiting all day just to fill my stomach with your cooking."

The girl wore a white hairband, had a tall figure, a sailor school uniform, dark red pupils, and long legs encased in sheer black stockings. In one hand she carried a laptop.

Hayashi glanced up and pointed to the sign above the door: "Midnight Diner."

"Famous bestselling author of Love Metronome, Utaha Kasumigaoka. Can't you read?"

If it opens at noon, it wouldn't be called a midnight diner. Besides, who the hell gets up before noon?

Kasumigaoka's eyes twitched at his sarcasm.

But she perked up again at being called a beautiful bestselling author.

"Hayashi-kun, I mean—your cooking's so good, if you opened during the day and did some marketing, you could make a lot more money."

Hayashi shook his head. "Too lazy. Can't get up."

"..."

What a legit reason.

She had no comeback.

To normal people, opening a shop was all about making money—what else?

But for Hayashi, it was just about having a hobby and something to do.

Not long ago…

Hayashi had transmigrated into this multiverse world and bound with a system called [Midnight Diner]. It didn't have any harsh conditions—just required him to open for business and clock in each day. In return, he'd get random "food" from across the worlds as rewards.

And anything he ate, he could absorb and make part of himself.

Normal food was just nutrition, but food that had powers—he could use those too, risk-free.

So far, though, he hadn't drawn anything with real combat potential. Just regular food.

Sometimes the system gave him side quests. Optional, but with extra rewards.

It suited Hayashi's lazy lifestyle perfectly.

After all, this world wasn't exactly peaceful.

He was currently in Tokyo's 20th Ward—known as a relatively safe zone. But the news frequently reported incidents of ghouls eating people.

Looking through old papers, there were also reports of gun devils.

And demons, too—news broadcasts talked about them all the time.

"So chaotic," Hayashi sighed. "I just wanna farm and chill."

The diner opened.

Hayashi opened the courtyard gate and led Kasumigaoka into the building.

The interior had a rustic, countryside aesthetic—medieval tavern vibes mixed with modern design. Stone and wooden structures dominated, but everything was styled in a contemporary way.

Kasumigaoka loved the place.

She made her way to her usual seat—her "exclusive" spot after days of coming here.

It was a corner seat at the bar, against the wall. From there, she could see Hayashi's side profile and part of his back as he cooked.

As she sat, Hayashi asked, "Same as usual? Mapo tofu rice bowl and sake?"

"Of course."

"Give me a few minutes."

Hayashi turned and went into the kitchen.

Kasumigaoka set her laptop on the bar, opening her document.

Her last edit timestamp was exactly 24 hours ago—clearly, she only worked once she came to the diner.

A notification popped up.

It was her editor, Machida Sonoko, messaging her.

Machida Sonoko: "How's the new chapter? Still on track?"

"…"

Kasumigaoka glanced at her unfinished, constantly edited draft.

Utaha: "Of course. I recently found a place that triggers a major inspiration boost."

Sonoko: "Where?"

Utaha: "A diner."

Sonoko: "...? More like a major appetite boost."

Utaha: "Well… that too."

Sonoko: "Anyway, I need to see progress soon. Got it?"

Utaha: "Got it…"

She closed the chat.

From the open-style kitchen, mouthwatering aromas wafted out.

Growl~

Kasumigaoka's stomach let out a loud complaint.

She clutched it with one hand, resting her chin in the other, eyes fixed on the kitchen.

Just thinking about the taste—the food entering her mouth, chewing, swallowing…

Unconsciously, her black-stockinged legs pressed together, rubbing lightly.

In the kitchen…

Hayashi was making the mapo tofu.

He tossed in the diced tofu, added minced beef, scallion segments, pepper powder, salt, sauces…

In his hands, the ingredients felt enchanted, layered with rhythm and purpose.

When he plated the dish, the glow from it practically made mouths water.

This was one of Hayashi's passive abilities.

After binding with the system, his already-decent culinary skills were buffed to mastery—he understood food on a fundamental level.

And any creature could eat his food. At worst, it was just edible; at best, it was an unforgettable experience.

The more they loved it, the more they'd subconsciously feel attachment and affection toward him.

At first, Hayashi thought that was kinda sketchy.

But then he figured—that's probably how real top chefs work too. The system just made it a skill.

After finishing the mapo tofu, Hayashi made an extra portion for himself.

When he brought it out, Kasumigaoka was already struggling to restrain herself—eyes locked onto the dish like a predator.

If it weren't for her pride, she might've pounced already.

As he approached…

Clack.

He set the plate down with a smile. "Enjoy."

Gulp~

Staring at the glowing dish bursting with color and fragrance, Kasumigaoka rubbed her thighs together slightly, her cheeks flushed.

She couldn't wait any longer. Picking up her chopsticks, she declared—

"Itadakimasu!"