Chapter 14 – The Hidden Ingredient

The glow of the system prompt still shimmered faintly in Reyan's vision.

> [System Notice: Task Assistance Available.]

Reyan leaned back, folding his arms. "What kind of help?"

> [The system can assist by utilizing 1 Fortune Point.] [This point will be consumed immediately to initiate a resource scan related to your task.]

Reyan frowned slightly. Fortune Points were rare—he'd barely earned two since the beginning. But he hadn't used even one.

And this was no time to hoard advantages.

"…Do it," he said after a beat. "Use one."

> [1 Fortune Point consumed.] [Scanning… Matching ingredient to task type…]

The light in his mind's eye pulsed once.

> [Scan complete. Two rare natural ingredients located.] [Name: Elara Petal & Mistroot Vine] [Combined Effect: When added in micro-quantities to prepared food, the result induces mild physical relaxation and subtle mental refreshment.]

> [Note: No harmful side effects. Natural, flavorless, and aroma-neutral. Safe for all ages.]

Reyan sat forward slowly.

"…You're saying I can add something to the dishes that literally makes people feel better when they eat?"

> [Affirmative.]

He blinked. It sounded too good to be true.

"Where can I find them?"

> [Location marked. Open Map Function.]

Reyan tapped mentally, and a digital map shimmered into view.

A red marker pulsed over a location just outside the main district.

> [Location: Vireden Village – Located 4.5 hours southwest of Solara City.]

Solara City.

That's where he lived—his home, his school, and now, his slowly growing empire. It wasn't a megacity, but a rapidly developing financial hub known for blending tech innovation and rustic charm.

Vireden, on the other hand, was practically off-grid.

Reyan focused on the marker again.

> [Note: The ingredients are cultivated in quantity by a local villager. Trade or purchase possible.]

Not wild collection, then.

Even better.

He exhaled slowly and stood up from his seat at the restaurant, glancing toward Harven, who was still talking to a few workers.

"Harven," he called out.

Harven jogged over, dusting off his hands. "Yeah, boss?"

"I'll be gone for most of tomorrow. Some personal errands. Make sure the equipment gets received, and prep the staff orientation."

Harven gave a crisp nod. "Consider it done."

Reyan gave the place one last glance, then turned to leave.

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On the way back, he stopped at a nearby grocery store. The scent of fresh produce and spices filled the aisles. He picked up essentials—bread, rice, eggs, milk, two packets of noodles, a frozen dumpling tray, and some fresh vegetables.

> [Total: ₲2,480]

He tapped his black debit card on the terminal.

> ▌Transaction Successful ▌Updated Balance: ₲361,520

As he stepped out of the store with two light bags in hand, the sun dipped gently behind the skyline, casting Solara City in shades of gold and rose.

He felt calm—but focused.

Tomorrow, he'd head for Vireden.

And if this worked?

Toria Dine wouldn't just serve food.

It would serve an experience.

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