Chapter 5: The Dilapidated Restaurant

Following the memories Lucian had just received from the System, he found himself in front of a two-story wooden house. The house was unremarkable and almost seemed like it was on its last legs.

Frowning, Lucian questioned:

[System, is this a joke?]

If it was a joke, he definitely did not find it funny. On one side of the building, there was a massive hole the same size as him. The wood the building was made from, had rotted.

*Woosh*

Suddenly, as if even the wind wanted to take part in the joke, a gust of wind blew by, causing the water-logged wood to fall away from the already crumbling structure.

The System, which had been silent for a while, finally spoke:

[The host does not need to worry. After analyzing, the System believes this to be the perfect location for your restaurant. The current structure will be destroyed and made anew from the ground up. Only the location is needed.]

Lucian expected that to be the System's response, otherwise, he would be screwed. Just imagining having to run a business while at any moment the roof above him would cave in, was not a pleasant feeling.

With his physical body strength from being a Primordial Draconic Incubus, he would live, but even so, such conditions would deter customers from wanting to enter.

The System solemnly continued:

[Would the host like to view the styles currently available?]

[Currently?] Lucian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the System's usage of words.

After sending three-dimensional hologram images of various restaurant styles into Lucian's head, the System solemnly explained:

[Once the System's Rank increases, more options will be available to the Host. One of the benefits will be a restaurant upgrade.]

Lucian nodded and then carefully studied each of the three-dimensional hologram images projected by the System.

Western style.

Cowboy style.

Classical European style.

Indian style.

—-------------

After a few minutes of browsing through the holograms, Lucian was overwhelmed by the sheer number of styles.

Noticing Lucian was overwhelmed, the System explained

[Host, as long as a unique restaurant-style exists within the universe, it will be listed among the images. Please take your time and choose carefully.]

Lucian silently nodded and continued browsing. Each style had its own unique charm and appeal.

In terms of cooking ability, Lucian had nothing to worry about. The Three Star Michelin Chef Lucian was a pro.

Unfortunately, Chef Lucian had a major problem, and that was, he was a major pervert.

As the fusion of the three Lucians, Lucian's gaze lingered on a few options.

Classical European style.

Maid Cafe style.

Naked Women Only style.

The last style seemed quite a stretch, but he was sure, a wise… sick person created it somewhere in the universe.

As much as he wanted to choose that style, a part of him disdained the mere thought of owning such a restaurant.

Women should be treated with respect, not as decorations or trophies.

With a sigh, Lucian's gaze shifted back to the classical European Style.

The building was made from dark-brown mahogany wood.

Since his restaurant was at a four-way intersection, an L-shaped, floor-to-ceiling window faced the street. Burgundy with golden intricate embroidery drapes adorned the window, if the patrons wished to minimize the sunlight or they simply wanted privacy.

Light brown mahogany tables lined the window. Beside the table were matching wooden plush chairs with armrests. Filling out the rest of the space were circular mahogany tables with matching plush chairs with armrests. From the ceiling, above each table was an intricately crafted golden chandelier.

The walls were adorned with oil paintings depicting what he presumed to be landmarks found on Arcadia.

In the left corner sat a brown grand piano.

Next to the right corner was a set of stairs leading up to where he would live.

Directly in the middle was a floor-to-ceiling window, allowing patrons to view the kitchen and him cooking.

The second floor consisted of five bedrooms all in the same classical European style. On the hall's wall were more oil paintings, depicting Arcadia's landmarks.

As for the rooms, each had a king-size bed with burgundy, golden embroidery drapes, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom.

The room directly above the restaurant's entrance even had a balcony overlooking the bustling street.

All in all, the restaurant and home exuded an air of elegance and sophistication, much to Lucian's delight.

Compared to the current decrepit building, which at any moment would blow away with the wind, Lucian was satisfied.

The indifference on Lucian's face changed to an excited expression. A big, happy smile adorned his face, and his blue eyes were shining like two sapphire gems.

[System, I've made my decision. I choose the classical European Style.]

He could not wait to start hiring employees.

[The total reconstruction and decoration will commence in t minus three seconds.]

[3.]

[2.]

[1.]

Suddenly, a black swirling portal materialized directly above the dilapidated building. Then, an overwhelming suction force was unleashed on the building, directly pulling every piece of wood, nail, and even accumulated dust particles into the portal. Within seconds, the building disappeared, and from the portal, a classical European-style restaurant fell into place.

Despite the height at which the building fell from, the building remained intact. At the same time as the building fell, the portal closed. Then, Lucian heard the sound of drilling. A few seconds later, only silence remained.

Lucian indifferently gazed at his restaurant, but a twinkle of excitement still remained in his blue eyes.

Looking up at the full moon, Lucian sighed, if it was still daytime, he would have already started recruiting employees.

Then, he shifted his gaze to the name of the restaurant above the entrance - "Transcendence". If the name was not arrogant enough, the signboard exuded an arrogant atmosphere.

However, the restaurant was worthy of such a name.

As Lucian gazed at the restaurant, the System suddenly said in his mind:

[Host, I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that the classical European Style only allows males as employees.]

As the System's words echoed in his mind, Lucian's heart sank. The excitement he was feeling mere moments ago quickly turned to disappointment, then frustration.

Only males as employees?

Then, what was the point of choosing the classical European style restaurant?

Lucian had envisioned his restaurant staffed with beautiful women dressed in classical European white and black frilly maid dresses and black stockings.

But his beautiful dream shattered like a mirror shattering into pieces.

[System, why didn't you mention I can only employ males before I chose classical European restaurant style?' Lucian frustratingly complained to the System.

Before the System could explain its oversight, Lucian continued:

'I want to rechoose my restaurant's style! No, I demand it!'

The System remained silent until Lucian's expression changed back to indifference. Though it still sensed, he was inwardly frustrated.

[Apologies, Host! It seems I overlooked that detail. However, I can assure you that even with male employees, your restaurant will still be popular.']The System solemnly explained in its ever-present, robotic voice.

After hearing the System's words, Lucian frowned, his hand running through his white hair in disappointment.

However, his disappointment was short-lived. Rules were meant to be broken. He understood whoever had the stronger fists, created the rules while the weaklings had to follow the rules that were set.

What could the System do if he wanted beautiful maids as employees?

Nothing!

However, that was only his wishful thinking, since the System was bound to Lucian's Soul, it knew what he was thinking.

[Host, if you disregard the rule set by the System, your reward - Mana Veins Restoration Potion will not be given even if you complete the quest. Please do not try to hoodwink the System.] The System announced in an offended tone.

After a disappointed sigh and a shake of his head, Lucian pushed his restaurant's door open and strode inside.

He could always hire beautiful maids after he drank the Mana Veins Restoration Potion and restored his broken Mana Veins, but knew that was wishful thinking.

If the System could revoke his reward, then it could possibly cripple him afterward as well.

Lucian would rather not take such a chance.

[The Host is wise!] The System praised Lucian. [You are correct in your judgment. If you hired maids after your Mana Veins were restored, I would be allowed to cripple your Mana Veins.]

The corner of Lucian's mouth twitched. Without saying a word, he locked the door and then walked over to the stairway. Next to the stairway on the wall was a small white box, which he flipped open and pressed the numbers 4, 8, 9, and 3 in that exact order before pressing the enter button. With a beep, the alarm system turned on.

After closing the alarm system's lid, Lucian walked upstairs and into the room with the balcony that overlooked the street.

After brushing his teeth and having a quick shower, Lucian wore a set of pajamas that once belonged to Wang Chen, lay down on his comfortable bed, and closed his eyes.