Chapter 201: The Mist Empress

After class that day, the system prompt chimed in Sui's mind.

"The host has accumulated ten daily gift packs. Would you like to open them?" the system asked.

"Only ten?" Sui muttered. He had been busy lately—moving, helping Megumi run her ramen shop, and even taking on some of Erina's food-tasting duties. He hadn't had much time for anything else.

"Alright, let's open them," Sui instructed.

One by one, the system began reporting his rewards:

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and gains +1 Cooking Level."

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and gains +2 Cooking Level."

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and receives a cheese rabbit."

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and receives one pound of cream matsutake mushrooms."

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and receives two almond cabbages."

- "Host opens a daily gift pack and gains +2 Cooking Level."

In total, Sui had opened ten gift packs, resulting in a boost to his cooking level and a variety of ingredients—nothing new, but still a decent haul. After this, his cooking skill had reached level sixty-four, a significant improvement.

Just as Sui finished, Erina entered the room.

"By the way, the field training notice has been issued. Did you get yours?" she asked.

"Yeah, I got it," Sui replied. "Do I really have to participate, though?"

Erina's forehead creased in exasperation. "Of course you do! The purpose of this training is to expose students to the real world outside the academy. You can't just stay in an ivory tower forever," she scolded.

"Fair enough," Sui nodded. From that perspective, it made sense. He'd be able to meet talented chefs from outside Totsuki, where the culinary world was even more advanced than what he was used to in his original world. This could be an excellent opportunity.

"So, where will we be interning?" he asked.

"It's hard to say," Erina responded. "We could be sent to high-end restaurants, food manufacturers, or even public institutions. But no matter where, these places trust Totsuki students. If you don't perform well, there's a real chance you'll be expelled."

"Will there be two students per placement?" Sui asked hopefully. "It'd be nice if it were just the two of us."

Erina's cheeks flushed. She, too, wanted to be paired with Sui, but it was all up to chance. Even as one of the elite ten, she couldn't influence those decisions. 

"Well, let's get ready in the next few days," Erina said, then headed upstairs.

As soon as she left, Sui received a new system task.

"New Mission Received:

Mission Objective: Pass the field training with excellent results.

Mission Reward: Choose one A-grade ingredient gift pack and three B-grade ingredient gift packs.

Mission Time: Within one month."

"An A-grade ingredient gift pack?" Sui's eyes brightened. This was the first time he'd been offered such a high-tier reward. No matter what, he had to participate in this field training now.

A few days later, it was time for field training.

"Sui, you have to come back soon! I'll miss you every day," Tohru cried dramatically, wiping her eyes. She resembled a wife tearfully sending her husband off to war.

Sui was speechless. It wasn't like he wouldn't return safely.

"Come back soon, Sui," Kanna said in her usual soft tone, giving him a tight hug. Though she usually acted carefree, her reluctance to part with him was clear.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Sui said with a smile, patting her head.

After saying his goodbyes, he grabbed the suitcase Tohru had packed for him and made his way out.

Erina was already waiting for him in the living room. "By the way, where's your training placement?" Sui asked.

"It's at Kanda Soba-ya in Kinokuniya," Erina replied.

"That's not the same place as mine," Sui noted with some disappointment, glancing at his own notice. He had already called Alice earlier, and her placement was different from his as well. She had been furious, insisting that they go together.

"Yeah," Erina nodded, sharing the same regret.

Just then, a car arrived. "I'll be off now. Work hard during your internship," Erina said with a soft smile, showing her concern for him.

"I will," Sui nodded as she left.

Soon after, Sui boarded the car that Erina had arranged for him. After over an hour, the vehicle finally came to a stop.

"Is this the place?" Sui muttered, stepping out and looking around. According to the address, his internship would take place at a Japanese-style restaurant called 'Kirinoya'.

"Kirinoya? That name sounds familiar," Sui thought aloud.

At that moment, a woman wearing traditional Japanese attire emerged from the restaurant. She had fair skin, delicate features, and a gentle temperament. Upon seeing Sui, she paused, then smiled.

"Ah, you must be the intern," she said warmly.

"Hello, ma'am," Sui greeted her with a polite bow. He suddenly realized why the restaurant's name was familiar—his internship was at Hinako Inui's 'Kirinoya'. No wonder the name had rung a bell.

"You don't need to be so formal. I'm not a guest lecturer anymore, so just call me senpai," Hinako chuckled softly. "Sui-kun."

"You know me, senpai?" Sui asked, surprised.

"You were the top performer in the training camp. Of course I remember," she said with a gentle smile. "Please, come in."

"Thank you," Sui nodded, stepping inside. Then he remembered something and asked, "By the way, has the other intern arrived?"

"Not yet," Hinako replied.

Just as she spoke, a timid voice came from the entrance. "Excuse me, I'm the other intern."

Sui froze. That voice sounded incredibly familiar. When he turned around, he saw a shy, blue-haired girl stepping inside.

"Wait, Megumi?"

Megumi, upon recognizing him, instantly teared up and ran toward him like a lost puppy finding its owner. She threw herself into his arms, crying, "Sui! I thought I wouldn't see you again!"

Sui stood there, speechless.