After spending a wonderful time with Mahiru, Akira felt truly fulfilled.
'So this is how it feels to hang out with friends, huh? It's… pretty nice.'
Good food and good company—is there anything better?Maybe not.
But sadly, they couldn't stay at the crepe shop forever. Eventually, their little moment had to end.
Yet neither of them felt sad about it. Quite the opposite: the happiness of spending time together outweighed everything else.
After paying for their treats, Akira and Mahiru quietly walked back home. Even the comfortable silence between them made the short journey enjoyable.
As they reached the elevator, Akira glanced over at Mahiru and asked, "Are we having another cooking lesson tonight?"
Smiling at how adorable Akira could be, Mahiru responded warmly, "Of course, Kurosawa-kun."
"I shall await your wise teachings, Sensei!" Akira bowed exaggeratedly, making Mahiru laugh.
Together, they enjoyed another peaceful night.His skill improved again—[Cooking – Level 4]—and their friendship deepened even more.
But just before Mahiru went home, she asked him something that lingered heavily in his mind:
"Kurosawa-kun… what do you want to do in life? Do you have a dream or goal?"
He couldn't answer immediately. Even after she had returned to her apartment, Akira kept thinking about that question.
What is life, really?
Energy seeking more energy?A fleeting moment in the vast flow of time?To be born, to grow, to reproduce, to die?
What deeper meaning lies behind someone's existence?Is life driven by ambition, desire, planning, or impulse?
If one can grasp the profound truths revealed through careful thought, perhaps the meaning of life becomes obvious.
This is exactly what Akira was trying to do.At the beginning of his journey, he'd sworn to himself that he wouldn't live an empty life—that he'd find a purpose.
He already had one goal: to improve himself as a person.But what happens once he accomplishes that? What comes next?
What are his greater ambitions, his true desires?
[You should find a bigger goal in life, Akira. How about becoming famous? Opening a restaurant? Becoming a harem protagonist?]
Even after thinking deeply, Akira couldn't quite find what his ultimate motivation might be.
"Becoming famous? Sounds exhausting. Too much work, too little personal time."
"Opening a restaurant? Interesting, but cooking for lots of people every single day sounds way too stressful."
"Having a harem? Not exactly a bad idea—who doesn't like beautiful women? But dedicating my entire life to something like that feels a bit shallow."
[Oh, come on! Just pick something already! What do you really want? Be selfish for once in your life!]
Valuable advice…
"Be selfish, huh? What do I genuinely want?" Akira took a deep breath, thinking carefully about the system's words.Finally, something clicked."You know what, System? I want to live life to the fullest and never let anyone rob me of enjoying every moment."
[That's… pretty generic.]
"Whatever. What I want is to be happy. You told me to be selfish, right? Then that's exactly what I'll do."Akira nodded decisively. "If I want fame, I'll chase it. If I want success, I'll chase it. If I want a harem, I'll chase that too. I won't deny myself the things I desire."
Feeling lighter now that he'd reached an answer he genuinely liked, Akira quietly thanked the system.
"Thanks, System. Seriously—I appreciate the push."
[Don't thank me. I'm just doing my job.]
Such a tsundere system…
[Anyway… congratulations on finding a greater purpose in life.][The System will now reward you for completing the secret mission – Find a Life Goal.]
I wonder what kind of reward awaits Akira this time?