Cherreads

Chapter 17 - A Calm New Day

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[Mission complete: You have earned the ability Comfortable Aura!]

[Comfortable Aura – You naturally emit a calming aura to those around you, easing conversations and tense situations.]

Now that's what I like, System! You help me, and I become happier!

Still, this ability seems pretty interesting. It'd be great if it could make me calmer too...

[Use your brain, Host. If others around you feel calmer, naturally you'll feel calmer as well.]

"So now I'm basically a walking anxiety medication? That's hilarious."

"Whatever. Anything's better than the current me."

With this slightly self-deprecating thought, Akira went to bed. It had been a busy, eventful day.

With a rest worthy of a champion, Akira slept deeply, leaving all his worries and anxieties behind. In the blink of an eye, another peaceful night passed.

And with the rising sun, a new day full of promise and new responsibilities awaited him.

Starting the day early, Akira continued what had initially been a mission—but had now become a healthy habit: his daily morning jog.

Feeling lighter and more energetic with every step, his physical prowess increased once more.

[Physical Conditioning – Level 3]

Naturally good-looking, Akira's new exercise routine further enhanced his appearance. His physique had noticeably improved, giving him a lean, athletic look with defined muscles.

"Hey System, I know it's kind of late, but what exactly do these levels even mean?"

[Glad you finally noticed how late you are.][Anyway, here's a quick rundown:]

Level 1 (Beginner): Can cook basic dishes with effort; taste acceptable but not refined.

Level 2 (Intermediate): Can confidently prepare everyday meals; begins understanding basic techniques.

Level 3 (Above Average): Meals are tasty, well-balanced, and enjoyable; capable of preparing complex dishes with occasional practice.

Level 4 (Semi-professional):(Akira's current level) Impressively delicious dishes, close to professional chef quality. Comfortable cooking for others with minor room for improvement.

Level 5 (Professional): Equal or superior to renowned restaurant chefs; impeccable technique, balanced flavors, beautiful presentation.

Level 6+ (Master/Expert): Absolute culinary mastery, capable of international recognition, able to run successful restaurants or win culinary competitions.

[Keep in mind that skill interpretation might slightly differ, but that's the general idea.]

"Only up to level 6?"

[No, you have unlimited growth thanks to your 'No Limits' skill. I simply outlined up to level 6, but with proper training, your skills will never stop improving.]

"I don't exactly want people to have an orgasm just from tasting my food!" This isn't that kind of cooking story.

Now that he finally had a clear understanding of what each skill level meant, things seemed much simpler.

In a good mood thanks to the morning's achievements, Akira started preparing two bento boxes: one for himself and one for Bocchi.

Whistling a cheerful tune as he cooked, he received a sudden surprise:

[Musical Talent – Level 1]

"I don't like where this is going…"

Could this be the start of a new musical superstar?

"If it's up to me—absolutely not!"

Such surprises happen, but Akira stubbornly tried to deny this new, unexpected path unfolding before him. Quickly finishing up, he admired his cooking.

"Looks like a pretty good job to me." Glancing proudly at the bentos he made, Akira smiled. Who doesn't compliment themselves sometimes?

Caught up in his own little world, the sudden ring of his doorbell snapped him back to reality.

Checking the clock, Akira immediately knew who was at the door.

"Seems I made someone wait a bit."

Grabbing his bag without delay, Akira opened the door. As expected, Mahiru was standing there.

Seeing Akira come out, Mahiru let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. I thought you got sick or something."

Seizing the opportunity to tease her a bit, Akira jokingly flexed his newly defined muscles. "Do you really think someone with muscles like these would get sick? Hahaha!"

"If it's you, probably yes." Playing along, Mahiru laughed softly.

Thanks to this playful interaction, Akira managed to ease his tension about facing yesterday's awkwardness again.

It seemed like his Comfortable Aura skill was already working wonders. Both he and Mahiru felt notably calmer than usual.

Just before arriving at school, Akira was struck by a thought.

'I wonder if this skill will help Bocchi too?'

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