The meadow breeze carried the faint scent of flowers, and Kleila sat cross-legged in the grass, staring at her system window.
Her first stored ingredient—
The Radibun—
slept gently inside her [Infinite Ingredient Storage], curled up among floating sparkles.
Its tiny nose twitched in its sleep.
The meadow shimmered under the afternoon sun as Kleila stared at her system window, her expression firm.
Her first ingredient—
the tiny Radibun—
sat curled up inside her [Infinite Ingredient Storage], sleeping peacefully.
Its chubby paws twitched.
Its fluffy ears wiggled.
Its round cheeks puffed softly with every breath.
Kleila covered her mouth with both hands.
"…I can't. I absolutely cannot cook that."
Kleila clutched her bag.
"…I can't cook that."
The system chimed immediately, almost sounding disappointed.
**Warning:
Ingredient [Radibun] is categorized as Grade-C meat.
Not using it may slow early skill progression.**
"I don't care if it's Grade A or Grade Z! Look at it!"
She pointed dramatically at the tiny creature nibbling a dream-carrot in storage.
"It's too cute! I refuse to be a monster!"
The system paused.
**… Reevaluating user temperament.
New Trait detected: [Soft-hearted Chef].**
"Huh? Is that good?"
**Trait Effects:
Increased empathy toward certain creatures
Higher chance to befriend edible beast species
Lower attack bonuses when harming cute monsters**
"…That last part is insulting."
But she sighed.
If this world wanted her to turn adorable creatures into soup on day one, she would simply choose a different target.
Kleila stood, brushing off her clothes.
"Alright. New plan. Find something not cute, preferably something rude-looking with too many teeth."
The system chimed as if mocking her.
**New Quest:
"Find a Suitable Ingredient."
Target: Any Non-cute Monster.**
"Good. That's exactly my type today."
She ventured deeper into the meadow, knife summoned at her side. Each step revealed plants glowing faintly, insects with crystalline wings, and fruits floating slightly above their branches.
Then she heard it—
GRRRRRRRK!
A low, gurgling growl echoed from a patch of tall grass.
Kleila froze.
Slowly, she peeked around the grass—
A huge, round creature with a grumpy face and a mouth full of pointy teeth glared back. It looked like a mutated pumpkin with legs.
"Perfect," she whispered. "Ugly. Grumpy. Absolutely cookable."
**Ding!
Target identified: [Mawkin].
Edible: Yes.
Hostility level: Medium.
Flavor profile: Savory; tastes better roasted.**
The Mawkin snarled.
"I'm sorry!" she shouted, raising her hands. "You look… very nutritious!"
It lunged.
Kleila screamed, dodging clumsily.
She wasn't a fighter—she chopped onions, not monsters.
The Mawkin charged again.
Kleila panicked and swung her summoned knife wildly, slicing the air uselessly.
"Grandma never taught me to fight against giant vegetables!!"
The Mawkin, offended by her incompetence, tried to bite her leg—
—but the knife suddenly glowed.
A burning warmth surged through her arm.
The system chimed loudly.
**Skill Awakening!
[Prepping Instinct Lv.1] unlocked.
Effect: Automatically guides your hand to strike ideal weak spots on edible monsters.**
"What—?!"
Her arm moved on its own.
SWISH—!
The blade struck the Mawkin exactly on a strange green spot on its back.
The creature froze.
Then collapsed like a deflated balloon.
Kleila stood there trembling.
"I… I actually did it…?"
The system chimed proudly.
**Ingredient acquired: [Mawkin Flesh].
Stored safely.
Skill Progress +80%.**
She exhaled and dropped to her knees in relief.
"That was terrifying…"
But she wasn't alone.
A soft tap tap tap sounded behind her.
She turned—and saw the Radibun she had captured earlier standing outside her storage space, tilting its head.
"What? How did you—"
It hopped onto her lap.
"Pii!"
"…You want to stay?"
The creature nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
Kleila smiled softly.
"Alright. But if you keep being this cute, I might develop a permanent weakness to adorable things."
**Ding!
New companion registered: [Radibun].
Special Trait unlocked: [Culinary Familiar].
Your familiar will assist in ingredient gathering and cooking tasks.**
Kleila's eyes widened.
"A cooking companion… pet?"
"Pii!"
The Radibun puffed its chest proudly.
Her journey had barely begun, yet she suddenly felt less alone.
She looked toward the horizon—where forests, mountains, and distant villages awaited.
The Radibun hopped excitedly.
And so, with a knife that shimmered with new power
and a companion that squeaked with determination,
Kleila took her first true step into her adventure.