After an unusual conversation, Aila returned with the brooch, feeling a mix of happiness and occasional anger.
She returned having accepted it graciously. “This item with three magical options… if mishandled, it could potentially spark a conflict,” she warned, but when it came to putting it on, she chuckled with an ‘Eheh’ and adorned it.
After Aila departed, I reactivated the party system.
[What would you like to check?]
[You have selected party perks.]
[Would you like to receive the party perks?]
These are bonuses given when forming a party for the first time in Act 2.
In other words, the party system is now in effect, and this game is not solely about strengthening Kelters but also the entire party. Keep that in mind! It’s a reward thrown in with a sentiment like that.
The perks themselves can only be received once, but as the party level increases, you can choose other benefits as well.
Moreover, there are traits and skills granted as party proficiency grows, depending on the party’s characteristics. Therefore, to clear D/Z SAGA, it’s crucial to make the best use of the party system’s proficiency and party skills.
As for the perks I typically set in Act 2, they are ‘Additional Stat Boosts According to Party Tier’ or ‘Perk Skill: My Body as a Shield!’
The former involves boosting stats by adding Eve von Roengreen and Isolde to the party, a strategy known as stat augmentation. The latter is a skill used by Kelters for tanking, involving equipping immune items, known as Keldon Tanking.
However, I can’t use either of these now. I’m sure I’d be defeated by a slime in mere seconds if I attempted the weeping tanking.
Hence, it’s wiser to focus entirely on crafting or buffing, both for enhancing Aila and for Wolfram von Roengreen himself.
So, the skill I’ve chosen is…
[Today, I’m the Chef]
It’s quite practical.
Quite good and valuable.
[You have selected the party skill Today, I’m the Chef.]
[Would you like to acquire it?]
[Yes/No.]
“Hmm. Hm. Kuk. Hoo…!”
[You have acquired the party skill Today, I’m the Chef.]
[You have acquired the party skill Ingredient Insight (Lowest Grade).]
[You have acquired the party skill Increased Cooking Success Rate According to Party Talent.]
Oh, right.
This can be canceled upon acquisition.
Use it if you can, obtain it if you can.
Why wouldn’t I use it?
Anyway,
Thank you for the three.
Thanks.
***
During the midterm exams,
Wolfram von Roengreen, having become the top student in at least one subject, now enjoys a more relaxed academic experience.
This is similar to how professors don’t get involved when Nephti, another top student, searches for jobs.
Some people look down on him, viewing him as worthless. That’s not surprising. Being a standout in a team activity often draws attention. Perhaps it’s because D/Z SAGA is a Korean game, these elements seem ingrained in its setting.
So, why mention this? It means that Wolfram, despite being aware of others, can skip classes without significantly affecting his academic standing.
While students in the Magic or Knight departments attend classes diligently to network and strive to get noticed by nobles, Wolfram doesn’t need to do that, giving him a big advantage.
With the extra time, I picked up a light frying pan to practice my new skill.
Ideally, I should use a heavy wok pan, but if I did, Wolfram might end up fatally injured.
Anyway.
“Today, I’m the Chef, activate.”
Immediately, my head spins. This skill, which uses 2 magic points, always causes dizziness. Then, recipes flood into my mind. Time to start cooking.
The dish is more challenging than I thought, but I feel confident.
It looks like it could be a fun dish to cook.
Bread. Lettuce. Pickle. Onion. Battered fish. Bean-based sauce.
Just as I reach for the ingredients, the convenience store door swings open.
“Senior, please help!”
“…I, I also need assistance.”
“Ah, hello, Senior… Could I get a little help?”
“……”
The younger students, done with their classes, have crowded into the convenience store.
Tsk.
Can’t be helped.
“First, sit down. If it’s about a problem, I’ll listen.”
Using 2 magic points is a bit of a waste, but helping a junior is also part of being a senior.
Vanilla and Yogurt are surprised to see the frying pan in my hand.
“Senior, you were cooking? Then, help us after you’re done!”
“…I agree. We trust your cooking, Senior.”
These kids, I offer to help and they react like this?
No, wait, they’re actually looking forward to eating?
“Ah, ahaha. Sorry, Senior. …But, it’s okay if you help us after you finish cooking.”
……?
Mille-feuille, you too?
***
The dish I made was simple but needed careful preparation.
I used Magical Sweets to make bread, trimmed the crusts, and meticulously deboned the fish fillets, which I then coated in egg and breadcrumbs for frying.
Soaking onions in cold water to lessen their sharpness seemed wise.
I then spread mayonnaise on the bread, added onions and lettuce, tartar sauce from beans, and the fried fish. In my terms, fish katsu. I finished it off with mustard and another slice of bread.
[Fish Cutlet Sandwich Complete!]
[8T]
[This is a Fish Cutlet Sandwich. Boosted by the Today, I’m the Chef skill, it gains an 11 talent bonus. When eaten by party members, it slightly increases water resistance and refreshment.]
Hmm, it turned out well.
This is the party skill, Today, I’m the Chef.
Using this skill, I can infuse magic into food while cooking.
Normally, it would require ‘Magical Chef’ combined with ‘Magical Patissier’, but I included it as a unique feature because cooking is very beneficial for the party.
As I admired my creation, the kids nearby began to show excitement.
“Wow…”
“Wow…”
The green and yellow chicks salivated as they watched me cook.
“Hey, kids, can’t you see the senior is having a hard time? Huh?”
The pink chick remarked this, yet she couldn’t stop staring at the sandwich I made.
Hmm. The best thing to say right now.
“…Want to try some?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“……Yes.”
***
“Wow, this isn’t meat, but it’s incredibly tasty! …I, I could survive on this alone!”
“…Indeed. Since it’s not meat, it’s perfect for us elves born in the forest. I agree. I could live off this as well.”
Green and Yellow began devouring the sandwich, tears in their eyes.
But, because it’s not meat?
Are elves vegetarians? This detail wasn’t in the lore book, so I was intrigued.
“Yogurt, do elves born in the forest only eat vegetables?”
“No? We just have trouble digesting meat. It doesn’t sit well with our stomachs. That’s why we live in forests… it’s easier to find beans and fruits from trees. That’s the story.”
So, it’s a biological factor.
And living in the forest is also a survival strategy?
“Ah. I’ve heard that city-born elves have no issues eating meat.”
“I see.”
Regina Ciel always attends social events and doesn’t request special menus, meaning she can digest meat. Another mystery resolved.
“Thanks for the info. Here, have another sandwich each.”
“Wow! I get another one even though I didn’t answer! Thank you!”
“Thank you. I’ll eat it gratefully. Vanilla, give me half of yours.”
As the two chicks eagerly ate, Mille-feuille bit into a sandwich thoughtfully.
“Is it really this good? Can I ever cook better than the senior? No, it’s a challenge. I must persevere. I’ve decided to catch up. I must stay strong.”
What’s she going on about?
Anyway, after the meal, we got to the main topic.
“So, what did you need help with?”
At my question, Vanilla eagerly spoke up, as if she just remembered.
“Oh, right. It’s a big problem. Seriously, it’s a huge issue.”
“…Vanilla, stop. You’re confusing everyone.”
“What! That’s too harsh! It’s a real problem, senior! And Mille-feuille, you agree I should explain, right?”
“……”
“Why are you looking away! Ah, don’t look at me! Those lukewarm, sympathetic eyes! Like the village elders saying ‘Our Vanilla can do it.’ Don’t look at me like that!”
“…Tsk. [Personal Silence].”
“Uh!”
Yogurt snapped her fingers, silencing Vanilla. Ignoring the silenced dwarf, the elf chick adjusted her glasses and spoke earnestly.
“There’s been a serious incident in the first-year common department.”
“A serious incident? What happened? Tell me.”
“Yes. It was the day before yesterday. The weather’s been warm, so many students eat lunch in the school cafeteria. They finish quickly to nap afterward.”
“Ah, that’s a nice routine.”
“But a troubling incident happened. A first-year student complained of stomach pain and fainted from exhaustion right there.”
“No way.”
“Yes, exactly. Tests revealed the fainting was caused by food poisoning. Probably due to poor food handling in the warm weather.”
Yogurt continued explaining.
The warm weather led to food poisoning among students.
All potentially spoiled food must be thrown out and replaced.
The cafeteria has to be disinfected.
Since all teachers get the same food, this is a huge task.
Cleaning the cafeteria with magic will take about a week, and another week for new supplies to arrive.
“So, the cafeteria will be closed for a week.”
“That’s definitely a problem.”
“Yes. Since we often use the cafeteria, it’s a big issue for us. If this continues, we’ll have to skip lunch.”
“Isn’t there another eatery nearby? …Ah, but it’ll be too crowded.”
“……Right. About 20,000 students use the cafeteria, and now they’re all going to the nearby market. It’s impossible to even think about eating there. Especially today, it was absolute chaos. We didn’t eat anything.”
“Uh! Uh! Uhh!”
“…Yeah. That sounds rough.”
Vanilla agreed with Yogurt’s words, and Mille-feuille also showed her understanding.
If the usually calm Mille-feuille said so, it must have been quite a challenge.
“So, what do you need?”
“Can we buy your homemade dishes as lunch boxes for a week? We can’t pay much, but we’ll offer a fair price.”
“Uh! Uhh!”
“…We know it’s a bold request, but we’re hoping you can help, senior.”
Yogurt bowed earnestly, Vanilla nodded while making sounds, and Mille-feuille also bowed.
The idea of using my cooking for lunch boxes.
“…Hmm.”
“Is it too much to ask? …I apologize for such a request, given your status.”
“No, it’s not that. Actually, I’m considering it.”
“Really?”
“Let me choose what to make. It might be similar to today’s sandwich. Is that okay?”
“Thank you!”
“Uh uh uh uh uh!”
“…Thank you so much, Senior!”
Well then.
Convenience stores typically sell lunch boxes, kimbap, sandwiches, and similar items.
“I’ll start making them from tomorrow’s lunch. Just a moment.”
“…Thank you so much, Senior!”
“Uh uh uh uh uh!!”
“Great… As expected… Yes.”
***
After 20,000 students crowded into the nearby market, the common department buildings from 1 to 10 were overwhelmed with people at lunchtime, a scene too chaotic to describe.
First-year students, eager for lunch, wanting to relax after eating, and those hoping to play again, all swarmed to the nearby eateries.
But among them, the smart ones brought their lunch boxes and sat on benches, chatting in small groups, having a more relaxed lunchtime.
Among them was the current first-year star, [Iron Fist] Mille-feuille Phon Sabre, accompanied by the other two who were also excelling academically.
Known as the [Wolfram Crew]’s [Trinity Rookies] among the first years, they had become well-known, establishing themselves as celebrities. These three also chose the smarter approach.
Other first-year students having lunch on benches watched them with a mix of interest and curiosity, not just to see them eat, but to find out ‘What kind of lunch boxes did they bring?’
A celebrity’s every move, from their thoughts to actions and even their diet, is always special!
True celebrities must constantly prove their worth!
“Yum… Yes. Delicious!”
“Yep. Senior is amazing.”
“I wonder what’s in this?”
They were definitely eating sandwiches.
But the sandwiches others imagined were basic, with a slice of meat between two pieces of dark bread – just a snack.
Their sandwiches, however, had steak. There were also egg sandwiches packed with eggs, fish sandwiches with visible fish fillets, and colorful sandwiches of various types.
They turned a simple snack into a gourmet meal, adding style and flavor.
“Ah, Vanilla. How about a smoothie?”
Then, three bottles of colorful, slightly sweet beverages appeared!?
The others looked at their own plain lunch boxes. Lacking in every way – nutrition and flavor!
“Ah, really… Wow…”
Starting with that remark,
Sounds of admiration surrounded them.
Gulp. Sigh. Wow…
“…Is that, is that the Prince’s crew’s food…?”
“No joke. Really…”
“I wish I could join them. Just looking at that…”
“Ah, we’re just having plain bread from the nearby store… What are we?”
“Don’t say it. It’s depressing.”
And so, the Wolfram Crew added another chapter to their growing legend today.
After an unusual conversation, Aila returned with the brooch, feeling a mix of happiness and occasional anger.
She returned having accepted it graciously. “This item with three magical options… if mishandled, it could potentially spark a conflict,” she warned, but when it came to putting it on, she chuckled with an ‘Eheh’ and adorned it.
After Aila departed, I reactivated the party system.
[What would you like to check?]
[You have selected party perks.]
[Would you like to receive the party perks?]
These are bonuses given when forming a party for the first time in Act 2.
In other words, the party system is now in effect, and this game is not solely about strengthening Kelters but also the entire party. Keep that in mind! It’s a reward thrown in with a sentiment like that.
The perks themselves can only be received once, but as the party level increases, you can choose other benefits as well.
Moreover, there are traits and skills granted as party proficiency grows, depending on the party’s characteristics. Therefore, to clear D/Z SAGA, it’s crucial to make the best use of the party system’s proficiency and party skills.
As for the perks I typically set in Act 2, they are ‘Additional Stat Boosts According to Party Tier’ or ‘Perk Skill: My Body as a Shield!’
The former involves boosting stats by adding Eve von Roengreen and Isolde to the party, a strategy known as stat augmentation. The latter is a skill used by Kelters for tanking, involving equipping immune items, known as Keldon Tanking.
However, I can’t use either of these now. I’m sure I’d be defeated by a slime in mere seconds if I attempted the weeping tanking.
Hence, it’s wiser to focus entirely on crafting or buffing, both for enhancing Aila and for Wolfram von Roengreen himself.
So, the skill I’ve chosen is…
[Today, I’m the Chef]
It’s quite practical.
Quite good and valuable.
[You have selected the party skill Today, I’m the Chef.]
[Would you like to acquire it?]
[Yes/No.]
“Hmm. Hm. Kuk. Hoo…!”
[You have acquired the party skill Today, I’m the Chef.]
[You have acquired the party skill Ingredient Insight (Lowest Grade).]
[You have acquired the party skill Increased Cooking Success Rate According to Party Talent.]
Oh, right.
This can be canceled upon acquisition.
Use it if you can, obtain it if you can.
Why wouldn’t I use it?
Anyway,
Thank you for the three.
Thanks.
***
During the midterm exams,
Wolfram von Roengreen, having become the top student in at least one subject, now enjoys a more relaxed academic experience.
This is similar to how professors don’t get involved when Nephti, another top student, searches for jobs.
Some people look down on him, viewing him as worthless. That’s not surprising. Being a standout in a team activity often draws attention. Perhaps it’s because D/Z SAGA is a Korean game, these elements seem ingrained in its setting.
So, why mention this? It means that Wolfram, despite being aware of others, can skip classes without significantly affecting his academic standing.
While students in the Magic or Knight departments attend classes diligently to network and strive to get noticed by nobles, Wolfram doesn’t need to do that, giving him a big advantage.
With the extra time, I picked up a light frying pan to practice my new skill.
Ideally, I should use a heavy wok pan, but if I did, Wolfram might end up fatally injured.
Anyway.
“Today, I’m the Chef, activate.”
Immediately, my head spins. This skill, which uses 2 magic points, always causes dizziness. Then, recipes flood into my mind. Time to start cooking.
The dish is more challenging than I thought, but I feel confident.
It looks like it could be a fun dish to cook.
Bread. Lettuce. Pickle. Onion. Battered fish. Bean-based sauce.
Just as I reach for the ingredients, the convenience store door swings open.
“Senior, please help!”
“…I, I also need assistance.”
“Ah, hello, Senior… Could I get a little help?”
“……”
The younger students, done with their classes, have crowded into the convenience store.
Tsk.
Can’t be helped.
“First, sit down. If it’s about a problem, I’ll listen.”
Using 2 magic points is a bit of a waste, but helping a junior is also part of being a senior.
Vanilla and Yogurt are surprised to see the frying pan in my hand.
“Senior, you were cooking? Then, help us after you’re done!”
“…I agree. We trust your cooking, Senior.”
These kids, I offer to help and they react like this?
No, wait, they’re actually looking forward to eating?
“Ah, ahaha. Sorry, Senior. …But, it’s okay if you help us after you finish cooking.”
……?
Mille-feuille, you too?
***
The dish I made was simple but needed careful preparation.
I used Magical Sweets to make bread, trimmed the crusts, and meticulously deboned the fish fillets, which I then coated in egg and breadcrumbs for frying.
Soaking onions in cold water to lessen their sharpness seemed wise.
I then spread mayonnaise on the bread, added onions and lettuce, tartar sauce from beans, and the fried fish. In my terms, fish katsu. I finished it off with mustard and another slice of bread.
[Fish Cutlet Sandwich Complete!]
[8T]
[This is a Fish Cutlet Sandwich. Boosted by the Today, I’m the Chef skill, it gains an 11 talent bonus. When eaten by party members, it slightly increases water resistance and refreshment.]
Hmm, it turned out well.
This is the party skill, Today, I’m the Chef.
Using this skill, I can infuse magic into food while cooking.
Normally, it would require ‘Magical Chef’ combined with ‘Magical Patissier’, but I included it as a unique feature because cooking is very beneficial for the party.
As I admired my creation, the kids nearby began to show excitement.
“Wow…”
“Wow…”
The green and yellow chicks salivated as they watched me cook.
“Hey, kids, can’t you see the senior is having a hard time? Huh?”
The pink chick remarked this, yet she couldn’t stop staring at the sandwich I made.
Hmm. The best thing to say right now.
“…Want to try some?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“……Yes.”
***
“Wow, this isn’t meat, but it’s incredibly tasty! …I, I could survive on this alone!”
“…Indeed. Since it’s not meat, it’s perfect for us elves born in the forest. I agree. I could live off this as well.”
Green and Yellow began devouring the sandwich, tears in their eyes.
But, because it’s not meat?
Are elves vegetarians? This detail wasn’t in the lore book, so I was intrigued.
“Yogurt, do elves born in the forest only eat vegetables?”
“No? We just have trouble digesting meat. It doesn’t sit well with our stomachs. That’s why we live in forests… it’s easier to find beans and fruits from trees. That’s the story.”
So, it’s a biological factor.
And living in the forest is also a survival strategy?
“Ah. I’ve heard that city-born elves have no issues eating meat.”
“I see.”
Regina Ciel always attends social events and doesn’t request special menus, meaning she can digest meat. Another mystery resolved.
“Thanks for the info. Here, have another sandwich each.”
“Wow! I get another one even though I didn’t answer! Thank you!”
“Thank you. I’ll eat it gratefully. Vanilla, give me half of yours.”
As the two chicks eagerly ate, Mille-feuille bit into a sandwich thoughtfully.
“Is it really this good? Can I ever cook better than the senior? No, it’s a challenge. I must persevere. I’ve decided to catch up. I must stay strong.”
What’s she going on about?
Anyway, after the meal, we got to the main topic.
“So, what did you need help with?”
At my question, Vanilla eagerly spoke up, as if she just remembered.
“Oh, right. It’s a big problem. Seriously, it’s a huge issue.”
“…Vanilla, stop. You’re confusing everyone.”
“What! That’s too harsh! It’s a real problem, senior! And Mille-feuille, you agree I should explain, right?”
“……”
“Why are you looking away! Ah, don’t look at me! Those lukewarm, sympathetic eyes! Like the village elders saying ‘Our Vanilla can do it.’ Don’t look at me like that!”
“…Tsk. [Personal Silence].”
“Uh!”
Yogurt snapped her fingers, silencing Vanilla. Ignoring the silenced dwarf, the elf chick adjusted her glasses and spoke earnestly.
“There’s been a serious incident in the first-year common department.”
“A serious incident? What happened? Tell me.”
“Yes. It was the day before yesterday. The weather’s been warm, so many students eat lunch in the school cafeteria. They finish quickly to nap afterward.”
“Ah, that’s a nice routine.”
“But a troubling incident happened. A first-year student complained of stomach pain and fainted from exhaustion right there.”
“No way.”
“Yes, exactly. Tests revealed the fainting was caused by food poisoning. Probably due to poor food handling in the warm weather.”
Yogurt continued explaining.
The warm weather led to food poisoning among students.
All potentially spoiled food must be thrown out and replaced.
The cafeteria has to be disinfected.
Since all teachers get the same food, this is a huge task.
Cleaning the cafeteria with magic will take about a week, and another week for new supplies to arrive.
“So, the cafeteria will be closed for a week.”
“That’s definitely a problem.”
“Yes. Since we often use the cafeteria, it’s a big issue for us. If this continues, we’ll have to skip lunch.”
“Isn’t there another eatery nearby? …Ah, but it’ll be too crowded.”
“……Right. About 20,000 students use the cafeteria, and now they’re all going to the nearby market. It’s impossible to even think about eating there. Especially today, it was absolute chaos. We didn’t eat anything.”
“Uh! Uh! Uhh!”
“…Yeah. That sounds rough.”
Vanilla agreed with Yogurt’s words, and Mille-feuille also showed her understanding.
If the usually calm Mille-feuille said so, it must have been quite a challenge.
“So, what do you need?”
“Can we buy your homemade dishes as lunch boxes for a week? We can’t pay much, but we’ll offer a fair price.”
“Uh! Uhh!”
“…We know it’s a bold request, but we’re hoping you can help, senior.”
Yogurt bowed earnestly, Vanilla nodded while making sounds, and Mille-feuille also bowed.
The idea of using my cooking for lunch boxes.
“…Hmm.”
“Is it too much to ask? …I apologize for such a request, given your status.”
“No, it’s not that. Actually, I’m considering it.”
“Really?”
“Let me choose what to make. It might be similar to today’s sandwich. Is that okay?”
“Thank you!”
“Uh uh uh uh uh!”
“…Thank you so much, Senior!”
Well then.
Convenience stores typically sell lunch boxes, kimbap, sandwiches, and similar items.
“I’ll start making them from tomorrow’s lunch. Just a moment.”
“…Thank you so much, Senior!”
“Uh uh uh uh uh!!”
“Great… As expected… Yes.”
***
After 20,000 students crowded into the nearby market, the common department buildings from 1 to 10 were overwhelmed with people at lunchtime, a scene too chaotic to describe.
First-year students, eager for lunch, wanting to relax after eating, and those hoping to play again, all swarmed to the nearby eateries.
But among them, the smart ones brought their lunch boxes and sat on benches, chatting in small groups, having a more relaxed lunchtime.
Among them was the current first-year star, [Iron Fist] Mille-feuille Phon Sabre, accompanied by the other two who were also excelling academically.
Known as the [Wolfram Crew]’s [Trinity Rookies] among the first years, they had become well-known, establishing themselves as celebrities. These three also chose the smarter approach.
Other first-year students having lunch on benches watched them with a mix of interest and curiosity, not just to see them eat, but to find out ‘What kind of lunch boxes did they bring?’
A celebrity’s every move, from their thoughts to actions and even their diet, is always special!
True celebrities must constantly prove their worth!
“Yum… Yes. Delicious!”
“Yep. Senior is amazing.”
“I wonder what’s in this?”
They were definitely eating sandwiches.
But the sandwiches others imagined were basic, with a slice of meat between two pieces of dark bread – just a snack.
Their sandwiches, however, had steak. There were also egg sandwiches packed with eggs, fish sandwiches with visible fish fillets, and colorful sandwiches of various types.
They turned a simple snack into a gourmet meal, adding style and flavor.
“Ah, Vanilla. How about a smoothie?”
Then, three bottles of colorful, slightly sweet beverages appeared!?
The others looked at their own plain lunch boxes. Lacking in every way – nutrition and flavor!
“Ah, really… Wow…”
Starting with that remark,
Sounds of admiration surrounded them.
Gulp. Sigh. Wow…
“…Is that, is that the Prince’s crew’s food…?”
“No joke. Really…”
“I wish I could join them. Just looking at that…”
“Ah, we’re just having plain bread from the nearby store… What are we?”
“Don’t say it. It’s depressing.”
And so, the Wolfram Crew added another chapter to their growing legend today.
