Demonic Po*nstar System

Chapter 636: Gourmet Meal

The head chef cleared his throat politely and stepped forward with a respectful bow. ”If I may, honored guests, when it comes to sushi, eating with your hands is not only acceptable but often preferred. I consider it the purest way for my guests to experience my craft. We would be honored if you chose to forego the formalities and enjoy the food in its most authentic form.”

Then he looked at Lira and smiled, ”Furthermore, the fish is meant to be eaten raw. We are very careful to ensure their freshness.”

Both Naira and Lira’s eyes lit up immediately.

They looked toward Vespera and Kaiden as if seeking permission.

Vespera said nothing, her expression remaining neutral as she took a measured bite of her own piece.

Kaiden smiled warmly. ”You can listen to him; he’s not saying this just to make you feel better. I’ve heard that some of the best sushi chefs actually prefer their guests to eat with their hands. It lets them ensure you experience exactly what they intended; the temperature, the texture, the balance of flavors - all without anything getting in the way.”

Naira and Lira beamed.

Without hesitation, they both reached for their plates with their hands. Naira picked up a piece carefully and brought it to her mouth.

The moment she bit down, her eyes went wide.

”MMMM!!”

The sound was pure bliss, drawn out and filled with genuine shock at how delicious it was. Her whole face lit up as if she’d just discovered heaven on a plate. She chewed slowly, savoring every second, before swallowing with a dreamy expression.

Lira was only slightly more reserved, her eyes closing as she took her first bite. A soft hum of approval escaped her lips, and she nodded with quiet satisfaction. ”This is... wonderful.”

Naira was already reaching for her second piece, grinning widely. ”I could eat this forever!”

”You say this like Vespera didn’t feed you similarly tasty food,” Julia giggled slyly.

Instantly, the two Native Americans gasped and looked at Vespera apologetically. ”It’s not like that-”

”I understand. A new experience,” Vespera cut in.

She didn’t feed them meals like this on purpose, trying to give them similar dishes to what they were used to in order to ensure they felt as comfortable as possible. It was best to ensure a peaceful transition.

However, it looked like they were ready to begin experimenting.

Then, the Shadow Monarch’s gaze traveled toward the Levander woman. Her eyes narrowed.

”Hehe!” Julia giggled instantly. ”Okay, I won’t mess with them...” She even saluted.

”...”

’Wow. Julia really might just be Mother’s only friend...’ Kaiden noted inwardly as he saw the interaction.

Across the table, Lux had already stuffed three pieces into her mouth at once. Her cheeks bulged like a chipmunk’s as she chewed enthusiastically.

Kaiden looked at her with amusement. ”So? Is this a good substitute for McDonald’s?”

Lux swallowed with effort and looked away, her expression unconvincing. ”I’m... not sure...”

Kaiden chuckled. He knew exactly what she was doing. She wanted to keep the promise of McDonald’s afterward alive, which rested on her not liking the food here.

A tough order.

Bastet picked delicately at her piece, separating the fish from the rice with surgical precision. She ate the salmon and left the rice untouched. ”The fish is truly exquisite,” she purred. ”But the carbs are a waste of stomach space. From here on, chefs, bring me only sashimi.”

The head chef stiffened. A thin sheen of sweat appeared at his temple as the words landed with more weight than they should have due to the tanned kitten emitting an unnatural aura of supreme authority, stemming from her Manifestation of Dominion.

He bowed at once, deep and careful. ”Of course, honored guest. Sashimi only.”

Bastet inclined her head in acknowledgment and offered a small, graceful smile. ”Thank you.”

Just like that, the pressure eased. The chefs straightened, breath returning, and the room felt normal again.

Calypso leaned over and hit Bastet in the side with her elbow. ”Choco Kitty, stop using your powers on weaklings. Isn’t that illegal or something? You kept telling me I shouldn’t chop them up even if they get on my nerves.”

Bastet winced and rubbed her side, shooting her an annoyed look. ”You damned brute!” She paused, then added more quietly, ”I didn’t mean to... I didn’t even realize I did it. I suppose I still need practice.”

Calypso laughed and leaned back in her chair. ”Rookie.” She glanced at her plate and then at the remaining pieces. ”I like the sushi, but can I get something more filling? These portions are tiny.”

The head chef nodded quickly. ”We will bring multiple rounds, esteemed guest. This is just the first of many.”

Calypso tilted her head and pointed across the table. ”Yeah, but if I die of starvation while I watch the chipmunk over there eat at a geological pace, then that’s no good, is it?” Her eyes flicked toward Luna.

”Hah?!” Luna snapped, holding a piece halfway to her mouth. ”I am savoring a gourmet meal. This is normal! Don’t blame me for your beast-like taste buds that can’t appreciate something excellent. Kai should’ve just tossed you some dogfood.”

The chef swallowed and wiped his brow with a handkerchief. ”We can also prepare red meat alongside the next servings, if that would be acceptable.”

Calypso’s grin widened as she leaned back and folded her arms. ”Perfect.”

Luna then calmed down and resumed eating at her own pace. She, Aria, and Nyx sported truly nostalgic expressions. They exchanged glances with big smiles, clearly thinking back to their first sushi meal together with the man who made it all possible.

The second course arrived shortly after.

”Emberclaw Tuna, E-rank,” the head chef announced. ”Caught from volcanic reef dungeons. The natural heat mana in the meat has been preserved through flash-freezing. Served as nigiri with wasabi aioli and microgreens.”

This time, the fish had a subtle orange-red hue, and when Kaiden bit into it, he could taste the faint warmth that lingered even in its raw state. It was incredible.

Alexandra ate quietly, savoring each bite with visible appreciation. She looked relaxed now, her earlier anxiety completely forgotten as she lost herself in the experience.

Alice nibbled on her piece with careful deliberation, while Lux had already moved on to her next helping, joining Calypso in feasting on the red meats that were now brought out together with the small portions.

The third course came on a larger platter.

”Stormfin Mackerel and Crystalshell Shrimp, both D-rank. The mackerel has been lightly seared to release its natural oils, while the shrimp has been marinated in citrus mana extract. Both are served over seasoned rice with a drizzle of black garlic reduction.”

By the fourth course, the energy at the table had shifted into something warm and comfortable. Conversation flowed naturally between bites, laughter punctuated the air, and for a brief moment, the weight of competition and danger felt distant.

Kaiden smiled inwardly as he observed his companions.

This was exactly what they’d needed.

Not just food, but time. Time to breathe. Time to be together without the pressure of the world bearing down on them.

The head chef stepped forward again with the next wave of dishes, and the feast continued long into the evening.

Then, once they filled their bellies and had the best culinary experience of their lives, it was time for Kaiden and company to leave and come across a shocking encounter!