Building A Business Empire From Scratch In Another World

Bridgemoor City. Morningstar Restaurant. Inside Felix's Office on the Fourth Floor.

"Good to see you again, Mr. Felix!" Chef Gideon beamed as he entered the office.

"Likewise, Chef Gideon! How have you been?" Felix replied with a warm smile.

"I've been doing great," Chef Gideon nodded enthusiastically.

Felix wasted no time and asked, "So, how's business been?"

"Well, Mr. Felix," Chef Gideon began, his expression turning serious, "as you know, this past month has been tough. With the dungeon breaks and beast tide, our restaurant saw a significant drop in customers. But thankfully, things are picking up again now that those threats have passed."

Felix nodded thoughtfully. He had witnessed firsthand the devastation in Bridgemoor City after their return from the Dragonskull Dungeon.

The state of the city worried him deeply and he was worried about the restaurant as well but it seems he was worrying for nothing.

However, much like the Edel District, Audaz District remained untouched, an oasis amid chaos.

He sighed at life's unfairness: when danger struck Bridgemoor City, it was the common folk living in the outer areas who bore the brunt of suffering, their homes destroyed and loved ones lost, while noble families and officials safeguarded their own interests within the city walls without caring much about the commners.

They prioritized protecting trivial assets over countless lives that mattered far more.

"What a sad and cruel world we live in," Felix thought bitterly.

The strong could shield themselves and their possessions while leaving the weak vulnerable to being trampled upon.

"Mr. Felix?" Chef Gideon's voice broke through his reverie.

Felix raised an eyebrow and focused on him. "Is there something else on your mind?"

"Yes! I wanted to share some exciting news, I've just broken through to become a 2-Star Spirit Chef!" Chef Gideon's grin was infectious.

Surprise flickered across Felix's face; he hadn't expected such rapid progress from Chef Gideon but he quickly understood after Chef Gideon talents is no joke.

And since he was cursed and the cursed have been lifted making such rapid improvement is not that surprising.

"Congratulations! You're one step closer to reaching your peak!" Felix exclaimed with genuine joy.

Chef Gideon's eyes glinted coldly for a moment before he shook off any dark thoughts and continued, "And about that chef I mentioned who was on the brink of becoming a Spirit Chef..."

"What happened? Did something change?" Felix leaned in with curiosity.

"Yes! In fact, he successfully became a Spirit Chef and is now a 1-Star Spirit Chef!" Chef Gideon announced proudly.

Felix's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hahaha! Looks like today is double happiness for me!"

"Hahaha! Lady Luck seems to be smiling down on you today!" Chef Gideon chuckled along with him.

"Please extend an offer for him to join Morningstar Restaurant," Felix instructed eagerly. "If he's interested, let him review our terms and conditions and sign the contract." He paused thoughtfully.

Felix leaned in, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke. "If he's not on board, don't push him too hard. Just try to persuade him to join the restaurant team, you know what I mean?" He shot Chef Gideon a knowing look that carried weight.

"Got it, Mr. Felix," Chef Gideon replied with a nod and a smile before turning to leave the office.

Just as he reached the door, Felix called out, "Oh, Chef Gideon!"

The chef paused and turned back, confusion flickering across his face. "Is there something else you need, Mr. Felix?"

"Yeah," Felix said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "We'll be moving to the Royal Capital soon, so get ready."

Chef Gideon's expression went blank for a moment as the news sank in. After a few seconds of silence, he finally nodded faintly and exited the office.

Watching him go, Felix shook his head thoughtfully. What lay ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: change was coming fast.

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In the Heart of Brigdemoor City: At the Netherfrost Clan Estate.

Inside a grand hall, looking all splendid and luxuriously decorated.

Seraphine Netherfrost's eyes lit up as she spotted her father. "Father, you're finally back!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with relief.

Lucien Netherfrost smiled warmly at his daughter. "I saw the state of the city," he replied, nodding thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry, Father. I didn't protect it well enough, which led to such devastating losses," Seraphine said softly, bowing her head in regret.

Lucien shook his head gently. "No need for that, my daughter. I'm not angry; in fact, I'm proud of you."

Seraphine's gaze shot up in surprise. "Really?"

"You did your best to safeguard the city with the abilities you have," Lucien reassured her.

"But so many lives were lost," Seraphine murmured quietly.

"That's just how fate unfolds sometimes. We can't shield everyone from harm; you gave it your all," Lucien replied casually.

After a moment's contemplation, Seraphine nodded slowly. "Father, how did things go on your end? Did you manage to retrieve the Saint Core?"

Lucien's expression shifted slightly as he shook his head. "We didn't acquire anything; in fact, none of us who entered Dragonskull Dungeon came away with anything, we were forcibly teleported out."

"What? Something like that happened?" Seraphine gasped in disbelief.

"Yes," Lucien confirmed grimly. "Infact the Dragonskull Dungeon is no more."

"You mean the legendary dungeon that has stood for thousands of years is now destroyed? What about the Saint Core?" Shock washed over Seraphine's face.

"As for that… we don't know yet. With Dragonskull gone, our situation, and that of other factions, looks dire," Lucien said with narrowed eyes.

"What about the Fifth Elder?" Seraphine asked urgently.

"He led our clan's experts back to the Royal Capital to report on what transpired at Dragonskull," Lucien explained.

Understanding dawned on Seraphine as she nodded thoughtfully.

"Were you able to find out how the Beast Tide breached Crimson Iron Fortress and Commander Maximus managed to invade Brigdemoor City?" Lucien asked with a hint of curiosity in his smile.

"Yes! I sent some men to investigate and discovered foreign races were involved, there's even a traitor among us!" Seraphine responded confidently.

"Did you catch this traitor or figure out who they are?" Lucien smirked playfully.

Seraphine let out a cold laugh, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Yeah, I found those bastards and wiped them off the face of the earth."

Lucien's curiosity sparked as he leaned in closer. "Oh, you already did? So, how many clans were destroyed this time?"

"Not much, just ten noble families," Seraphine replied nonchalantly. "Damn, I wish there were more."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you already knew there was a traitor in the city?" He watched as surprise flickered across Seraphine's face.

"Yeah, I've known for a while. Otherwise, how could I qualify to be the city lord of Brigdemoor?" Lucien shrugged with a chuckle.

"Then why didn't you do anything about it?" Seraphine asked, genuine curiosity lacing her tone.

"I wanted you to handle it," Lucien said casually. "Those greedy bastards have forgotten what happened five years ago."

"Oh," Seraphine nodded in understanding.

"Now that everything's settled, when are we heading back to the Royal Capital? Remember, you can't stay away from the Academy too long!" Lucien reminded her.

"I know! I'll return soon enough; it's just that something intriguing has come up," Seraphine replied with a thoughtful smile.

Lucien raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh? What is it that has piqued your interest? Is it a man?"

Seraphine shot him an incredulous look and rolled her eyes. "Father, you talk too much!"

"What? I'm just curious about what truly interests you since nothing ever seems to!" Lucien spread his arms wide in mock innocence.

With another eye roll, Seraphine declared, "I'm going back to cultivate." With that statement, she turned and left the hall.

"If it's a man, bring him to me so I can see for myself!" Lucien called after her.

As Seraphine hurried out of sight, her lips twitched in amusement.

Lucien narrowed his eyes thoughtfully at her retreating figure and smiled slightly. "Interesting."

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FIVE DAYS LATER

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Just like that, time slipped away, and in the blink of an eye, five days had passed.

During this brief stretch, nothing major occurred in Bridgemoor City, except for the aftermath of the Beast Tide, which wreaked havoc on the town.

City officials were hard at work dealing with the destruction; construction crews were already busy rebuilding the city walls and various structures that had been damaged.

However, judging by the extent of the devastation caused by the Beast Tide, it would take quite some time for Bridgemoor to return to its former glory.

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Bridgemoor City – Adventurer District

Inside a massive hall, all seven hundred members of the Morningstar Adventurer Team gathered with curiosity and confusion flickering in their eyes as they exchanged whispers.

"Do you know why Captain called us all here?"

"Honestly? I'm just as clueless as you are!"

"I heard someone important is coming to meet us."

"Really? Who told you that?"

"I overheard Dilya talking about it. You know she's one of the few close to both Captain and Vice Captain."

"Oh! That makes sense. But do you know who this person is?"

"Nope!"

The buzz of conversation filled the air as excitement grew among them.

"Alright, everyone quiet down!" Suddenly, Trinity stepped forward and spoke loudly.

Instantly, silence fell over the hall as all eyes turned to Trinity with respect and anticipation.

Trinity nodded before continuing, "The reason I gathered you all here is because someone wants to meet with you. This is a huge opportunity for each of you if you seize it wisely!"

Excitement sparked in everyone's eyes at Trinity's words. What could this opportunity be?