**********
—Six Months Later—
Infinity Castle Restaurant,
After six months of preparation, the Infinity Castle Restaurant had finally opened its doors to the public. All its entrances and branches scattered throughout the Human World had opened simultaneously, marking the establishment's grand opening. To celebrate the occasion and attract potential customers, Lev had decided to make all the food completely free for the entire day.
At first, many people hesitated to enter. After all, the Infinity Castle Restaurant was still an unfamiliar name, and nobody knew what to expect from an establishment that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. However, the temptation of enjoying a free meal during its grand opening eventually overcame their doubts, prompting more and more people to step inside and see what the restaurant had to offer.
Meanwhile, as customers continued pouring into the Infinity Castle, Lev's clones assigned to the kitchens were working nonstop to prepare one dish after another. They were not alone, however. Among the bustling activity, unfamiliar faces could be seen wearing the restaurant's uniforms as they attended to customers, served dishes, and helped maintain order throughout the establishment.
These were the employees Lev had personally selected and trained over the past several months to help operate his growing business.
Of course, Lev could have easily relied entirely on his clones to run the restaurant. However, he believed that employing real people would make the establishment feel more authentic while also allowing him to build a workforce he could eventually expand. More importantly, he wanted to establish a restaurant that people could trust—not merely because of the extraordinary food it served, but also because of the genuine people working behind the scenes.
With Lev's culinary abilities and the Infinity Castle's unique advantages, it was only a matter of time before the restaurant made its mark on the Human World. And if everything went according to plan, it would not be long before the Infinity Castle Restaurant revolutionized the entire food industry.
Meanwhile, on one of the many platforms inside the Infinity Castle, Lev could be seen sitting at a table with Ichiryu and Mansam. Together, they watched the extraordinary structure around them as its rooms, platforms, and doors continuously shifted positions, moving through the castle like pieces of an enormous, ever-changing puzzle.
"This place is amazing! How did you even manage to build and operate something like this?" Ichiryu asked, shoveling another mouthful of food into his mouth as he marveled at the surroundings.
It had been more than a year since he and Lev had last met. Back then, Ichiryu had provided Lev with a private island and offered whatever assistance he could to help establish his restaurant and other businesses. However, even with the support he had given him, Ichiryu had never imagined that Lev would create something on this scale.
"By the way, this is Mansam—the person Shizuku beat up more than a year ago. Nom, nom, nom."
Ichiryu continued his introduction while happily stuffing his mouth with food, seemingly unconcerned by the awkwardness of the situation.
After Mansam had regained consciousness, Ichiryu had explained everything he knew about Lev, including how they had first met in the Gourmet World. He had also told Mansam about Lev's extraordinary abilities and the circumstances surrounding their encounter.
"I'm Lev. I apologize for what happened back then. My companion was simply too eager to have a fight," Lev said, turning toward Mansam with an apologetic smile.
Since Shizuku's fight with Mansam had partly been the result of Lev's own curiosity about how much stronger she had become compared with the powerful individuals of this world, he felt that an apology was warranted. After all, he had been interested in seeing how she measured up against the characters of the Toriko world, but neither he nor Shizuku had visited Mansam afterward to check on his condition.
"W-Well... Hahahaha! I was partly at fault, too!" Mansam replied awkwardly.
Looking at Lev, Mansam found himself unsure of how to react. This was the very man Ichiryu had warned him to be cautious of—and the master of the woman who had thoroughly defeated him more than a year ago.
Naturally, Mansam still felt some irritation when recalling that humiliating defeat. At the same time, however, his curiosity outweighed his anger. After hearing so much about Lev from Ichiryu, he was eager to learn more about the man sitting before him.
"Anyways, this place was created through one of my companions' abilities," Lev explained with a smile. "However, the Infinity Castle serves another purpose as well. It can transport people to any of the restaurant's branches I designate. Of course, the transportation service will be free for customers whose orders meet the required value."
As he spoke, Lev glanced toward the people below. Their eyes were filled with excitement and amazement as they explored the strange yet fascinating establishment.
By turning the Infinity Castle into more than just a restaurant—making it a means of transportation between its branches—Lev had created another reason for people to visit. Customers would not only come for the food but could also enjoy the convenience of traveling between designated locations through the castle itself.
"Ohhh! So that's why you asked me for help with those arrangements!" Ichiryu exclaimed, setting his bowl down on the table as he looked at Lev with renewed amazement. "And is this where you've been disappearing to whenever you vanished from Area 6?"
"That's right," Lev answered with a smile.
There was little point in hiding it now, especially since Ichiryu had already played a part in helping him establish his businesses.
"Is that so? Anyway, there's something I've been meaning to ask you." Ichiryu's expression grew more serious as he looked toward the crowd below. "I've noticed quite a few people from the slums here, especially children. I'm genuinely moved by your generosity, but what do you intend to do once this free-food promotion ends?"
His concern was understandable. By allowing so many people to eat for free, Lev had attracted not only curious customers but also those who might have little opportunity to enjoy such meals under normal circumstances. Once the promotion ended, some of them might expect the same generosity to continue, potentially creating difficulties if Lev had no plan in place.
That said, Ichiryu did not look down on people simply because they were poor or lived outside the IGO's sphere of influence. They were human beings just like everyone else, and the IGO itself had a tradition of distributing food to people during Christmas.
Still, generosity needed to be accompanied by a sustainable plan.
"Mmm. I've already thought about that," Lev replied calmly. "I intend to recruit and train them so they can eventually work for me. I've already recruited a number of people, and they're now under the supervision of one of my other companions."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"I'm confident that the restaurant will continue to grow, which means I'll need more manpower to keep up with the demand. Rather than simply giving these people food once and sending them away, I'd rather give them an opportunity to earn a living. They can learn new skills, gain work experience, and become part of the business as it expands."
Lev had already begun laying the groundwork for his larger plans. For him, the restaurant was not merely a way to earn money; it was also an opportunity to build a workforce that could support his other ventures in the future.
"That's a lot of taxes you'll have to deal with," Ichiryu commented.
He was referring to the obligations that would come with employing so many people. As the business expanded, Lev would have to account for the relevant taxes and other requirements imposed by the IGO, depending on the nature of his operations and the regulations involved.
Regardless of their relationship, Ichiryu was not going to shoulder those responsibilities for him. He had provided assistance in establishing his businesses, but the consequences of running them—including their financial obligations—were Lev's responsibility.
"That's what you call an investment," Lev replied with a smile.
He was well aware of the costs involved. However, rather than focusing solely on the expenses he would incur in the present, he was looking at the bigger picture. If the restaurant continued to expand as he expected, the income it generated in the future could far outweigh the initial investment.
"Hahahahaha! That's right!" Ichiryu burst into laughter.
He understood exactly what Lev meant and was not particularly worried about his decision. After spending nearly two years with Lev in Area 6, Ichiryu had gained a good understanding of the man's character. Lev was not the type to make such a substantial investment without considering its potential returns.
"Anyway, aside from that girl Shizuku, I don't see Alpha or the others anywhere. Where are they?" Ichiryu asked, changing the subject as he glanced around.
"I instructed them to remain in the Gourmet World," Lev answered.
As far as their safety was concerned, he had little reason to worry. Not only were his companions powerful enough to protect themselves, but he also kept track of their situations through the Shadow Soldiers he had assigned to them. As a result, he could monitor their well-being even while they remained in the Gourmet World.
"Hmm. That's a shame. I was really looking forward to seeing how much they've improved over the past twenty years. I'm sure they've become much more powerful by now! Hahahaha!"
Ichiryu laughed heartily as he recalled Lev's other companions. It had been a long time since he had last seen Alpha, Shion, Tomoe, and Ghislaine, and he couldn't help wondering just how far they had progressed after spending so many years in the Gourmet World.
Following that, Lev continued enjoying the food with Ichiryu and Mansam, occasionally exchanging a few words between bites.
Meanwhile, the number of customers inside the Infinity Castle continued to climb at an astonishing rate. News of the restaurant's grand opening—and the promise of free food—had spread throughout the Human World, drawing in crowds from every direction.
Before long, people were streaming into the Infinity Castle like bees swarming toward a source of nectar.
**********
—Night—
Eternal Tower,
At exactly ten o'clock that evening, the Infinity Castle Restaurant finally closed its doors, bringing its grand opening to a successful conclusion. Judging by the customers' reactions and feedback, the restaurant had made a tremendous impression on the public. News of its extraordinary food and unique establishment had quickly spread throughout the Human World, with its name appearing across various news outlets.
It was precisely the kind of publicity Lev had hoped to achieve. He had wanted to make the Infinity Castle Restaurant known to the masses, and after just one day of operation, that goal was already well within reach.
Following the restaurant's closure, Lev recruited another batch of people from the slums: one thousand children and five hundred adults. They were brought to the Infinity Castle, where Nakime would take responsibility for their care. Beginning the following day, they would undergo training to prepare them for their future roles within Lev's growing organization.
Although this was only a small number compared to the entire population of the slums, Lev had deliberately selected those who were healthy enough to begin training immediately. As for the others, he had no intention of abandoning them. Instead, he arranged for them to receive nutritious meals from the supplies his organization had accumulated, allowing them to improve their health before considering future opportunities.
After all, Lev's plans extended far beyond providing temporary assistance. He wanted to give these people a chance to build better lives for themselves, and he was prepared to invest the necessary resources to make that possible.
Furthermore, Lev intended to recruit even more people in the future. The restaurant alone would require a substantial workforce as its customer base expanded, not to mention the other businesses he planned to establish. He would need security personnel to protect his establishments, staff responsible for purchasing supplies, cleaners to maintain the facilities, and numerous other employees to keep his entire operation running smoothly.
In other words, the people he had recruited so far were only the beginning.
Meanwhile, the successful grand opening had also come at a considerable cost. Lev's stockpile of ingredients had been significantly depleted, particularly the rare and valuable ingredients he had brought back from the Gourmet World. With so many customers enjoying free meals throughout the day, the restaurant had consumed a substantial portion of its available supplies.
Nevertheless, Lev was not particularly concerned.
The grand opening had accomplished its primary objective: attracting public attention and establishing the Infinity Castle Restaurant's name. Once paying customers began arriving in greater numbers, the restaurant would finally start generating revenue, allowing him to replenish his supplies and expand his operations.
For Lev, the resources spent on the opening were simply an investment in the future.
"Tomorrow is the real deal. I'd better get some rest tonight and see what tomorrow brings."
With a satisfied smile, Lev finally decided to call it a day.
Before heading to his own quarters, however, he made a brief visit to Shizuku's room and spent an hour with her. Only after that did he return to his room and settle down for the night, looking forward to what the following day would bring.
**********
—The Next Day—
After a good night's rest, Lev woke up feeling refreshed and excited for the day ahead. Without wasting any time, he entered the Infinity Castle, ready to oversee the restaurant's first official day of business.
Today marked an important milestone. Unlike the previous day, when every dish had been offered for free, the restaurant would finally begin generating revenue.
The prices of all its offerings—including hors d'oeuvres, meat dishes, soups, desserts, beverages, fish dishes, and salads—had been carefully determined based on the value of the ingredients used in their preparation. After all, even though Lev wanted to establish the Infinity Castle Restaurant as a household name, he had no intention of running a business without considering its profitability.
As Lev entered one of the spacious halls inside the Infinity Castle, his summoned companions and kitchen staff immediately greeted him respectfully. Seeing their response, he smiled before walking toward them and returning their greetings.
"Now then, let's open the restaurant and serve the people some truly exceptional delicacies!" Lev declared.
At his command, his masked clones stationed at the various branches throughout the Human World immediately began welcoming the customers who had gathered outside, eagerly awaiting the restaurant's opening.
Before long, people from all walks of life began streaming into the Infinity Castle Restaurant. The crowd included wealthy businessmen, ordinary citizens, celebrities, reporters, government officials, renowned Bishokuyas, and even chefs from competing restaurants. Each had come for the same reason: to experience the extraordinary delicacies that had captured the public's attention during the grand opening.
However, among all the visitors that day, one particular group stood out.
It was none other than the Gourmet Seven, the seven Taste Masters of the International Gourmet Organization.
As influential figures in the Gourmet Age, these individuals played important roles in determining the rankings of restaurants, hotels, and chefs. Their evaluations could significantly influence an establishment's reputation, making a visit from even one of them a considerable honor. Having all seven visit the same restaurant was an especially remarkable occurrence.
Naturally, their arrival did not escape Lev's attention.
Together with Nakime, he monitored the situation throughout Infinity Castle, feeling increasingly excited as he watched the restaurant welcome one important guest after another. The presence of the Gourmet Seven was particularly encouraging. If the restaurant impressed them, its reputation and standing in the industry could rise even further.
For Lev, this was another promising step toward achieving his ambitions.
And judging by how the day was unfolding, the Infinity Castle Restaurant was well on its way to becoming a sensation throughout the Human World.
**********
—One Year Later—
Eternal Tower,
Time passed, and over the following year, the Human World witnessed the steady rise of a new force in the culinary industry.
The Infinity Castle Restaurant had become an overwhelming success. In just one year of operation, it had secured a place among the ten-star restaurants in the Human World, establishing itself as one of the most sought-after dining destinations of the Gourmet Age.
In terms of popularity, it had even surpassed many of its fellow ten-star establishments, and there were several reasons behind its remarkable success.
First and foremost was the extraordinary taste of its dishes. Thanks to Lev's culinary expertise, the restaurant offered delicacies that left customers amazed, with flavors that many had never experienced before.
Second was its unparalleled convenience. With entrances and branches scattered throughout the Human World, customers no longer needed to travel great distances just to enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Third was its relatively affordable pricing. Despite using exceptional ingredients, the Infinity Castle Restaurant offered dishes at prices that were not excessively expensive compared with what customers received in return. This allowed people from different walks of life to enjoy its food rather than limiting the experience to the wealthy elite.
Lastly, there was the Infinity Castle itself.
Its ability to transport customers between designated branches—and provide access to locations that would otherwise be difficult to reach—gave the restaurant an advantage that no ordinary establishment could easily replicate.
With these benefits combined, the Infinity Castle Restaurant had quickly become a household name.
More importantly, its success had finally provided Lev with the financial foundation he needed to pursue his other ambitions.
Within a single year, the restaurant had begun generating an astonishing 10 billion yen per day, giving Lev the capital to move forward with his remaining business ventures: the Gourmet Logistics Company, Gourmet Research Company, Weapon Creation Company, and Gourmet Casino.
However, as the restaurant's popularity grew, so too did the attention surrounding its owner.
Lev's name was no longer known only among ordinary citizens and food enthusiasts. Various organizations had begun taking an interest in him and his rapidly expanding enterprise. Over the past year, he had even encountered several of their core members on different occasions, giving him a glimpse of the influential forces operating behind the scenes in the Human World.
Despite this growing attention, the Infinity Castle Restaurant had remained remarkably free of trouble.
Lev's clones worked tirelessly to prevent disruptions, ensuring that the establishment continued operating smoothly regardless of the number or status of its visitors. Their constant presence allowed the restaurant to maintain its standards while protecting the interests of its owner.
Meanwhile, the number of people recruited by Lev had surpassed five thousand. Under Nakime's supervision, successive batches of workers continued to receive training, preparing them for their respective duties throughout Lev's expanding organization.
Some had been assigned to the World Kitchen, whose primary responsibility was procuring the ingredients needed by the Infinity Castle Restaurant. Others were being trained for different positions, depending on the needs of Lev's growing businesses.
With each passing day, his organization became more established, and the foundation he had spent so long building grew increasingly solid.
Now, another important step was about to begin.
Inside one of the floors of the Eternal Tower, Lev stood before the summoned superhumans and their respective combo partners. Having summoned them into this world two years earlier, he had allowed them to spend considerable time eating, training, and familiarizing themselves with the Human World before assigning them more demanding responsibilities.
Today, however, that period of preparation was coming to an end.
"I hope you've grown stronger over the past two years and learned enough about this world to understand how things work here," Lev began, looking over the assembled group.
"I think it's finally time for you to venture out and hunt for ingredients yourselves. You'll also be expected to contribute to the continued growth of our restaurant."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
"This world has plenty to offer, so go out there and make a name for yourselves. Explore, grow stronger, and discover what the Gourmet Age has to offer. I'm looking forward to seeing how far you can go."
Lev's gaze swept across the group, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Just remember that you're representing our organization wherever you go."
"As you wish, Master!" Casanova and the others replied in unison, their faces lighting up with excitement.
In truth, they had been eager to venture into the wider world for quite some time. However, Lev had instructed them to remain on Eternal Island until they had become stronger and gained a better understanding of their new surroundings. He wanted them to be prepared before facing the dangers and challenges that awaited them beyond the island.
Now, at last, they had received permission to leave.
Their excitement was unmistakable as they began departing one after another, each accompanied by their respective chef partners. After spending so long confined to the island, they were eager to explore the Human World, hunt for rare ingredients, and test their abilities against the challenges it had to offer.
Before setting out, however, they had one more stop to make.
They needed to visit Shizuku's Dragon Farm and request mounts for their journeys. With the adult dragons available to them, traveling across the Human World would be considerably easier, allowing them to reach distant locations without relying entirely on conventional transportation.
Soon, the meeting room began to empty as the newly dispatched teams made their preparations to depart.
Lev, meanwhile, remained where he was.
Standing before the expansive glass wall, he gazed out at the clear sky and the vast blue sea surrounding Eternal Island. The peaceful scenery stretched before him, offering a moment of calm amid the growing activity of his organization.
A satisfied smile gradually spread across his face.
His restaurant was flourishing, his other businesses were preparing to take shape, and his people were finally ready to venture into the world.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.
And if things continued at this rate, it would not be long before his influence spread throughout the entire Human World.
Lev could hardly wait for that day to arrive.