By: Reyhan Arsyad Basori
It had been a week since training started. The team was becoming solid. Riku grew confident with the coffee machine, Mina became calmer, and even Tomo began to smile—though he still pretended not to care.
That day, I let them serve real customers during a slow hour.
One customer, an elegant woman in sharp office attire, quietly observed them while sipping her cappuccino.
Minutes later, Yukari pulled me aside.
"Rei, do you know who that woman is?"
I shook my head.
"That's Asuka-san, head of training from the central branch. She's doing a surprise inspection."
My chest tightened.
The system triggered instantly.
[Unexpected Challenge]
Impress Asuka without a single service mistake
Reward: +60 EXP + Random Professional Skill
Risk: Failure = Barista Project Might Be Terminated
I swallowed hard.
When I walked out to the floor, Asuka called me over.
"You're Rei, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," I replied.
She looked at me sharply.
"I want something simple. Show me why they're worth training under you."
Without hesitation, I turned to the team.
"Riku, one cappuccino. Mina, plate the cookies. Tomo, finish the setup."
Their hands trembled at first… but everything ran smoothly.
Asuka sipped Riku's cappuccino. Then she spoke softly.
"Not perfect... but honest. And they clearly trust you."
[Challenge Complete]
+60 EXP
New Skill Unlocked: Composure (Lv.1)
Total EXP: 125/300
Level: 3
Reputation Boosted: Komorebi is now being monitored by central HQ
I looked at my team—they looked relieved.
And for the first time, I realized:
We weren't just building skills.
We were building a future.