Ren let out a long sigh.
It felt as though the exhaustion and irritation that had accumulated in his chest were finally being released.
Well—
Since he was already here, there was no point complaining anymore.
Inside his mind, he casually summoned the faint system interface.
The rewards from this strange daily sign-in system were ridiculously random.
Over time he had already lowered his expectations.
To him, the daily sign-in had become nothing more than a kind of gacha game entertainment.
So far—
Aside from the very first reward—
The most valuable item he had received was a pack of cigarettes.
"System."
He murmured internally.
"Sign in."
A faint light flickered in his consciousness.
A translucent interface appeared.
A new item slowly materialized.
[Item: Hannibal Lecter's Art of Being Human]
[Description]
As an ultimate gourmet and connoisseur, Hannibal Lecter devoted his life to interpreting "humanity."
His lifelong understanding of selecting, preparing, cooking, and elegantly presenting "ingredients" has been recorded here.
After studying it, the user will gain unprecedented insight into mastering the art of being human.
[Note]
System item. Use directly to instantly absorb all related knowledge and experience.
Ren stared at the description for a moment.
"…Seriously?"
Hannibal Lecter.
The infamous cannibal psychiatrist.
The system was becoming increasingly strange.
But honestly—
He didn't mind.
After all, living alongside Carnage had already raised his psychological tolerance far beyond normal limits.
Hannibal's methods might be disturbing.
But to him—
They were simply another form of knowledge.
The important part was the final note.
Instant absorption.
He muttered quietly.
"The art of being human…"
The phrase carried a dark double meaning.
But purely in terms of culinary skill, Hannibal Lecter was undeniably a master.
This knowledge would certainly be useful.
At the very least—
It could add some creative dishes to Anteiku's menu.
With a small mental command—
He activated the item.
There was no blinding light.
No pain.
Instead—
A massive stream of sensory memories flooded his mind.
Not words.
Not instructions.
Experiences.
He felt the precise way Hannibal examined ingredients.
Judging freshness.
Texture.
Weight.
He sensed the perfect control of a chef's knife.
The subtle difference between slicing muscle fibers and separating connective tissue.
Heat.
Timing.
Balance.
Seasoning.
Even the ritualistic elegance Hannibal treated cooking with.
The act of cooking itself—
Was elevated to an art form.
Ren calmly absorbed everything.
Knife control.
Temperature management.
Ingredient preparation.
Flavor layering.
Within seconds—
The torrent ended.
His gaze sharpened slightly.
His fingers moved unconsciously.
As if remembering the sensation of a blade gliding across ingredients.
This culinary experience…
Was undeniably valuable.
For a brief moment—
He even felt an urge to experiment.
But he suppressed it.
Meanwhile—
The signing table remained empty.
Kaneki was still stretching his neck desperately to see the author.
Hinami clung nervously to Ren's sleeve.
But his earlier irritation had faded.
The newly absorbed knowledge had strangely calmed him.
He glanced at the empty desk.
Then at the two excited fans beside him.
Life really was unpredictable.
He sacrificed sleep.
Got woken by a bird.
Dragged into a crowd.
And ended up receiving a cannibal's cooking manual.
Honestly—
Not a terrible outcome.
"Kaneki."
His voice had returned to normal.
"Are you sure the announcement didn't say it was cancelled?"
Kaneki quickly checked his phone.
"No!"
He nodded repeatedly.
"It says 10 AM today!"
"Location confirmed."
"It wasn't postponed."
He sounded puzzled.
Then—
Suddenly—
Excited voices erupted near the entrance.
"She's here!"
"It's Takatsuki-sensei!"
Ren turned toward the noise.
A petite girl wearing green clothes hurried in through the staff entrance.
Her messy green hair bounced slightly as she walked.
She spoke apologetically to the bookstore staff.
"I'm really sorry!"
"I… overslept!"
The readers erupted in laughter.
But as her gaze swept across the crowd—
It paused for a brief moment.
On them.
Inside his mind—
Carnage whispered.
[That scent…]
[Familiar…]
[What is her relationship with that old man…]
Ren answered calmly.
"Father and daughter."
"But they don't acknowledge it."
Carnage responded slowly.
[She's stronger than that old man…]
Then a faint mocking tone followed.
[An author…]
[Interesting…]
Soon—
Sen Takatsuki sat at the signing table.
With cheerful energy, she apologized to the crowd.
Her approachable attitude quickly calmed the restless readers.
The signing event began.
The line moved steadily.
Eventually—
It was their turn.
Hinami stepped forward first.
Her face was red with excitement.
She nervously handed over a brand-new copy of The Black Goat's Egg.
"T-Takatsuki-sensei!"
"Please sign it!"
"Of course."
Takatsuki smiled warmly.
She studied Hinami carefully.
"Do you like my book?"
"I love it!"
Hinami nodded vigorously.
"It's very interesting!"
Takatsuki laughed softly.
She signed the book.
Then added a small heart.
"Keep loving books."
Hinami bowed repeatedly.
"Thank you, teacher!"
Next—
Kaneki stepped forward.
His copy of the novel was clearly worn.
The corners curled from repeated reading.
"Takatsuki-sensei…"
"I'm a huge fan."
"Your books changed my life."
Takatsuki examined the book.
A subtle glint appeared in her eyes.
She signed slowly.
Then wrote:
"To the knowledge-thirsty Kaneki-kun."
Looking up, she said softly:
"Moving a reader…"
"…is the greatest honor for a writer."
Kaneki bowed deeply.
"Thank you so much!"
Finally—
It was Ren's turn.
His expression remained calm.
A little sleepy.
He casually placed a new book on the table.
"Please sign it."
No admiration.
No compliments.
Takatsuki looked at him.
Still smiling gently.
As she lifted the pen—
She spoke casually.
"This gentleman…"
"…doesn't seem very interested in my work?"
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