The morning sun spilled golden light across the small street as Mira adjusted the apron around her waist. Today was the day—the bakery would finally open. The smell of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes filled the warm kitchen, evidence of months of practice and dedication. Arin watched her carefully, his Observation skill subtly tracking every movement, noting the precision in her hands, the care in her expressions.
[Talent Update]
Mira – Baking Talent: Level 3
Description: Her dedication and consistent practice had elevated her skill. Each pastry and loaf reflected growing mastery and natural flair.
Arin's father, Raghav, placed the last sign outside the bakery. "All ready," he said with a proud smile, though a hint of nervousness lingered in his eyes. "Let's see how it goes."
The front door swung open at exactly 9:00 AM. A small bell chimed as the family stood behind the counter, anticipation and nervous energy thick in the air. They waited. And waited.
Nothing.
Hours passed. Not a single customer had entered. Mira's hands clenched briefly around a rolling pin, frustration mixing with doubt. "Maybe… maybe this wasn't a good idea," she muttered under her breath.
Raghav put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's just the beginning. People don't know us yet. We'll advertise, let them see what we can do."
Arin perked up. "I can help! Let's go tell people about the bakery!"
Soon, Arin and his father stepped outside. They handed out small flyers to passersby, described the bakery with bright enthusiasm, and even offered free samples to anyone curious. Hours passed, and just as the sun began to sink low in the sky, an elderly man stopped, looking at the shop with interest.
"I've never seen this bakery before," he said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Raghav smiled warmly. "We just opened today! Would you like to try some cake? It's freshly made and delicious."
The old man nodded. "I'll give it a try."
Back inside, Mira's hands moved with practiced precision, preparing a simple yet fragrant slice of cake. Arin watched her carefully, noticing the subtle changes in her movements—the confidence, the ease, the small, joyful smile that appeared as she worked.
The old man took a bite. Time seemed to slow. His eyes widened, and he leaned back slightly in astonishment. The flavors, the texture, the perfect balance of sweetness—it was extraordinary.
As he finished, he stood up, looking at Mira. "Did you make this?" he asked.
Mira froze, worry flashing across her face. "Oh… did you not like it? I'm so sorry if—"
But the man interrupted with a hearty laugh. "No! This is incredible! Truly amazing!"
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek card, handing it to her. "I'm the owner of Hotel Gardenia," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "I want your bakery to supply cakes for our hotel. We need someone with skill and dedication like yours."
Raghav's eyes widened in surprise. "Hotel Gardenia? That's the number one hotel in the city!"
"Yes," the man said firmly. "We've never tasted anything like this. You'll have our support, and your bakery will grow quickly if you maintain this quality."
That evening, the bakery buzzed with excitement. Mira and Raghav had returned home, and the family gathered around the dinner table. Lyra's parents joined as well, and the two families shared stories, laughter, and joy over the day's unexpected success.
Arin sat back in his chair, smiling to himself. He watched his mother laugh, her eyes shining with pride and happiness. He saw his father's careful calculations finally merging with a real, tangible reward for all their hard work.
This… this is what life feels like now, he thought. All the effort, all the skills, all the talents—it's finally paying off.
He reached for a small notebook, imagining how different life had become since the Restart System had appeared. Once, he was a normal boy with no talent, no recognition, and no direction. Now, he had not only honed his own abilities but also helped his family discover theirs, guiding them toward a brighter future.
A soft chime rang in his mind—the system's gentle acknowledgment of his progress. But Arin didn't need a notification to feel satisfaction. The warmth in his chest, the joy in his parents' eyes, and the laughter of friends around the dinner table were proof enough.
Restarting my life… was the best choice I ever made, he thought, smiling quietly. "Thank you," he whispered softly, almost to himself.
Author's Note :-
Dear Readers,
If you've made it here, it means you've been enjoying the story—and that truly means the world to me. I know there are still many things I need to improve on, but the fact that you're sticking with Arin's journey gives me the motivation to keep going. Thank you so much for your support.
With this chapter, the first arc of the web novel comes to a close. I know it was short, but it was important to lay a strong foundation for the long journey ahead. Arin's story has only just begun, and I'm excited to share where it will go next.
The next arc will begin in about a week, and I sincerely hope you'll continue walking this path with me.
Important Announcement :-
Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for sticking with Arin's journey through Arc 1.
As a beginner writer, I've taken the time to re-read the first Arc and I've noticed areas—inconsistencies, plot holes, and unclear details—that need refinement. I sincerely apologize for any confusion these errors may have caused.
Rest assured, I will be fixing these issues in Arc 2. I'm also planning some new updates and clarifications to the The System That Records My Efforts based on my re-read, ensuring you get a clearer, more consistent, and more detailed experience going forward.
I promise to make Arc 2 a significant improvement. The journey is just beginning, so please don't leave Arin's side now!
Thank you once again for reading, supporting, and believing in this story.