Chapter 639: Chapter 52: Memory Lane!_2 The stone steps, a total of 22, are flanked by gas lamps at the 1st, 11th, and 22nd steps. Naturally, the ground next to the gas lamps isn’t empty, void of any lawns or flowers, two three-story wooden houses are built along this slope, their dark brown wooden walls appear very sturdy. "This side is ‘Tom’s Inn’, that side is ‘Jerry’s Inn’.” "Rumor has it that they were opened by two brothers, but, their relationship is quite poor.” "Since birth, they’ve always been in constant competition.” "Yet they’ve never truly hurt each other, and moreover, when an external enemy arises, the two will join forces, making it impossible for their adversary to escape unscathed—within the ‘Mystical Side’, the names ‘Tom, Jerry’ are known to all.” Although there were some discrepancies from the plan, Tel from Delbon still played the role of tour guide satisfactorily. "After all, they’re brothers.” "In the early years, I heard Jerry wanted to venture into larger cities, even left a farewell letter for Tom who was asleep, but before Tom could wake up, Jerry returned here, tore up the goodbye letter, and even gave Tom a rare kiss,” Tel recalled amusingly. ꭆάŊo͍𝐛Ɛš Jason nodded and quickened his pace. He had already smelled the scent of food. When he finally climbed the steps, ‘Tonio’s Restaurant’ appeared before him. An oval wooden sign, with edges decorated with basil leaves, had ‘Tonio’ prominently written on one side of the middle, while the other side depicted something that resembled a ‘tomato’. Tel entered the restaurant as if he was familiar with it. Amidst the sound of the doorbell, a handsome, tall, and impeccably neat chef came out. The chef greeted him with a warm smile. The white chef’s outfit, with a red neckerchief indicating the status of head chef. However, what Jason paid most attention to was the environment around him. The floor was polished to a shine that could reflect images, and the tables and chairs were spotless. Such a dining environment was undoubtedly comforting and pleasant. Jason was no exception. "Chef Tonio, good morning, this is my good friend, Mr. Jason,” introduced Tel, then gestured for Jason to follow him. Under Jason’s gaze, Tel went to a sink by the entrance to wash his hands. Wash hands before eating? As one who always remembers to disinfect with strong liquor before eating, Jason certainly would not object. "Chef Tonio is a bit of an odd character, he’s very keen on cleanliness, and if anyone enters his restaurant without washing their hands, they are liable to be thrown a flying knife.” "And this place is entirely managed by Chef Tonio alone, there are no waiters or other chefs, he undertakes all the roles himself.” "There is also no menu available; he designs a special menu for every person that enters the restaurant.” Sitting at one of the few tables in the restaurant, Tel began to describe the specialties of ‘Tonio’s Restaurant.’ This piqued Jason’s interest even more. Hearing the words ‘special menu’, Jason’s saliva was once again secreted more quickly. "Tel, I suggest you don’t stay up late recently and avoid reading books that consume too much energy. As a ‘Wizard’, you shouldn’t be doing that.” Tonio, who was wearing a matching white apron, approached the table and directly said to Tel. "And what should I, as a ‘Wizard’, be doing? Strenuously meditating, gritting my teeth to become a Grand Magician?” Tel spread his hands and asked rhetorically. "That would be a fine choice, at least your teacher would be proud of you,” Tonio replied with a smile. Tel from Delbon promptly rolled his eyes. "Nor will any lady like you just because you appear to read such books.” "However, there are no absolutes in life.” "Maybe the person you’re waiting for is just like that, and she might show up sooner than you think.” Antonio said, with a teasing tone. Clearly, the two had a very good relationship. Only close friends would tease each other . As Jason wondered, Antonio’s gaze turned to him. The look was obviously appraising, but also somewhat different. In Jason’s perception, when Antonio sized him up, he could keenly sense the air around him begin to exude a familiar aura—the aura of the Mystical Side. Some kind of secret technique? Jason sat there, motionless, pondering silently. But Antonio had gone from relaxed to solemn. He had never seen such a guest before. Antonio was quite confident in his secret technique. He could use his secret technique to figure out what the guests were missing and then use food to fill these gaps. This was also his pride as a chef. Not just to satisfy hunger, but to satisfy it well! Only… Jason in front of him was just too strange! Under his secret technique’s observation, Jason seemed to lack nothing, sitting there as if he were a solid Bastion, without a single deficiency. But with a closer look, he seemed like a young beast that had lost its shelter. Not just constantly emitting cries of hunger but also appearing malnourished, as if lacking everything. Antonio frowned slightly. He trusted that he had not misjudged. His secret technique could not be wrong, either. It was just this sense of contradiction… The next moment, Antonio pushed his secret technique to the limit. This time, without needing extraordinary perception, Tel could see the glow in his good friend Antonio’s eyes. Tel was stunned, then came to a realization. It was only right for things related to Jason to become strange, wasn’t it? With this thought in mind, Tel spoke up. "Chef Antonio, isn’t this Mr. Jason the ‘Ship Slayer’? Didn’t you see his sword strike earlier?” Tel reminded Antonio. As for addressing Antonio as the chef? It was Antonio’s request. Tel naturally respected his friend’s wishes. Antonio was startled, then bowed deeply. "Welcome, Ship Slayer sir,” Antonio said with respectful words, and when the chef straightened up, a smile was already on his face, “I have thought up your menu!” The Ship Slayer, naturally, was not someone he could fathom. That his secret technique failed to probe was only to be expected. So, he just had to bring out his best skills. Antonio turned and headed for the kitchen, leaving Jason and Tel alone in the dining room. Tel, of course, wouldn’t let the atmosphere turn awkward and immediately resumed sharing some interesting stories. Jason didn’t mind learning more about the ‘surface’ and the ‘Mystical Side’ through Tel. As Tel narrated, time passed. Gradually, appetizing aromas began to waft from the kitchen. Jason’s gaze was naturally drawn, but just then, the restaurant’s door was pushed open. The person pushing the door was forceful, the wind chime swung wildly, and the door struck the inner wall with a piercing clang. A figure strode in confidently.