Vending Machine - 143 Auto Restaurant (Patreon)

Vending Machines mentioned in this chapter: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g01112/

The logging and monster subjugation business was progressing smoothly. By the time the sun set, we had moved quite far away from the village and decided to set up camp in the forest.

Since we have the Big Eaters with their excellent night vision, we decided that we could stay here and defend our position without problem even during the night.

As expected, after the sun set, the enemy’s attacks continued relentlessly. The waves of enemies made it so that it was impossible to even take a meal break. It was past 2200 hours before the enemy’s attacks finally subsided.

"Haaakkoooon! I'm starving, I can't move any more!"

"Me too, me too."

Shui and Pel were clinging to my metal body and sobbing out for food.

The remaining three members of the Big Eaters were properly lined up behind these two, but their drooling faces were kind of creepy…

"Ugh, it's cold. To think that it could get so cold inside a forest,” said Hyurumi as she hugged herself.

I guess it was the cold winds blowing inside the forest that made it so cold. Most of the hunters here have taken proper measures for it. Hyurumi too, but even so, they all looked a little cold.

"I'm not cold at all, because I have this cloak from Hakkon," Ramis twirled around in her striped cloak, beaming and showing off to Hyurumi.

It was that cloak from the weapon shop. I had insisted on paying for it and letting Ramis have it as a gift.

She had not worn it during combat because its length would get in the way, but now that it had gotten colder, it was a good time to put it on.

“What? Bought Hakkon for… Hey! Where’s mine?”

“Please come again”

"You’re dodging the question, eh?"

Didn't I gift you some tools before? Well, I think she’s probably joking. She must be joking since it’s kind of boring for non-combatants in this kind of situation.

“Please save your flirting for later. My stomach and back are about to merge and evolve into a new creature."

I would like to see that, but it certainly looks like Shui is close to her limit.

Since it was a cold evening, cup noodles would be awesome right about now, so I should… wait, hold on. It’s past 10 pm, but I haven’t changed my form even once today, [1] which means I still have the full 2 hours a day <Form Change> left.

In that case, how about trying something else for dinner? Something a bit more elaborated.

Let’s go for the <Udon Vending Machine> from the Retro Vending Machine Series.

Have you ever heard of the term ‘Auto Restaurant’? During the 1970s, years before I was even born, there was a time when vending machines would automatically prepare and serve meals were popular.

These unmanned vending machine restaurants operated 24 hours a day and were targeted at truckers and long-distance drivers, allowing them to have a fresh hot meal any time of the day.

After that, as video game consoles became more widespread and game centres started to form, vending machines that served cooked food were included too, causing a huge boom in these ‘auto restaurants’.

However, their popularity did not last long… due to the existence of convenience stores.

By the 1980s, convenience stores started popping up in various places. Since these stores operated 24-hours a day, there was no need for auto restaurant vending machines anymore and they gradually began to phase out.

Still, even after nearly 40 years, there are still a few of these auto restaurants being maintained and in proper operation. They are treated like sacred places among vending machine enthusiasts.

I have especially driven to these places just to eat there.

Now and then, I would also come across them at old hotels or game centres. Naturally, it’s the proper thing to take a picture before making a purchase.

This time, I plan to offer these people products sold at these retro vending machines.

[1] Let’s offer Udon first. Since it’s served in a clear soup that’s easy to eat.

There are two main manufacturers of these Auto Restaurant Udon machines and for a while, I was torn between the two. However, in the end, I picked the one I liked best.

By the way, a friend of mine called me ‘incomprehensibly obsessive’ when I talked to them about the difference between these two machines. However, I maintained that there’s a difference when it comes to the shape of the noodles and the hot water draining method, which I find interesting.

After deciding on the type of machine, my body grew taller and thinner, and the front part of it became something that looked like a stained-glass window with the words ‘うどん’ or ‘Udon’ written on it. Hot water was poured into a bowl filled with noodles arranged in a neat spiral. After a certain amount of time, the bowl would be tipped over and the excess water drained off and the actual broth would flow in, [1] along with the toppings of meat, because I'm sure everyone's craving protein after all that labour.

It was really fascinating for a vending machine enthusiast like myself to see the actual process going on inside of me. Normally, all I would see is the piping hot bowl of noodles appearing like magic at the designated outlet. I must say that this is one of the hidden blessings of having been transformed into a vending machine.

“Uwaah, this is different from the usual warm pasta! The noodles are really thick!” Shui’s eyes sparkled as she studied the bowl of hot noodles topped with meat.

Everyone lining up behind her stared interestedly at her bowl, curious to see what she was eating.

Ignoring the stares around her, Shui stabbed into the meat and noodles with a fork she had taken out of her backpack and brought a forkful of steaming noodles to her mouth.

“Haahhh~~ it’s so warm and delicious! The pasta is thick and chewy, and so satisfying to eat, and this soup! It doesn’t taste like it’s made of meat, it doesn't taste like it’s made from vegetable stock either. What a mysterious flavour.”

I guess that kelp broth isn’t something that could be easily found in this world since this place is pretty landlocked. At least, I haven’t seen anyone eating seafood yet, let alone any type of seaweed. I guess that this must be the first time she tasted something from the sea.

She finished her bowl of noodles in an instant, thanks to her increased speed and dexterity. However, my own speed had also improved too. In fact, my production speed is incomparably faster than regular vending machines since I could fast forward the 2-minute ‘waiting period’ needed to properly warm up the noodles. By the time she was done with her noodles, I had served all four members of the Big Eaters.

Shui quickly scuttled off towards the end of the line again. Now that she had eaten something, she was less impatient about her next meal.

After giving everyone a serving of Udon, Shui was there again. She looked like she wanted to have the meat Udon again, but that won’t do. I wanted to have a little menu change.

With a thought, I changed form and turned into a <Hamburger Vending Machine>.

This vending machine has a picture of an old man with a fluffy white beard and chef’s hat, holding up a plate of hamburger on the top third of the machine. This vending machine has three options to chose from: Basic Burger, Cheeseburger and [1] usually the third burger would be another basic burger or something weird like a ‘Special Burger’. For this option, I put in a ‘Basic Burger’ on the third button. My first encounter with a Burger Vending Machine only had Cheeseburger on all three options. Still, it was pretty fun.

The contents of Burger Vending Machines are curated by the owners and the taste of the burgers varies from place to place. That’s one of the enjoyable aspects of these retro machines.

“Hm? It changed again. So, the food that comes out would look like the ones in the painting?” Shui peered at the buttons and quickly pressed the option for ‘Cheeseburger’. Normally, it takes about 60 seconds before the burger is delivered to the dispensing port, [1] because that’s how long it takes to warm up a cold burger. However, the burger she chose popped out of the dispenser almost immediately.

“Hm? It’s a lot smaller than I thought.”

I guess the picture of the burger held up by the old man made it look bigger than it is. It can’t be helped. Anyway, Shui took out the little box. It certainly looked a lot smaller than the ones sold by a certain famous hamburger chain.

Still, it was pretty affordable and, well, you’ll understand once you open it.

After opening the box, you will see a [1] traditional grease paper-wrapped hamburger in it. Once the paper was peeled off, you will find a hamburger made with a fairly thick, piping hot meat patty, with the cheese all melted and gooey.

That’s right, despite the size of the box, the actual burger was fairly stacked. The meat and bun were both fairly thick and solid, making it quite a filling meal. So, please don’t judge the burger by the size of its box.

Well, to be fair, the quality of the burger also varies depending on the vending machine, [1] as well as the people who look after it. I have chosen to display the best one I ever had.

“Ahhhh~!!! It’s overflowing with meat juice! Yeah, this is gonna be good, too~!”

Nice one, looks like this would be a hit too.

The Big Eaters had already lined up behind Shui. After I handed out their share of the burgers, others had already hopped into the line.

Shui, who had chomped down all her burger, scuttled over to line up again, as expected.

Should I go all out with the Auto Restaurant theme today?

If we’re going for the classic route, the next thing should be a Toasted Sandwich wrapped in aluminium foil, or something similar to the clearly well received Udon, the Ramen.

The great thing about these vending machines is how the food all felt handmade, despite them being popped out from vending machines. They are clearly different from those standard, ready-made products that all tasted the same.

I’m not saying that one is better than the other. However, I like to think that the reason why these retro vending machines are still around is because they deliver a warm atmosphere that is absent from standard stuff. Personally, I think that that’s part of the charm of vending machines.

It must be quite a chore to maintain and operate a vending machine that had been around for 40 years. If you think about the hassle of maintaining these machines compared to the money they generate, it would have been much easier to just get a new model vending machine or do away with the vending machine altogether.

I love these retro vending machines because they allow me to experience the kindness and effort of the people who continue to maintain them. As someone who appreciates the beauty of vending machines, it is my duty as the customer to keep using them.

"Wow, Hakkon, this is really delicious. It's so warm.”

"That's right. I like this warm sandwich with meat.”

Ramis and Hyurumi looked like they were having quite a great time chatting over their burgers. I felt a little jealous since I couldn’t eat with them because of this body.

Still, in my past life as a vending machine maniac, I had been contented to visit various places as a solo traveller and buy their products alone. Being able to spread the merits of vending machines and making people happy is something I am happy to do as a super enthusiast.

I want others to know and understand the incredible satisfaction of using a vending machine. I think it’s something that everyone could share.

The hobby that my family and friends frowned upon as a waste of money is now helping others. If I complain about my situation now, I’m sure I'll be punished.

Looking at the seemingly never-ending line, I continued to serve freshly made meals until the day was over.

[Gumihou: These unique Vending Machines are so incredible! However, the more interesting ones are quite far away from the cities, so you really have to do a ‘pilgrimage’ for them]

Vending Machine Restaurants in Japan!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j677PxZWifM

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