Chapter 11: Crafting a Masterpiece
Zhang Ye returned to Blueveil City with the Ironbark Truffles safely tucked away in his satchel. The adrenaline from the journey still coursed through his veins, but he knew there was no time to rest. The next step was to create the dish that would mark a turning point in his journey—both for himself and the adventurers who would rely on him.
The guild's kitchen was quiet in the late evening, the usual hustle and bustle of the day replaced by a serene stillness. Zhang Ye laid out his ingredients on the polished counter: Ironbark Truffles, a vial of Starfire Honey he had purchased at a high price, and a bundle of Embergrass he had gathered during a previous outing. Each ingredient was rare, potent, and vital to the recipe he envisioned.
He activated his Spiritual Chef System, and a translucent interface appeared before him.
[Crafting Interface Opened]
Recipe Slot: Custom Creation Detected
Dish Name: Truffle-Infused Flame Stew
Effects: +30% Strength, +20% Agility for 3 hours
The system highlighted the optimal preparation steps and cooking techniques, but Zhang Ye chose to deviate slightly. His instincts, honed from years of cooking in both lives, told him that a small adjustment could enhance the dish's effects.
He began by finely chopping the Ironbark Truffles, their woody aroma filling the air. Next, he caramelized the Starfire Honey over a low flame, the golden liquid releasing a faint, sparkling mist as it warmed. The Embergrass was roasted until it crackled, its sharp, peppery scent adding a layer of complexity to the stew.
As Zhang Ye combined the ingredients in a sturdy iron pot, the air around him seemed to shift. A faint glow emanated from the pot, a sign that the dish was absorbing the spiritual energy he channeled into it.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he concentrated, carefully controlling the heat and stirring with precision. This was no ordinary dish—it was a creation that required both skill and power, a manifestation of his unique talent as an SSS-tier Spiritual Cook.
After what felt like hours, the dish was complete. The rich, earthy aroma of the stew filled the kitchen, its vibrant red hue shimmering faintly with traces of golden light.
[Congratulations! You have successfully crafted Truffle-Infused Flame Stew.]
Effect Verified: +35% Strength, +25% Agility for 3 hours.
Bonus: +10 System Points for innovation.
Zhang Ye allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. The dish was a success, surpassing even his initial expectations. But the true test lay ahead.
---
The next morning, Zhang Ye presented the stew to Kai and Elira, who had agreed to test the dish. The two adventurers eyed the bowl of steaming stew with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
"This is what you risked your life for?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.
Zhang Ye nodded. "It's not just food. It's a tool. Eat it before your next sparring session, and you'll see what I mean."
Kai shrugged and took a spoonful, followed by Elira. As they ate, their expressions shifted from mild surprise to outright astonishment.
"This… this is incredible!" Elira exclaimed, flexing her fingers as if testing her agility. "I can feel the energy coursing through me."
Kai stood up abruptly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Let's test this out."
The guild's training yard was bustling as usual, but all activity ceased when Kai and Elira began their sparring session. Their movements were faster, sharper, and more powerful than ever before. The adventurers watching from the sidelines murmured in awe, their eyes darting between the sparring duo and Zhang Ye, who stood calmly by the edge of the yard.
By the end of the session, both Kai and Elira were breathless but exhilarated.
"I've never felt anything like this," Kai admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Zhang Ye, this dish of yours is a game-changer."
Elira nodded in agreement. "If this is what you can do now, I can't imagine what you'll achieve in the future. You're more than just a cook—you're a force to be reckoned with."
---
Word of the stew spread quickly, and soon adventurers from all ranks were clamoring to try Zhang Ye's creations. Requests flooded in, ranging from dishes to boost stamina for long expeditions to meals that could enhance magical focus for mages.
For Zhang Ye, it was both an opportunity and a challenge. He knew that with greater fame came greater risks. Garun Vallis and his mercenaries were still out there, and other powerful figures would undoubtedly take notice of his growing reputation.
But Zhang Ye wasn't deterred. With each dish he created, he felt himself growing stronger—not just in skill, but in determination. He was no longer the weak, bullied boy who had been cast aside. He was a rising star, a chef whose talents could change the world.
And he was just getting started.