Chapter 15: Echoes of a Threat
The dawn was still a faint blush on the horizon when Zhang Ye awoke. Despite the guild's victory against the Black Serpent Syndicate, an unease lingered in his chest. The ledger they had recovered was filled with incriminating details about the Syndicate's operations, yet Zhang Ye couldn't shake the feeling that this battle was just the beginning.
The guild hall buzzed with activity. Kai and Linna were meeting with representatives from the city council to hand over the ledger. Elira was overseeing the recovery of injured guild members. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye retreated to the kitchen, seeking solace in his craft.
As he prepared the ingredients for a restorative dish, his system buzzed.
[New Quest Unlocked: Consolidate Strength]
Objective: Strengthen yourself and your allies to prepare for future challenges.
Reward: Rare Recipe (Heavenly Nourishment Feast), +500 System Points, and Combat Cooking Technique Manual.]
Zhang Ye read the notification carefully. The system rarely issued quests without reason. If it was urging him to prepare, then the Syndicate—or another threat—was likely to strike again soon.
He focused on his cooking, using the ingredients he had gathered from his recent ventures. The dish he was creating, the Phoenix Flame Stew, was designed to rejuvenate the body and sharpen the mind. Its aroma filled the kitchen, drawing the attention of passing guild members.
One of them, a young recruit named Fen, peeked inside. "That smells incredible, Zhang. What's in it?"
Zhang Ye smiled faintly. "A mix of rare spices and herbs. It's meant to help with recovery after a tough battle. Want to try some?"
Fen's eyes lit up. "Yes, please!"
Zhang Ye ladled a portion into a bowl and handed it over. Fen took a cautious sip, then his face lit up with delight. "This is amazing! I feel... lighter, like I could run a marathon."
"That's the idea," Zhang Ye said. "Pass the word around. Anyone who needs a boost can come by."
---
By mid-morning, the kitchen was packed with guild members seeking Zhang Ye's dishes. Each one left feeling revitalized, their spirits lifted by the chef's creations. But even as Zhang Ye worked, his mind kept returning to the Syndicate.
After the crowd thinned out, Linna entered the kitchen, her expression grim.
"The city council has agreed to take action against the Syndicate," she said, sitting down at the counter. "But it's going to take time. They want to gather more evidence before launching a full-scale operation."
"That's dangerous," Zhang Ye replied, setting down his knife. "The Syndicate won't sit idly by. If they suspect the council is onto them, they'll retaliate."
"I know," Linna said. "That's why we need to stay vigilant. Kai and Elira are organizing patrols around the city, but I think you should focus on strengthening your defenses. If they come after you again, you need to be ready."
Zhang Ye nodded. "I've already started working on it. The system has given me a quest to prepare for what's coming. I'll need your help gathering some rare ingredients."
"Just tell me what you need," Linna said.
---
Over the next few days, Zhang Ye and the guild worked tirelessly. While the others bolstered the city's defenses and scouted for Syndicate activity, Zhang Ye focused on enhancing his skills and creating powerful new dishes.
One of the recipes he unlocked was the Dragonheart Elixir, which required the essence of a Tier 4 Flameclaw Beast. Zhang Ye and a small team ventured into the nearby Emberwood Forest to hunt the creature, braving its fiery attacks and razor-sharp claws.
The battle was intense, but Zhang Ye's tactical mind and the support of his allies ensured their victory. As he extracted the beast's essence, his system chimed.
[Ingredient Acquired: Flameclaw Essence]
[Dragonheart Elixir Recipe Progress: 1/1 Ingredients Collected.]
Back at the guild, Zhang Ye wasted no time in crafting the elixir. Its deep crimson hue shimmered in the light, and the air around it seemed to hum with energy.
When he tested it on himself, a surge of warmth spread through his body, filling him with vitality and strength. The elixir enhanced his physical capabilities and heightened his awareness, making him feel unstoppable.
---
As the days turned into weeks, Zhang Ye's reputation continued to grow. Adventurers and guilds from neighboring cities began visiting Blueveil, seeking his culinary creations. The guild hall became a bustling hub of activity, its members energized by Zhang Ye's dishes and elixirs.
But with fame came risk.
One evening, as Zhang Ye was locking up the kitchen, a shadowy figure appeared at the edge of the courtyard. The figure was clad in dark robes, their face hidden by a hood.
"You're Zhang Ye," the figure said, their voice low and gravelly.
Zhang Ye tensed, his hand drifting toward the small blade at his side. "Who's asking?"
The figure stepped closer, raising their hands to show they were unarmed. "A messenger. My employer wishes to meet with you."
"Your employer?" Zhang Ye asked, narrowing his eyes. "Who are they, and what do they want?"
The messenger hesitated before replying. "My employer is a powerful figure with ties to the Syndicate. They've taken an interest in your skills and wish to discuss a... mutually beneficial arrangement."
Zhang Ye's jaw tightened. "I'm not interested in working with the Syndicate."
The messenger tilted their head. "Are you sure? My employer is willing to offer you protection, wealth, and resources beyond your imagination. All you have to do is cook for them."
Zhang Ye's eyes hardened. "Tell your employer this: I don't work for criminals. And if they come after me or my guild again, they'll regret it."
The messenger sighed. "A pity. You could have had everything. But I suppose some lessons must be learned the hard way."
Without another word, the figure melted into the shadows, leaving Zhang Ye alone in the courtyard.
---
The encounter left Zhang Ye shaken but resolute. The Syndicate wasn't going to give up easily, but neither was he. He returned to the kitchen, his mind racing with plans.
If the Black Serpent Syndicate wanted a fight, they were going to get one. And this time, Zhang Ye would be ready.