Chapter 21: Flames of Retaliation
The aftermath of the guild's swift assault on the Syndicate's warehouse rippled through the eastern district like wildfire. Word spread that the guild had struck a decisive blow against the Syndicate, disrupting their operations and forcing them to retreat. But Zhang Ye knew that this victory, while significant, would only provoke their enemies further.
Back at the guild headquarters, the atmosphere was tense yet focused. Members prepared for the inevitable counterattack, fortifying their defenses and sharpening their skills. Every action was deliberate, every decision calculated.
Zhang Ye stood in the central hall, reviewing the latest reports with Linna and Kai. Their scouts had observed Syndicate forces regrouping at another stronghold deeper in the eastern district—a heavily fortified base that served as the heart of their operations in the area.
"They're not wasting any time," Linna said, pointing to a marked location on the map. "This base is their command center. If we take it out, we'll cripple their presence in the district for good."
Kai frowned. "That's easier said than done. They'll be expecting us this time. And with how much they've fortified this place, we'll be walking into a death trap."
Zhang Ye studied the map, his mind racing. The Syndicate's strength lay in their numbers and the strategic advantage of their fortified base. But even the strongest walls could crumble if the foundation was undermined.
"We'll use misdirection," Zhang Ye said, his voice steady. "They'll expect a direct assault, so we'll give them one. But our real objective will be to infiltrate and disable their defenses from within."
Linna raised an eyebrow. "You have a plan?"
Zhang Ye nodded. "We'll prepare a new batch of dishes specifically designed to disrupt their forces. But this time, we'll need something even more potent."
---
Zhang Ye returned to the kitchen, his sanctuary and battlefield. The system had unlocked a new recipe after their last mission: Crimson Tempest Soup. The description alone sent a thrill through him.
[Crimson Tempest Soup: A dish that heightens combat instincts and grants explosive bursts of strength. Effects intensify when consumed in the heat of battle. Caution: Prolonged use may lead to exhaustion.]
"This will be our trump card," Zhang Ye murmured as he gathered the ingredients. The recipe required rare and volatile components, including the fiery Emberlot Pepper, known for its ability to amplify energy, and the essence of a Tier 4 Flame Serpent's core.
Acquiring the ingredients wasn't easy. Zhang Ye had to send out a small team to hunt the Flame Serpent while he focused on preparing the other components. The hunt was perilous, but the team returned victorious, albeit battered and bruised.
As Zhang Ye worked on the soup, the kitchen filled with a fiery aroma that seemed to crackle with energy. The dish required precision and control—too much heat, and the ingredients would lose their potency; too little, and the dish would fail to activate its effects.
Hours passed as Zhang Ye meticulously crafted the Crimson Tempest Soup. When it was finally complete, the vibrant red liquid seemed to shimmer with an inner light, radiating an intense warmth.
He tasted a small spoonful, and his eyes widened as a surge of energy coursed through him. It was as if his senses had sharpened, his reflexes heightened.
"This will do," he said, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
---
As night fell, the guild mobilized for their next mission. Zhang Ye distributed the Crimson Tempest Soup to the assault team, cautioning them about its effects.
"Drink it only when the battle is at its peak," Zhang Ye instructed. "It'll give you the edge you need, but don't overuse it. The effects are temporary, and the exhaustion afterward will be severe."
The team nodded, their expressions resolute.
The guild's forces split into two groups: the diversion team, led by Linna and Kai, and the infiltration team, led by Zhang Ye.
Linna's group launched a frontal assault on the Syndicate's base, drawing their forces out and creating chaos. Explosions lit up the night as the guild's fighters clashed with the Syndicate's mercenaries.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ye's team slipped through the shadows, using the chaos as cover. They navigated the maze-like corridors of the Syndicate's base, avoiding patrols and disabling traps along the way.
Zhang Ye's senses were on high alert, his every move calculated. The Crimson Tempest Soup still lingered in his system, sharpening his focus and granting him bursts of speed when needed.
When they reached the base's central command room, Zhang Ye's team encountered heavy resistance. Syndicate elites guarded the area, their combat prowess evident in their coordinated attacks.
Zhang Ye activated the effects of the Crimson Tempest Soup, his movements becoming a blur as he engaged the elites. His cooking knives, infused with spiritual energy, danced through the air, deflecting attacks and striking with pinpoint accuracy.
The battle was fierce, but Zhang Ye's team fought with unwavering determination. They had trained for this, prepared for this, and they refused to falter.
---
By the time the sun began to rise, the Syndicate's base lay in ruins. Zhang Ye and his team stood victorious, their exhaustion overshadowed by the triumph of their mission.
Linna and Kai joined them, their own team having successfully dismantled the Syndicate's external defenses.
"We did it," Linna said, her voice tinged with relief.
Zhang Ye nodded, though his expression remained serious. "This was a critical victory, but the Syndicate won't stop here. They'll regroup and strike back. We need to stay vigilant."
Kai clapped Zhang Ye on the back, grinning despite the bruises on his face. "For now, let's enjoy the win. You've earned it."
Zhang Ye allowed himself a small smile. The war was far from over, but they had taken a significant step toward reclaiming the eastern district.
As the guild returned to their headquarters, Zhang Ye's system chimed with a new notification.
[Quest Progress: Defend the Eastern District. Objective 2 Complete: Neutralize the Syndicate's command center. Rewards: 500 XP, Title Unlocked: Strategic Chef.]
The words brought a surge of pride and determination. Zhang Ye wasn't just fighting for the guild—he was fighting for a future where his cooking could inspire and empower those around him.
And he wasn't done yet.