Chapter 27: The First Lesson

The sun had barely risen, yet the academy grounds were already filled with movement. Recruits—some former guild members, others drawn by the rumors of Zhang Ye's power—stood in rows, awaiting their first lesson.

Zhang Ye walked among them, his presence commanding silence. These people had come to learn, but few truly understood what they were about to experience.

Kai stretched, yawning. "So, do they start with chopping vegetables, or do we throw them into the fire?"

Linna rolled her eyes. "We're training warriors, not restaurant apprentices."

Elira, standing to the side, smirked. "But cooking is a battlefield. If they can't handle pressure in the kitchen, they won't survive against real threats."

Zhang Ye stopped in front of the recruits. His voice was calm but firm. "Food is power. A dish can strengthen you, heal you, or destroy you. But before you can use that power, you must first understand it."

He raised his hand, and the system activated.

[Cooking Trial: Awakening the Senses]

In an instant, the air shimmered, and tables filled with ingredients appeared before the recruits. Spices, meats, herbs, and rare monster parts—all laid out in perfect arrangement.

The recruits gasped.

Zhang Ye continued. "Your first test is simple: Create something edible. No recipes, no guidance. Just instinct."

Confusion spread through the group. Some hesitated, while others grabbed ingredients at random.

Kai chuckled. "This is gonna be fun."

Linna, watching closely, murmured, "This isn't just about cooking, is it?"

Elira nodded. "No. He's testing their perception, their adaptability. The best warriors aren't the strongest—they're the ones who can read a battlefield."

Minutes passed. Some recruits cautiously chopped ingredients, others struggled with combinations. A few stood frozen, unable to make a decision.

Zhang Ye observed quietly, his Grandmaster's Teaching skill revealing each person's potential. He already saw who had talent and who would need extra guidance.

One recruit stepped forward, presenting a dish—a rough stew with an odd aroma. Zhang Ye tasted it, then nodded. "Not bad. You used instinct, but lacked balance. The spice overpowers the base, but your understanding of flavor isn't bad."

The recruit beamed, relieved.

Another brought forward a plate of burnt meat, looking embarrassed. Zhang Ye tasted it anyway. "You pushed the heat too high, but the technique shows confidence. You just need control."

One by one, he assessed each attempt, offering advice not just on the dish, but on the person behind it.

By the time the trial ended, exhaustion showed on many faces.

Zhang Ye set down the final plate. "Cooking isn't just about following a recipe. It's about control, adaptation, and instinct. The same applies to battle." He looked over the recruits. "Some of you will excel in combat cooking, others in enhancement elixirs. But all of you will learn that food is more than sustenance—it's a weapon."

The recruits stood straighter, realizing this was far more than they had expected.

Just then, a scout rushed in. "Urgent report! The Crimson Sovereign Clan's vanguard has been spotted outside the district. They're moving now."

The air grew heavy.

Linna's expression darkened. "They didn't wait three days."

Kai cracked his knuckles. "Good. Let's give them a proper welcome."

Zhang Ye turned to the recruits. "Lesson two begins now."

The academy's first true battle was about to begin.