Chapter 27: Cook

The '+' indicates that they had been overwritten by stronger, similar skills. He first got War Cry from the Minotaur, which caused paralyzing fear in those one level below him—though it wasn't very useful because Predator already made weaker enemies fear him. This skill was later overwritten when he absorbed the Wyvern's roar, gaining the additional ability to temporarily boost allies' strength, agility, and aggression. Unfortunately, it didn't work on himself.

Fire Breath was also overwritten by the Wyvern's fire breath. The Infant Dragon's breath generated fire internally in its throat before releasing it, while the Hellhound's fire breath utilized heat from the surrounding air to form flames in front of its mouth. This was why sparks appeared around their mouths, gathering inside their maws before they unleashed their flames.

When he absorbed the Hellhound's fire breath, however, it didn't upgrade his existing ability but gave the choice to keep his current fire breath or replace it with the Hellhound's version. It seemed Scavenger couldn't merge skills or magic, so he chose to keep his own. In the end, it didn't matter because the Wyvern's fire breath could do both—generating fire internally and using heat from the air—and it overwrote his original ability, hence the '+.'

Now, Rex could use both types of fire breath, and each had its own advantages and disadvantages. The internal breath was highly controllable—he could adjust the intensity, size, and shape of the flames mid-blast by regulating the flow of mind and air. It was precise and versatile, perfect for focused attacks or sustained bursts. 

However, it took a moment to activate, and maintaining the flames for too long drained his mind reserves quickly. It also had a shorter range, limited by his lung capacity.

On the other hand, the external breath was quicker and more explosive. It gathered heat from the surrounding air, forming a concentrated ball of flame that could be unleashed in a blast or sent forward like a projectile almost instantly. This made it ideal for surprise attacks or hitting distant targets with devastating force. 

However, once the flames were fired, he couldn't adjust their intensity or direction. It was a 'fire and forget' ability, less precise and more dependent on the environment. In cold areas or places with low ambient heat, its effectiveness dropped significantly.

The duality gave him versatility in combat, and he could also use both of them for his ultimate ability, he simply named 'Red Dragon's Breath.' This is an ultimate ability he made that uses Mental Compartmentalization to combine Strong Body, Body Furnace, Blue Papilio Powder, External Fire Breath, and Internal Fire Breath, for a single, devastating fire breath. 

He hasn't tested it, but it's a theory confirmed by Scavenger. 'I will have to test it the next time I return.' He would have to use it against the black Goliath when it spawns so he needed to know its true worth.

The meeting concluded with Zanis weighing his options before deciding to strike a deal with both Familia. He knew he couldn't afford to side with one and risk angering the other, so he settled on a balanced arrangement to maximize leverage for the Soma Familia.

Each week, he would supply 10 units of Blue Papilio powder to both the Dian Cecht and Panacea Familia at 500,000 valis per unit, while retaining 10 additional units for public sale at 1 million valis each. This ensured scarcity and deterred the Familia from buying out the public supply. In exchange, both Familia agreed to grant Soma a medicinal license, legitimizing their wine and powder sales while bypassing Guild restrictions. 

The agreement included an exclusivity clause, capping total distribution at 30 units weekly (10 to each Familia and 10 to the public) and maintaining balance—if one Familia received extra stock, the other would match it. By pricing the public units prohibitively high, Zanis ensured the Familia couldn't undercut Soma's market, while the medicinal license fortified their monopoly and credibility.

Rex couldn't help but smirk internally. 'We make only profits, since the production cost is zero.' He kept himself from bursting out into laughter. 'It's like selling air for millions!' Who knew his magic would be such a gold mine!

Dian Cecht, of course, refused to finalize the deal until he was granted the same 18 extra units that Panacea had already received. Zanis reluctantly agreed, knowing it wouldn't significantly impact his profits—after all, he'd still be making a substantial amount, and producing the powder wasn't difficult, according to Rex.

"Well, that settles it." Zanis kept his expression carefully neutral, his smile strained as he addressed the gods. "I'll have my attendant, Rex, deliver the first batch of fifteen to each of your Familia tomorrow after we finalize the contract in the guild. Of course, you will get your extra eighteen, my lord."

'??!!' Rex, who had been lost in thought, snapped his head toward Zanis. 'What the fuck, why me?!' His expression barely twitched, but internally, he was already calculating how to get out of this sudden errand. 

He had a night shift today!

Dian Cecht barked out a laugh, slapping his knee. "Good, good! Let's see if this so-called miracle powder holds up."

Panacea simply nodded. "That would be acceptable."

With the final words exchanged, the meeting concluded. As the gods and their captains prepared to leave, Panacea turned back toward Zanis. "I must apologize once more for the abrupt intrusion and for putting you in a difficult position," she said, her voice gentle. 

She gestured to Durlan, who stepped forward, reaching into his pouch to produce two large fancy bottles. "As a token of goodwill, please accept these—two Elixirs. Consider them an apology for the way this meeting unfolded."

"A generous gift." Zanis accepted the case without hesitation, offering a respectful nod. "I appreciate the gesture, Lady Panacea."

Dian Cecht scoffed. "Hah! Trying to one-up me, are you?" He chuckled but made no further remarks, clearly unbothered by the exchange.

As the gods departed, Dian Cecht couldn't resist a final jab. "I suppose even a second-rate Familia can find fortune if they stumble on the right product." His voice carried its usual arrogance.

Panacea remained composed, offering a subtle smile. "And yet, even the finest potions cannot cure a god's pettiness."

Dian Cecht's laughter echoed as they exited, leaving behind a tense silence when Airmid closed the door. The moment the doors shut, Zanis let out a long, loud sigh, his entire body deflating like a punctured balloon as he sank into his chair, hands covering his face.

"And that's it." Rex clapped his hands together, breaking the silence. "I told you I was going to bring more prestige to the Familia, and I was right. A single day, and we made eight million. And tomorrow, we'll make—" he trailed off, suddenly calculating. 

"Holy shit, eighteen million more." His eyes widened. "We made twenty-six million in two days!"

He suddenly roared, "OH MY GOD!"

Zanis flinched as Rex grabbed his shoulder from behind, leaning in. "We fucking made twenty-six million in two days!" he shouted directly into Zanis' ear before throwing his hands up and laughing. "Since this isn't part of the Familia expenses, we can basically pocket all twenty-six million! Look at that!"

Zanis grinned at this as Rex continued. "You needed years to save up to ninety million, and at this rate, in a month, we'll hit ninety million, and in two, we'll be past a hundred!" Zanis' grin stretched wider, twisting into something almost inhuman, a grotesque reflection of sheer greed.

But then Rex leaned in again, positioning his lips beside Zanis' ears, "But all of that?" he whispered. "It's going into making me a first-class weapon. Don't get your hopes up for that grimoire."

Zanis' dream shattered into a thousand pieces, his hideous smile vanishing instantly. 'Motherfucker.'

Rex straightened, cracking his neck. "But seriously, why did you make me the one to deliver the dust?"

Zanis sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it shouldn't be much of a problem. It's not like they set a specific time where you had to deliver it."

"Guess I have to do it, then." Rex nodded, walking around the couch as he headed for the door. "Also, have someone spy on that kid that leveled up in two months."

Zanis asked, still sunken into the couch. "Why is that?"

"No reason," he replied, "And your spy should watch him carefully, especially when he enters the guild and speaks with his advisor. I believe her name is Eina?"

He glanced back at Zanis as he held the door knob. "The moment the spy hears he's entering the middle floors, I want them to report to me."

Zanis didn't question it. "That means you need to be somewhere the spy can reach you quickly."

Rex paused, just now realizing the implication. "Damn," he muttered.

Zanis leaned back. "So, no dungeon diving for however long you want this spy to watch the boy."

"It shouldn't take more than a few days." He paused, "I doubt it'll be a week," Rex mumbled, uncertain. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I guess I can use this time to learn about the monsters in the Large Tree Labyrinth. Have the spy find me in the guild library, on the third floor."

As he opened the door, he paused and looked back, "Matter of fact, just have the spy watch him in the guild during the mornings. No following him around." Afterall, Bell was also being watched by Freya. 

He didn't want to draw that goddess attention to himself.

'Come to think of it,' He left the room, closing the door behind him. 'Won't eyes start turning to the Soma familia?' 

Not only had they secured a contract with the business giant that was the Ishtar Familia, but the two gods of the largest medicinal Familias in the city had just personally visited them, accompanied by their captains. It was inevitable—eyes would turn toward the Soma Familia. 

However, most would likely assume that the visit was related to Soma wine, believing the two Familias had come seeking it as a medicinal help after seeing it distributed through the Ishtar Familia.

'So we should sell the dust anonymously,' Rex thought as he stopped walking. That would keep them discreet—everyone would assume he was merely selling wine to the three major Familias so they wouldn't get visited by more alchemic familia for contract.

'I should tell Zanis that.'

Zanis had likely thought of it already, but just to be sure, Rex turned back and opened the door—only to freeze, his mouth hanging open with the words caught in his throat.

Zanis, the captain of the Soma Familia, was kneeling on the ground in front of the couch where Panacea had sat, his face buried in the fabric as he… sniffed the spot where the goddess had been sitting.

'…'

Rex's mouth remained agape as he stared at the man, who slowly lifted his head. Their eyes met.

Zanis' face went rigid with horror.

A long silence stretched between them before Zanis abruptly shouted, "It's not what you think—!"

The door slammed shut. Rex sped away.

'I saw nothing.' He thought, his pace quickening as he made his way to his room to grab his things for a shower. 

Like the other high-ranking members in the Familia, his room was in the main mansion, in the same building as Zanis and Soma. Those two occupied the highest floor—the fourth—where Zanis' office was also located, while Rex, Chandra, the late Canoe, Prime, and others lived on the first through third floors. The three girls could have resided here as well, but secrecy about their strength kept them elsewhere.

Ascending to the third floor, he opened his door and stepped inside. "Home sweet home," he mumbled, eyes landing on his bed. "Hello, Mr. Snuggles," he said, addressing the pink teddy bear perched against the wall. 

The doll had been a gift from Coco two days ago, after she and the others had followed him to his room to see where he lived. They'd deemed it 'depressing' and decided to give him things to brighten it up. Coco gifted him the doll, Kaede had given him one of her older katanas, and Momiji had given him a metal fan—something she had once tried using as a weapon before giving up on it.

"Is it really depressing?" he wondered aloud as he stripped off his gear.

The room itself was large, but sparsely furnished. A single window stood open, allowing the late afternoon sunlight to spill in, illuminating specks of dust that floated lazily through the air. A lone mattress rested on the floor without a bedframe, above it, the katana in its white saya hung from the wall, with the red fan positioned below it, and the pink teddy bear sat neatly on the mattress against the wall. 

In one corner, a table and chair occupied a modest space, the surface cluttered with various items. An open closet revealed a handful of hanging clothes, with a bag stuffed with more at its base, and a full-body mirror was mounted on the door. Across the room, his adventuring bag rested beside other adventuring supplies. 

That was it. The only things filling the vast room. It looked fine in his eyes, but undoubtedly hollow to others.

'Whatever,' he thought as he went to go shower in the communal bathroom. 

He cleaned himself, brushed his teeth, and returned to his room, changing into a simple white long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and slippers. Dinner had just begun being served, but he wanted to make his own meal in the kitchen—one only Soma, Zanis, Chandra, and now he was allowed to use it in this building.

The moment he pulled the door open, he found the three little musketeers standing outside, Kaede's fist poised mid-knock.

His eyes moved to the smallest girl in the back. "Hi, Coco," he greeted enthusiastically with a wave.

Coco's eyes lit up as she waved with a bright smile. "Hi, Rex."

Kaede's rabbit ears shot up as she pointed at him and declared, "Ya don't see us!?"

"Oh my," Momiji's fox ears drooped as she wiped away invisible tears. "I feel hurt~."

"Oh, hi, you two." Rex turned his attention to the two. "What brings you here?"

Kaede scoffed, folding her arm. "We were gonna invite ol' Mr. Broody to dinner, but now I dunno if I wanna bother."

"Aww~ I am sad~," Rex mocked a childish voice as he stepped out of his room, the three girls moving aside to let him close the door behind him. "But I was going to make myself food. I'm tired of eating from the dining hall."

"Eh?" Kaede tilted her head, her rabbit ears twitching slightly. "No way, ya can cook?"

"Of course." Rex nodded as he walked. "I'm twenty-three. Why wouldn't I know how to cook?"

Kaede scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, I ain't buyin' it." She said as they began walking.

"Where would you even learn to cook?" Momiji asked, walking beside him. "I want to learn too."

"I taught myself," Rex replied. 

In truth, Prime Rex had never learned to cook, but back in the orphanage on Earth, the Sisters had made all the kids take home economics. Since he lived alone, he'd been forced to build up cooking skills—taking McDonald's home every night after work was not healthy. He considered himself a good cook. Not great, not professional, but good.

 "Alright then, big shot. Show us what ya got." Kaede grinned and elbowed Momo beside. "Right, Momo, don'tcha wanna see if he can actually cook or if he's just bluffin'?"

The girl nodded.

"Well then," Rex cracked his knuckles. "I'll show you my skills."

The four entered the kitchen, the scent of lingering spices and oils in the air as Rex moved toward the storage area. He pulled out a fresh piece of chicken meat and, without hesitation, began preparing his ingredients. The three girls sat nearby on the kitchen island, talking to each other as Rex used some of the high-quality spices and sauces stored in the cabinets.

The rich, sweet aroma of the broth gradually filled the kitchen, making their noses twitch in anticipation. Finally, after thirty minutes, he set three bowls of steaming chicken soup in front of them, stepping back with a confident nod.

Momiji leaned in, her fox ears perking up. "It smells good," she mumbled.

"Somethin' 'bout this feels off." Kaede crossed her arms with suspicion. "I don't trust it."

"It's delicious." Rex waved his hand. "Go on. Try it."

The three girls hesitated, staring at the golden broth and tender pieces of meat floating within. It looked as good as it smelled—there shouldn't be any problem… right?

Kaede suddenly poked Coco's arm with a smirk. "Didn't ya say ya wanted to try Rex's cookin'?" she reminded her. "So why don't ya go first?"

"Me?" Coco blinked, confused. Wasn't you the one who said that? She wanted to ask.

"You should try it." Momiji nodded, smiling encouragingly. "I'm sure it's good."

'Then why don't you try it!' Coco didn't say that as she glanced at Rex, who simply nodded with an easy smile. Taking a deep breath, she scooped up a piece of chicken with her spoon, letting the broth drip slightly before placing it into her mouth.

Her eyes widened instantly. "Delicious!" she exclaimed, her entire face lighting up in bliss.

Kaede leaned forward, still doubtful. "For real?"

Coco's reaction was almost too exaggerated. She was practically glowing. Kaede and Momiji exchanged glances before cautiously picking up their spoons and taking a bite.

And then—they froze.

At that moment, Zanis walked into the kitchen, sniffing the air. "What's that smell?" he muttered as he stepped in, his gaze flickering over the three girls staring at him before settling on Rex. "It smells good."

Rex grinned mischievously. "Hello, Mr. Sniffles."

The three girls turned to him in surprise. Sure, Rex was a Level 2 now, like Zanis, so they were in a way equal, but the way he so casually addressed the captain was borderline rude. Yet, surprisingly, Zanis ignored it and instead walked toward the pot, peering inside.

"You can cook?"

"Yep." Rex noded.

Zanis glanced at him again, pushing up his glasses. "So it's you who've been sneaking into the kitchen at night."

Rex ignored that as he grabbed another plate, filling it with soup before holding it out to Zanis. "Have a taste."

Zanis took the bowl, looked at it, then glanced back at the three girls who nodded simultaneously, with Kaede sticking up a thumb. 'Let's see then.' Zanis scooped up a spoonful before placing it in his mouth.

His entire body jolted.

"Ugh—what is this?!" He roared, spitting it back into the plate. "Who let you cook!?"

The taste that assaulted his tongue was beyond comprehension. It was worse than eating dirt, worse than licking a used boot—no, it was even worse than eating something utterly inedible. The salt, pepper, and overpowering sauces made it a monstrosity of a dish, so vile that swallowing was a battle against his own instincts.

He glared back at the girls. "Who let him cook?!"

"Hahaha—Ugh~!" Kaede doubled over, cackling before her laughter turned into a retching sound. "Hhhuuuaarrgh—!" she choked, her ears flopping as she vomited onto the floor.

Momiji, clutching her stomach, barely made it to the trash can before emptying her mouth. Meanwhile, Coco just sat there, silent tears streaming down her cheeks, her expression filled with betrayal as she stared at Rex.

The corners of Rex's mouth twitched before he burst out laughing, unable to contain himself. He had deliberately made it smell and look amazing while ensuring the taste was an abomination.

The first time he cooked for them, he had to make it memorable.

As Zanis, Kaede, and Momiji recovered from their suffering while Coco quietly wept, Rex continued laughing. The moment was frozen in time—a ridiculous, absurd, yet oddly heartwarming instance of daily life.

Perhaps in the future, when they looked back, they would feel a strange sense of nostalgia. Of course, it was just as likely that they would hold a deep grudge against him for this culinary crime and never let him cook again.

But Rex didn't mind. They would remember this. And so would he.

It turned out that work and dungeon diving weren't everything in life. Moments like these—these stupid, messy, human moments—were fun.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed…

[Author's Note: Next chapter should be the start of the first limited time event.

Thank you all readers for your love, comments, and stones. I can't repay such great kindness, so I can only repay you with my body~]