Chapter 22: Lamb Khichdi

Ray didn't think much about how he knew how to use alum. He rubbed his temple. Returning to the room, he checked the rack.

He found a dark brown winter coat with a gray fur-lined hood and white stitching. The coat looked thick and well-insulated, perfect for cold weather.

He took the coat and put it on. The sleeves were slightly longer than his hands, covering most of them. Only his fingertips peeked out when he stood still.

Opening the door, he stepped into the hallway. The corridor stretched ahead, lined with doors, each with a glowing knob. These knobs recognized the designated occupants of each room.

"Room 306"

He glanced at the sign on his door before walking in one direction. After a turn, he found only emergency supplies.

"My sense of direction...."

He scoffed, made a U-turn, and headed toward the stairs at the end of the hall. He took the stairs down. The second-floor hallway was empty. The first was the same.

At the reception, staff members were busy working. A receptionist spotted him and called out.

"Dear student Valoria, your class is in the garden. Would you like us to escort you?"

Before Ray could respond, a loud BANG echoed through the hall. Yep Professor Vladimir Again....

"MUSCLE!!!"

The professor marched in, chest puffed out, flexing his biceps. He wore only a camouflage tank top and blue gym shorts.

"Chigga~~! You must be hungry, YEAHHH!!!"

Before Ray could say anything, Vladimir grabbed his hood and yanked him forward.

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Professor Vladimir dragged Ray to the garden. Ray didn't resist. He just went with the flow.

"Listen, uhhh~~ chigga!!!"

Vladimir roared, his grin creeping uncomfortably close.

"We're making lamb khichdi for breakfast. HELP YOUR COMRADES!!!"

Without waiting for an answer, Vladimir shoved sixteen stacks of firewood into Ray's arms. Around them, students were busy with cooking and other preparations.

Just then, Professor Ellios approached, effortlessly lifting a stack of firewood.

"Yeah, don't mind him. He's been like this since he joined."

Ellios said casually.

"Let me help you with those stacks."

After a few rounds of carrying supplies, Ellios and Ray finally sat down on a tree trunk to rest.

"So, Ray… what really happened after the caravans got lost in the storm?"

Ray raised an eyebrow.

"Why ask me?"

"Because if anything happens, you're the one who handles the situation."

Ellios smirked.

"Besides, don't worry—I won't tell anyone. Otherwise, your sister will strangle me so hard I won't be able to breathe...Haha...."

He shuddered, imagining Yana choking him. Ray sighed.

"You're not wrong. But first, what happened on your end?"

Ellios leaned back.

"Two caravans went missing while we were pushing through the storm. By the time we decided to set up shelter, it was already too late."

Ray nodded.

"Ours was shaking a lot. Professor Vladimir said it was because of the rocky roads."

"That cursed weather forced us to take shelter. Going out to search was too risky."

Ray exhaled.

"At some point, the professor fainted when he realized how messed up we were. Then a student named Doyoun started yelling, getting aggressive. I had to pin him against the wall for self-defense."

Ellios chuckled.

"I bet the other students appreciated that."

Ray blinked, trying to recall something.

"I feel like I forgot something…"

Ellios crossed his arms.

"What happened next?"

"When I woke up, most of the students were already up. They tried opening the door, but it was blocked by heavy snow."

Ray shrugged.

"Then Doyoun ambushed me again. But instead of attacking, he tripped over and knocked the door open for us. What a gentleman."

Ellios burst into laughter, Ray didn't.

"After that, a bunch of mountain elves attacked us."

Ray said flatly. Ellios' expression turned serious.

"Master Baiyun said the same thing. Their door was also covered in snow. And their caravan driver and horses were missing."

"Ours too."

Ray muttered. Ellios exhaled.

"No need to explain how you took down those elves. I can already imagine it."

Ray shook his head.

"I wasn't the one who killed their leader."

"Heh?"

"I was actually overwhelmed by his strength."

"Yeah, I'm not buying that."

"It's true. At the end, a Frostbane Walker appeared. He called me 'friend' and said something that didn't make any sense."

"Still not buying it."

Ray gave him a side-eye.

"No one asked you to."

"So, what was the name of their leader?"

"Fuco...? Fukorelus...?Fuckyourelas??? Uhh… I don't remember."

Ellios expected that kind of answer and simply shrugged.

"Well, I got my curiosity cleared up. How about you go see what's cooking?"

As if on cue, Ray's stomach growled loudly. Ellios smirked smugly before turning on his heel and walking away.

A rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the air, the scent wrapping around Ray like a warm embrace. Spices, Meat, Something sizzling. His hunger sharpened.

Following the invisible trail of scent, Ray soon arrived at the cooking area. There, he saw Mizuko, a group of students and Professor Baiyun.

Professor Baiyun stood at the center of it all, orchestrating the cooking like a master conductor leading an orchestra.

He was a bald man, appearing somewhere in his late seventies, yet his body was strong and unwavering, exuding an aura of discipline.

His long, white mustache swayed slightly with his movements. He had no eyebrows, and his eyes remained closed, yet he moved as if he could see beyond sight.

He wore a traditional monk like robe with long-flowing sleeves. The robe was primarily orange, with a yellow inner layer visible at the collar and cuffs. Around his neck hung a decorative necklace with a circular medallion, enhancing his wise and spiritual presence.

The air around him shimmered slightly—his magic at work. With precise, fluid motions, Baiyun sprinkled a combination of spices into the large cooking pot.

Cinnamon, cardamom, garam masala, turmeric, chilies, bay leaves, cloves, roasted garlic, cumin seeds, mustard paste... and many, many more.

The students assisted, carefully pouring in freshly marinated lamb, soaked in soy sauce and fragrant herbs. Another group measured and added brown rice, mixing it in perfectly.

Standing nearby, Mizuko held a large wooden spoon in her hand. She wore a black apron over her light green sweater, her expression set in a deep scowl.

"Anyone touches the pot, and I'm beating them with this spoon."

Her frown deepened, her grip tightening on the spoon as if daring someone to try. Ray stared at her for a moment.

"She reminds me of Yana…"

Without another word, he turned away and walked toward Professor Archwood.

"Sir, may I head to the market?"

Archwood raised an eyebrow.

"You can, but may I know why?"

"I think I liked some goods."

Archwood studied him for a second, then nodded.

"Very well. You have thirty minutes until the food is ready."

With permission granted, Ray turned and headed toward the marketplace, his thoughts drifting as he weaved through the bustling crowd.