GluttonyAndGreed

In a world of swords and magic, where schemes and conspiracies lurk in every shadow, and the ever-looming threat of the Abyss hangs like a guillotine over all, can a chef truly survive—and cook his way to the top?

Reincarnated into a fantastical realm, a young chef finds himself armed with a peculiar gift: a pseudo-OP physique and a mysterious bloodline. But in this world, strength is the only currency that matters. The strong rule, and the weak serve. Determined to reach the pinnacle of culinary mastery, he embarks on a journey that will transform him into a legend—not just as a chef, but as the strongest being to ever walk the land.

Through battles, banquets, and the pursuit of perfection, he will carve his name into the annals of history. But the path to greatness is fraught with danger. The Abyss whispers, empires plot, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. In a world where power dictates fate, will he rise to control his own destiny, or will he be crushed under the weight of those who seek to dominate?

So, I ask you: What are you—the strong or the weak? Will you seize control of your life, or live at the mercy of others? Will you fight for your freedom, your rights, your dreams—or will you surrender?

Cover is not mine ;)

The Nihility Chef

A sickly young man lay in a hospital bed, his frail fingers clutching a small badge. This tiny emblem represented his life's work—his passion, his struggles, his triumphs. How utterly depressing, he thought. With a heavy sigh, he let his mind wander, retracing the steps of his short, bittersweet life.

Memories of a Past Life

He had been an orphan, raised in the cramped confines of a struggling orphanage. From a young age, he had taken on the role of protector and provider for the other children. The dean was too old to manage everything, so he stepped up—cooking, cleaning, and teaching the younger kids. To them, he was more than a brother; he was a father figure.

His childhood forged a deep passion for cooking. As he grew older, he poured his heart into the culinary arts, eventually opening his own restaurant. It quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most renowned establishments in the world. Every year, he hosted a reunion for his "family" from the orphanage, cooking for them just like the old days.

But 2024 marked the end of those reunions. Diagnosed with lung cancer, he was given a year and a half to live. The doctors said it was the result of his childhood spent scavenging through landfills, breathing in toxic fumes to earn money for the orphanage. The government aid and donations had never been enough, so he had done what he had to. Now, he spent his final days surrounded by the sterile, lemon-scented walls of the hospital.

Three months ago, he had written his will, leaving everything he owned to the orphanage and the children he had grown up with. He was ready to die.

Back in the present, the young man chuckled weakly. "Ha... I never thought I'd die at the ripe old age of 27. I didn't even get to have kids. How disappointing." With a final sigh, he closed his eyes, ready to embrace whatever came next.

Verus, Year 7025 NC

In a lavish, opulent room, a group of adults stood around a woman lying on a bed. She was in the throes of childbirth, her face contorted in pain. A man stood nearby, his expression a mix of anxiety and hope. He was clearly worried for the woman, his aura flickering uncontrollably as he paced the room.

Meanwhile, a newborn consciousness stirred. "What's going on? Didn't I die? Why do I feel like I'm floating?" Struggling to open his eyes, the newborn perceived towering figures surrounding him. Voices began to filter into his new ears, a cacophony of excitement and relief.

"The baby has been delivered safely, Master and Madam," the midwife announced, cradling the infant in her arms. "And what beautiful eyes he has!"

"Hahaha! I have a son! I have a son!" The man's voice boomed through the room as he danced around, his unrestrained aura filling the space with palpable energy.

"Let me see my son, you idiot," a gentle yet playful voice chimed in. The woman on the bed, exhausted but radiant, reached out for the baby. She was stunning—long, silky silver hair framed her face, and her piercing purple eyes sparkled with love. "And restrain your aura! You're so loud," she added with a soft laugh.

As the baby was placed in his mother's arms, his new mind began to race. "I have a second chance," he thought. "I can climb to the top again. In this life, I vow to live with no regrets, no hesitation. I will live freely, and I will never falter."

His mother leaned over him, her smile warm and tender. "Let's name him Samael," she said. "Because he will be our little light."

The man, now calmer, nodded in agreement. "Oh yes, he will."

A Second Chance