The morning after the Flamecore Lobster hunt, Kai awoke in the Guild's Junior Quarters with a single thought searing through his mind:
"One more dish. One more level."
His XP sat at 280 / 300. Just 20 XP stood between him and Level 5—a new threshold in his journey across Ardentia.
He retrieved the Flamecore Lobster from the Vault's cold chamber, its shell still pulsing with dormant heat. Tier 3 ingredients weren't just rare—they were dangerous. Mishandling them could result in spoiled dishes… or kitchen explosions.
Guild Announcement:"Today's open showcase welcomes all Junior Chefs to present a unique recipe to the public! Judging will occur by coin vote. Fame, reputation, and opportunity await!"
Kai didn't hesitate.
He chose his station, drawing curious eyes from fellow chefs as he placed the Flamecore Lobster gently on a chopping slab of ashwood. The judging crowd included Guild seniors, merchant agents, and noble tasters. Perfect.
He reviewed his attributes:
Culinary Sense: 8
Knife Technique: 5
Heat Control: 5 (II)
Stamina: 7
Focus: 10
Mana: 7
With his mana still insufficient to use [Flame Artistry I] (15 MP), Kai leaned entirely on intuition, technique, and creative control.
Dish: Infernal Lobster Blossom
Kai began with precision cuts, separating the lava-glazed shell from the delicate, fiery flesh. Each movement used Knife Technique and Focus to maintain structural integrity—the meat shimmered with residual heat.
He created a puree of mountain yam and embernut oil to temper the spice, layered with river salt foam and charred wild garlic crisps.
Finally, he plated the lobster meat into a blooming spiral, its inner veins glowing like fire coals beneath ember petals.
The smell alone silenced the courtyard.
One by one, judges stepped forward.
Noblewoman Rellia of House Dovan tasted it first. Her eyes widened slightly—shock, then a slow nod of deep approval.
Chef Yalara, stoic as ever, broke tradition and clapped once.
Even Jorren, now a begrudging rival, couldn't hide a twitch of respect.
[System Notification]
Your dish earned 20 coin votes!
+20 XP
Level Up! → Level 5 reached!
+3 Stat Points Gained
[System Notification]
New Title Unlocked: Fire-Touched
You have successfully prepared a Tier 3 heat-aligned ingredient. Your presence now carries a faint aura of elemental fire.
Effect: Slight intimidation against lesser chefs. +1 Heat Control.
Kai's Updated Stats:
Level: 5
XP: 0 / 400
Title: Junior Chef, Pan Warden, Fire-Touched
Reputation: 52
Culinary Sense: 8
Knife Technique: 5
Heat Control: 6 (II)
Stamina: 7
Focus: 10
Mana: 7
Unspent Stat Points: 3