Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The Shadow’s Feast
Victor stood before the large hearth in the kitchen, the crackling fire casting long shadows across the stone walls. The Demon King's Tavern had come to life, and the time had come to prepare a feast worthy of his new patrons. He wasn't sure exactly what he was doing, but the Gourmet System had been persistently reminding him of the tasks ahead. Its notifications were a constant reminder that he couldn't afford to fail, and failure was something he wasn't willing to entertain.
"Alright," Victor muttered, his hands twitching as he surveyed the ingredients scattered across the counter. "Time to get creative."
His mind raced as he thought about the demons, the monstrous creatures, and the otherworldly patrons who'd be tasting his creations. He had to push his culinary skills to the limit, blending flavors and techniques that could please even the most fearsome of beasts. It wasn't just about feeding them—he had to *impress* them. For in this world, where power was everything, a mere meal could become a stepping stone or a downfall. If he failed here, he might not live to see another day.
The Gourmet System chimed in, its voice cold and methodical as always. *"Objective: Prepare a high-level dish suitable for the Demon King's army. Ingredients: Venomfang Ribs, Shroomflame Caps, Demon Essence Sauce. Objective Completion: 0%."*
Victor grinned. The system was relentless, but he had learned to appreciate its guidance. While it wasn't exactly *helping* him in the traditional sense, its constant reminders and mission objectives were all he needed to stay focused. He could practically feel the system watching over him, keeping track of every ingredient, every movement.
"Fire-roasted Venomfang Ribs," Victor muttered to himself. The Venomfang was a rare creature found only deep in the volcanic mountains of the Demon Realm. Its meat was said to carry the essence of fire itself, a delicacy not only for its unique taste but also for the rejuvenating powers it granted. Consuming it would give the eater temporary boosts in strength, endurance, and even regenerative abilities—attributes prized by any soldier in this brutal world. It was the perfect choice for this occasion.
Victor grinned. "I can make this work."
He reached for a pair of long tongs and grabbed the large Venomfang ribs that had been marinating in a deep, aromatic sauce made of sulfur herbs and blood berries. The scent was potent, a mix of heat and sharp tang, but Victor could already feel his mouth watering. He'd done the hard part—gathering the ingredients and carefully allowing them to marinate in the ancient herbs for two days. Now, it was time to let his cooking skills bring this dish to life.
The Gourmet System once again made its presence known. *"Reminder: Proper temperature control is crucial for maximum tenderness. Do not overcook. Objective Completion: 10%."*
As he expertly positioned the ribs over the fire, the flames flared up, licking at the sides of the meat. The sizzling sound echoed like an orchestra to his ears. The aroma, intoxicating and rich, filled the kitchen, and even through the thick stone walls, he imagined that the patrons outside might be drooling in anticipation.
Victor stood back, watching with an almost obsessive focus as the Venomfang ribs began to caramelize. His mind raced through the calculations—how long each side should cook, when to flip, when to glaze, and when to let the meat rest. Each step was as crucial as the next. For this meal, he had to perfect every detail. A single misstep, and it could ruin everything.
"Next, I need something to complement the fire-roasted ribs," Victor mused, inspecting the other ingredients. His gaze fell on a collection of strange, glowing mushrooms. *Shroomflame Caps*, he recognized from the system's description. These mushrooms, when cooked, burst with a fiery kick, making them perfect to pair with the richness of the Venomfang meat.
The mushrooms were native to the Demon Realm's deeper, shadowed forests, where the ground was scorched by lava flows. They absorbed the heat of the earth, storing it within their caps, and when cooked, they released a spicy, almost electric flavor. Only those with a refined palate could appreciate them, but in this tavern, that was exactly what Victor needed. Something bold, something that would surprise even the most jaded warriors.
The system chimed in again, as though urging him forward. *"Shroomflame Caps: Highly volatile. Ensure controlled cooking to avoid flavor distortion. Objective Completion: 25%."*
Victor worked quickly, preparing a hot pan with a slick layer of lava oil—an oil derived from the volcanic core beneath the Demon King's domain. The oil was naturally spicy and full of life-giving energy, and it was also the perfect medium to sear the mushrooms and enhance their natural flavor.
The mushrooms hit the oil with a hiss, releasing their vibrant red glow and pungent fragrance. Victor tossed them skillfully in the pan, feeling the heat rise from the dish like an inferno. His movements were fluid and precise, a direct reflection of the years he had spent honing his craft in kitchens across various realms.
The air in the kitchen began to pulse with the combined heat of the fire and the mushrooms' sizzling, and the aroma intensified. It was a heady combination—the sharp bite of the mushrooms against the deep, smoky char of the ribs. As the mushrooms cooked, they began to caramelize, their natural juices merging with the oil, creating a spicy, aromatic glaze.
The system, never far from his thoughts, clicked into place once more. *"Warning: Ensure balanced seasoning with Demon Essence Sauce for flavor cohesion. Objective Completion: 50%."*
Victor paused, reflecting on the system's reminder. *Demon Essence Sauce*, of course. The thought of the deep crimson liquid made his pulse quicken. This sauce was no ordinary condiment—it was an intense concoction of crushed infernal peppers, flame-salt, and roasted basilisk scales. The sauce was a secret recipe passed down through generations of demon chefs, and it would surely elevate the dish.
He grabbed the bottle of Demon Essence Sauce and began to drizzle it carefully over the ribs. The sauce shimmered as it made contact with the hot meat, sizzling and releasing an aroma so powerful that it almost made him dizzy. It was a perfect contrast to the earthy, spicy mushrooms. The dish was coming together perfectly.
"Now, for the finishing touch..." Victor murmured to himself.
The system chimed in again, as if anticipating his thoughts. *"Objective nearly complete: Add final ingredient—Fire Drake Blood Elixir. Objective Completion: 85%."*
Victor's eyes gleamed as he reached into a shelf above him, pulling down a vial containing shimmering crimson liquid. This was the final ingredient, a potent elixir made from the essence of a Fire Drake's blood. It was incredibly rare, but its effects were undeniable—it would give anyone who drank it an instant surge of fiery energy, making them stronger and more resilient for a short time.
He carefully poured a few drops over the plate, watching as the liquid shimmered and infused with the other elements. The dish was now complete, the power and flavors blending together to create a meal that would surely satisfy even the most demanding of demons.
Victor felt a sense of accomplishment as he stood back to admire his creation. The Venomfang Ribs, now perfectly roasted and dripping with sauce, sat atop a bed of caramelized Shroomflame mushrooms. The Fire Drake Blood Elixir sparkled in the dim light, adding a final burst of color and energy to the dish.
The system, almost eerily present, concluded the objective. *"Objective Complete: Feast prepared. Proceed to delivery."*
Just as he was about to plate the dish, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Is it ready?"
Victor turned to see the Demon King's chief steward, a gargantuan beast with multiple eyes and spiny armor, standing in the doorway. The creature's many eyes glinted with hunger, and its mouth dripped saliva. The steward's jagged teeth were a testament to the creature's brutal nature, but in this kitchen, it was a necessary ally—a critical part of his plan to impress the Demon King.
"Yeah," Victor answered with a hint of pride in his voice. "It's ready."
The steward's gaze lingered on the dish, eyes widening as it took in the aroma. "This will please Lord Demon King... but will it satisfy the rest of his army?"
Victor nodded confidently. "It will."
The steward licked its lips, its eyes narrowing with delight. The anticipation in the air was palpable, thick with the expectation that had built up in the tavern. "Then… we shall see."
Victor watched as the steward retreated into the vast hall, eager to bring the dish to the warriors who awaited their feast. He took a deep breath, wiping his brow. This was only the beginning. There would be more challenges ahead—more recipes to perfect, more patrons to feed. But with each dish, he was one step closer to earning his place in this strange new world.
The sound of clinking armor and gruff voices echoed from the hall, followed by a ripple of excited murmurs. The soldiers, the monsters, the mighty creatures of the Demon King's army had already begun to gather around the long wooden tables, their eyes shining with hunger. A feast was about to begin, and this time, Victor would be the one to ignite the flames of battle, both in the hearts of the warriors and within himself.
As the first sounds of battle cries and clinking armor echoed from the hall, Victor
felt his heart race with anticipation. This was no ordinary meal. It was a test. A test that would decide his future, both as a chef and as the owner of the Demon King's Tavern. Would he succeed? Or would he be devoured by the very creatures he aimed to impress?
Only time would tell.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone