章節 34: Chapter 34: The Demon King's Feast
The clang of metal echoed throughout the Demon King's hall as Victor anxiously awaited the results of his culinary test. The Demon King's chief steward had taken the dish, and now Victor could only stand by, watching the scene unfold in tense silence. His hands were still slightly shaking, but the pride of his craft held him steady. The Demon King's army had consumed countless feasts, meals of unparalleled taste and power, and Victor knew that his dish would need to surpass all of them.
Moments passed, each one heavier than the last. Then, the great double doors to the dining hall creaked open. Through the doorway, Victor could make out the towering shadows of the Demon King's warriors, their intimidating forms lining the long tables.
The chief steward emerged first, and his numerous eyes gleamed with an expression Victor could not quite decipher. Behind him, two demons—giants of enormous stature, their muscles rippling under the weight of their armor—carried large, ornate platters. As they approached, the heady aroma of roasted Venomfang ribs and spicy Shroomflame mushrooms filled the air.
Victor's pulse quickened, but he remained still. The system, ever-present, reminded him of his task.
*"Objective: Observe the reaction of the Demon King's army. Objective Completion: 5%."*
He couldn't help but smirk at the system's persistent prodding. At this point, there was nothing to do but wait.
The giant demons placed the platters before the long table, and a silence fell over the hall. The warriors, who had been murmuring excitedly, now stopped talking, their eyes fixed on the dish. Victor watched from the doorway as the Demon King's most trusted commanders examined the food, their eyes narrowing as they took in the scent.
Finally, the Demon King himself, a towering figure shrouded in darkness and exuding an aura of power, strode into the room. His gaze swept over the table, landing on the dish with a predatory hunger.
Victor felt his heart race, knowing that this moment would decide his future.
The Demon King reached for a rib, his claws gleaming under the torchlight. He tore the meat from the bone with terrifying ease, and then, without hesitation, took a bite. A low rumble filled the hall as the Demon King chewed slowly, savoring the flavors.
The room waited, breathless.
Then, the Demon King's eyes widened. His pupils, usually narrowed in cold calculation, flashed with an almost imperceptible surprise. A slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the first sign of approval Victor had seen.
The chief steward, seeing the Demon King's reaction, couldn't contain his excitement. "Lord Demon King," he said, his voice booming across the hall. "How does the meal taste?"
The Demon King swallowed, his eyes glowing with an eerie red light. "This… this is unlike anything I have ever tasted. The fire-roasted Venomfang ribs are perfectly tender, yet retain the essence of the flame. The mushrooms… the Shroomflame Caps, they carry the perfect balance of spice and heat. And the Demon Essence Sauce—what is this flavor? It… it dances upon the tongue."
The warriors around the table shifted, murmuring among themselves, impressed by the Demon King's words.
The Demon King continued, his voice deep and rich with authority. "This dish is not only a meal. It is an experience. Whoever prepared it has skill that even my most trusted chefs cannot match."
Victor stood frozen in the doorway, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and relief. He couldn't believe it. He had done it. His dish had passed the test.
The system chimed in, its usual cold tone offering a brief moment of satisfaction. *"Objective Complete: The Demon King's Feast is successful. Task rewards granted."*
Victor felt a rush of energy, a tingling sensation running through his veins. He quickly glanced at the system's notification.
*"Task Rewards: Gourmet Skill Enhancement, Rare Ingredient Access, Demon King's Favor."*
The mention of the Demon King's favor was the most thrilling part. Victor knew that earning the favor of such a powerful figure would open countless doors for him—doors to more power, more resources, and perhaps even a place in the Demon King's inner circle.
The Demon King turned to face his army, raising a clawed hand. The warriors immediately quieted, their gazes fixed on their leader.
"The one who has prepared this meal," the Demon King announced, his voice filling the hall, "has proven their worth. They shall be rewarded. Bring him forward."
Victor's heart skipped a beat. The moment had arrived. He stepped forward, carefully navigating through the large, imposing figures of the Demon King's elite warriors. The atmosphere was thick with tension, but he stood tall, ready for whatever came next.
As he approached the table, the Demon King's gaze fell upon him. The intensity in those crimson eyes was enough to make even the bravest tremble, but Victor held his ground. He could feel the weight of the Demon King's scrutiny, but he refused to flinch.
"Who are you, chef?" the Demon King asked, his voice surprisingly soft, almost inquisitive. "You are no ordinary cook."
Victor straightened, bowing slightly before answering. "I am Victor, the owner of the Demon King's Tavern, and I am honored to serve you, my lord."
The Demon King regarded him for a long moment, and Victor couldn't help but feel the weight of those eyes, as if the Demon King was seeing through him. Finally, the Demon King spoke again.
"Victor, you have earned my favor today. Your skill surpasses that of any chef I've known. From this day forth, you shall remain in my service, not as a mere cook, but as a trusted ally. Your talents will be used to prepare feasts worthy of my army, and your name will be known across the Demon Realm."
Victor's breath caught in his throat. This was it—he had done it. He had achieved what many only dreamed of. He had earned the favor of the Demon King.
The chief steward stepped forward, a wide grin stretching across his face. "It seems we have found our new head chef, my lord. I knew it would be only a matter of time before we had someone of his caliber in the kitchen."
The Demon King nodded slowly, his eyes still locked onto Victor. "Indeed. This tavern shall become the cornerstone of my kingdom's feasts. And you, Victor, will lead it. Prove yourself again, and there will be nothing stopping you from becoming one of the most powerful figures in my realm."
Victor felt the weight of those words settle on him, and despite the excitement building inside him, he remained composed. He had proven himself in the kitchen. Now, it was time to prove himself in every other way.
With the Demon King's favor and the rewards granted by the system, there was nothing standing in his way. The future was wide open.
---
Victor's journey had only just begun, and as the Demon King's army dove into the feast he had prepared, he couldn't help but feel that his true challenge had only just started.
*"Objective: Continue to build reputation in the Demon King's Realm. Task Progress: 0%. Rewards Pending."*
Victor smiled inwardly. He knew that this was just one step on a much larger path.
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