Chapter 10 – The Blessing of Flame and Flavor
That night, after hours of kneading dough, grinding herbs, and helping Darius organize ingredients for the noble visit, Baker finally collapsed into bed. His muscles ached pleasantly, and his hands smelled faintly of roasted grain and spicebloom.
Sleep came quickly.
Then, a warmth bloomed around him—soft at first, like the first glow of dawn. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his room.
He stood in a grand, sunlit kitchen that stretched endlessly, the air shimmering with golden motes of light. Spices floated in glass jars that rearranged themselves midair; cauldrons stirred without hands; ovens opened with soft whispers of magic.
And at the center of it all stood a woman radiating gentle brilliance. Her hair flowed like molten caramel, her eyes glowed a deep, honeyed gold, and her presence felt as comforting as home-cooked stew on a cold night.
"W-who are you?" Baker asked, though his heart already knew.
The woman smiled, her voice like music and firewood crackling. "I am Lyra," she said warmly. "Goddess of Cooking and Nourishment. You've been touching my domain without even realizing it, little one."
Baker blinked in awe. "Lyra… The Goddess of Cooking?"
She nodded, stepping closer, her scent carrying butter, spice, and sunlight. "Yes. I've been watching you, Baker. Your hands remember things from another life—a spark of creation, a hunger for warmth. You cook not for fame, not for praise, but to care. That is the essence of my blessing."
Behind her, the golden air rippled, and another figure appeared—a tall man cloaked in robes of silver and starlight, his eyes endless as the cosmos.
Elyon, the God of Magic.
His gaze was calm but piercing, like moonlight through water. "And yet you burn both ends of your candle," he said evenly. "Learning, cooking, pushing yourself. Magic, like life, must flow in balance."
Baker swallowed, feeling both gods' presences pressing gently but firmly against his spirit. "I… I know. I'll do better. I just—want to learn everything. To help. To grow."
Lyra smiled at him fondly. "And you will. But with joy, not exhaustion. Creation cannot bloom from an empty vessel."
Elyon extended a hand, and a faint blue light brushed Baker's chest. "You have earned my regard, young one. For your discipline and curiosity, I grant you my blessing."
A chill passed through him, then settled into his core—cool, steady, and alive. His mind expanded as if a door had opened.
[Elyon's Blessing – Activated]
Mana Control: Slightly increased
Mana Pool: Slightly expanded
Mana Cost Reduction: Slightly improved
Then Lyra placed her hand over his heart, her touch warm as a hearth flame. "And mine, little cook, for your kindness and craft."
[Lyra's Blessing – Activated]
Flavor Infusion: Allows mana to enrich food slightly, improving taste and nourishment
Ingredient Intuition: Gain a subtle awareness of what ingredients pair harmoniously
But just as their power began to fade, a third ripple came from his body causing the power to increase.
A flash of color—mischievous, chaotic, divine—swirled around Baker like a whirlwind of light and warmth.
Both gods sighed in exasperation. "Him again…" Elyon muttered.
Lyra rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "The Mysterious One never could resist meddling."
The unseen god's voice chuckled in Lyra'sand Elyo's mind. "Consider it… encouragement."
The air shimmered, and Baker's body glowed brighter—his blessings rising from gentle flickers to a steady, moderate flame.
[Mysterious Influence Detected]
Elyon's Blessing – Activated]
Mana Control: Moderately increased
Mana Pool: Moderately expanded
Mana Cost Reduction: Moderately improved
Lyra's Blessing (Moderate): Food quality and nourishment greatly enhanced; Ingredient Intuition sharpened
Elyon's Blessing (Moderate): Mana Control, Pool, and Cost Efficiency increased moderately
Before Baker could speak, Lyra's hand rested on his shoulder. "Use these gifts well. Cook with love. Study with purpose. And rest, child—you'll need your strength."
The world faded in a swirl of gold and silver light.
---
He woke to sunlight filtering through his curtains, his body humming with gentle energy. The warmth in his chest hadn't vanished; it pulsed softly in rhythm with his heartbeat.
When he reached out, he could feel the mana in the air—like a breeze brushing against his fingertips. He smiled faintly. "Elyon… Lyra… thank you."
From the kitchen came the familiar clatter of pans—Darius already awake. Baker stretched, grinning, excitement bubbling up in his chest.
Today was the day his aunt arrived.
And today, for the first time, he would cook with mana.