The sky outside had turned a soft orange, signaling late afternoon, but inside Kai's kitchen, time seemed suspended. Steam curled through the air like ghostly fingers. Six dishes down. Three to go.
Kai's hands moved with purpose, guided by instinct and the edge of a dulled blade. The scent of braised pork and toasted spices lingered from the last customer. But he didn't let himself rest. Not yet.
[XP: 44 / 150]
[Quest Progress: 7 / 10 Satisfying Dishes Created]
He'd begun to understand the system's flow—each dish wasn't just food. It was a trial, a lesson, a test of skill. Every sprinkle of salt was a choice. Every flame, a tool.
The door creaked again.
This time, a figure stepped inside unlike any before.
Sharp robes of midnight navy, a golden badge on their lapel—half fork, half flame. The symbol of a certified Tasting Judge.
Kai froze. His heart skipped. Judges were culinary professionals trained to feel not just flavor but intent and truth in food. Their reviews could raise a chef's status—or destroy it.
The judge removed leather gloves with a crisp motion. "One dish," they said. "That's all I'll require."
Kai swallowed, bowing instinctively. "Yes. I'll give you my best."
He had no exotic ingredients left. But he did have technique—and heat.
He glanced at his Status.
📜 Status Window: Kai Elgren
Class: Apprentice Cook
Level: 2
XP: 44 / 150
Title: None
Reputation: 7 (Street Name: "The Skillet Warden")
System: Culinary Ascension Protocol
🧠 Attributes
Culinary Sense: 6
Knife Technique: 6
Heat Control: 5
Stamina: 7
Focus: 8
Mana: 3
🎓 Skills
[Basic Knife Mastery] (Passive)
[Flavor Sense I] (Passive)
[Heat Control I] (Active – 10 MP)
🎯 Quest
Savor the Start
Progress: 7 / 10
Reward: +50 XP, unlock [Ingredient Recognition I]
Kai activated Heat Control I. A thrum passed through him. He could feel the flow of flame—guide it, shape it. It would drain nearly all of his mana, but he wasn't aiming to cook many things. Just one, perfect dish.
He settled on a layered vegetable bake—thin-sliced potatoes and cabbage, seared pork layered with garlic and salt, drizzled with broth, slow-cooked over controlled flame.
Time passed in whispers of sizzle. He didn't blink. Every movement was calculated.
When the dish was done, he plated it cleanly. A glint of green from a hidden herb core. Just enough color. Just enough aroma.
The judge took a bite.
Then another.
Then… they set their spoon down.
Silence.
Finally, they looked up. "You cooked with purpose. Humility. Grit. It lacks extravagance—but not heart."
They placed a sealed coin on the counter. It shimmered faintly—a Recognition Token.
[Dish Quality: 8.2/10 – Memorable]
+10 XP
[Progress: 8 / 10 Satisfying Dishes Created]
[XP: 54 / 150]
The token sank into Kai's palm like warm sunlight.
[System Notification]
Reputation +3
Total Reputation: 10 (Locals Respect You)
The judge turned toward the door. "I'll be watching, Elgren."
And then they were gone.
Kai stood motionless for a moment, staring at the token, breath shallow.
He hadn't just fed someone. He'd impressed someone who mattered.
His fist clenched around the coin.
Two more dishes. Just two more.