Morning sun spilled over Braisenhold's bustling marketplace, where the hum of merchants hawking fresh produce, spices, and curious trinkets filled the air. Kai moved through the crowd with purpose, clutching a small pouch jingling with freshly earned coins. The sash of Junior Chef under his worn jacket felt heavier now—not just cloth, but a symbol of new responsibilities and ambitions.
His recent promotion was the talk of the kitchens, but titles alone didn't cook the dishes. Kai needed ingredients—rare, fresh, and magical—that could elevate his craft beyond the ordinary. Today, he aimed to secure the Embernuts and Mountain Pepper in bulk, while scouting for new flavors hidden in the market's shadowy stalls.
Walking past stalls brimming with vibrant vegetables and pungent herbs, Kai's eyes caught a familiar sight: an old spice vendor with a crooked smile and eyes sharp as a hawk's.
"Ah, Junior Chef Elgren," the vendor said, nodding respectfully. "Word travels fast. I have something you might fancy." He pulled a small jar from beneath the counter—a shimmering powder labeled "Dragon's Breath Dust."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "What does it do?"
"Adds a fiery kick to any dish, like a breath of real dragon flame. But be careful—too much can scorch even the bravest tongue."
Kai weighed the cost—30 coins. His pouch jingled faintly but was not heavy enough for lavish spending.
He bargained, trading some of his reputation points for a small discount. The vendor grinned, impressed by the audacity.
With Dragon's Breath Dust secured, Kai turned toward the stalls selling Embernuts and Mountain Pepper, buying enough to last several weeks. Every coin spent was a step toward mastery.
Later, in a quiet corner near the market's edge, Kai counted his remaining coins—just enough for a few simple ingredients but reserved some for emergencies. Coins in Braisenhold were earned primarily through cooking trials, duels, and selling dishes to merchants or patrons. They served as the lifeblood of a chef's progress—without them, even the best skills and titles couldn't buy the ingredients needed for greatness.
Kai tucked the pouch away and scanned the crowd.
Today was about preparation, but tomorrow, he vowed, he would push the limits of his Flame Artistry and Heat Control to new heights.
The climb through Ardentia's culinary ranks was far from over.
Status Update:
Level: 4
XP: 0 / 300
Title: Junior Chef, Pan Warden
Reputation: 25
Attributes:
Culinary Sense: 8
Knife Technique: 5
Heat Control: 5 (II)
Stamina: 7
Focus: 10
Mana: 7
Skills:
Basic Knife Mastery (Passive)
Flavor Sense I (Passive)
Ingredient Recognition I (Passive)
Heat Control II (Active)
Flame Artistry I (Active)
Inventory Additions:
Dragon's Breath Dust (Rare seasoning)
Embernuts (x10)
Mountain Pepper (x15)
Coins are the currency chefs use to buy ingredients, gear, and sometimes information. Kai earns coins by winning cooking trials, selling dishes, and completing quests. Managing coins wisely is essential to maintain a steady supply of rare ingredients needed for crafting exceptional meals.