The Emberleaf simmered in the copper cauldron, its crimson edges unfurling like flame-touched petals. Kai stood at the heart of the Emberpine Outpost's makeshift kitchen, sleeves rolled high, sweat beading at his brow. Around him, soldiers and cooks watched in silence.
He'd retrieved the Tier 2 ingredient — now came the true challenge: transforming it into a meal that could heal this broken place.
Cooking With Fire and Heart
Kai drew a slow breath, fingers twitching with mana. Ten points. Enough for precision. Enough for art.
[Activate Skill: Flame Artistry I] – 15 MP
[Mana Remaining: 0 / 10]
Flames bloomed from his palms, weaving around the iron grate like dancers on command. He didn't need to speak. The fire knew what to do.
First came the base: a smoked boar stock, infused with wild onion bulbs and mushroom shavings. The Emberleaf would come last — to preserve its volatile oils.
He sliced the herb with reverent care. As the knife passed through, the air filled with a scent that was not quite smoky, not quite floral — something deeper. Like longing made real.
A hush fell across the camp.
Kai added the Emberleaf to the broth, letting the fire guide the swirl. The resin from the bark cubes hissed, releasing caramel notes. The flames dipped, rose, and kissed the rim of the pot.
He didn't speak. He didn't need to.
The cauldron boiled for ten minutes, then ten seconds more. Kai ladled the stew into thick wooden bowls and handed them out himself.
A Stirring in the Crowd
The reactions were immediate.
One soldier with a bandaged arm closed his eyes, tears streaming down his dirt-streaked face. "It reminds me of… home. The last meal my sister made before I left."
Another murmured, "How did you get this flavor from burned soil?"
Even the skeptical senior quartermaster took one sip — then quietly, reverently, went back for seconds.
As the outpost ate, color returned to their faces. The silence broke. Laughter sparked. Someone began to hum a song. The tents no longer looked like ruins. They looked like shelter.
Kai exhaled deeply, exhausted, but something inside him felt whole.
[System Alert: Your dish has deeply stirred the emotions of those who consumed it.]
[Special Achievement Unlocked: Soulkindle Cook]
+40 XP
+Reputation +8
+Unique Passive Skill: Ember Savor I (Emotionally heightened diners gain mild stamina regeneration after eating your food.)
[XP Gained: +40 XP]
Current XP: 130 / 400
Master Kellan's Letter
Later that evening, as the fires dimmed and the outpost settled into something close to peace, a rider arrived bearing a wax-sealed letter from Braisenhold.
It was from Master Kellan:
Kai,Word has reached us faster than your return. The outpost's recovery has been attributed directly to your presence and meals.You've done more than fulfill a quest — you've restored morale in one of our most strained fronts. We will convene on your return.
There is talk… of advancement.
Kai folded the parchment slowly, the weight of the moment hitting harder than any battle.
Advancement. Recognition. More than just a Junior Chef?
He looked out at the forest, now quiet in the dusk.
The fire inside him — the same one he tamed in the hearth — burned steady.
End of Chapter Summary:
Kai Elgren
Level: 5
XP: 130 / 400
Titles: Junior Chef, Pan Warden, Fire-Touched, Soulkindle Cook (NEW)
Reputation: 70
Mana: 0 / 10
New Skill:Ember Savor I (Passive) – Food cooked under emotional intent restores stamina to tired or wounded diners.
Quest Complete:Smoked Salvation
Notable Inventory: Tier 2 Emberleaf (Used), Spices, Firestones