The deeper I walked into Twilight Forest, the denser the fog became. The twin suns dimmed behind the mist, leaving the air thick and cold. My boots sank slightly into damp earth, and even Lumina's light flickered weakly.
> [Warning: Magic Density Increasing — Unknown Entities Detected Nearby]
"Figures," I muttered. "Every step forward feels like stepping into someone's stomach."
Lumina circled closer. "Master, we've entered the Mist Valley. Legends say even gods avoid this place."
"Yeah? Well, I'm not a god. Just a guy trying to cook dinner."
I summoned my Online Grocery & Item Box, scrolling through my inventory. Moonlit Herbs, Starfire Berries, Phoenix Yolk — plenty of supplies. But I'd need something stronger to survive here.
> [New Sub-Quest: Discover the Source of the Mist — Reward: Rare Ingredient, Mist Serpent Scale]
That name alone told me enough. "So there's a serpent. Great."
I tightened my grip on the glowing cookbook and continued forward. Strange shapes moved in the mist — some animal, some… not. When I stopped to listen, I could hear low growls echoing from every direction.
Suddenly, a shadow lunged from the fog.
I barely dodged as a long, scaly tail whipped past my head. The creature emerged — a serpent-like beast as thick as a tree trunk, its eyes gleaming like molten silver.
> [Hostile Detected: Mist Serpent (Rare • Level 28)] [Recommended Strategy: Elemental Cooking Reaction — Fire Type Preferred]
The serpent hissed, mist swirling from its body. My mind raced. Fire type reaction… fire. I scrolled my grocery again and summoned Starfire Pepper, Phoenix Oil, and a single Dragon Bone Shard.
I threw the ingredients into my pan and ignited them.
The reaction was instant. Golden flames roared to life, cutting through the fog and casting the serpent's scales in radiant light. It recoiled, confused by the sudden burst of heat.
I didn't hesitate — I prepared a dish mid-battle, my pan glowing with magic energy.
> [Skill Activated: Emergency Cooking — Combat Enhancement Mode] [Dish Created: Spicy Inferno Glaze]
I hurled the dish forward. It exploded in a burst of fiery aroma. The serpent hesitated, sniffing instinctively — then began to taste it. The flames didn't burn its scales; they infused into them, calming its aggression.
> [System Message: Rare Creature Fed Successfully] [EXP +3,800 | Ingredient Acquired: Mist Serpent Scale | Hidden Skill Resonance +1%]
The mist around us began to thin. The serpent slowly lowered its head, eyes dimming to a soft silver.
"Guess even monsters like good seasoning," I breathed.
Lumina floated beside me. "You turned a guardian beast into a satisfied diner… again."
"Not bad for someone who used to burn instant noodles."
> [Quest Complete: Source of the Mist Discovered] [Reward Acquired: Mist Serpent Scale, Fire Resistance +5%, EXP +4,000]
The fog continued to fade, revealing the valley's heart — a crystal spring glowing faintly blue. Dozens of rare herbs surrounded it, shimmering softly.
> [New Ingredient Discovered: Spiritwater Leaf] [New Recipe Unlocked: Elixir Broth of Restoration]
I knelt beside the spring, collecting samples carefully. Every new discovery felt like a step toward mastering this world.
"Twilight Forest is no joke," I murmured, staring at my reflection in the water. "But if I keep surviving this way… even gods won't resist my food."
Lumina's light flickered brightly. "Then let's keep cooking, Master."
I smirked, tucking the cookbook under my arm.
"Yeah. Let's feed the impossible."