The sun had barely risen when Ethan was already in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back with a strip of cloth. The faint crackle of the fire and the rhythmic sound of chopping echoed through the quiet inn.
He moved with a calm intensity—measured, deliberate, but fast. His new skill, Heat Control Lv.1, made every movement feel like instinct. The fire responded to his will, flaring higher or softening with each flick of his wrist.
Steam rose from the pot. Butter sizzled on the pan.
The scent of broth and herbs drifted through the air.
> [System Notice: Event begins in 1 hour.]
[Guests: Merchant's Guild Delegation (Tier C Influence).]
[Goal: Impress the guild members to unlock access to the System Shop.]
Ethan glanced at the floating blue panel. "Merchant's Guild, huh? So… businessmen with big wallets."
He grinned. "Then I'd better serve something they'll pay for without blinking."
He checked his ingredients. Thanks to the rewards from yesterday, he had a small crate of fresh produce: onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a few slabs of pork belly that smelled divine.
He stretched, cracked his neck, and got to work.
---
By the time the first wagon pulled up outside, the inn was spotless.
The dusty tables were wiped clean, chairs polished, the faint scent of citrus filling the air. Even the crooked signboard outside now glowed faintly after Ethan scrubbed it until his hands ached.
"Crescent Moon Inn," he murmured, stepping back to admire it. "You're starting to look like an actual business again."
The door creaked open.
A man in fine blue robes stepped in, followed by three attendants. His belly was round, his beard perfectly trimmed, and his eyes sharp as a hawk's. He looked around, unimpressed.
"So this is the place everyone's talking about," he said, voice smooth but skeptical. "The inn that revived overnight?"
Ethan smiled politely. "Welcome. Crescent Moon Inn, at your service."
The man's gaze flicked to Ethan's plain clothes, then back to the room. "My name is Boris Granwell, vice chairman of the Merchant's Guild's local branch. We've heard rumors of a… glowing dish."
Ethan chuckled. "Ah, the Golden Spirit Fried Rice. You heard right."
Boris crossed his arms. "Our guild deals in trade and quality control. We don't believe in rumors—we believe in taste. Impress us, and perhaps you'll earn our endorsement. Fail, and we'll make sure no merchant ever supplies this place again."
Ethan's smile didn't falter. "Challenge accepted."
The guild members took their seats, murmuring among themselves.
> [Quest Activated: Impress the Merchant's Guild.]
[Reward: System Shop Unlock + Ingredient Crate (Tier 2).]
[Bonus Reward (Hidden): ???]
Ethan exhaled softly. "Alright then. Let's dance."
---
He started by preparing the pork belly—thick slices, marbled with fat. He seasoned them with crushed herbs and salt, letting the aroma seep into the air. The sizzling sound filled the silence.
The guild members fell quiet, their noses twitching despite themselves.
He didn't rush. Each motion was deliberate. Flip. Press. Sear. Flip again. The meat turned golden-brown, juices bubbling gently. Then he added a ladle of broth, letting the flavors melt together.
The system chimed softly.
> [Cooking Technique: Sear Control Lv.1 Acquired.]
[Flavor Intensity +5%.]
He smirked. "Thanks, System. Keep 'em coming."
Next came the side dish—a simple tomato stew. But Ethan didn't make it simple. He caramelized the onions until they turned golden, added diced tomatoes and mushrooms, and simmered it with a hint of spirit herb powder.
The smell was enough to make one of the attendants whisper, "Is this… food or magic?"
Ethan didn't answer. He plated the meal: slices of roasted pork belly glistening with a golden glaze, a bowl of rich red stew beside it, and freshly baked bread from the morning batch.
He placed the dishes before the guild members, bowing slightly. "Please enjoy the Merchant's Feast Special."
The name was improvised. But it sounded official enough.
Boris lifted a fork, skeptically cutting into the pork. The meat was tender—too tender. He raised it to his mouth and took a bite.
For a brief moment, his stern expression melted away.
The flavor was deep, layered. The crisp outer skin gave way to soft, juicy meat that practically dissolved on his tongue. The herbs danced across his taste buds, leaving a smoky-sweet aftertaste that made him crave more.
He took another bite. And another.
The attendants followed, each one reacting with visible shock. One of them groaned softly, eyes closing in bliss. "By the gods…"
Ethan stood calmly, arms crossed. Inside, though, his heart was racing.
> [Customer Satisfaction: 100%.]
[Reputation +15.]
[Quest Complete!]
[Reward: System Shop Unlocked.]
A bright golden panel appeared in front of him, visible only to his eyes.
> [System Shop Now Available!]
[Access: Ingredients, Utensils, Skills, and Upgrades.]
[Currency: Fame Points & Gold.]
His eyes widened. "A shop? Finally!"
But before he could explore it, Boris wiped his mouth and leaned forward. "Chef Ethan, that was… extraordinary. I've eaten in royal banquets that didn't taste half as refined."
Ethan grinned. "Glad you approve."
Boris chuckled, tossing a small pouch onto the counter. "Here. Fifty silver coins, and a Guild Endorsement Token. From today, the Crescent Moon Inn is officially registered under the Merchant's Guild. You'll have access to quality supplies and trade discounts."
The room erupted in excited murmurs. Even the adventurers at nearby tables clapped.
Boris stood to leave, still smiling faintly. "You've got talent, chef. And something tells me this is only the beginning."
When they were gone, Ethan finally collapsed into a chair, letting out a long sigh. "That was too close."
The system chimed cheerfully.
> [Congratulations! You have completed the 'First Impression Arc.']
[New Features Unlocked: System Shop | Fame Tracker | Recipe Evolution.]
[Main Quest Update: Reach 100 Reputation and Prepare Your First Signature Dish.]
Ethan leaned back, staring at the faintly glowing panel. The shop menu blinked open—rows of exotic ingredients, shiny tools, and skills waiting to be purchased.
> [Sample Items Available:]
Iron Chef's Pan – 25 Fame Points
Spirit Rice (Tier 2 Ingredient) – 15 Fame Points
Recipe Scroll: "Herbal Broth of Recovery" – 30 Fame Points
He whistled. "Now this is progress."
He scrolled further down until one item caught his eye.
> [Locked: Legendary Recipe – "Feast of the Forgotten Gods."]
[Unlock Condition: Reputation 1000.]
He smiled slowly. "Feast of the Forgotten Gods, huh? Sounds like a challenge."
He looked around the inn. His customers were laughing, eating, and smiling. The air was alive with warmth. For the first time in years, Ethan didn't feel like a failed chef.
He felt like a man on the rise.
> [Reputation: 56/100]
[Inn Rank: D → D+]
Ethan smirked. "Let's keep cooking, then. If this world's gonna taste my food, I'll make sure it never forgets it."
The fire crackled softly in the stove as the golden knife gleamed beside him. Outside, the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the world in orange light.
The Crescent Moon Inn had truly awakened.
And somewhere, far beyond the city walls, a hooded figure read a report about the "glowing fried rice" that stunned the Merchant's Guild.
They smiled faintly. "So the Legendary Chef has appeared… at last."
To be continued...