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Chapter 22 - chapter 21 what's Cooking?

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Thought or think

[digital or robot or digital communication voice]

{telepathy}

Big or loud echoing voice

In the heart of MOTH, I strode through the vast hallways, my golden frame gleaming under the artificial lights. Each step I took sent subtle vibrations through the floor, a reminder of my presence in this mechanized fortress. My red mechanical eyes cut through the space, scanning, processing, always watching.

As I moved, the staff made way. "Morning, Sir Aeon," they greeted, their voices carrying awe. I acknowledged them with a nod—stoic, reserved, as always. They knew my silence wasn't indifference but simply my way.

One scientist paused, a flicker of gratitude in their eyes. "Thanks for helping with the project deadline yesterday, Sir Aeon."

"It's a matter of importance," I replied, my voice echoing through the corridor, metallic and resolute.

Further down, a squad of soldiers passed by. Their leader stopped, saluting with respect. "If it weren't for you, last week's mission would've been our end."

I gave a slight nod, my gaze meeting his. "It's a matter of safety."

Through the hum of machinery and the steady rhythm of footsteps, I continued. Guardian, protector—those words were spoken often. But in this hub where technology and humanity collided, I was something more—a bridge, a force that ensured stability in the whirlwind of progress. Words were few, but my actions spoke volumes.

However, there is something I notice...

I slowly approach as I see Elysia. Of course, my mechanical red gaze pierces through her. "Elysia, it's good to see you this morning."

Elysia turns around, happily grinning. "Ah! Uncle! It's nice to see you too!"

I notice how happy and smug she looks, as if she has seen something interesting or funny. I inquire, "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing, Uncle," she smirks. "There has been an interesting development."

I nod as my gears shift slightly. "And that is?"

"Well, that's obvious~" She side-glances at a couple not far from us, Dr. MEI and Kevin, who seem to be enjoying each other's company. I look closer—they're more open and happy with each other than usual.

I let out a deep mechanical hum. "Hm, they look like a couple... Well, more obvious then before"

"Right?" Elysia's smile widens in an elegant, playful way. "They don't even know most of us already figured it out."

"How cruel," I reply with a straight, robotic tone. "They're oblivious."

"Exactly! They don't know the changes," Elysia said, becoming playfully cheeky as she enjoyed watching the dense couple. "They really don't know, huh?"

I glance at her again, noticing how her body has become plumper and thicker than usual, chubby even, in a good way. The change is subtle but obvious—was it because of my cooking? I have been the head chef almost daily here in MOTH, but I'll keep that thought to myself.

"Anyway, Uncle, what's for lunch?" Elysia turns to my towering mechanical frame, her eyes gleaming with the highest expectations of a delicious delicacy.

I keep a mechanical poker face, unsure if I should keep spoiling her. "You'll know soon enough."

"Yay! I can't wait!" she exclaims before waddling away, excited for the next treat.

"Hmm... right," I mutter.

"You spoil her too much, Sir Aeon," Eden approaches, sipping wine from her fancy golden chalice. "It wouldn't be good if it continues."

I turn my head to look down at the elegant and beautiful Lady Eden, noticing how she too has thickened in all the right areas. I don't question it. "My calculations suggest that perhaps you should keep that to yourself."

"Fufu..." Eden wasn't ashamed of her figure nor did she deny my comment. She took another sip of her red wine, smiling. "I can't help it... it's delicious."

I let out a low mechanical grunt, nodding slightly in acknowledgment. "Perhaps I should be a strict chef from time to time."

Eden flinches, her eyes glancing back at me. Her smile faltered as her lips quivered in horror but it was very subtle. "You wouldn't..."

"It's called joking," I replied with a mechanical poker face. Turning toward the kitchen, I added, "I'll prepare lunch now."

I stopped, turning my robotic head back at her. "Anything specific you'd like?"

Eden sighed in relief, with a faint hue of red on her cheek, she cleared her throat. "Y-yes... I'd like some Australian cuisine, please."

"Very well." I then slowly headed toward the kitchen.

General POV

Aeon, with his large and towering body, entered his personal living quarters, which also served as his laboratory, dining room, and kitchen. He headed towards his best kitchen—it was spacious, as were his kitchen wares and dining table.

He walked to the large refrigerator and grabbed spices, onions, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, and other ingredients to prepare the meal.

He started chopping the ingredients, preparing the salt and other condiments. He lit the stove, pulled out a large knife, and retrieved the main ingredients—fresh from his farm, the result of his hard work and effort. With his large mechanical arms, the golden metal frame gleamed in the light as Aeon, despite his size, chopped with precision and accuracy.

As Aeon continued cooking, he heard approaching footsteps and a familiar voice echoing, filled with a mix of anger and affection, which was normal. "You're cooking again?"

The towering golden robot Aeon glanced down but kept chopping. "Kalpas, you're early, Again."

Kalpas scoffed and grunted, heading to the dinner table and taking a seat. "It's all too peaceful, so I found some Honkai beasts and beat them up. Now I'm hungry. Problem?"

Aeon chuckled in his usual mechanical tone, knowing Kalpas just wanted food. "Of course not, Anything specific?"

"Just make anything," Kalpas muttered in an annoyed tone under his mask, resting his head on his arms and leaning back in his chair. "As long as it fills me up."

Aeon shrugged. "Alright, but it might take longer."

Kalpas scoffed. "What? The others will show up like usual. Typical."

Kalpas then turned his head back toward Aeon. "Want me to help?"

Aeon glanced at him briefly. "Can you cook?"

Kalpas gave a confident grunt, cracking his knuckles. "What if I don't? You just need fire to tear them apart, right?"

Amused by his blunt explanation, Aeon nodded. "Sure, come here. I'll teach you."

A few minutes later...

Elysia made her way to Aeon's quarters. On the other side of the hall, Eden was also heading there. They both noticed each other and stopped in front of the large metal sliding door.

"Hello, Eden," Elysia greeted playfully.

Eden smiled knowingly. "Hello, Ely."

Elysia glanced at Eden's figure. "You've definitely gotten bigger than before."

Eden chuckled elegantly. "You should look at yourself, Ely." She glanced at Elysia's own thicker figure.

Elysia pouted playfully, crossing her arms. "Eeeh~ don't be like that." She gently squeezed her own belly. "I didn't know I could even gain weight"

"Well, we have to fill ourselves to regain our strength," Eden chuckled softly. "It can't be helped. Your uncle is a great chef."

Elysia nodded with a playful, beaming smile. "Exactly, this is just us refilling our reserves." Saying as if it wasn't just that love the cooking of Aeon.

They both nodded in agreement as they approached Aeon's quarters. As they entered, they noticed Mobius waiting by the dining table, who greeted them with a mature, sadistic tone. "Ara ara, you two finally came. You both could use a diet," she teased mockingly.

Elysia and Eden were unfazed, knowing their friend's personality. Elysia smirked, keeping a playful poker face. "You're probably right, Mobius. Perhaps you could join us?"

Despite her mocking, Mobius couldn't hide her own thickened figure, even as she adjusted her lab coat. Her thick thighs were clearly visible beneath her skirt. She clicked her tongue and cursed silently, moving away from their smug gazes. "Damn it..."

Just then, Sakura and her little sister Rin arrived. Surprisingly, Sakura maintained her shape, perhaps because she actually made an effort to exercise. Slowly, other familiar faces began arriving, including Griseo's parents and Klein, followed by the two teenage scientists, Nuwa and Fuxi, friends of Kiana. Everyone gathered, waiting for one thing—Aeon's delicious cooking.

As the group chatted, Aponia glanced around, her thick figure concealed. "Hm... has anyone seen Kalpas?"

Su looked at her and commented, "He's usually the first one here. He's never late."

Eden hummed thoughtfully. "I didn't see him enter. I was the first one here after you."

Sakura looked concerned. "Could he have wandered off again?"

Fuhua reassured her. "But he never misses Sir Aeon's cooking."

Just then, Pardofelis, smelling the food, giggled. "Mmmh~ Sir Aeon's dishes never fail..." But her ears perked up as she caught the sound of shouting, voices barking orders from the kitchen.

Everyone in the dining room soon noticed the commotion the sound of frustrating yell and a mechanical booming voice arguing and shouting. Vill-V raised an eyebrow. "Hey, doesn't that sound like...?"

"Kalpas." Aponia muttered, piquing everyone's curiosity.

Dr. MEI and Kevin exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. "Let's check it out," Dr. Mei suggested.

The group agreed and made their way to the kitchen. As they entered, their jaws dropped at the scene before them. Griseo and Rin were in awe, while Mobius was utterly confused. "What... the hell?"

Dr. Mei nodded, equally baffled. "I don't even know what to say..."

Kalpas and Aeon were shouting at each other while cooking, as if in some bizarre cooking show.

"The meat is Raw! Cook it again!" Aeon, the towering golden robot, barked in his deep metallic voice, emphasizing the importance of getting the dish right.

"But you haven't smashed it properly!" Kalpas, his frustration growing, yelled back, the steam rising from the sizzling pan as he cranked up the stove to its maximum heat setting.

"Then beat the Shit out out of it like your life depends on it!" Aeon commanded with determination, his glowing eyes fixated on the meat that required more tender care.

"Alright! You asked for it!" Kalpas shouted with a mix of determination and exasperation, the sounds of his fists pummeling the meat on the hot frying pan echoing in the kitchen as he poured his energy into the task.

They tried to focus on the food. Eden and Aponia stood in speechless disbelief, struggling to comprehend the chaotic scene in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Pardofelis, too overwhelmed, wiped drool from her mouth, her eyes still fixated on the spectacle "Waaah! Look at the food!", Elysia, however, was unphased, cheering them on for reasons only she understood.

Aeon continued in a low mechanical tone, "Where did you put the cheese!?"

"I told you it was here!" Kalpas retorted, his voice rising in frustration.

"Then let's use an alternative!" Aeon slammed mayonnaise and garlic onto the counter with his mechanical fist.

Su watched in awe and confusion. "Why are they shouting?"

Sakura, analyzing their movements, said, "I don't know... but they're definitely skilled and can still multitask."

Fuhua blinked, utterly lost, while Griseo couldn't help but comment, "It reminds me of a cooking show." Rin, standing beside her, nodded in agreement.

Aeon suddenly shouted, "Where's the lamb sauce!?" He and Kalpas frantically searched through cabinets while continuing to cook in the most chaotic way possible.

Aeon turned his head toward Kalpas. "Speed it up, Kalpas!"

"I am!" Kalpas replied, his voice blazing with anger.

"Then do it better! Or else... you'll be a French pig!" Aeon taunted.

Kalpas snapped back, "I'm not a French pig!" With determination, he activated his last phase, engulfing himself in flames as he cooked all the frying pans and kettles simultaneously, shouting as if it were a battle cry. This wasn't an ordinary kitchen—it was Hell's Kitchen.

As the group continued watching with a mix of emotions, Mobius finally walked away. "I'm out. This is getting ridiculous," she muttered, heading back to the dinner table. One by one, others followed, the chaotic scene still lingering in their minds, each of them displaying various expressions.

After witnessing the unique display in the kitchen, Aeon, the giant golden robot, and Kalpas finally emerged, both serving the dishes. Aeon spoke with a deep mechanical tone, "Happy eating, everyone." Kalpas, still angry, grunted, declaring, "Now eat."

As everyone gazed at the dishes laid out before them, they were in awe.

The Australian cuisine was rich and hearty, featuring perfectly grilled lamb chops, juicy kangaroo steaks, and a delightful array of roasted vegetables. The smell of garlic, rosemary, and thyme wafted through the air, with sides of fluffy mashed potatoes and a tangy bush tomato chutney, creating a mouthwatering display.

The Asian cuisine showcased a feast of delicate stir-fries, savory dumplings filled with juicy pork and shrimp, and bowls of steaming hot ramen, topped with rich broth, boiled eggs, and thinly sliced green onions. Sushi rolls, expertly crafted with fresh tuna and avocado, adorned the table alongside a rainbow of dipping sauces.

The side dishes included crispy fried tofu, seasoned with sesame and soy, and a spicy cucumber salad that offered a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes.

Finally, the desserts were a marvel—light, fluffy pavlovas topped with fresh fruits, alongside delicate mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. There were also rich chocolate tarts, dusted with powdered sugar, and tropical fruit platters bursting with vibrant colors.

Pardofelis couldn't help but drool like a fountain, her gaze locked on the food in front of her. She darted her eyes around, amazed again by Aeon's culinary skills. Griseo, Rin, Klein, Nuwa, and Fuxi slowly began to dig in, with Griseo's parents assisting her while her mother wanted to eat alongside them. Aponia, already worried about her thick figure, reluctantly joined in, filled with contemplation. "I'm definitely going to regret this..." she thought.

Fuhua and Sakura, on the other hand, didn't mind at all, using chopsticks as they gratefully indulged in the feast. Eden hungrily fed herself, while Sakura and Rin enjoyed their meal together.

Vill-V dug in with delight, while Pardofelis, resembling a hungry stray cat, didn't bother with utensils, using her hands to gobble up the food.

Mobius cursed herself again as she chewed a piece of fried chicken, a teary eye betraying the satisfaction her mouth and tongue felt from the flavor. Bitter yet happy, she thought, "I'm not going to be able to hide my body if this keeps up..." Su, the calmest of the bunch, couldn't help but eagerly continue eating, slowly savoring each bite, fully satisfied by the taste.

Kosma joined in with Aponia, Griseo, and Griseo's parents, while Dr. MEI and Kevin, the obvious couple, happily ate together.

"Kevin, there's rice on your mouth," Dr. MEI noted, smiling.

"Ah, apologies," Kevin replied, wiping the rice away with his hand. Dr. MEI chuckled softly, "Oh, you... come on, say 'Ah.'"

Kevin, ever with his cold expression, didn't flinch, unashamed of the open display of affection.

"Jeez, get a room, you two," Mobius muttered bitterly, feeling the radiating aura of passion as she sat right beside them.

"Ara~," Elysia and Eden admired the view, while Pardofelis gave a poker face, "Uwah... they're doing it again."

Eden then turned to the towering golden robot, Aeon. "Your dishes all tasted as delicious and flavorful as always, Sir Aeon." She glanced at Kalpas. "But I'm actually surprised you've taken an interest in cooking."

Kalpas scoffed, "It's better to know how to cook in case I need to grub during long operations."

Elysia smirked playfully. "Eh? Is that so? Not to impress someone?"

Kalpas glared. "The next thing you say—"

"Uncle Aeon~! Kalpas is going to bully me!" Elysia teased, scooting away playfully.

As lunch continued, Aeon looked at everyone and slowly pulled out another batch of delicious dishes. "Seconds?"

"Hai!" everyone responded eagerly, continuing to fill their stomachs with the delicious food.

Kalpas then places down more food on the table with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with anticipation, as Aeon, ever the gracious host, apologizes for the delay, "Apologies to keep you all waiting...."

Mobius, a photography enthusiast, slowly retrieves her camera from her bag, her hands shaking in excitement, eager to capture the beautifully presented dishes before her eyes, thinking, "I need to take some pictures before I forget it.."

Noticing Mobius preparing to take photos, the lively and mischievous Elysia, with her signature playful nature, flashes a cheeky smile as she spreads her fingers in front of the camera, playfully chanting, "Brrrrr! Husha! Husha!"

Despite being irritated by Elysia's antics, Mobius manages to shoot a cold glare in her direction, firmly stating, "Don't interrupt..."

Refusing to back down, Elysia continues to tease with her playful chant, "Husha! Husha!", a mischievous grin never leaving her face.

Frustrated and on the verge of losing her composure, Mobius lets out a sigh and clenches her teeth in apparent annoyance, her patience wearing thin.

However on time, Klien provides her with a bat, which Mobius gladly accepts and bonks Elysia's head with.

Subsequently, everyone resumes their meal.

As the day came to an end and night fell, everyone in MOTH returned to their homes and quarters, having completed many successful operations, slowly turning the tide against the Honkai with Aeon's knowledge, technology, and resources. But as night fell and they prepared for slumber, there was one battle they had yet to win—against their growing weight.

Elysia, getting ready for bed, started changing in her quarters when, to her surprise, her panties ripped. She gasped at the sudden realization of the weight she had gained. "Eh...?"

Eden, also preparing for sleep in her quarters, experienced a similar shock when her bra snapped due to her sudden weight gain. She froze mid-change, speechless. "Eh?"

Aponia, getting ready for bed, glanced at herself as she changed into her underwear, noticing how much weight she had gained. Regret washed over her. She sighed, thinking, "I should have dieted... but who could resist such a delicious meal?"

Mobius took a shower, and once done, she checked her weight. Stepping on the scale, she was dismayed to see she had gained weight (by her standards). Not believing it, she threw her towel in frustration, but the numbers didn't change. She clicked her tongue, blushing slightly, "Damn it... if I just didn't ask for that last serving..." She grumbled, "But it was too damn delicious."

Meanwhile, Pardofelis didn't care much and went to bed without concern. Vill-V, now in her original personality, got ready for bed, but when she changed into her underwear, she noticed the weight she'd gained. She felt shy, grumbling, "It's not fair... Aeon's food is just too damn delicious."

Sakura and Fuhua, both noticing their weight gain, inspected themselves in their respective living quarters. They felt a bit of regret, but it drove them to exercise first thing in the morning. Surprisingly, even Pardofelis had a workout routine. For a little thieving cat, exercise seemed important.

As for the little ones, Griseo and Kosma didn't have to worry about weight gain—they were growing children, after all.

Among the men, Su did gain weight but exercised alongside Pardofelis. Kevin and Kalpas were unfazed, joining Sakura and Fuhua for a sparring match in the morning. Even Dr. MEI wasn't spared, as her bra snapped mid-charge. "Ah!" she exclaimed.

With the sun rising, most of them managed to exercise in the morning, burning off the extra calories. However, Aponia, Mobius, and Vill-V had to do some extra exercise since they'd eaten the most the previous day.

Meanwhile, Aeon continued his research, though a thought came into his mind, "Hmm... what should I cook next?" For some reason, Mobius, Aponia, and Vill-V felt a chilling shudder. It seemed like their next challenge, aside from fighting the Honkai, would be resisting Aeon's cooking.

To be continued....

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