The morning sun seeped weakly through the grimy windowpanes of Kai's cramped kitchen. The room smelled faintly of burnt pork and stale broth, but the fire in Kai's heart burned brighter than ever.
He wiped sweat from his brow, the lingering praise of the merchant echoing in his mind. Five satisfying dishes crafted. Halfway through his quest. Five more to go.
Kai glanced at his Status Window:
📜 Status Window: Kai Elgren
Name: Kai ElgrenAge: 19Class: Apprentice CookLevel: 2XP: 28 / 150Title: NoneReputation: 4 (Whispers Begin)System: Culinary Ascension Protocol
🧠 AttributesCulinary Sense: 7 (+1 from Level 2)Knife Technique: 6 (+1 from Level 2)Heat Control: 4 (unchanged)Stamina: 8 (+1 from Level 2)Focus: 8 (unchanged)Mana: 1 (unchanged)
🎓 Skills
[Basic Knife Mastery] (Passive) – Boosts cutting precision and reduces mistakes.
[Flavor Sense I] (Passive) – Detects basic flavor imbalances in food.
[Heat Control I] (Active – 10 MP) – Controls cooking heat with precision.
🎯 Active QuestSavor the StartProgress: 5 / 10 Satisfying Dishes CreatedReward: +50 XP, unlock [Ingredient Recognition I]
Kai took a deep breath, his mana still at 1, far below the 10 MP required to fully activate Heat Control I. He knew he couldn't rely on it yet—but the skill still gave him some advantage even at this low mana.
He focused his energy, willing the stove's fire to be steady, if not perfect.
[System Advisory]Insufficient Mana to fully activate Heat Control I. Skill efficiency reduced.
Kai sliced and stirred with practiced care, the Basic Knife Mastery sharpening his motions, and Flavor Sense I guiding his seasoning choices. The stew simmered richly.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
A woman entered, cloaked and wary, but drawn by the kitchen's warmth. She sat silently at the counter, eyes fixed on Kai.
He ladled the rich, aromatic stew into a chipped ceramic bowl and set it before her.
She tasted slowly, brow furrowing, then relaxing.
"Better," she said quietly. "You're improving."
Kai allowed himself a small smile. The quest's progress was steady.
[Dish Quality: 7.8 / 10 – Good]XP Gained: 9Progress: 6 / 10 Satisfying Dishes Created
Coins clinked softly as she left them on the counter.
Kai's XP climbed accordingly.
[System Notification]XP Updated: +9 XPTotal XP: 37 / 150
He leaned against the worn wooden table, breath steadying.
One step closer to unlocking the next skill. One step closer to mastering this culinary world.