The flame within Kai had never felt more alive.
After defeating Varun and retaining his Flamewright title, the Emberflame Hall had returned to its usual simmering pace. But for Kai, the air still crackled. One more push and he would reach Level 7.
The next morning, he received a sealed scroll pressed with a red wax insignia—a phoenix curling around a skillet.
"Summons to the Ember Oath Ceremony – Guild Directive"
He blinked. Ember Oath?
Emberflame Hall, Central Spire
The ceremony took place in the Heartforge Spire, a towering, flame-lit hall only accessible to chefs recognized with mid-tier elemental titles. Kai's steps echoed as he ascended a spiral of scorched stone stairs, the walls lined with portraits of past Flamewrights—some legends, others forgotten.
At the summit, Instructor Havia and three other Guild Elders waited beside a brazier of white flame.
"Kai Elgren," Havia intoned, her voice formal now. "You've passed the Trials. You've defended your title. But before you advance to higher flame, there is an oath you must take."
She gestured to the brazier.
"Swear your fire to Braisenhold—and you will gain access to its core techniques."
A hush fell.
Kai stepped forward, heart thudding.
He placed his palm over the flame.
"I swear by pan, plate, and fire—that I will hone my flame in service of flavor, not fame. That I will burn with purpose, and share that fire with those worthy to hold it."
The flame surged upward, engulfing his hand—
—but it didn't burn.
Instead, it sank into his skin, etching warmth into his veins like a second heartbeat.
[System Notification: Unique Oath Completed – Ember Oath]
+20 XP
+1 Reputation
Access Unlocked: Emberflame Core Techniques Vault
New Passive Skill Acquired: Flame Memory I
[Level Up Achieved – Level 6 → Level 7]
+3 Stat Points Earned
XP: 500 / 500 → 0 / 600
Stat Points Available: 3(Unspent)
New Skill Unlocked
[Passive Skill Acquired – Flame Memory I]
You remember the thermal signature of any fire technique you've seen.
Allows replication of flame patterns at reduced Mana cost (10%)
Increases innovation when combining known flame sequences
As the Elders retreated, Havia remained.
"You've climbed quickly," she said. "And soon, you'll climb higher still."
Kai arched a brow. "What do you mean?"
She handed him a gilded envelope.
Intercontinental Culinary Tournament
Guild Directive – For Kai Elgren
You are hereby selected to represent Braisenhold in the First Continental Culinary Tournament, held in Ardentia's capital, Citadelle Gourmand.
This is a sanctioned inter-guild event. All participants will face trials of cuisine, pressure, and presentation.
Refusal forfeits your right to hold elite titles, including Flamewright.
You depart in three days.
Kai's pulse spiked.
Ardentia's capital? A stage with the greatest chefs from across the continent?
He barely had time to breathe before a voice called from below the stairwell.
"Better pack, Flamewright," came a familiar growl.
He turned—and saw Master Ravian, the traveling firechef who once tested him outside Emberpine, standing with a half-eaten pepper in one hand.
"You're heading into hell. I'll be your escort."
Level: 7
XP: 0 / 600
Stat Points Available: 3 ✅
Mana: 10 / 10
Titles: Junior Chef, Pan Warden, Fire-Touched, Ember Disciple, Soulkindle Cook, Flamewright
Reputation: 116
Skills:
Heat Control III (Active, 5 MP)
Flame Artistry I (Active, 13 MP)
Ember Savor I (Passive)
Heat Cloak I (Passive)
Flame Memory I (Passive) – NEW
Basic Knife Mastery (Passive)
Flavor Sense I (Passive)
Ingredient Recognition I (Passive)