Chef in the Apocalypse

Chapter 17: Dish #2

Jayce left the swordsman to continue their training after an hour or so, choosing to walk around the room and check up on the other classes.

Colin was practicing with the two other Guardians, using their large kite shields to bash against one another. Jayce nodded with satisfaction, pleased to see how quickly they had picked up the skill. The Guardians' dedication and progress reassured him, knowing they would serve as formidable protectors for the group.

The mages, meanwhile, were engrossed in mana manipulation training. Jayce knew that mastering this skill was crucial for all mages, as it would enhance their control over their other magical abilities. Due to the limited space in the shelter, he had instructed Jackie to focus solely on this foundational skill for now.

As he surveyed the bustling training area, Jayce felt a sense of pride in his heart. Each member of the shelter was taking their survival seriously, determined to adapt to their new circumstances. He could sense the unity and camaraderie growing among them, and it filled him with hope.

With the others immersed in their training, Jayce found some free time for himself. "I should probably do some training of my own," he thought with a wry smile. As a Chef, he had the advantage of honing his skills while preparing meals for everyone, a dual-purpose that would benefit them all.

With a skip in his step, he made his way to the kitchen, ready to improve his culinary abilities. Standing in front of the bench, he reviewed the available ingredients, pondering what to cook next. His VIP15 skill allowed him to gain free stats by consuming the meals he prepared, an advantageous trait that he was keen to exploit.

"Should I make Chicken Vegetable Soup again?" he murmured, contemplating the decision. However, he quickly dismissed the idea, realizing that the shelter's inhabitants might eventually tire of the same meal. Jayce was determined to provide a variety of dishes, keeping morale high and stomachs satisfied.

Checking the industrial fridge, he suddenly remembered that there was no electricity anymore. Jayce shook his head at his momentary lapse, cursing himself for the oversight. Swiftly, he stored the perishable items in his inventory, grateful for the dimensional space it provided.

The inventory was a precious resource, but it had its limits. Jayce knew he would need to manage it wisely, especially since there were items that would not fit and players had a carrying capacity. He also remembered the existence of dimensional rings, coveted storage devices that he had never possessed in his previous life.

As the foodstuff settled safely in his inventory, a pop-up notification appeared in the corner of his vision. Curious, he opened it.

[Possible Dishes]

Sashimi - Raw salmon and tuna +2 Vitality

Spicy Ramen - Ramen noodles, sliced meat, spicy broth +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki - Tender chicken, teriyaki glaze, steamed rice +1 Strength, +1 Vitality

Herb-Infused Salad - Fresh greens, assorted herbs, light vinaigrette +1 Vitality, +1 Intelligence

Miso Soup - Miso paste, tofu, seaweed, green onions +1 Vitality, +1 Intelligence

Sweet and Sour Pork - Crispy pork, sweet and sour sauce, steamed vegetables +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity

Beef Stir-Fry - Sliced beef, colorful bell peppers, savory sauce +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity

Fruit Medley - Assorted fresh fruits, drizzled with honey +1 Vitality, +1 Intelligence

Seafood Paella - Saffron-infused rice, shrimp, mussels, and squid +1 Strength, +1 Vitality

Vegetable Tempura - Assorted vegetables, lightly battered and fried +1 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence

Jayce grinned from ear to ear, his young face brimming with satisfaction, "That's more like it."

"I've already received 2 Vitality from lunch. I should probably round out my stats considering I have no idea what attributes the Chef class uses."

Jayce had a habit of speaking to himself, picked up from his few years as a vagabond before joining Avalanche in his previous life. His cohort would often tease him about it, but it was all in good fun.

After all, everyone had been through their own trials before getting to where they were. For Jayce, it was a way to keep his mind occupied and drive away the loneliness.

"Beef Stir-Fry it is!" he said in a chirpy voice.

After he selected the option, the ingredients he needed appeared from his inventory, falling straight on the ground and bounced around a few times.

Jayce stared at the mess he had made silently, "5-second rule!" he shouted, before picking them all up and plopping them on the bench. For some reason, he felt that his Michelen caliber restaurant was still so far away.

He rolled up his sleeves, feeling a flood of joy pumping through his veins.

"Let me cook."

In a swift motion, he retrieved a wok and placed it on the stove, appreciating the simplicity of cooking with gas in this post-apocalyptic world. He reached for some oil, pouring just the right amount into the wok before letting it heat up.

Next, he took out the beef, thinly sliced and tender, a perfect choice for a stir-fry. He seasoned it with a pinch of salt and pepper, enhancing its natural flavors. As the beef sizzled in the hot wok, a mouth-watering aroma filled the kitchen.

Jayce's hands moved with practiced precision as he added sliced bell peppers, carrots, and green beans to the wok. The vegetables danced and cooked alongside the beef, creating a vibrant medley of colors and textures.

Pouring the sauce into the wok, Jayce watched as it bubbled and thickened, coating the beef and vegetables in a tantalizing glaze. The scent of the stir-fry grew even more alluring, beckoning everyone closer to the kitchen.

With a final flourish, he sprinkled some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top, adding the finishing touch to the masterpiece. Jayce scooped the beef stir-fry into a large serving dish, ready to share this delectable meal with his fellow survivors.

As he completed the dish, another pop-up window appeared, almost causing him to drop the freshly cooked meal.

[Congratulations, you have successfully prepared "Beef Stir-Fry"]

Basic Cooking has increased to lvl. 2

Ingredient Analysis has increased to lvl. 2

Taste Enhancement has increased to lvl. 2