A chef gets too damn good.


•all recipes are my own unless i state otherwise •

Hurrying into the spatial world, he was excited to see how the system was able to combine creatures. Before he could run off to the lab, his stomach growled, reminding him that he needed to get something to eat for lunch. Postponing his experiment, for now, Zanir headed to the restaurant.

Marcus, senior Lee, and the goblins were all sitting around a few tables that had been put together. Food and drinks were laid out, in between various charts and graphs. Even on their day off, they were pursuing what they loved. He could hear them discussing the results and reviewing why the system chose what it did.

While his men were trying to unravel higher mysteries, he headed into the kitchen to prepare something to eat. With the new ingredients, he thought of something that would combine them with the new world tastes. Instructing the system to begin grinding some cornmeal, he brought out a cast iron skillet.

Drizzling a little oil, and throwing in some garlic, he prepped the skillet. With the heat managed by the system, that wonderful garlic smell was brought out, as it carmelized just a bit. Bringing out some pork belly from the Fat Flame hogs, he started cooking them.

Soon, they were almost perfectly cooked. Using the cornmeal from earlier, he was able to use the system to form hardshell tacos. Building on the plain pork belly tacos, he didn't have lettuce so he used shredded cabbage instead. A little olive oil and garlic, made a quick aioli dressing, although it was optional.

To complement the basic pork belly tacos, he once again used the system to help him prepare some potatoes. Slicing the potatoes into uniform pieces, they were fried, until they just started turning a beautiful golden brown color.

After adding a few new things to the menu, he grabbed a few tacos and some fries, along with a salad. Placing them all together on his tray, he brought them out into the restaurant. Seeing new food items, a few people hurried over to the kiosks to check it out. Even the alchemy team from earlier was drawn over, taking a rare break from their discussions.

Some people wanted to try the dish out, to see how it tasted, while others wanted to use the hard taco shells for other recipes. There were also people who just found out that new ingredients had arrived, so they wanted to study them for future cooking.

Stopping by his house after the meal, he took some time to chat with his parents and catch up with them. Speaking of catch, his dad was just coming back from fishing. He was glad to see both of his parents were very happy and enjoying the spatial world. Except, his dad kept asking Zanir when he was going to bring larger fish for him to catch.

Reassuring his father that he would keep an eye out for bigger fish, he left his home. Heading over to senior Lee's tent, he entered the now unoccupied secret lab. If he was going to try and combine some of the animals, it seemed that the lab would be the most appropriate place to do so.

Activating the system interface, he brought up the options to combine animals. The first thing he noticed, was that he could only combine any two animals together. Unfortunately, that meant no chimeras or hydras for now.

Secondly, he noticed that the system would only use the full parts of the two animals. He couldn't create extra limbs or mass, though he could move them around freely. Trying it out, he selected the bear and the eagle.

Seeing the default design, was quite frankly horrifying. The system just mashed the two animals together at a half and half ratio. Without any regard to form or function, he wasn't sure it would even survive if created.

Separating the two animals, he saw each was one a holographic representation. Now he could play around, molding and sculpting something. The first thing he did was bring the wings over, attaching them to the bear.

Though the wings were large on the eagle's body, on the bear's, they looked way too small. Checking the display, there was a large red warning, indicating that the creature would be unable to fly or even hover.

Testing out an idea, he put the entire eagle into the wings, to see what the system would do. Melting together, it used the entire eagle's body, making large wings on the bear. Amazed, he looked over to the display panel, only to see that the warning from earlier was still there.

Clearly, the bears were too heavy. Bringing up the design tools, he saw a toggle for aerodynamics. Turning it on, he saw a highlighted display of the bear, that went along with a color-coded scale. Reducing the weight accordingly, resulted in a leaner bear, that was able to fly.

Just barely being able to fly, however, wouldn't cut it. These things would struggle to carry even a single grown man. Scrapping the bear, he studied the eagle holograph that was left. He needed something that wasn't too heavy, something that was still strong enough to support his troops.

Going down the size list he ruled out the Big Horn cattle and Fat Flame hogs. Spotting the wolves, he stopped for a moment. 'Could it be done?'

Taking the thought a little further, he brought up the selection, just to try it out. Seeing it automatically fuse into an abomination, he made sure to turn that feature off, since it just wasted time. From a clean slate, he worked to bring the two animals together, into a terrifying hybrid.

Starting from the body of the wolf, he brought the wings over. This time, they looked much more reasonable, but still needed slight adjustments to the positioning. Next, he brought the eagle jaws onto the wolf snout.

Melding the two together, it gave the creature a long, hybrid beaked snout. Combing the mouths together, was more than enough, to fill the entire length with razor-sharp teeth. Bringing out the best of both worlds, it had the eagles' excellent vision, while retaining the amazing canine sense of smell.

Upon the system's recommendation, he merged the eagle's legs and talons with the wolves feet. Retractable talons were added to the wolves hind legs, allowing it to extend them when landing. Or when diving for prey. Once it landed, they could be retracted back inside the leg, allowing it to run in a normal wolf gait using all four legs.

Since he wasn't an expert, he allowed the system to try fusing the torso portions together. It would be able to redesign the internal organs and other structures, so it could function correctly. Thinning out the fur, to account for feathers, the system ended up with a shorthair coat so the creatures wouldn't overheat or shed.

With the majority of the creatures combined, he checked the panel and had to admit that the numbers looked good. Not only would they be able to fly, they could carry a goblin or even a grown man, albeit in light armor.

Checking the diagnostic tool, he saw several warnings and recommendations for slight design changes. Glad that he ran the scan before completing the creature, he made the necessary adjustments. Using up the few remaining parts of the eagle, he applied them to the suggested reinforcement areas.

The optimization resulting from a few design tweaks, combined with the reinforcement from the final parts, gave him the actual numbers he would be working with. If he was impressed enough with the earlier benchmark, he was now convinced.

Able to carry an armored soldier, these creatures would fill a crucial gap he was missing. He was one step away from having a viable aerial unit, at least to start out with. Too bad it was the hardest step in creating a new creature.

Staring at the display screen, he the final remaining field labeled: Name

Join our protagonist Zanir Coffey as he unlocks the mysterious Dimension System which allows him to absorb the environment around him.

Seemingly able to absorb an endless amount of material, he will have to use this new system to survive in a brutal new world.

Armed with the knowledge of modern day technology and his ability to manipulate the world around him, he will craft an empire the likes of which have never been seen.

To reach his final goal he will have to go far beyond a single planet, in a single dimension. His journey will take him to the stars and beyond.

"Wahahaha! We're rich!"

"I swear, I feel like this happened before."

Leonard guffaws while Linda thinks back why the situation seems familiar. Among them, a pile of carcasses of the crystal stags lies dead upon the previous untrodden snow. Their crystal horns having been harvested carefully to not accidentally shatter or damage them. Leonard had already accidentally chipped off a piece when he roughly handled them. While the two were out hunting for crystal stags, Dianne went around the nearby area and blindly searched through the snow for any rune gemstones. Her hopes were high but they became dashed as she came back with none at all. In her bags were plenty of plants that were useful for those in the profession of alchemy.

"I wasn't able to find more rune gemstones but I did manage to gather some of the other things."

"You weren't able to find any huh?" Leonard feeling a bit down. "Guess it ain't that easy to find those things."

"Kind of doubted we would find anything else," Linda replied. "We wouldn't be that lucky."

After looking over their prizes, all three of them proceeded to harvest the carcasses of the crystal stags. With a knife, Leonard begins the process of skinning the crystal stags. After that, Linda took care of butchering and portioning the meat and some of the organs. She took the liver, heart, and intestines of the crystal stag. Though their meat had some gaminess, the crystal stags nevertheless taste quite delicious. With the unique environment of the dungeon, the crystal stags were able to live fairly stress-free lives and with the abundance of food, they grew quite fat. Their meat had beautiful marbling and if Evelyn were to take a look, she would be reminded of Wagyu or Kobe beef. 

They put most of the meat into a separate wooden crate that they made with the wood found within the dungeon. To their initial surprise, Dianne found out that the pinewoods that are found sparsely in the dungeon are also quite rare. They were known as Frostwood Pines and the wood processed from them would often cool down its surroundings. They are popular building material for the wealthy merchants and nobles as they would make the summer heat more bearable. By putting the meat inside a crate made from Frostwood Pines, they would keep it from spoiling as easily. With the other portion of the meat, they brought out their cast iron skillet.

With tinder and wood, they got a campfire going. Placing a few stones around it, they position their cast iron skillet above the fire. Dicing up the meat that they set aside, they lightly salt it and placed it into the skillet. Dianne being the cook, she made sure to sear each side of the meat to heighten its flavor. Plating them onto three plates, they each eat the bite-sized piece of crystal stag.

Each with a smile on their faces as they chew the delectable piece of marbled meat. Even with just a dash of salt, it is quite literally the most delicious meal they have ever eaten.

"It's sooo delicious!" Linda exclaims. "It's so tender and tasty, I've never eaten anything like it!"

"Mmmm! Oh! Mmgh." Leonard responds, having difficulty with the amount of food inside his mouth.

"I agree, it's delicious!" Dianne nods. "This is also a nice discovery. After we wheel it back to the capital, we can get a better price for it."

"I would want it for myself instead," Leonard speaks after swallowing. "It would be a waste to sell it and not eat it for ourselves."

"Don't think we would be able to eat that much meat by ourselves." Linda turns to the wooden crates. "Plus we're still going to be here for the rest of the week. We're going to have more than what we can eat you know?"

"That's true, I guess." Leonard agrees. "But the problem is, how're we going to haul it back to the capital?"

"In just one day, we've already gotten this much. Just imagine at the end of the week."

They had rented a small wagon and horse to draw it to where the dungeon is at. They had expected to bring some things back in more quantities than last time. Now, it seems that the horse-drawn wagon is going to be insufficient for the trip back. Unless they limit themselves, they would be unable to bring everything back with them.

"You think she could help us?"

"You mean Evelyn? Maybe?"

"It won't hurt asking, so we can ask her when we see her again later in the week."

After their initial meeting, they gave out information as best as they could. Evelyn asked for rudimentary knowledge. It included history, culture, locations, cities and so forth. Everything she asked almost eighty percent of people around the area would be able to answer. After that, she wanted to see samples of literature and of their writing system. Seeing as she was illiterate, Dianne had taught her the basic letters along with sentence and grammar structure. After that, they promptly left her to her own devices and slowly explored the dungeon. They did not think to return until they had their fill of hunting and finding hidden treasures amongst the vast white that covered the ground.

"Alright, I guess it's time to turn in for the day."

Leonard brings out their equipment. Three heavily padded sleeping bags along with tent-pitching tools. With both Dianne and Linda's help, they were able to quickly prop up two tents.

"I'll keep the watch first, you guys can go to sleep."

"Alright then. We'll see you in a bit."

With Leonard on the duty of keeping watch, the two women went inside and laid down to sleep. They were quite exhausted from the whole activities from hunting, gathering and also from butchering the crystal stags. It was not long until two soft breathing could be heard from the inside of the women's tent.

"With them asleep, I'll cook myself up some more meat."

Leonard snickers to himself as he made his way towards the wooden crates. He takes out a portion and swiftly dicing it into small chunks. He then proceeds to crudely cook them. The time passes with him slowly cooking, savoring the tasty crystal stag meat, and watching the false night sky above.

Having died in his previous life, Evelyn finds himself in another world. He also finds out that he has transitioned from a boy to a girl.

A message and a gift from an unknown sender; he becomes a dungeon lord. Often detached from the realities around him, he readily accepts it.

Creating a dungeon for himself and only himself. Though solitude is what he often seeks, quite the opposite is what happens and what he really needs.

"What would happen if the existence of the Angel was found? " Yumi asked curiously wanting to know more about what will happen when Alice reveals herself. 

  "The two factions inside the Demon Kingdom would race to either Kill or protect the Angel, it would all depend on who got to the Angel first. If the Angel was lucky then they would be able to help the faction supporting them take over the Demon Kingdom for good. On the other hand if Lord Kira was to catch the Angel first then the Angels would be forever gone from this world. If that happened the Demons who support the Angel's return fear that the God who wishes for the Angel Race to return would strike back harshly. It is all assumptions though since nothing about this prophecy is clear about what or how things will happen. " Kayl replied as they came into a clearing where Kayl's familiar was keeping the Kobold King from moving by using gusts of wind from its wings to trap the King against the side of a boulder.

 "That is enough Percius, " Kayl said to his familiar instructing him to let the monster go so Alice and Yumi could fight it fairly. 

 "Remember not to help. " Alice said pulling out her scythe and rushing towards the Kobold King to attack. 

 Following behind her Yumi swung her disk end of her weapon wide wrapping the chain around the Kobold's legs preventing it from walking or running giving Alice the perfect chance to land a attack. 

 Infusing her scythe with the Fire Element she jumped in the air and dug the blade into the Kobold Kings arm. Pulling it free causing a large amount of damage she Rift Warped behind the monster sinking her blade in the monsters back while increasing the amount of fire being released causing the Kobold to begin burning from the inside while Yumi sent the blade end of her weapon crashing into the monster's neck.

Dropping to the ground defeated Kayl began to clap trying to show he was impressed with their teamwork. "You two make a good team. What shall we do next? " He asked.

 "Next would be gathering a Fire Lotus plant, the only problem is that we have no idea where to find it. The request did not give a location or a time limit to complete it. " Alice said looking over the flyer trying to find any clues on how to find it.

 "That is easy, I have a few with me. Fire Lotus plants can help Fire Element Mages increase the power of their attacks. I don't mind giving you two one seeing on how I already gathered all the ones in the area previously. " Kayl said while tossing Alice one of the plants.

 "I guess if there are no more around we have no choice but to accept the gift. All that is left is killing a monster called a Basan. " Alice replied, putting away the Fire Lotus.

 "I will send my familiar to search for it, in the meantime we should have some lunch. " Kayl said pulling out everything needed to cook some meat with. 

 "Kobold meat actually tastes pretty good would you two like to try some? " He said again while cutting the corpse of the monster up and preparing it to cook.

 "I didn't know that you could eat them.. " Yumi said, watching him prepare the meat.

 "It is very good when you know how to cook it. " He said salting the meat and pouring some oil in a skillet to fry it.

 Starting a fire with the snap of his fingers the skillet started to warm up the oil slowly while Kayl cut a few 12oz steaks seasoning them with various spices making sure to thoroughly season each slice. Gently setting one steak into skillet making the oil make a crackling sound paired with a pleasant aroma that soon followed both Yumi and Alice felt their hunger increase with the passing time it took him to cook the steaks.

 "Why don't you girls go find us something to drink while I cook. " Kayl said, still focusing on cooking the meat in front of him.

 "I just so happened to bring some wine with me, " Yumi said pulling out an elegant looking bottle of red wine with a golden label on it. 

 "That is some high quality stuff you have there Miss Yumi, normally one would drink that with a lover. " Kayl said a little more excited to eat now that he would be enjoying such fine wine with the steak.

 "I just like the taste… " Yumi replied not wanting to share it with him but still wanting to drink it with Alice who also seemed eager to eat and drink.

 Yumi used her Earth Element to create a small table and some stone chairs for the three of them to sit at while they ate. "I have never seen someone use their element like that before, " Kayl said watching Yumi craft a place to eat while he finished the last steak.

 While enjoying the food and wine which seemed to lighten the mood of all three of them Yumi decided to ask a few hard hitting questions to Kayl to find out if he would be a threat to Alice in the future.

 "Kayl I have been curious for a while now so I hope you do not mind me asking this but what faction are you a part of? " 

 "Speaking honestly I support the return of the Angels, while it is true I support and serve Lord Kira in whatever he needs I do not see a point in putting a target on my back to help a Angel who may not even return in my lifetime. Does that answer your question? " Kayl replied finishing up his steak and drinking the last of the wine in his glass.

 "Sort of, Just for fun let's say that Alice was the Angel what would you do then? " Yumi asked, causing Alice to start sweating a little.

 "Haha, if Alice was indeed the Angel then I would have all the more reason to want to be with  her. My father would be so overjoyed that he might fight Lord Kira on his own. With that said there is no way that Alice could be the Angel. In all of recorded Angel history there has never been an Angel with the Shadow Element. Almost every Angel has the higher tier Light Element called the Holy Element and as far as I know the only Elements Alice has is Fire, Wind and Shadow. " Kayl said, enjoying the laugh Yumi gave him.

 "Honestly that is crazy how could I be an Angel? " Alice said relaxing a little more knowing that Kayl did not suspect her in the slightest.

 "I mean she is even Lord Kira's daughter so how would that be possible. " Kayl continued.

 "If I am being honest with you, I do not know if Kira is my father he mostly just assumes it because his wife and I look similar while I share a certain gaze that she would apparently give him. " Alice replied.

 "Well only the Royal Demon's have the Demonic Gaze which I assume is what you are referring to so if you have that then I would also be inclined to suspect you of being his daughter even with lack of proof. Not that being his daughter will be a bad thing. In fact that alone will be enough to secure you some degree of safety in the Kingdom. Anyways my familiar has located the Basan it is currently attacking a group of merchants it seems. " Kayl said getting up and putting his things away. 

 "Let's go then, we need to save them if we can! " Yumi said standing up waiting for a direction to run.

 "Don't worry we can fly there on my familiar who will be here in a moment. '' Kayl said, letting out a loud whistle.

  Landing close to Kayl the familiar got down low allowing them to get on his back before flapping his wings hard sending them flying up in the air. Flying quickly towards the Basan they made it in time to see one of the merchants guards being burnt to a crisp by the Basans breath attack. 

 Jumping off the familiar before if landed Alice used Rift Warp while falling to close the distance in a blink of the eye. Infusing her scythe with the Wind Element she sent a large 'Wind Blade' flying at the Basan landing a hit on the monsters back with a lot of force knocking the monster down. 

 "We will let her fight this alone. I want to see how well she can do alone Yumi. " Kayl said, keeping them flying in the air to watch, not letting Yumi go to Alice's aid.

 "Let me go damnit! What if she gets hurt??? " Yumi cried out trying to break free of his grip.

 "Relax I will not let anything happen to her. I just wish to see what she is able to do when she fights alone in a battle.

 Looking up to see Kayl holding Yumi back she was able to guess that Kayl wanted to test her abilities. Knowing that she had to fight this alone she quickly placed her hands on the ground and used her spell 'Abyss Vines' rooting the Basan to the ground and keeping it from attacking her with his flaming breath attacks.

 Infusing the Shadow Element in her scythe she passed the blade through the vines and then lodged the blade deep in the Basan changing the element to fire and increasing the mana output causing the Basan to let out a Fire attack in a attempt to get rid of all the fire burning inside its body. 

 Seeing her attack not working due to the nature of the Basan Alice withdrew her scythe from the Basan and attacked any openings the Vines gave her until her spell ran out of time setting the monster free again.

 The Basan now free and severely injured turned towards Alice and let out a large fire attack trying to get revenge and burn her to ash. Rift Warping out of the path of the attack she used all her might while swinging the scythe low cutting the Basans legs off.

 Almost dead the Basan looked at Alice before admitting defeat by laying flat on the ground waiting on her to deal the finishing blow.

 Giving the monster what it wanted she sunk her blade deep in the monsters neck finishing it off for good. 

 "That was a great job Alice, I did not know you had a spell to restrict an enemy's movements. That will be very useful on a battlefield. " Kayl said letting go of Yumi as they landed next to her.

 "T-Thank you for saving us.. " One of the merchants said trying not to show his fear seeing Kayl who was standing next to Alice.

 "No problem, the guild issued a request to kill the monster anyways I am just happy that I got here in time to help. " Alice relied with a smile having saved them while also gaining a level.

https://discord.gg/kZs9PE2 Join :) 

Waking up suddenly screaming, Alice looked around in a panic. The last thing she remembers is a devil like creature ripping her wings off and killing her.

 Seeing that no one is around and that she is fine she tries to feel her wings. Instead of what should be there, she feels like a part of her body has been stolen, noticing that she no longer has wings. In fact, she doesn't remember having white skin or her hair being this long.
 
Forcing herself to stay calm, Alice tries to think about the situation calmly. 'I don't seem to be hurt other than the fact I don't think this is my body'

Standing now she looks around finally realizing she's in an open field with nothing around except for a forest to the north and an ocean to the south. 
______________________________________________

Will Alice manage to find out the truth behind her reincarnation and get revenge on the devil that took her wings as he killed her?

Burgundy red wine stewed beef.

    In the story of the spirit of the restaurant, the pig's foot was born in the first class of the distant month, and made a fortunately, the red wine stewed beef, so that the unspoken teacher Roland Chapel gave a high evaluation.

    In fact, this is a French dish.

    On a fixed recipe, Burgundy red wine goulash actually has a lot of practices to see the chef's play.

    Will Xia Yu do Burgundy red wine stewed beef?

    If it is other Western food, you must make a big question mark.

    However, the Burgundy red wine stewed beef, when the drama of the genius of the restaurant is popular, Xia Yu as a big-handed goods with hands-on ability, naturally found the recipe of the comics appendix, painstakingly studied for a long time .

    What's more, the Burgundy red wine stew made according to the comics is not good, and can even be judged as poor. At that time, Xia Yu thought about it and finally caught a key flaw in the comic recipe:

    no honey!

    Later, it was a coincidence that in the same place of anime and food, I heard about a French film "Julie and Julia" in 2009, and compared with the description of a large number of French cuisine in the movie, it was considered a real burgundy red wine goulash. , successfully restored, tastes praise.

    "Where are the ingredients ready?" After

    washing hands and wearing aprons and kitchen hats, after completing the basic etiquette of a chef, Xia Yu looked at the kitchen counter of the western restaurant.

    Two large pieces of thawed beef, this is the main ingredient.

    "[Beef shoulder], excellent quality, 8 hours and 56 minutes of freezing time, fresh."

    Hand contact beef, kitchen god system gives information on food identification, green quality.

    "Beef shoulder? Good, the meat in this position, the fiber is fine, the taste is smooth and tender, suitable for stewing, roasting, braising and firing curry." Xia Yu said to himself, and his eyes swept through other ingredients. "You can start!"

    Snapped!

    A very thick piece of beef smashed on the chopping board. Xia Yu chose the sharpest kitchen knife on the kitchen table, using the index finger, middle finger and thumb, and pinching the handle and the blade. Slowly breathe twice, and the hand is falling!

    The two chefs and the chef of Xia Zhiqiu only saw the silver light flashing past, and the beef on the chopping board did not seem to change.

    However, Xia Yu's movements did not stop, and the right hand continued to rise and fall, very regular, as if to direct the band, the knife and the chopping board collided, the sound is so sweet.

    The chef of Xia Zhiqiu has changed his face.

    He obviously remembered something, and fixedly focused on Xia Yu who was seriously dealing with beef. "...this knife... Is he a student

    of Yuanyue ?" What he cares about is that Xia Yu has a strange grip. the way.

    I have been gazing at Xia Yu's processing of two large chunks of thick beef, and the Xia Zhiqiu chef is even more confused.

    Among the students in the middle and high schools of Yuanyue, there may also be geniuses who have this knife. However, this young man, the chef who seems to have been working for many years, calm and elegant, is not in the greenhouse. It is unique!

    At this moment, the chef of Xia Zhiqiu is ashamed and has a recollection.

    From the time Xia Yu processed the ingredients, this kitchen seems to change hands, he can only be seen as a helper to watch.

    At the beginning, he was also the pride of the cooking school. However, the competition in the far month was too cruel. There were very few graduates every year. He was eliminated in the second year of the Ministry of Higher Education and was judged to have no chef talent.

    "Okay!" The

    two large pieces of beef were processed in one breath, and Xia Yu turned to take the bacon strips, which were also cut into very neat pieces of meat.

    Next, throw the equal-sized bacon strips into the pot and add water to cook. Xia Yu opens the gas stove and glances at it. Then he does not return to the head: "Help me take the kitchen paper..."

    The chef of Xia Zhiqi quickly handed the reel kitchen paper.

    Moisture is a taboo for beef dishes, so the chopped beef pieces must be squeezed out of the water, and the kitchen paper comes in handy. Xia Yu's expression was serious, and she constantly pulled out the kitchen paper, wrapped a piece of beef and repeatedly squeezed it.

    But that is part of the six ingredients, a bit of a handle, however, Xia Hill chef next summer plumage glance So, there are two other young kitchen help, "help with it!"

    Beef to the water is completed, the kitchen table There are still many side dishes that have not been processed, such as carrots, mushrooms, parsley, and Xia Yu hand over the side dish to the chef of Xia Zhiqiu. They took the pan and added olive oil to the hot pot. Fry the bacon pieces that are picked up from the skillet.

    Bacon is fried to a tan, and Xia Yu silently counts the time of frying, accurate to every second.

    Take the bacon, and the lard that is fried in bacon is left in the pan. The fire in the gas stove is still burning. Xia Yu skillfully uses the kitchen utensils to grab a piece of beef that has been dehydrated and put it in a pan.

    With the sound of frying, Xia Yu rolled the beef pieces, making each side of the beef a beautiful dark brown.

    When it comes to dark brown, it means you can make a pot.

    Temporarily put the fried beef pieces aside, Xia Yu reached out to the kitchen counter next to him, "Chopped carrots and big onions!"

    A young chef helped to hand the basket.

    There is still some oil left in the wok, so there is no need to refuel. The basket is skewed. At the same time, the carrots and the big onions are thrown into the pot and stir-fried. They are also too cooked. When the side of the side dish is put on a layer of golden oily coat. When you can, you can go out.

    Xia Yu pours carrots and large onions into the prepared cast iron saucepan, followed by dark brown beef, adding salt and black pepper. The specific dose depends on the chef's grasp.

    Two helpers widened their eyes.

    "Hey, he put salt and pepper like this, is it really okay?" A chef who saw Xia Yuxin's hand was stunned.

    "I don't think it's okay!" His companion looked at Xia Yu's busy back, but he was admired and envious. "He is a student of Yuanyue? It really is a talented person..." I

    thought of learning a few Years of cooking, or a helping kitchen, can not be independent, the young man lowered his head, holding a fist and a face of dissatisfaction.

    After salt and pepper, it is an important process.

    flour!

    Xia Yu grabbed a handful of flour and carefully sprinkled it on the beef and ingredients in the pot, forming a white coat to lock the moisture of the beef and increase the consistency of the soup.

    No need to use flour, just sprinkle a layer, then stir.

    The "drip"

    oven has been preheated to about 230 degrees. The cast iron pan is uncovered, placed in the oven for 4 minutes, then removed, then sprinkled with flour and baked for 4 minutes.

    The second time I took out the cast iron pot from the oven, a rich scent filled the kitchen.

    But the food is not finished yet.

    Various ingredients, parsley, crushed fragrant leaves, thyme...

    Finally pour red wine, drown the majority of the beef, add less boiled water, then put the cast iron pot on the gas stove and start to boil.

Waking up in the world of MHA (My Hero Academia).
But it is not like those fan-fic that I read in which the MC is the same age as the protagonist.

He is 3 years older than Midoriya Izuku.
---------------------------
"Shit, I don't know who sent me here but at least because you didn't give me Izuku's age"

"And why I keep hearing a damn sound in my head"
--------------------------------------
Well this is my first fan-fic I hope you like it

The treaty of bringing together the worlds of
BHNA --- boku no hero academia
SNS --- shokugueki no soma
Kenichi the most powerful disciple
As the story progresses I will try to integrate more.

~~~~~ A few hours later ~~~~~

Tempest awoke and came over to where the ghost and Auriel was playing reversi.

"What are you two doing?" Tempest asked when she saw them taking turns placing and flipping the black and white pieces.

Auriel turns towards Tempest and begin explaining while waving her hands, "First, you take this piece and put this here, then you see the same color, then you see where your color is and flip all this here to your color, and then, and then if you have many of your color you win."

Looking confused, Tempest tilt her head and looks at the ghost.

Instead of explaining to her, the ghost said, "Come sit here and take over me, it's better to hands on and learn rather than to listen to an explanation."

Hearing what the ghost said, Tempest sat on the chair while the ghost flew to the side.

"Mr. ghost, here is the recipe from the altar." Auriel called out to the ghost as it seems like he was about to leave.
_____________
Item : Crafting scroll of <Magic staff> : Uses 3 mithril bar and 1 magic stone 

"Thanks!" the ghost pat Auriel's head as he took the scroll from her.

The ghost teleported over to check the swamp level that have been completed.

Once he was there, he saw that there were some sort of weird blue grass growing around the place. Curious what it was, he took out a knife and started gathering some.
______________
Item : <Azure grass> (common) : Use to create potion in alchemy.
(Basic descriptions : Used in most potion, used in bandages)

"Oh, nice a new type of herb for alchemy, weird it doesn't seem to be of poor quality." the ghost was stunt by the situation, "I could get the skeletons to stock some of these as well."

Next, he summoned all the zombies and skeletons to his location, by using his summon spell or getting them to appear as 2 of his zombies had been wandering around and his skeletons were farming in the crypt while the others are training. Once they had all assemble, he had the zombies lined up in a row together with the skeletons. He then unequipped the leather gears from the skeletons and equipped them on the zombies. Once he was done, he got the zombies to burrow around the entrance of the swamp. After that, he teleported in the 3 set of reinforce iron armor and 2 iron daggers he made and got two of the skeletons to start harvesting the azure grass, just in case as the battle will destroy most of the herbs. He bought 2 herb basic herb bags from the item shop and equipped them onto the harvesting skeletons.
_____________
Item : <Basic Herb bag> (Common) : Sling bad made from leather, able to fill up to 3kg of herbs or 100 herbs [Cost : 1 DP] x 2

He then equipped the other 2 skeleton that were farming in the crypt with 1 set of reinforce iron armor and the other with the previous wraith knight's iron armor, next he summoned two bone spears as it seems that the previous bone spears was almost broken from the grind. He also bought 2 large sack for the skeletons to bring the weapons back, as it took too long previously when the skeletons had to carry all the weapons back to the blacksmith by hand.
_____________
Item : <Large sack> (Common) : Sling bad made from leather, able to fill up to 10kg of things [Cost : 3 DP] x 2

After he was done tasking the crypt skeletons, he got the other 4 skeletons to go back to training in the training grounds. 

The ghost headed towards the main hall where the 4 weird statues were. Once there, he being searching the item shop.
_____________
Item : Scroll of <Summon Gargoyle> : Allows use to learn Summon Gargoyle. [Cost : 500 DP]
Item : <Scroll of Turned Gargoyle> : Turn a single statue to a Gargoyle (5 times use) [Cost : 100 DP]

After much deliberation, the ghost bought the scroll of turned Gargoyle to save some DP for backup if the goblin army manage to get into the second floor.

The ghost immediately used the scroll on the four weird statues. The four weird statues around the ghost begin trembling as stone shards begin falling off them. All of a sudden the statues flap their wings and begin flying with their hands and legs dangling in the air, before landing on the ground on all four limbs, looking at the ghost awaiting his command.

The ghost opened the dungeon menu to check the gargoyles status.
_____________
Monster Class : Gargoyle
Race : Magical Construct
Level : Max
Rank : F
HP : 500
MP : 56
_______________
Stats
Strength       : 70
Agility          : 85
Endurance    : 75
Intelligence  : 32
Wisdom       : 21
Luck             : 0
_______________
Perks
[Enhanced : Stone form] : When in stone form heals 50% of health and regenerate 50% of mana over 30 seconds, takes 75% less damage from all attacks
[Enhanced : Reconstruct] : When destroyed, construct will take 48 hrs to reconstruct itself
_______________
Skill
<Passive : Claw> - lvl Max : Increase claw dmg by 20%
<Passive : Flight> lvl Max : Able to fly regardless of weight
<Active : Petrifaction> lvl Max : Turn user into stone ; Allows user to unpetrify
<Active : Stone Bullets> - lvl Max (8 mp per use) : Fires 6 consecutive shots of stones, each stones deal = 1.25 x int, 25% chance to cause bleeding
<Active : Quick strike> - lvl Max : a quick attack, damage dealt = agi x 2

"Seems, like I made the right decision, since we won't have much time before that goblin army arrives." the ghost begin gloating as he saw the stats of the gargoyles.

"Stay at your spots and use petrifaction, only unpetrify and attack the enemies when the metal gates are closed." the ghost commanded the gargoyles. The very next second, the four gargoyles begin to turned into stone.

After seeing the gargoyles turned back into statues, he teleported back to the dungeon master room. Once he was back in the dungeon master room, he went to the pile of items at the corner of the main hall and took the magic crystal before heading over to the blacksmith to check out what was the new recipe about. At the corner of his eyes, he could see that Tempest and Auriel were still playing reversi, however it seems like there was another black glob on the table looking curiously at what they were doing.

The ghost smiled at the sight of the group and headed over to the blacksmith. When he entered, there were a small pile of about to be broken weapons at the side of the blacksmith, after smelting down all the weapons, he got another 5 iron bars and 2 steel bars. 

Next he opened up the recipe scroll and begin following the instructions on it. Unlike previously where he could easily create equipment however he want with the steel, it seems that he have failed to reshape the mithril, the mithril either deform from the start or it would be too brittle after forming.

Wondering what could be wrong, the ghost begin searching the item shop to find if he could discover something that would help his current situation. Not long after he came across a book titled, 'Mithril and it's properties' by Donovan [Cost : 50 DP]. Without hesitating he bought the book. In the book, it explained the intricate properties of mithril, the ability that it could alloy with other different type of metal, it's melting point, other type of ways to use mithril and some theories of what mithril can be use for.

After reading for an hour, the ghost realized that his current furnace was the problem causing the mithril to be deform or becoming too brittle. Next he tried to buy a blast furnace from the item shop, but to his surprised that there wasn't any blast furnace available for him to purchase. Confused on what to do next, he took a looked at his upgraded blacksmith skill.
________________
<Auxiliary : Blacksmith> (Journeyman) : able to learn forging recipes (upgrades available)

Seeing that he wondered what those upgrades available meant, he clicked on it.
________________
Upgrades available
(Expand Blacksmith) [Cost : 50 DP]
(Blast furnace) [Cost : 50 DP]
(Stone molds) [Cost : 10 DP]

Without further ado, the ghost immediately purchase all the upgrades. Before he realized it, he was already floating outside of the blacksmith and a notification pops up in front of him.

<Upgrading Blacksmith layout, 0:30:00 remaining>

Since, the ghost couldn't do anything with the blacksmith, he headed over to the alchemist room.

When he arrived, he immediately flip open the book of alchemy to check what he could do with the new herb  Azure grass that he found on the first floor.
__________
Recipe
<Healing Potion> ~ low quality : Requires 3 azure grass/ silver weed + 1 golden root + 1 glass tube
<Bandage> : Requires 2 azure grass/ silver weed + 5 cloth
<Mana potion> ~ low quality : Requires 5 azure grass + 5 silver weed + 1 ghost cap + 1 glass tube

After seeing the recipes, he purchase some set of glass tube and cloth, and got his skeletons to return to the alchemist room with the azure grass. Once the skeletons arrive, he begin using the herbs that they harvest to create some healing potions and mana potions. Before he realized he had used up all the azure herbs, though he had some failures he manage to create 5 low quality mana potions and 10 low quality healing potions.

By the time he was done, he went over to check out the blacksmith. As he walked into the blacksmith, it seem to have triple in size, there was a staircase leading downwards and the blast furnace was almost 3 storey tall.

This time the ghost threw the mithril ores that he got previously into the top of the furnace, next he went down to the bottom level where all the blacksmith equipment and tools were at. Not long after he manage to get 5 bars of mithril. He then begin crafting the magic staff again, without any problems he managed to craft the base of the staff successfully, after the base cooldown he added in the water core at the top of the staff, he then use a vice to clamp the core in place.
__________
Item : <Aqua staff> - Magic staff (Rare) : +15 Magic attack, increase max mana by 5%, increase all water spells efficiency/ dmg by 20%, durability 45/45

Feeling contented with what he had crafted, he brought it over to Tempest to get her to test it.

"Hey, Tempest I need you to test out this staff." the ghost said as he arrived at the trio's location, tempest was stressing out as she was on the losing end of the game. 

Hearing the ghost call her, Tempest immediately stood up and said, "Cutie, Mr ghost called me, I'll be back later."

Tempest grabbed the staff from the ghost and sneaked away before Auriel could react. 

Kuro however, jumped into Tempest's seat and suddenly place a piece on the reversi board as Auriel was looking towards the training ground.

"Meow" Kuro meowed at Auriel trying to catch her attention.

Auriel looks back when she heard Kuro meowing at her, her eyes brighten and asked, "You will play with me Kuro?"

"Meow" as Kuro immediately replied her.

Seeing that everything should be fine, the ghost flew over to the training ground to see how the new staff would fare for Tempest.

"So how's the staff?" the ghost flew over to Tempest as she was casting water bullets from a distance.

"It's pretty good, it's better than casting without any medium, but the water bullets other than the first one seems to fly to other locations." Tempest reply as she continue using water bullets.

Although the water bullets she cast form from a single point, but the water bullets were flying everywhere when she wave the staff to release the attack.

After a few spell cast, he realized that Tempest might not be able to fix this problem in such a short amount of time, as the goblin army might attack any day. 

An idea popped up in his mind, thus the ghost immediately flew back to the blacksmith while letting Tempest continue her training. Back in the blacksmith the ghost bought a new water core [Cost : 200 DP] which looks like a diamond shape ♦️ from the item shop.

He begin by smelting down the a few mithril bars, while the mithril bars were smelting, he created a barrel mold, a half pistol grip mold (both left and right), a trigger mold, a slide mold with iron sight to lock the core and the half pistol body mold (both left and right) which left an a empty slot at the ejection point in order to place the core in.

Once the mithril bars were in liquid form, he poured it into the the cast and waited for them to cool down. He assemble all the parts together and added a spring for the slide to lock the water core in place. After he assemble all the parts together, a notification popped up.

<You have created a new type of weapon, please give a name to these type of weapon>

'Magic gun'? the ghost hesitatingly input into the blank space on the notification.

<This type of weapon will be called "Magic Gun" in the future!>
<Approve><Reject>

After he clicked approve, another two notification popped up consecutively.

<Achievement unlock! New Creation>
<Rewards : 500 DP, 2 gacha coupon, Title : Inventor>

<Please name this magic gun>
'Elemental pistol' the ghost gave this name as the magic core could be switch out as long as you have the cores.
__________
<Element pistol> - Magic Gun(Super Rare) : +20 Magic attack, increase max mana by 10%, +10 to int, increase all water spells efficiency/ dmg by 20%(depends on core), durability 55/55 (Magic core can be switch)

Happy with how the new weapon turned out, the ghost took the element pistol over to Tempest to let her test it. 

"Tempest, try out this weapon, all you need to do is chant the water bullet spell and pull the trigger, instead of waving it around." the ghost explained to her, as he passed the pistol to her.

"Okay!" she begin chanting the spell and the water bullets started forming inside of the barrel, when she pulled the trigger, since there were no recoil, all the water bullets flew out of the pistol in a straight line . However, the water bullets did not even hit the target board once. 

Seeing that happen, the ghost realized that he didn't taught her how to aim, so he explained to her, "Tempest, on the top of the gun there is 2 notch, it's called the iron sight, you need to align the front sight in between the 2 rear sight, as long as your target lines up with the iron sight you will definitely hit the target."

After listening to what the ghost said, Tempest tried casting again. This time she hit bulls eyes on all her water bullets shot.

"Ohhh, this weapon is fun." Tempest said in delight.

An old man who died of old age, his spirit was transferred to another world and he became a ghost dungeon master in another world, and the first thing he saw haughty little girl, asking him to do things.

At the landing pad came a large building with the word in neon lights Walmart. It was on every side.  Escalators came out from every side two preside side on going up and one going down.
    People came down the escalators upon arrival lines were formed on people in the area. I  was the man chosen to go with June Sue and Trixie. I  prayed that the money I had for 2020 was valid 4020.
     We entered the fortress seeing a well tiled and maintained fountain of Griffin about to take flight. Around it was a mall of stores of every department to our right was the electronic department and our left was the baby department. 
   "Well let's go to the food department and the linens." Trixie chirp.
   "Trixie what about the baby department don't you think your daughter will need at least a set of clothes for it." Said June I was glad she said it I was not sure how to bring that up.
   "Daina could us that. We can go on the way out." Trixie spoke slowly I put her in a cart and June pushed it to the food department. All the workers still wear blue vest.
    We entered there was a register stand at the exit and it began with the fresh food. The ladies moved passed them to the canned food filling the cart with vegetables, fruit, meat, sauses and soup cans. Next to the pasta, then none refrigerated milk they shopped frugally.  We went to the register after that. The total rang up I pulled out the money of three twenties. Sue pulled out also twenties as did June. 
   We didn't want to look like we carried lots of money on us fear of being attacked. Trixie pull a few dollars out. The robot took the money without question and waved us through. 
    We walked back to the escalator the one that goes down and Sue and June road down to Peter with the food. Once they were safe Trixie and I went to the outdoors department we needed warm bedding. 
    "Joe are we getting anything else in here then sleeping bags  like a solar stove." I smile at her. 
   "That depends on the cost." 
   "Is that you Trixie? Did you find a man that would cart you around?" Said a man that blocked our way to the stoves. In the cart was fifteen sleeping bags warmest I could find for a good price. 
     "Hello Dick. I don't need a man to cart me around. I am helping him find things please move." She tried really hard not to sound angry.
    "Are you going on a trip with lots of people that's a lot of sleeping bags." he was looking at me now. 
   "Yep." I stepped froward to the stove and pans. I looked at the prices.
   "Were are you going?" he asked after a moment. 
   "The great lakes." I  put in a kettle and a cast iron skillet and pot. Then backup going to the register. 
   "That is a dangerous place there is a feud going on there about fish. You should go south. We had are honeymoon there Trixie and I. She had legs back then the hottest legs I've ever seen I got to keep them in the divorce how are the girls?" He stopped watching her reaction. She only smiled.
   "What was the baby you carried when I dumped you at madam Flowers camp? You still live there right?"
   "Does it matter they are healthy and grown up. Did you want to see them?" Trixie said coolly.
   We were back into the fountain room. I headed to the exit between the baby department and the electronics.  "THE STORE WILL BE DEPARTING IN ONE HOUR PLEASE GET YOUR PERCHES PAID FOR. THANK YOU." anounced the speakers. 
   Kevin and Dillon stood against the wall by the door. Dick was following us still trying to provoke Trixie. 
    "We have a problem. Daina needs a hospital now." Kevin said Daina was hidden behind them.
    "Are these the children?" Dick said Trixie frowned. "Hello I'm your rich father and a doctor  what seems to be the problem." Kevina narrow her eyes as Dillon widened his.
   "Nothing I'm fine I want to go to the baby department before it closes." Daina hissed standing and taking my arm. "You guys take the camping gear to the trailer." she told the rest of the family. Trixie nodded she and Kevin had Dillon went down to the bus.
   I lead Daina to the baby department. We were followed by Dick. We picked up a little basket where she put in three mix packs of onies and pj. We then grabbed the reusable diapers one hand pump and bottle. Dick tried to engage in conversation once opening his mouth then closing it. He watched for signs of distress.
    I know she had because of the squeasing on my arm. At the register we quickly checked out and exited the Walmart. The speakers anounced their departure in ten minutes.  Dick didn't follow us. I made sure to grab water soap and a blanket that the package read birthing blanket.
    We got to the bus to see the building lift off. "Four hours is not enough time to shop." said Pearl. 
     "Diana's water broke she could have dropped a baby at anytime and you take her shopping.  What were you thinking?" yelled  Kevina.
   "Shut up Kevin" Hissed Diana. I handed Kevin the water soap and blanket.
   "Get her settled and wash her and yourself well before handling the birth I'm going to fly us away from here before the local get any ideas." I said closing the doors after counting everyone in.
   "The prices is as low as in the 1950s in the store economy must be really low." 
   "No Walmart Corp is the only city that serves the poor that live on the earth the everything is bad here, but up there it is rich." Trixie corrected Sue sadly.

Griselda held the door, motioning for Benedictus to enter first. He stepped past her, unsure of what to expect.

The room was large, with an entire wall dedicated to wide-paned windows. They lit the room well, also giving a spectacular view of the Winnowing Sea.

"I had no idea we were by the coast," Benedictus commented. He ran his fingers over the light brown wood of Kitchen's central countertop.

"Yes, I make an extreme effort to keep unwanted smells away from this place," Griselda followed after him. "The Backend was originally a fisherman's village..." She took light steps, as if worried about the floorboards snapping open and swallowing her whole, "This is the first time I've ever seen this room look... like this."

The walls were painted a stormy gray, while the countertops were a sandy brown. All of the cabinets, above and below, were a kind of blanche-white, with the same sandy finishes.

"Reminds me of a sailboat," Benedictus said. The countertops were barren. He had spotted hooks on the walls, but they were empty as well. He started up top, slamming the floating cabinets open, scanning them for contents and then slamming them closed. Moving quickly, he went from end to end, scanning for something to use. Kitchens don't come empty.

"W-what are you doing?!" Griselda turned away from the windows, moving to stop him. "You might trigger something!" Her voice had shot up an octave, but somehow, still wasn't quite yelling.

Benedictus didn't stop.

"Is our dear Madame afraid of some cabinets?" he joked. Finished with his search above, he began sliding the waist-high drawers open.

"No, you oaf. I didn't realize it earlier, but this room is magical," she stepped out his way, wanting to avoid touching as much of the Kitchen as possible. "This house was built by a pair of retired Heroes a century ago. When this room was originally shown to me, it looked abandoned. I was sure it was in worse shape than the Pantry! Unusable, unworkable, impractical..." Griselda kept going, nervously prattling synonyms.

"Mhm," Benedictus wasn't listening. He had just found a cast iron skillet in the first lower cabinet he'd looked in to. He put it on top of the counter, and moved on.

Griselda, frustrated by the situation, threatened to leave.

"I wouldn't recommend you do that," he said, slapping another treasure on to the countertop.

"Why not? You cannot expect me to enjoy watching you make a racket? It is not within my duties to babysit you."

"Hm..." he stood, dusting himself off. "You just admitted you have no idea how this room works. If you leave, we might not ever see each other again."

That made the Witch pause. Benedictus had no idea if what he said was remotely true; he just knew the room was making her nervous. Griselda of Grenade wasn't the type to show weakness without reason. Her nervousness made him cautious.

"Fine," she finally said, straightening herself. "I will stay until you are done."

"Done," he said, dusting himself off. On the counter before them, was a pile of kitchen utensils. There were also a few pots and pans. He had even found some measuring cups.

"You're really done? That quickly?" 

"Ah yeah," he said. "I've found everything I could," he sighed. "Just wish there were a few more things here. Like a sink. So I can wash my hands..." he clapped, trying to shake off dust and grime.

There was a sudden rumbling. Benedictus turned, noticing the sound coming from the large conspicuous gap in the wall behind him. The brickwork twitched, and rattled, hacking up dust and cement. The wall was unraveling itself, coming apart like a puzzle. The rumbling intensified, the floorboards almost swaying past each other. Griselda stepped back, her fingers pinching her dress. She held the hem stiffly above her ankles.

The swaying intensified. It was as if they had been stranded in the middle of a summer storm. Floorboards were rippling like waves. They slammed into walls coming apart with a loud snapping sound.

Griselda moved quickly. She hopped onto the counter. Moving the pile of Things, she sat on her heels, sitting like an anchor. The Witch watched Benedictus ignore everything, coolly unaffected. With a frown, she looked past his head and gasped.

There was a black hole in the wall now, along with many smaller holes in the walls all around them. The two of them stared, curious. On the other side, they could hear a low whistling sound.

"What is that?" Griselda wondered aloud. Benedictus shrugged. The sound seemed to be getting closer.

Bang!

A sink rammed itself through the wall, blowing chunks of cement and brick into the kitchen. Benedictus was blown backwards, ending up crumpled on the other side of the counter.

Griselda pulled her wand from her sleeve. She grabbed Benedictus by the cuff and dragged his torso onto the counter, cursing away.

"This damned room is not worth the trouble Ser Hero," she said, checking to see if he was conscious, "and neither are you!"

He said nothing. His head was killing him and the world was spinning again.
Griselda pointed her wand towards the heavens and whispered another spell. A bubble of air formed around them. Just in time it seemed, as the smaller holes around the room were filled with what could be considered cannon balls.

The shield of air was not impenetrable. Fragments of debris would slip in, battering Griselda and Benedictus. Griselda had it worse, she was sitting up, making her the larger target.

She realized these two things quickly. Forgetting about her pride or about saving face, she moved herself closer to Benedictus, placing his head on her lap. She stooped down, making herself smaller. With less area to cover, the shield of air shrunk too, becoming denser.

Benedictus was fading in an out of consciousness. He had been hit in the head earlier, and was bleeding everywhere. Griselda could still hear him breathing. If she could maintain the spell until whatever was happening was over, he would live. She was sure of it.

But how long would this onslaught last?

After an nonstop three day baking binge, Benedictus Agnes, finds himself transported to another world. Unlike other heroes, he is suddenly sent to the Backend, a small town overlooking the sea. 
Dropped in the middle of nowhere, our hero only has one plan: get cooking!

Tsubaki decided to stop thinking about the mysterious note. Once she got home, she immediately headed upstairs to change her clothes. She lowered down the air-conditioning system, allowing her to escape from the heat that followed her from the outside. Tsubaki chose a sleeveless cotton dress from her wardrobe after throwing her dress and handbag on the bed. The pastel yellow dress fell above her knees. 

It was a quarter to 5. Tsubaki wondered if her husband could return early today as he had promised. 

"He asked to take out the steak..." She mumbled quietly as she walked toward the refrigerator in the kitchen. Her hand went to the handle of the freezer. "I wonder what he wants to cook tonight?"

Filled with anticipation, Tsubaki giggled happily. She placed the plastic container of the steak in the sink. The meat had to be thawed down first. 

After taking a bottle of roasted almonds, she went to the living room. Her eyes landed on a stack of magazines placed on the coffee table. All of them were pregnancy-related magazines gifted by Grandma.

The Baby's Steps of a New Mom.

A New Mom's Guide of Survival.

What to Do When You're Expecting?

The Dos and Donts of Early Stages of Pregnancy.

Tsubaki curled up on the couch and started reading the magazines seriously. Whenever she saw the cute photos of a baby printed on the pages, she couldn't help but smile. These little dumplings looked so precious! It was torture to wait for them to arrive but the wait was worth it.

Time passed by and it was already 7 PM. Tsubaki was still deep in her world of gaining knowledge as a new mother when the front door opened from the outside. Ren quietly entered the entrance as his eyes were searching for his wife. He had just wanted to speak when he finally spotted her sitting on the couch in the living room. His thin lips turned upwards as he realized she was reading the parenting magazines Grandma had sent over together with additional nourishments.

"Haish... she didn't even notice me," Ren smiled helplessly. 

Ren took silent steps towards his wife. Tsubaki was so engrossed in reading, it was already too late when she noticed a big shadow fell on her from behind. Just as she lifted her head to look up, a pair of strong arms had already encircled her shoulders. Her husband's warm breath landed on her face as he stared at her from above with a lazy grin on his face.

"You're so focused! You didn't even notice that I'm home already," Ren purposely said with a wronged tone, he eyed her startled look with laughter in his heart. "Have you started to forget me because of our little brat?"

"Darling~" Tsubaki giggled as she heard him. Aiya! Her husband was being super clingy with her now. She should play along with him unless he wouldn't spare her. "I missed you!"

Ren stifled a laugh. He leaned further down and pressed his lips over hers. "I missed you too, sweetheart."

Ren took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves until they reached his arms. After taking all the magazines from the table and placed them on the couch, he sat down on the coffee table facing his wife. 

"Does your feet ache?" Ren bent down and gently brought Tsubaki's right little foot on his knees. He started exerting small pressure on the sole of her feet. "You wore flat shoes earlier right, sweetheart?"

"Uhuh." Tsubaki nodded. She put down the magazine and propped up her elbows on her lap, her head hung low as she recalled what happened before she left the restaurant before. "I... nearly fall down."

"What?" Ren raised his head as soon as her words registered in his mind, a hint of panic glinted in his dark eyes. "Are you hurt somewhere? What happened?"

Ren placed his hands on her waist, his eyes were looking for any sign of injury on her body. Tsubaki quickly held his hands, she sounded so apologetic as she spoke, "I'm not hurting anywhere. Well, a man walked too fast and hit my shoulder. Luckily, one of Kanako's bodyguards managed to catch me."

Ren looked deeply into her eyes, Tsubaki couldn't tell what he was thinking at this moment. She didn't mean to make him panic but she felt like she should tell him.

"I'm sorry, darling," Tsubaki lowered her head, her small hands were holding his wide ones. "I don't mean to frighten you. It's just... I'm afraid when I thought back of what would happen if I really fell. It scares me."

She might appeared calm but she couldn't forget the fear she felt at the moment her body falling down after the stumble. Her arms instinctively went to protect her tummy, as if she knew if she didn't place the layer of protection over it something bad would happen.

She flinched at the thought. 

Ren let out a sigh. He got up from the coffee table and sat beside his wife. He gently placed her on his lap and cradled her in his arms. His hand ran down her long hair while the other one hold onto her waist. 

"Nothing happened, sweetheart," He brushed his lips on her temple, trying to dispel the lingering fear in her heart. "Just be careful next time. Maybe you should limit your time being in a crowded place. Other than that, just mind your steps, alright? You're good, nothing would happen."

Tsubaki nodded meekly. She rested her head on his broad chest, seeking comfort in his embrace. Her hands went to her tummy, she gently rubbed it as if she was caressing a treasure. 

Sometimes, she would be in a daze and thought that this little one was just a dream. Day by day, she couldn't help but feeling worried whether she could give birth safely or would she become a good mother. She didn't show it to her husband but today, after almost falling down, the fear couldn't be contained anymore.

Especially after she recalled the mysterious note. 

"Darling..." Tsubaki lifted up her eyes, meeting his dark gaze. Her voice was so small and timid when she spoke again after a moment of silence. "Everything would be alright, it is?"

Ren looked into her bright eyes, a thin mist had formed a layer in them. He nodded. He tightened his embrace. 

"Everything will be alright, I promise."

After comforting his wife for a while, both of them went to the kitchen. Ren wanted Tsubaki to rest in their bedroom as he cooked but she was having none of it. She insisted to help him so he could only fulfill her wish. 

"What do you want to cook?" Tsubaki tied the pink apron around her waist as she looked at her husband who was scrolling down a recipe app in his phone.

Ren glanced at his wife, he showed what he was reading to her. A photo of meat bites glazed with sauce was displayed on the screen. "How about something simple? Steak bites with honey garlic sauce, is that okay?"

"Okay!"

Ren cut the sirloin steak into small bites while Tsubaki at his side preparing some tomato chickpea salad to be paired with the steak bites. She was still full due to her late lunch while he had something planned tonight so he foregone a heavy meal.

"Sweetheart, this amount of sauce is okay, right?" Ren showed the bowl containing honey, garlic, water, sesame oil and other ingredients at Tsubaki. He was mixing the ingredients for the sauce.

"Add some dried oregano and soy sauce," Tsubaki passed him two glass bottles of the said ingredients at her husband. "They should do the extra kick."

"Alright." 

After marinating the steak with salt and pepper for a few minutes, Ren began to sear them in a hot skillet. The dish didn't need a long time to be cooked. Once he was done searing all the steak bites, he poured the sauce in the pan together with them. After the sauce thickened, he took a white plate and placed all the steak bites coated with honey garlic sauce in it. Tsubaki garnished the dish with some sesame seeds.

"Wow! It looks yummy!" Tsubaki's eyes lit up when she saw the glossy shine appearance of the meats. "Quick! Quick! I want to eat!"

Ren laughed heartily as he looked at her brightened expression. He placed the plate and the bowl of salad on a tray, ready to be served on the dining table. "Take the plates and cutleries. Be careful."

"Okay!"

Tsubaki went to the dining table with two sets of plates and cutlery each. Her husband was already brewing tea for them. The divine smell of the dish increased Tsubaki's appetite. She quickly sat down and waited for Ren to return from the kitchen.

"You look like you haven't eaten, sweetheart," Ren's lips curled up as he was teasing her. "Are you that hungry?"

"No~ I'm full but my husband's cooking is so tempting," Tsubaki deliberately answered with a flirty voice.

Ren shook his head, showing her his helpless smile. He fondly rubbed her head before he sat down opposite her. After serving her the main dish, he placed some salad on her plate.

"Eat well and then go to rest, alright?" Ren took the fork and began to eat. "I have some work to do, contact Kaede if you need anything."

"Where are you going?" Tsubaki eyed her husband with suspicions. "You've just recovered from fever and now you want to overwork again?"

"No, sweetheart. I'm not going back to the company," Ren quickly dismissed her thoughts. "Akashi and Toshiro want to see me. I'll be back as soon as I could, okay?"

Tsubaki pursed her lips. It took her a moment before she finally nodded. She planned to tell him about the note but it seemed like it had to wait. She didn't want to delay him from attending to his matter tonight. 

After dinner, both of them went upstairs. Since he was worried, he planned to leave after she slept. Ren drew a bath for his wife, he put her favorite bath bomb in the tub. The sweet scent of vanilla and raspberry filled the spacious bathroom.

"Be careful," Ren gathered her long hair and tied it into a loose bun. "Call me if you need anything. Take your sweet time bathing, okay?"

"Okay," Tsubaki answered with a smile. She took a careful step into the tub, she was still mindful of the incident earlier.

After he made sure she had safely entered the tub, Ren stepped out from the bathroom. He took off his shirt and tossed it inside a laundry bag. The warehouse was located north of the city and it would take him almost 2 hours through the expressway. Akashi had texted him, saying that Toshiro had arrived. Toshiro would examine Yagi Takashi first since he had tried to escape and almost broke his legs in the process.

Ren's gaze trained on Tsubaki's dress and handbag from her outing today, lying on the bed. It was a light green floral dress he bought for her. He extended his long hand, taking the dress to be placed inside the laundry bag together with his clothes. In his hurry, he accidentally tripped on the handbag's shoulder strap dangling from the bed. The bag fell down, its contents scattered on the floor.

Ren immediately crouched down to pick up the items together with the bag. There was her purse, favorite lipstick, sunscreen, wet wipes and a few small things. He put them back inside the bag carefully once he inspected there was no damage done. His eyes went to the paper left on the floor. Thinking that it was just a receipt, he casually tossed it inside together with the other items.

It was not until his eyes subconsciously read the content did his hand froze in the air.

What is this?

Ren didn't believe his eyes yet the content of the paper had successfully attracted his attention.

What is the meaning of this?

His gaze diverted from the paper and landed on the bathroom's door. He could hear her sweet voice humming a melody.

"I'll make you fall in love with me again." He gently rubbed her head.

"Whenever you're tired donning the cold mask to the outside world, you could come to me. I'll be here." She smiled as she held his hands.

Five years ago, the long winter of his life melted away once she entered his life. He had grown to live comfortably in her cool spring air with the scent of flowers she loved. But, fate had another story. It dragged him away from his spring, leading him to once again living in winter.

Five years later, he had successfully became the King of Winter. To avoid him from drowning in the freezing air, he began her journey to once again inviting the spring to grace his life.

Because for Ren, Tsubaki would forever be his spring.


A/N: If you want a fluffy love story, try check this one out! There would be some angst but don't worry, no major misunderstanding between our leads ;) 

The raw photo of the cover is from https://www.facebook.com/mandarin1314/photos/pcb.1047531012104032/1047529948770805/?type=3&theater . I used Photoscape to edit it a bit and add the text

cast iron skillet steak recipes

Cast

Immortal Chef

Dimension System

Dungeon Isolation

Reincarnated as a Fallen Angel

Breaking the limits (fan-fic BNHA)

The ghost dungeon master

Is hope in future?

Recipe

Spring Blooms When I'm with You

People search cast iron skillet steak recipes also like: