The morning sun stretched its golden fingers over Braisenhold's bustling market district, painting the stalls in warm hues. Kai's eyes scanned the vibrant chaos—the cries of vendors, the mingling scents of spices and fresh produce, the colorful array of fruits, vegetables, and exotic ingredients.
His recent success at the Guild trial and the duel with Jorren had opened new doors. Whispers of the young Junior Chef who wielded fire like a blade had spread through the streets, earning him invitations and wary glances alike.
Kai wandered deeper into the marketplace, guided by a mix of intuition and the subtle hints from his new skill, Ingredient Recognition I. The system now allowed him to detect not just flavors, but the rarity and elemental affinity of ingredients. His senses tingled as he passed a small stall guarded by an old woman cloaked in deep green.
"Looking for something special, young chef?" she asked, eyes sharp and knowing.
Kai nodded, feeling the pull of something rare. The woman revealed a small basket containing three prized items:
Embernut — a rare nut that retained heat for hours after being roasted, perfect for slow-cooked dishes requiring steady warmth. (Tier 3: Rare)
Silverleaf Garlic — a variant of wild garlic with a crisp bite and a faint shimmer on its leaves, known for enhancing flavors without overpowering. (Tier 2: Uncommon)
Mountain Pepper — small black berries with an intense, lingering heat, favored by chefs who dared to push boundaries. (Tier 3: Rare)
Kai carefully examined each ingredient, sensing their potential. These weren't just food—they were tools, weapons in his culinary arsenal.
He purchased them, paying with coins earned from his recent wins, feeling the weight of responsibility alongside the sack.
As he left the market, his thoughts raced. The continent of Ardentia was vast, filled with untapped culinary secrets. To conquer it, Kai needed to gather more such rare treasures—and master them.
System Notification:+30 XP gained from acquiring rare tiered ingredients.
Kai's XP now stood at 100 / 300, edging him closer to Level 5.
He glanced at his attributes, mentally preparing for the next steps:
Culinary Sense: 8
Knife Technique: 5
Heat Control: 5 (II)
Stamina: 7
Focus: 10
Mana: 7
Ingredient Tiers Explained:
Ingredients in Gastrion come ranked by tiers—from common to legendary—each tier affecting cooking potential. Rare (Tier 3) and above ingredients often possess elemental affinities or magical properties that can unlock powerful new cooking techniques or effects.
Mastering these ingredients is vital for Kai's climb from Junior Chef toward the heights of the culinary world.
The horizon was wide, and Kai's journey had only just begun.