Chapter 4: The Culinary Conundrum – Or, "Who Knew Saving the World Required a Michelin Star?"
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Plot Event: Chitauri Invasion (full participation). GP earned: 1,000. ]
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Rare Draw unlocked! ]
The aftermath of the Chitauri invasion had settled into a chaotic rhythm. Tony was still oscillating between "mildly annoyed by Adam's antics" and "begrudgingly impressed by his weird flashes of insight." The Avengers, a newly minted team, were still finding their footing, and Adam, in his self-appointed role as "Consultant of Cosmic Shenanigans and Prank Executioner," was right there in the thick of it, mostly observing, occasionally interjecting with a sarcastic comment or a startlingly accurate prediction that he then immediately downplayed as "a really good guess."
He'd spent a significant amount of time in Stark Tower's communal kitchens, mostly because the food was free and surprisingly good. He'd also discovered that Thor had an insatiable appetite for pop-tarts and a complete inability to understand the concept of a microwave.
"Friend Stiels, this infernal box consumes my Pop-Tarts! What manner of sorcery is this?" Thor had boomed one morning, gesturing wildly at the humming microwave.
"It's called a microwave, Thor. It heats things. It doesn't eat them. You just need to press the 'start' button. And maybe don't put metal in it. That tends to cause… fireworks." Adam had patiently explained, suppressing a giggle. ' Teaching an Asgardian god about kitchen appliances. Just another day in the life of Adam Stiels. '
His "Civilian Evacuation" efforts during the invasion, combined with his general presence during the entire chaotic affair, had apparently earned him a significant chunk of Gacha Points. He was now sitting on a nice, round 1,000 GP, enough for a Rare Draw.
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Gacha Draw Tier: Rare Draw. Cost: 1,000 GP. ]
"Alright, universe, hit me with your best shot. Something useful for actual combat, perhaps? A laser sword? A tiny, sentient robot sidekick? Or maybe just some really good coffee? A man can dream." He tapped the "Draw" button, feeling a nervous flutter in his stomach. The rare draws always felt more significant, like the universe was actually trying to give him something meaningful.
The animation spun, a little faster this time, the colors more vibrant, before settling on its prize.
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: [Rare Skill Card] Basic Cooking Mastery (Food Wars!) acquired. Recipient: Adam. ]
Adam stared at the card. Then he stared some more. His eye twitched. "Cooking mastery? Cooking mastery? After all that drama, all that alien invasion, all that near-death experience, you're telling me my reward is… the ability to make a really good soufflé? Is this some kind of cosmic joke? Am I supposed to defeat Thanos with a perfectly roasted chicken?"
He sighed, running a hand over his face. ' Seriously, system? I'm trying to survive a superhero apocalypse, not win 'MasterChef: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Edition.' This is going to be incredibly difficult to explain to Tony. 'Yes, Mr. Stark, my newfound power is the ability to whip up a gourmet meal in minutes. Prepare to be gastronomically annihilated!' '
Despite his initial exasperation, a small, mischievous spark ignited in his mind. Food Wars! cooking mastery meant not just good cooking, but incredibly delicious and nourishing meals. Meals that could make people hallucinate flavors. Meals that could inspire awe. Meals that could, potentially, be used for… diplomacy. Or pranks. Mostly pranks.
He imagined baking a batch of "truth serum cookies" for Fury. Or serving Captain America a "patriotic pie" that tasted like freedom and apple pie, but secretly contained enough caffeine to keep him awake for a week. The possibilities were… surprisingly delightful.
He held the glowing skill card in his hand. It felt warm, almost alive. He crushed it, and it dissolved into a warm light that flowed into him, settling in his mind. Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable urge to perfectly julienne a carrot. And he knew, deep down, that he could. He could probably whip up a five-course meal blindfolded.
Later that evening, the Avengers were gathered in the common room, all looking a little worse for wear after a particularly grueling training session. Tony was sprawled on a couch, scrolling through a holographic display. Steve was meticulously cleaning his shield. Natasha was quietly reading a book.
"Alright, folks, who's hungry?" Adam announced, striding into the room with a surprisingly confident air. He had spent the last hour in the kitchen, experimenting with his new skill.
Tony grunted. "Unless you've somehow conjured a pizza from thin air, I'm pretty sure we're stuck with takeout."
"Oh, ye of little faith, Stark," Adam said, dramatically gesturing towards the kitchen. "Behold! Culinary magnificence!"
He returned a moment later, carrying a tray laden with what looked suspiciously like… perfectly seared salmon with a lemon-dill sauce, accompanied by roasted asparagus and wild rice. The aroma alone was enough to make stomachs rumble.
"What is that?" Natasha asked, raising an eyebrow, her book forgotten.
"This, my dear Natasha, is the taste of victory. And also, a delicious and nutritionally balanced meal designed to replenish your heroic energy reserves. I call it… 'The Avenger's Ambrosia.'" Adam gestured with a flourish. "Dig in."
The initial skepticism was palpable. Tony eyed the salmon with suspicion, as if expecting it to spontaneously combust. Steve looked at it like it was some kind of alien technology. But the smell was intoxicating.
Slowly, hesitantly, they took their first bites.
Tony's eyes widened. "Holy… wow. Stiels, did you bribe a five-star chef to break into my kitchen?"
Natasha took another bite, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips. "This is… actually good."
Steve, after a moment of quiet chewing, let out a contented sigh. "It tastes like… home."
Adam beamed. ' Mission accomplished. Phase one of Operation: Gastronomic Domination is complete. Take that, Thanos! You may have an army, but I have a perfect béchamel sauce! '
He spent the rest of the evening basking in the glow of their appreciation, offering seconds, and subtly trying to get them to guess his "secret ingredient" (which was, apparently, the sheer power of Food Wars! anime logic). He even managed to convince Thor that the "Avenger's Ambrosia" was a traditional Midgardian warrior feast, prompting the Asgardian to consume three servings with gusto.
"Friend Stiels, your culinary magic rivals even the feasts of Asgard!" Thor declared, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Just call me the God of Good Eats, Thor," Adam replied, trying to suppress a triumphant smirk. ' This skill might actually be useful. At the very least, it'll make sure no one tries to kick me out of the tower for annoying them. A well-fed Avenger is a happy Avenger. '