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Chapter 360: Ellie’s Pinnacle
The Truth Droplets were something that Minhyuk had obtained after successfully harvesting all of the Legendary Sun’s Wheat. Just one drop in any food would make the person speak the truth. The previous Food God had judged that this Truth Droplets would be useful. No. To be exact, the Athenae Management Team had placed it there so that the person taking the Gourmet Dragon Banquet Trial would be able to complete the trial in a clean and excellent manner.
‘This… this goddamn…!’ Anton thought, face turning red at the curses that Minhyuk threw at him.
‘Who the hell are you?’
Compared to him, the lord of Albero Territory, the territory hailed as the chefs’ territory, and a man of great wealth, who was he to say ‘XXX trash bastard’ to him?
Anton tried to grab Minhyuk’s collar, but he was quickly horrified by the fact that his mouth did not stop moving. He said, “I wanted to become the Food God. So, as the Twilight Chef, I bought everything, the name of the Food God, and even the hearts of these pigs, with money.”
“Pig… pigs?!”
“That goddamn bastard!”
The people in the stands roared indignantly as the Gourmet Dragon looked at his surroundings. He said, “What’s the difference between you and this guy?”
“…”
“…”
The Gourmet Dragon’s eyes passed by the chefs and the audience, effectively shutting their mouths. Perhaps they already knew about this. However, they had chosen to shun the Food God and everything related to him, in exchange for the vast amount of money that was being supplied to the territory, as well as an abundant and luxurious life.
What about the chefs? They were blinded by gold and only moved to pursue money and power. Among them, only Lucaro was not misled by these things.
“I’m sorry. Lucaro…”
“I’m very ashamed of my actions!!!”
“I’m very sorry for throwing stones at you!!!”
These were the voices that rang from the audience. This time, it was Paradise Restaurant’s Balza. He said, “I’m sorry. You were really cool during this tournament. You truly are the best chef in our territory.”
Balza was a proud man. He always believed that he and the Paradise Restaurant were the best in the territory. This very same person actually bowed his head and swallowed his pride.
However, Lucaro was not a naive person. He said, “Do you think such an apology can win my heart over?”
“…I will try my best to change.”
It seemed like Balza was finally enlightened after hearing Lucaro’s words. Lucaro did not nod or acknowledge him at all, but for some reason there was a faint hint of satisfaction at his remarks. Just like that, plenty of chefs came and bowed their heads in apology to Lucaro.
On the other hand, the Gourmet Dragon approached Anton, who was still spitting out confessions. Anton said, “I did everything. I cursed and swore at the previous Food God, and punished the chefs that had the chance of becoming better than me in the future… Hoo, aaaaaaack!”
Anton screamed as the gigantic Gourmet Dragon lifted him with his mouth. Then, the Gourmet Dragon threw him high up, before opening his huge maw.
“N…nooo! Aaaaaack! Save, save me!!!”
Then, Anton fell into the Gourmet Dragon’s mouth and…
Crunch—
…a chilling sound rang loudly in the coliseum, as blood dripped down the Gourmet Dragon’s mouth. The people in the stands and the chefs that participated in the competition turned their heads and trembled at the sight that they saw. The blood dripped down the Gourmet Dragon’s chin and stained the floor red.
‘The Gourmet Dragon killed Lord Anton?’
However, none of them dared to speak up and seek justice. The Gourmet Dragon was an existence that sought peace. As long as his bottom line was not touched, he would maintain friendly relations. Even kingdoms and empires would not dare to fight against the Gourmet Dragon. Besides, there was a living witness here.
The Gourmet Dragon slowly trudged and approached someone. This person was none other than Minhyuk. He said, “Food God’s Successor, you have rectified all of the wrongs that happened in Albero Territory.”
As the Gourmet Dragon was tasked with this responsibility, it was only right that he thanked Minhyuk for doing it on his behalf. Also, it was because the pizza that he made was far superior to the dishes that the Food God of the past had made for him.
These were the notifications that Minhyuk heard after he finished cooking the pizza:
[Trance. This is a dish that has your ‘happiness’, ‘passion’ and ‘efforts for Lucaro’ poured into it.]
[Due to the effects of Trance, the buff effect and the dish grade became better.]
[The dish is graded Legendary.]
[You have gained 30 DEX.]
[You have gained 200 REP.]
[You have gained 2,000 AP.]
[You have gained +2 on all five of your basic stats.]
[You have succeeded in a new attempt that was never tried before.]
[You have completed a Legendary Grade Large Pizza.]
[Your buffing ability will improve together, with an additional +2 on all five of your basic stats.]
[Perhaps there’s a chance that you can make an even better dish.]
The buff effects in the large pizza were a 28% increase in the five basic stats, a 50% reduction in the Gourmet Dragon’s magic casting time, and an unconditional first class growth. It also had a 40% increase in magic attack power.
‘If things are like this then… it’s literally legendary…’
In fact, the dish could already be considered as a God-grade dish, but the reason that the God grade did not come out was because only Minhyuk’s buffing ability increased during his cooking process after his success in a special attempt. The probability of getting a higher dish grade did not increase. However, Minhyuk faintly realized something.
‘I have taken a step closer to the God grade.’
At this moment, Minhyuk realized that there was a chance that he might be able to cook God-graded dishes in the near future.
Then, the Gourmet Dragon turned to him and said, “Is there anything that you wish for? I will do whatever I can for you.”
The audience gasped in shock and awe at the Gourmet Dragon’s words. Even the chefs next to Lucaro looked at Minhyuk with envy. Who was the Gourmet Dragon? He was an existence rumored to have mountains of treasures that no human had ever seen, in his lair! According to those rumors, the Gourmet Dragon had more money and treasures than a king of a kingdom.
‘I’m… I’m so jealous…’
‘Oh… oh my God! The Gourmet Dragon wants to fulfill his wish!’
‘I wonder what he will wish for?!’
Amidst everyone’s envious and jealous stares, Minhyuk looked to be extremely excited. He was so excited to the point that he could not calm his wildly thumping heart. Then, he shot a sneaky glance at the Gourmet Dragon.
“Go on, tell me. Whether it be gold or silver or artifacts, I can give them to you.”
Minhyuk hesitated for a moment, before taking something out of his inventory. It was a seven meter long skewer jam-packed with pork bellies, cut sausages, shrimps and bell peppers, onions, and button mushrooms, looking exactly like the skewers prepared for barbecue.
Then, Minhyuk smiled cheerfully and said, “Mister Gourmet Dragon, I want to eat barbecue made with your breath!!! I really, really want to eat it!”
“…?”
“…?”
“…”
“…”
The people in the audience, the chefs, and even the Gourmet Dragon himself, were stunned silly with his words. The Gourmet Dragon blinked slowly, as he looked dumbly at Minhyuk with his yellow eyes.
“Is… is that the only thing that you want?”
“Do I even need something else? Kgghk! Barbecue made with Mister Gourmet Dragon’s breath! This is already my lifelong dream coming true!”
My goodness! A person wanted barbecue made with dragon breath, instead of gold, silver or artifacts!
“Keuhahahahahaha!” The Gourmet Dragon guffawed as he blew a small breath of fire.
Shwaaaaaaaa—
Then, a warm energy seeped into Minhyuk’s body.
[The Gourmet Dragon’s Breath.]
[This is a blessing that the Gourmet Dragon could only bestow once in his life.]
[Your Physical Defense has increased by 10%.]
[Your Magical Defense has increased by 10%.]
[Your Physical Attack has increased by 10%.]
[All of your stats have increased by 3%.]
This was the Gourmet Dragon’s gift to Minhyuk. Then, the Gourmet Dragon casted Fly on Minhyuk, making him fly high in the sky! The Gourmet Dragon, who was flying right behind him, aimed his snout at the seven meter long skewer. After properly controlling his strength, he let out the strongest breath that he could, to cook Minhyuk’s barbecue.
Puhaaaaaaaaak—
On that very day, Albero Territory witnessed the rare sight of barbecue being grilled with Dragon’s Breath. When Minhyuk finally stepped down on the ground again, his body started to become translucent.
[You have completed the 15th Trial.]
[You can now learn Sword Saint Conir’s Sword of Pinnacle.]
Lucaro appeared in front of the now translucent Minhyuk. Lucaro had always been a man that was grateful for the things that were given to him. So, Minhyuk smiled at him and said, “Now, you’re the Food God.”
Lucaro was the One Acknowledged by the Food God, and he would now be the Food God and the legend of Albero Territory.
***
Sword Emperor Ellie had left the Continent Cloud briefly to check the overall situation of Eivelis Empire. However, that did not mean that she went back to the Imperial Palace. She needed to be able to get back to the Continent Cloud and take the Commanding General’s position anytime, if something ever happened inside.
“Minhyuk is later than I thought.’
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ruth answered her with a smile as Ellie looked into the distance. Ruth could see that her face was filled with a lot of mixed emotions.
‘Her Majesty’s very happy right now, but she’s also blaming herself.’
Ruth’s smile turned bitter. He knew that Ellie hated herself for failing to awaken to Pinnacle. However, she also felt joy that her dearly beloved younger brother Minhyuk, could do so. And, she blamed herself for putting such a heavy burden on Minhyuk’s shoulders.
Ellie caressed the red necklace that she wore around her neck. She said, “I hope that Eivelis’ grace and blessings are with Minhyuk…”
The necklace was a gift given to Ellie by the late Emperor when she turned twelve. Seeing the scene, Ruth smiled and thought, ‘Sword Emperor Ellie, you should not feel sad and sorry for yourself. You have already reached the Pinnacle. It’s just that His Majesty sealed your powers to protect you.’
A long time has passed since she turned twelve. Back then, the late Emperor already knew that Ellie could reach the true ‘Pinnacle’. The late Emperor had told Ruth, an aide that had been with her since her birth, ‘This child’s power might destroy her. Besides, an overwhelmingly strong power can breed arrogance. With this jewel, my child will remain stagnant, but safe.’
She was the only child that could reach the Pinnacle of Ellie’s Swordsmanship. However, the cost of such a feat and the fear that it could bring was too much for her to bear. So, the late Emperor decided to seal her power with that jewel. As of now, Ellie was still unaware of the true power that she wielded.
Then, at that moment…
“The… there’s trouble!!!”
The Knight Commander rushed inside the room.
***
Black Dragon Order was a group of dark gamers. In fact, Hu Yitian, the one that Minhyuk recently defeated, was also part of the Black Dragon Order. However, he only ranked tenth among the thirteen members of the group.
Currently, the 2nd to the 5th ranked members of the Black Dragon Order finally used their ‘Cloud Tickets’ to set foot in the Asgan Continent’s land. They were all talented individuals that could either awaken the Pinnacle, or step into the ranks of the official Chinese rankers. However, none of them were well known, since they only focused on making money under the cover of the darkness. Now, they came here to make a fortune and find a way to become even stronger.
Sword Emperor Ellie was a woman that knew the path to another Pinnacle. She was also someone that had reached the Half Pinnacle state. From what they had gathered, Ellie would leave the Continent Cloud and return to Asgan Continent every few days or so, to monitor and reorganize her Empire. They all came to Asgan Continent for that.
Da Zhuang, together with three members of the Black Dragon Order, came with them. Their comprehensive power was enough to crush a large territory.
Xu Jiaqi, the person leading their group, looked around and said, “How can we even find Ellie here?”
They were sure that Ellie was back in the Asgan Continent. However, finding her was like finding a needle in a haystack. It seemed like she did not go back to the palace as a countermeasure for plans like theirs.
“…I know, right?” Arcas, with his huge build, nodded in agreement. His entire body was rippling with muscles to the point that he looked like he could break down walls with his bare fists alone.
Then, their eyes caught sight of a small carriage heading somewhere else. The small carriage was led by a shabby-looking man with his wife and child.
“We might be able to find a small town or a territory if we follow them, right?”
“That’s about right.”
All of them nodded at the question. Meanwhile, Xu Jiaqi licked her upper lip and said, “I have a good idea.”
“A good idea?”
“Yeah. Let’s follow them to the town and kill the people there one by one, until Ellie shows up.”
It was a brutal and disgusting idea. However, someone asked, “They’re just trivial NPCs. The Empress should only move if we killed at most tens of millions of people, right?”
The plan was actually next to impossible. After all, most Emperors would decide to abandon their people in exchange for their safety.
“Do you have any other ideas?”
“None. Well, we’ll find out once we start killing them anyway.”
Meanwhile, a woman standing to one side shook violently at their words. She was none other than China’s famous BJ, Luo. For a moment, Luo thought that she misheard them.
‘They’re going to slaughter the NPCs…?’
Although they knew that they were just artificial intelligence, the people that played Athenae regarded them as people too. No. They were just the majority of the players. There would always be exceptions to the rule. Although rare, there were still some people that would willingly and indiscriminately kill these NPCs.
Still, the people that Luo came with gave her a sense that they were just killing ants with their fingers, even though they were talking about killing NPCs. Luo felt ecstatic after she heard that they would allow her to film ‘Empress Ellie’s Hunt’. But right now, the initial joy had turned to great terror.
Just like that, they all walked behind the carriage.