While Fenix was trying to hold back his excitement at getting the production skill, Ethan suddenly burst into the kitchen, worry etched across his face.
"Macaroon, the neighbors are starting to arrive and Mom will be here soon! We haven't even set up yet!" He paced back and forth, wringing his hands in distress.
Fenix could see the panic in Ethan's eyes and looked to Macaroon for her reaction. She met his gaze with a pleading expression, her worry mirroring her brother's.
[System: Quest Triggered!]
"I know this is a lot to ask after you helped me so much, but would you mind helping us with setting up the food while we finish preparing for the guests?" Macaroon asked helplessly.
"Of course, I don't mind lending a hand," Fenix replied as a notification appeared in front of him.
[System: A New Quest has been Created!]
Birthday Banquet Preparation
Quest Description:
Macaroon needs your assistance in setting up the table for 11 people, including yourself, for her mother's birthday celebration. Ensure the dining table presentation is appealing and organized to avoid disappointing Macaroon.
Reward:
45 exp
50 bronze coins
Learn:
??
Fenix was directed to a cabinet containing all the necessary items to decorate the table. Inside, he found various silverware, dishes, candles, and handmade flowers, each with a different theme. As he searched through the cupboards, a clear vision of what he wanted the table to look like formed in his mind.
Among the items were elegant white plates adorned with delicate golden trim and apple blossom designs, each accompanied by a matching napkin. Handmade flowers crafted to look like apple blossoms were also included. Out of the three sets, this one seemed the oldest and most well-cared-for, as if it held sentimental value.
Trusting his instincts, he gathered all the plates, napkins, and any other pieces that would complement his apple blossom theme. Satisfied with his findings, he made his way to the dining room to begin setting up.
Recalling his culinary school days, when his teacher taught them how to set up tables for large events in case of a staff shortage, Fenix meticulously arranged each item on the table, going over everything more than once. Despite knowing it was just a game, he couldn't help but want everything to be just right.
After adding the final finishing touches, Fenix stepped back to admire his handiwork. The table looked exquisite, with a harmonious blend of style and charm.
Just as he was about to return to the kitchen to announce he was done, he heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, he saw Macaroon carrying in the food. She stood at the entrance, taking in the lovely arrangement.
"Wow, mister! It's amazing! My mother will be so happy. Thank you so much," Macaroon exclaimed, rushing towards him for a hug. After hugging him, she placed the dish she was holding on the table and moved closer to inspect the arrangement, happiness shining in her eyes.
[System: Quest completed!]
[System: You gained 45 EXP and 50 bronze coins!]
[System: You have gained a new skill! Please check your skill bar for more details!]
[System: You have leveled up!]
Fenix opened his skill bar and saw that he had acquired a new skill called Catering. While it might not be useful in the early stages of the game, Fenix knew it could come in handy later on. He read the description with interest.
Catering: The true joy of cooking is sharing your dishes with others. This skill allows you to prepare food in large quantities for communal dining. The more people you have, the better your banquets will be. It combines multiple edible items into one Catering Dish, which provides all of their stat bonuses combined. At least two edible items are required to make a Catering Dish.
~
Together, Fenix and Macaroon meticulously arranged the dishes on the dining table, with Ethan's homemade cake placed in the center, proudly displayed. As their mother's arrival time drew near, they moved all the guests into the dining room to surprise her.
Shortly after 6 o'clock (game time), their mother entered. The surprise unfolded flawlessly, moving her to tears as she embraced each of her children warmly. As the evening progressed, guests departed one by one until only Fenix, Macaroon, and their mother remained. While Fenix was contemplating whether to leave or not, Macaroon grabbed his hand and led him over to their mother.
"My dear boy," their mother said, her smile tender as she addressed Fenix, "My children told me how much you helped them today. I want to express my gratitude."
[System: Chain Quest Completed!]
[System: You have gained 10 gold and 1000 exp!]
[System: You have learned Tasting & Ingredient Hunting!]
[System: You have leveled up!]
[System: You have leveled up!]
[System: You are now level 4!]
"Here's a little something for your trouble," she said with a warm smile as she handed him a package wrapped in cloth.
[System: You have gained the Mother's Love Package. Please keep it safe; it's from the heart.]
"Thank you so much, ma'am," Fenix said while giving a gentle smile.
After saying goodbye to everyone, Fenix walked out onto the cobblestone streets, his heart thrumming with excitement over the unexpected reward he had received. The man on the online forum had failed to mention this bonus. 10 gold coins was a fortune for a beginner like him- equivalent to $5000 in real-world currency.
With this money, he could finally purchase all of the necessary cooking supplies he needed. It would save him a lot of time and trouble.
Determined to make the most of his newfound wealth, Fenix set off towards a general shop to get all the supplies he needed before leaving the beginner town. He didn't want to forget to do so and lose out on all the cheap prices.
As he made his way back, Fenix took a moment to look at the new skills he had obtained. As he read them, he knew that they would be very helpful to him.
Ingredient Hunting: Rare cuisines rely on hard-to-find ingredients from the wild and beyond. This skill makes it easier to spot quality ingredients. It also increases the chance of certain monsters dropping ingredients, though their overall drop rates remain unchanged.
Tasting: Cooking is a science where ratios and formulas create exquisite results. Tasting enhances these effects, increasing the stat gains from cooked items and Catering. It improves Cooking's base quality rate, stability during cooking, and the EXP gained from preparing food.
After reading the skills over, he smiled and looked at the package in his hand. Deciding to open it he began to unwrap it. However, before he could do so, a piercing scream sounded somewhere nearby.
Name: Chaotic Nexus Title: Unavailable
Level: 4 EXP: 105/1500 ←- (+500 each Lvl)
HP: 90/90 MP: 100/100 Stamina: 70/70 ←- (+10 each Lvl)
stat points: 12 ←- (+3 each Lvl)
Strength: 1 Dexterity: 3
Intelligence: 2 Luck: 1
Coins: 10 Gold, 0 Silver, 100 Bronze
YOU ARE READING
Haven Online: Brewing Chaos
FantasyFenix Brooks' life was forever altered when a freak accident destroyed his chance of becoming a chef. It was only before he died that he learned that the person he thought of as a sister in everything but blood orchestrated everything. Luckily, he w...
