Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 109: Rules x Decisions - This Task Slaps!

Alex, Shalnark, Linus, Eirini, and Patricia make their way toward Menchi, Linne, and the black-suited examiners overseeing the task. Around them, other groups form up, with most candidates arriving in teams of five.

Menchi scans the crowd, her excitement palpable, but her expression turns sour when she notices a handful of stragglers arriving alone or in incomplete groups.

"Let's see how many of you couldn't even set your differences aside to form a simple group," she says, her gaze critical. "One pair, three people short of a full group, and eight of you couldn't find a single ally. How... disappointing."

Her eyes linger on the pair and the eight single examinees. She points to three of the solo candidates. "You—the man with the glasses, you the cool looking woman with the sniper rifle on your back, and you, the idiot with the two giant axes. You three look at least somewhat capable despite being... off-putting. Join that pair."

She waves dismissively at the remaining five loners. "And you five—the most hostile and weird people here—congratulations, you're the final group. Maybe you'll surprise me and actually pass. That'd be hilarious."

With that, the groups are finalized, bringing the total to 20 teams of five.

"Now for some good news!" Menchi announces, her tone suddenly upbeat. "Half of you will pass. Even if you all fail miserably at cooking—which I fully expect—my generous mentor Linne has decided that at least half the groups will advance. You're welcome!"

She pauses for effect before continuing. "Here are the rules: Each group will receive a single computer with a card reader and five mobile devices. These devices work anywhere within a large radius around this camp and show the locations revealed by your scanned cards. However," she emphasizes, "the computer only works inside the base—specifically, in that building over there." She points to a structure outfitted with equipment.

"And," she adds with a mischievous grin, "fighting, stealing, or any other bad behavior will result in the entire group being disqualified—at least inside the fenced area. Outside, though? I couldn't care less what you do. So, to the few nasty-looking people here, feel free to go wild."

She continues, "Now, what's the purpose of the computers, card readers, and mobile devices? Even an idiot should figure this out. You scan the cards you won earlier, and the computer reveals a location. How do you track these locations outside? With the mobile devices!"

Her grin widens. "What will you find at these locations? Random ingredients, animal breeding grounds... I won't give you the specifics. But fair warning—some of these locations might be dangerous! And don't forget," she adds, with a hint of sadistic glee, "some cards are duplicates. That means you might not be the only group heading to certain spots. Have fun with that!"

"Finally," Menchi says, wrapping up her explanation, "what's the goal? You have exactly six hours to hunt for these ingredients—or gather whatever else you can find outside—and then prepare a great meal. Be back here by 8 PM sharp. Anyone who's late, even by a few minutes, is automatically disqualified!"

She pauses for effect before adding, "You'll have an additional two hours to cook. But let me give you some advice—you might want to return earlier, especially if your dish requires more time. Your team must present up to three dishes to me and the best gourmand in the world, the Double-Star Hunter Linne Horsdoeuvre." Menchi gestures dramatically and hugs Linne, who remains completely unresponsive.