The forest was silent. Too silent. Even Lumina's tail flicked nervously as she perched on my shoulder. Umbra crouched, massive wings folding around me protectively, and Fenris's golden eyes glimmered with caution.
> [Quest Updated: Survive Divine Judgment — Feed a God-Level Being]
My hands shook as I held the Dragon Essence Soup, steam spiraling in golden runes. The divine figure before me radiated immense power — its presence alone could topple mountains and bend the winds.
> [System Alert: God-Level Entity Detected — Taste Your Dish Carefully]
I swallowed hard. "Yeah… no pressure. Totally casual life. Just cook for a god, survive, and maybe not die."
Lumina chirped softly. "Master… focus. Your cooking is divine. Trust your skill."
I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright… here goes nothing."
---
🔥 The God Tastes
I extended the pan toward the figure. Golden steam rose and swirled around the deity, carrying the aroma of Dragon Bones, Phoenix Eggs, Mystic Herbs, Silverleaf Spice, and Celestial Water.
The entity sniffed. Its eyes narrowed, and a low hum of approval vibrated through the air.
> [System Notification: God-Level Taste Detected — Critical Judgment Incoming]
It raised a hand. Time seemed to slow. Umbra growled softly, and Fenris's fur shimmered with golden light. Lumina's glow intensified.
The deity tasted a spoonful of Dragon Essence Soup.
> Silence.
I froze. "Uh… okay… that's… good?"
Its eyes glimmered, and then… a smile. A slow, deliberate smile that radiated both amusement and respect.
> [System Message: God-Level Feeding Success — EXP +10000]
[Level Up! Class Advancement: Chef of the Divine Realm]
[New Skill Unlocked: God-Tier Recipe Mastery — Can Create Dishes That Affect Legendary Beasts and Gods]
I staggered back, nearly dropping the pan. God-Tier Recipe Mastery? That sounded… absurdly broken.
Lumina purred. "Master… your cooking is officially recognized by a god. Your companions will now grow exponentially from your dishes."
Umbra and Fenris wagged and growled happily, absorbing divine energy from the aura around the pan.
> [System Message: Companion Power Boost — Multi-Level Enhancement Active]
I pinched my nose. "Yeah… survive, cook, get endorsed by gods, and somehow keep three legendary creatures alive. Totally normal Tuesday."
---
🌿 A Lesson in the Divine Realm
The deity spoke, voice echoing like thunder softened by velvet. "Mortal… your skill is absurd. You cook with intention and power unmatched in this realm. Yet… you do not understand its limits."
> [System Notification: Divine Guidance Initiated — Learn Secrets of Mythical Creatures and Ingredients]
I blinked. "…Limits? Uh… okay?"
The god raised a hand, and a holographic map of the Twilight Forest appeared in front of me. Points of glowing energy marked rare ingredients, hidden beast lairs, and divine hotspots.
> [Quest Updated: Explore the Forest and Unlock Secrets of Legendary Beasts]
"So… I get a divine map… and you're gonna judge my cooking while I explore?" I asked, slightly skeptical.
> The deity chuckled softly. "Cook, survive, and you shall ascend. Feed creatures, bond with them, and learn the flavors of divinity. Only then will you understand your true power."
I swallowed hard. "Great… my life is officially a culinary survival MMO."
Lumina chirped excitedly. "Master… now you have a guide to hidden ingredients and legendary beasts. Use it wisely!"
> [System Notification: Map Activated — Rare Ingredients and Legendary Creatures Highlighted]
I stared at the glowing forest, the paths illuminated by divine energy. "Okay… Riku. You don't know this world fully. You don't know the dangers. You don't even know what creatures are waiting for you. But… at least now, the gods are rooting for you."
---
🍳 Preparing for the Next Challenge
With the divine endorsement, my God-Tier recipes gained a new aura — now not only attracting legendary creatures but also enhancing their abilities and influencing the environment.
> [System Message: God-Tier Cooking Aura Active — All Companions Receive Passive Buffs]
Umbra's wings glowed brighter, Fenris's fur shimmered like molten gold, and Lumina's tail glowed like a radiant comet. Every creature that sensed me now would recognize divine culinary power.
I wiped sweat from my brow. "Yeah… next level. Legendary beasts, god recognition, and now world-altering cooking powers. My life is officially insane."
> [New Quest Unlocked: Master God-Tier Recipes and Expand Legendary Companion Roster]
The deity vanished slowly, leaving only a faint golden aroma lingering in the forest. Lumina sniffed the air. "Master… the real adventure begins now. More creatures, more ingredients, more power… and more danger."
I pinched my nose. "Yeah… survive, cook, bond, level up… got it. Let's see who shows up next."
> "Let's make the gods drool… at an entirely new level."