Nathan was led to what he could only describe as the backstage area. He wasn't sure if that was the right term, but it seemed fitting enough with the curtains drawn, leaving only thin slivers of light seeping through the gaps at the bottom and middle.

  The Amber Path Coalition had given this event the attention and organization it deserved. They had transformed the upper level of their guild hall into an auditorium by restructuring the walls. Instead of the glass panels common elsewhere, the walls were adorned in warm, bright colors, with shades of red, yellow, and orange dominating the palette. The stage area was accented with streaks of green, emphasizing its importance as the performance space.

  Nathan took several deep breaths, his nerves still jangling despite having [Random Talent].

  Your today's talent is Chilly Chill.

  Its effect was to make him remain calm in any situation. That explained why he had been able to maintain his composure while discussing tonight's arrangements with Celene, even though things weren't looking particularly promising.

  He opened and closed his hands repeatedly to keep his blood flowing and to have something to do while waiting. The sounds from beyond the curtain were muffled into indistinct noise. He felt like he was back in school, or preparing to present to official employees or company managers. His heart alternated between racing and slowing, his stomach clenching then settling. The effects of Chilly Chill kept surging and ebbing like waves.

  Outside, Thomas's voice grew closer as he gradually moved toward the curtain.

  "...a rising talent from the Verdant Spire Sect. I rarely make guarantees in life due to my ethical business principles."

  A ripple of soft laughter rose from the guests. Nathan, with his enhanced hearing, could tell that tonight's gathering wasn't as small as he'd thought. He surmised that The Amber Path Coalition had invited additional spectators, either reporters or city influencers, to witness the event.

  "But tonight, I'll make an exception," Thomas's voice brimmed with excitement and vitality. "Anyone fortunate enough to taste the upcoming dishes will have an unforgettable lifetime experience. If not? I'm prepared to offer a full refund. You may hold me to my word."

  Nathan couldn't help but chuckle at the supreme confidence of the senior manager who had taken on his business proposition. He figured he'd been lucky to meet him rather than someone like that Robert fellow.

  "Well then, I won't keep you waiting any longer," Thomas's voice rose, "let's welcome our star of the evening. Please give a warm welcome to our chef, Nathan Reed!"

  A swift swooshing sound marked the curtains being drawn aside.

  The light from the lamps positioned around all four sides momentarily blinded Nathan. He adapted quickly.

  If not for the Chilly Chill talent, he would have been trembling at the number of attendees.

  The Amber Path Coalition had elevated Nathan's cooking performance to the same level as dance and musical performances, second only to Artificer competitions or product launch events. This made sense, given that was Maelivar's focus.

  For this reason, they had invited quite a few guests purely to watch, though they wouldn't be eating. These individuals were more focused on socializing and networking, rather than paying much attention to the young chef. Their primary interest lay in exercising their tongues for conversation, not for tasting.

  The viewing area was divided into three sections, with the nearest featuring comfortable seats and spacious tables with refreshments for the VIP guests. The middle section had simpler seating with just enough space to move through, primarily reserved for journalists. The highest and farthest section was standing room only, mainly for curious onlookers with nothing better to do.

  Currently, the occupancy rate across all sections was only about fifty percent. The important guests who had come were mainly there out of respect for The Amber Path Coalition.

  Near Nathan's kitchen was a circular area. This was Nathan's specific request, despite the city's predominantly rectangular architecture. It simply allowed guests to view the entire process while keeping his walking route short and comfortable. Additionally, it aligned with his intended theme.

  Nathan bowed politely to everyone as custom dictated. His movements were calm and graceful as if he had done this countless times before. This earned him a few whispered words of approval from the crowd.

  He scanned the room once, exhaling softly, knowing how difficult it was to build a reputation. This many people wouldn't be enough to create the buzz needed to reach Duke Kael's office. He could only hope his assistance would arrive in time.

  Pushing aside further thoughts, he lifted his head and smiled at everyone. The circular table in the center had a gap allowing him to step inside. He made a round checking all the kitchen equipment, using it as an excuse to buy time for Celene.

  When he reached the oven, what he found inside made him blink several times. He looked up at Thomas and received a wink from the man.

  Set in the center of the heating element was a fire-producing gemstone. He didn't know its name but understood its function. He wouldn't have to worry about heating up or cooling down times anymore, able to reach his desired temperature in just seconds. This would ensure the dishes maintained the quality he wanted.

  He silently thanked Thomas for listening to his complaints after yesterday's test meal.

  "Honored guests, please proceed to the table," Nathan announced in a dignified voice, having completed his inspection. He couldn't delay for late arrivals at the expense of those already present.

  Six people rose from below and stepped forward.

  They wore elegant and noble attire befitting their social status and financial means. It was worth noting that while not heavily advertised, The Amber Path Coalition had sold these seats at a premium price. After all, they had to cover the costs of ingredients and organization. Most of these six had purchased their seats at the floor price of three thousand Standard Mana Stones.

  Nathan silently calculated, momentarily staggered by tonight's figures before the talent's effect steadied him. His mood turned somewhat wry as he thought about [Cooking]. This skill provided him with the ability to grow stronger rapidly. But it was expensive, expensive beyond imagination.

  Three thousand Standard Mana Stones could sustain a town like Crystalton for several years. Yet here it was being used for a single meal. He didn't even dare think about how just a few months ago, he had been overjoyed at having 100 Lesser Mana Stones in hand.

  The chairs around the table moved automatically, making space for the six honored guests to be seated. They smiled at Nathan, showing some anticipation for tonight's event.

  Nathan cleared his throat and spoke.

  "First, I thank you all for coming to this modest dinner tonight. I know I'm practically a novice asking for unprecedented attention and trust."

  Heads nodded in agreement.

  "Therefore, I won't disappoint you. Tonight we have a five-course dinner. I'd like to introduce each dish's name, but I think I'll explain them better as they're served. I hope you don't mind."

  No one voiced any objections.

  Nathan bowed once more, stepping back to return to his culinary sanctuary.

  Typically, such dinner parties would include musical and dance performances to entertain the guests. However, Thomas had insisted on removing them, arguing that Nathan himself was an artist. His business mind had created a brand for the young chef. People weren't just coming to eat; they were coming to witness an artist at work.

  As a result, the whispers below questioned what The Amber Path Coalition was doing, silently criticizing their event organization skills.

  The six guests also shifted uncomfortably in their seats, unsettled by a dinner that differed from their expectations.

  Nathan, with his unwavering calm, looked over the ingredients arranged in a spiral pattern as he had requested. Plants and animals were separated. Knives and other utensils were exactly where he wanted them. Pans and cutting boards awaited his touch. The entire kitchen seemed to echo with calls for his attention.

  He almost thought he was entering [Cooking]'s hidden state, like the Into The Zone of [Martial Art Mastery]. But it was really just excitement building up inside him.

  Closing his eyes, he steadied his breathing.

  When he opened them, he moved into action.

  His movements weren't much different from his demonstration for The Amber Path Coalition's senior managers. He made a round at extremely high speed, each hand movement activating different equipment. He simultaneously threw ingredients that needed to be boiled, fried, or roasted into their respective pots and areas. Then he returned to tasks requiring attention like chopping vegetables and preparing seasonings.

  When he placed a fish on the board and began removing its skin and bones, each of his gestures was so elegant and precise that everyone had to stare. Not a single movement was wasted. There wasn't even a moment's hesitation. Everything could only be described as perfect. Nathan felt like those sashimi chefs he used to watch online in his previous life.

  The guests below finally understood the reasoning behind The Amber Path Coalition's decision. They stood there mesmerized, not forgetting to record videos to share with friends. Even before the cooking stage, they knew the upcoming dishes couldn't possibly be bad.

  The clinking sounds of knife meeting cutting board, the sizzling from the pan, and the humming from the oven took turns rising up. Though so fast only afterimages could be seen, Nathan's cooking techniques never once faltered, as if he were a robot rather than human.

  Just as he finished cutting some greens in his hand, Nathan looked up, moving to the specially modified cooking pot. At its peak sat an orb emanating the golden-orange light of the sun. He placed the fish he had just cut inside, one hand resting on the pot's rim to sense it, while his eyes remained fixed on the contents within.

  As if there was an automatic timer in his head, after a few minutes he struck the pot's side, causing the lid to fly up, followed immediately by the tray of processed fish. His hand caught the tray as it hung in mid-air, turning to divide the fish onto six plates with his chopsticks, setting the remainder aside.

  Six portions were balanced on his arms without any mishap as he brought them out to the guests. The system probably hadn't expected Nathan would use [Martial Art Mastery] in a situation like this.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Six guests looked down at the portions before them. The round fish slices were cut with exquisite precision and arranged in a spiral pattern atop a plate with curves rippling like waves on water's surface. Around them sat small white spheres, emanating artificial mist.

  "I call this dish Dawn's Whisperer," Nathan introduced with his hands behind his back to the guests who were still properly waiting for him. "The meat is from the Dawn Lotus Fish, a species that has the habit of absorbing sunlight nutrients in the morning. As you saw during my cooking process, the pot wasn't used for cooking, steaming, or boiling, but functioned as a miniature sun. The Dawn Lotus Fish was still not completely dead when brought in, so with a little stimulation following its natural habits, the meat becomes significantly more special. As for how special, please enjoy and find out."

  Pairs of knives and forks clinked as they were picked up, then everyone couldn't wait to bring the translucent round fish slices to their mouths. With just the first bite, all six guests wore satisfied expressions. They all came from various powers large and small in Maelivar and had eaten many dishes in their lives. But truly, just with this first dish, they could judge that Nathan's culinary skills far surpassed their past experiences. The flavor was light and pure, like tasting the freshness of dawn melting in their mouths, making their minds feel refreshed.

  The spectators below saw the expressions of the wealthy people in front and clicked their tongues, both envious and admiring.

  Nathan smiled with satisfaction, not immediately cooking as he still remembered he needed to stretch time whenever possible.

  The six guests quickly dispatched the four slices of fish. Their eyes all lit up in anticipation of the next course.

  Nathan automatically collected the plates and cleaned up. This first dish was inspired by his days fishing in Crimson Lotus Lake with the Vermilion Apes. He and those monsters had nearly drained the lake due to their gluttony.

  The six guests tilted their heads in discussion with each other, all agreeing about Nathan's cooking ability. Two of them even wanted to invite him to be their private chef. He politely declined to comment on this matter, instead asking about everyone's experience. He didn't have time for that. Additionally, he figured his value wouldn't stop at just a few thousand Standard Mana Stones.

  When he couldn't delay any longer, he began preparing the second course.

  After about half an hour of performance with kitchen utensils, he brought out black plates. On top was meat carrying an odd pale blue-white color. The rising fragrance wasn't heavy but carried a hint of lightness. The accompanying vegetables were mushrooms, including Blue Cap Mushroom, matching the color of the dish and maintaining contrast with the black plate.

  "Heaven's Breath," Nathan said. "A dish made from Skyreach Bird. Though small, this bird can fly very high, the reason being it possesses something humans have always desired. Mana-rich veins. If we were born like that, everyone would already be at the peak of Tier 1 since the beginning."

  The listeners all nodded in agreement. Monsters always carried strange characteristics. Unfortunately, the world always tried to maintain balance. Skyreach Birds had an advantageous start, but weren't convenient for cultivation. They flew high only to escape predators. Humans, for instance.

  The second course ended as quickly as the first. The taste was even harder to resist than Dawn's Whisperer. Most importantly, it maintained the initial ethereal sensation. The light taste of bird meat on the lips made the taste buds feel refreshed, as if experiencing flight in the sky.

  Everyone put down their knives and forks, sensing a familiar energy flow.

  Mana?

  They all opened their eyes wide to look at the vibrant young man before them. He smiled at everyone, confirming their sensations weren't wrong.

  Monster meat always carried superior nutritional content, including mana and essence. However, humans didn't eat it to become stronger because preserving these two types of energy during cooking was extremely difficult. Each type of meat or vegetable required a vast amount of different knowledge. Adding just one ingredient would make the cooking equation unbalanced. And not everyone had the resources to try again and again to produce an effective recipe. Cooking to provide energy or cultivation was many times more expensive compared to investments in Alchemists.

  Only a few cultivators who followed the savage path of devouring would fully inherit the benefits from raw meat or medicinal ingredients. Even that wasn't easy due to the body transformation process. Whether they could still be called human was debatable.

  All six people were veteran businesspeople, and they glanced at the senior managers sitting in a corner drinking wine. They secretly regretted letting a chef like Nathan slip through their fingers. They quietly guessed that the next course would be even more precious.

  Nathan smiled, going to collect the spotlessly clean plates, and poured his own wine for each person. He had changed the bottle's appearance to increase its luxurious and extravagant feel. From the gold-plated bottle mouth fell red wine for each guest.

  Knowing the young chef wouldn't do anything unnecessary, each person carefully tasted the offered wine. As a result, all had to blink several times, their reactions even stronger than to the dishes.

  "This is wine I personally refined," Nathan smiled and said. "If you like it, you can purchase it through The Amber Path Coalition in the future to enjoy."

  The senior managers sitting on the other side all raised their wine glasses toward the honored guests.

  "This guild bites thoroughly," one person at the table said sourly.

  This statement echoed the feelings of the others. The problem was that they themselves didn't have enough reputation as the four great houses to compete with The Amber Path Coalition. This consequence they had to bear themselves. However, whether they would truly give up or not, nobody knew.

  Nathan was about to step back to prepare the next dish when the main door suddenly opened.

  He immediately stopped his movement, secretly rejoicing that he had stretched time a bit.

  A girl wearing an elegant dress in blazing red entered. At her shoulder was a flower corsage enhancing the radiance she brought. The sound of heels tapped evenly on the floor as she walked forward, straight to the dining seat.

  Everyone had to make way for her without daring to show any annoyance.

  Thomas hurriedly stepped forward to greet her.

  "Welcome, Miss Emrys. May I ask what brings you here?"

  "I wish to join tonight's dinner, is that possible?" Emrys asked, neither warm nor cold.

  "This..."

  Thomas tilted his head to ask Nathan's opinion. Price-wise there was space available, so no problem there, the concern was whether the food already cooked could maintain its quality. When he received a confirming nod, he smiled brightly.

  "Of course. Please, take a seat."

  The current guests showed no reaction to this late participation from the Merinor house's young lady. After all, they didn't have enough face to do so.

  Emrys maintained her nobility as a well-bred lady, politely nodding to greet everyone. Finally, she turned her appraising gaze to this direct disciple from Verdant Spire Sect. After a moment, she spoke.

  "I was recommended to come here by someone who promised me certain things. I hope you won't disappoint me."

  From Emrys's words, Nathan deduced this must be the assistance Zeryn had mentioned. He was somewhat amazed at his friend's working speed. Then again, such efficiency was expected of a rising star among the younger generation.

  "Then allow me to demonstrate," Nathan responded with proper courtesy.

  Just when he thought this would be the last guest of the night, Nathan couldn't help but start when the recently closed door was violently flung open.

  A thunderous bang made everyone freeze and turn toward the back. Amid the creaking of hinges that seemed ready to tear off from the impact, a group of people entered.

  Leading them was a young man around Nathan's age with a high-and-tight haircut. His attire wasn't flashy, but rather a form of combat or training gear designed to be both form-fitting and comfortable for movement. However, contrasting with the dignity his outfit conveyed was an insolent face, chin raised high in contempt of everyone around him. His eyes were sharp enough to cut.

  Following him was a small group wearing similarly designed outfits, differing only in color. Theirs were grey-black, while the young man's was white.

  Even with Chilly Chill's effect, Nathan couldn't help but stiffen. Zeryn would never invite someone like this to his dinner. Therefore, this person could only be the result Celene had promised to bring.

  I don't know if you're helping or killing me, Celene, he silently sighed.

  "Lachlan Rourke," whispers rippled through the crowd. "Who invited him?"

  "Was it Amber Path Coalition? They must be crazy."

  "Surely not, since they're wearing the same expressions as us."

  Indeed, the senior management group of the trade guild wore looks of disbelief as they stared at the entrance. Among their invited guests, they couldn't have sent an invitation or contacted this person. He could come to dinners tomorrow or the day after, but not today. Anyone who came today would more or less reflect The Amber Path Coalition's relationships. And the name Lachlan Rourke was something they least wanted to be associated with.

  Nathan had spent some time browsing PsiLink when he had free moments since arriving in Maelivar. Among the jumbled information, the name Lachlan Rourke stood out above all. In a negative way.

  He felt he had to step up before the young man with the impudent face could make a scene. The round table created a gap for him to step out.

  He tried to force his most friendly smile, seizing the initiative to speak first.

  "I'm truly glad to have you attend tonight's dinner, Mr. Lachlan."

  "What right does a kitchen dog like you have to speak to our master?" an attendant following behind pointed at Nathan.

  Lachlan glared at him as if to show authority, but his eyes carried a hint of satisfaction, clearly not truly upset with his subordinate. Though reprimanded, the subordinate just sneered and withdrew his hand perfunctorily.

  Nathan laughed loudly, as if to dispel the tension.

  "Everyone's a friend at tonight's dinner."

  Lachlan's perpetually curled lip tightened, his eyes growing cold as he spoke for the first time, carrying a heavy tone with a hint of malice, leaving Nathan no room for retreat.

  "Who's friends with you?"

  Motherfucker, was what [Bad Mouth] had activated wanting Nathan to say but couldn't.

  Skills conflicted.

  Consequences: Chilly Chill will override [Bad Mouth] according to your desire.

  Damn it! Without this am I digging my own grave? Nathan silently cursed the system.

  Silence enveloped the space. Around them, people shook their heads in dismay at Nathan's choice. They all judged him foolish for inviting Lachlan to attend the dinner. For clearly, he was the culprit, not The Amber Path Coalition.

  "Then how about the opportunity to become friends?" Nathan said steadily, maintaining his composure.

  Hearing this, Emrys had to secretly give Nathan a thumbs up. The honored guests agreed as well.

  Lachlan surely came here for a reason, so what he really wanted wasn't to cause trouble. On one hand, he wanted to demonstrate his status through his crude entrance. On the other hand, that was also a ladder to step down and join the dinner.

  Nathan had cleverly resolved this issue by acting humbly, accepting his position as inferior rather than superior. This both showed he was weak and ready to please the other party, exactly what Lachlan wanted.

  Lachlan smiled, patting Nathan's shoulder, somewhat surprised by the firm response from the muscles he struck.

  "Well then, we'll see how you perform."

  "Then allow me to demonstrate," he said, identical to what he had told Emrys.

  After that, he gestured inviting Lachlan to the table. The entourage stood to one side. They could be crude to serve Lachlan's wishes, but understood their own position. From Nathan's perspective, it was similar to the descendants of a Tier 4 - they couldn't just offend anyone they wanted to offend. Even though the direct disciple of Verdant Spire Sect always maintained a humble attitude.

  Nathan followed Lachlan back to his position. The arrogant fellow chose to sit next to Emrys, putting his feet up on the table without any regard for etiquette.

  The young lady of the Merinor house frowned at this troublemaker's uncouth behavior.

  "Girl, do you have somewhere to go tonight?" Lachlan teased.

  "I am the young lady of House Merinor," Emrys said, assuming this bastard truly didn't know. However, the response was completely opposite.

  "Oh, I know. But haven't they kicked you out after last night's incident? I wouldn't mind taking you in to warm my bed."

  Emrys whipped her head around, eyes angry as she looked at Lachlan. Then she turned back to Nathan.

  "Is this how you treat your guests?"

  Her tone was full of indignation. Even though Zeryn had highly praised the young man before her, she couldn't accept being insulted like this. Nathan, as the host, had to step in to resolve this before she had to take matters into her own hands.

  Without Chilly Chill, Nathan's teeth would surely have been chattering from the deadly chill emanating from this Lachlan Rourke. It was no exaggeration that everyone avoided him like the plague.

  He didn't blame Celene too much. He understood that the "dirty marketing" effect she mentioned could only be maximized through the most notorious figure. The guests and journalists present were maintaining an oddly suspicious silence because they were quietly discussing on PsiLink. The first step in the debate about his reputation.

  He stepped forward, bowing apologetically, using the same approach he had with Lachlan.

  "I'm willing to change seats for you, as well as offer a promise," Nathan deliberately referenced what she had said earlier. If Emrys could have exchanges with Zeryn, then she could have exchanges with him. "I promise that after tonight, you won't regret coming here. It might help with your situation somewhat."

  Hearing this, Emrys started, somewhat bewildered that someone like Nathan could help her with anything. Her investment was in Zeryn. However, given the current situation, even with very low probability, she still wanted to find a way to resolve last night's incident. If that only required enduring some meaningless insults, it would be worth it.

  Emrys nodded, pushed her chair back to stand, and walked around to sit opposite her previous position.

  Her action drew evaluating glances from below, but she ignored them.

  Lachlan just smirked, not particularly concerned, only growling out.

  "I came here to eat."

  And you haven't even paid for your ticket yet, Nathan thought irritably.

  His mood immediately returned to ripple-free calm.

  "Coming right up," he returned to his kitchen, preparing the reserved portions of Dawn's Whisperer and Heaven's Breath.

  On the other side, the senior managers of Amber Path Coalition all shifted uneasily as they saw the current debates exploding on PsiLink.

  They weren't good at all.