Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 1003

When Minhyuk heard the notifications, he looked at Rocado in shock. Rocado just chuckled. He had secretly checked the crystal ball while steaming the snow crab.

Through the crystal ball, Rocado could check what happened during the Cave of Restriction’s final trial, the Restriction of Frustration. Of course, Rocado had only seen a part of the process and the results. However, what he had seen left him in shock and awe.

‘Just because one is a God does not mean that one could have a stronger mental strength and that they could endure and tolerate pain.’

No. Because he was a god, he would feel more frustrated at the fact that he could not do it, and it would make him give up faster. But this young man before Rocado could go through the trial and finish it with remarkable patience. It was truly shocking, especially since he was the Battle God.

‘I think the only person that can replace me is... him.’

However, there were other reasons why Rocado was convinced that the only one who could replace him was Minhyuk.

‘I did not expect he would win against me in the Restriction of Frustration.’

Of course, the Restriction of Frustration temporarily gave Minhyuk greater strength the longer he persevered. However, no matter how high his power had been temporarily raised, Rocado knew well that no one should have been able to exceed his score. In the first place, he had already passed the test.

‘The Food God becoming an Eight Pillar... it’s not so bad.’

Helenia was the Pillar of Magic.

Athenae was the Pillar of Everyone’s Support.

Rocado was the Pillar of Creating Something.

Kronad was the Pillar of the Holy Ones.

Obren was the Pillar of the Evil Ones, also known as the Pillar of Knowledge.

Then, the Pillar of Eating would be created to fill in the gaps.

‘Of course, that is still a story for the future.’

Rocado wanted to help Minhyuk, even if it was just a little bit.

Meanwhile, Minhyuk, who checked the contents of the title that had changed from Candidate for Eight Pillars to Eight Pillars's Successor, was left stunned.

(Eight Pillar's Successor)

Unique Title

Title Effects:

•All of your stats will increase by 9%.

•Eight Pillar’s Protective Coating.

•The Unyielding One

•Double Skill

•Successor Recognized by Rocado

The increase in all of his stats had increased by 2%. Aside from that, the only difference that he saw was the part where it said, ‘Successor Recognized by Rocado, ’ which had been added after the rest of the skills. And after checking the detailed explanation, Minhyuk was able to confirm something.

[Once you reach Level 700, the 1st quest to help you find Rocado’s power will open and reveal itself.]

[This will give you more power and help you take one step closer to becoming the true Eight Pillar.]

“...!”

Minhyuk was shocked. This meant that Rocado had opened the path for Minhyuk to become one of the Eight Pillars. At this moment, Minhyuk realized something.

‘The Food God’s growth may not yet be over.’

All of the class quests related to the Food God had already ended. But when he saw the notification about the quests associated with Rocado, he realized that the power of the Food God, which had already grown stagnant, would once again have the chance to grow even further.

‘He is the Father of Dexterity.’

In the end, the Food God class was related to DEX.

“Thank you,” Minhyuk said, his heart thumping wildly as he looked at the Sword of Aeon.

‘The lower the chances of successful reinforcement, the higher the power it could display once it is successful.’

This was a knowledge that everyone knew of. The +1 reinforcement of the Sword of Aeon, which was already reinforced once, was considered impossible. That was why he looked forward to how much stronger it had become.

(Sword of Aeon +1)

Rank: God

Requirements: God, the One that Lifted the Second Seal

Durability: ∞/∞

Attack Power: 2,654

Special Abilities:

•Increase all stats by 40%.

•Reduce all skills’ cooldown by 35%.

•Passive Skill: 2.5x Basic Attack Damage

•Passive Skill: The Greatest Sword

•Active Skill: Submission and Surrender

•Active Skill: God’s Dual Sword Technique

Description: Aeon. This sword has been sealed for so long that one cannot remember when it was first sealed. Only its second seal has been lifted, and the sword still cannot exert its full power.

‘The basics have increased by a lot, right?’

The basic attack power of the sword had increased by nearly 300. Not only that, the increase in all stats had also increased by 3% while the passive skill double basic attack damage had turned into 2.5x basic attack damage. This meant that the damage of Minhyuk’s basic attack had risen by around 10%.

With his overpowered stats and the Sword of Aeon in hand, a 10% increase in basic attack damage would mean he could quickly deal with more enemies with his basic attacks alone. Minhyuk smiled in satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the steam spread out as Rocado lifted the steamer's lid. The now red snow crab, as giant and as tough as a king crab, appeared in front of everyone’s eyes.

‘Doesn’t this look like a king crab?’

Minhyuk liked king crab, too. After all, each bite would fill his mouth with crab meat. However, he thought that snow crab was better in flavor.

‘How to say this? It’s more like it tastes better because of the combination of the savory and sweet flavors that would burst in one’s mouth?’

But this snow crab was not only the size of a king crab; it was also overflowing with meat. Minhyuk’s mouth was already watering.

Rocado moved and dealt with the crab, making it easier to eat. Minhyuk’s expectations had already reached their peak as he watched Rocado work.

Snow crab was a costly ingredient. So, if one heard the words, “We’ll eat snow crabs this time!” A few days before a family outing, one would feel excitement and anticipation.

Rocado finished dealing with the snow crab in no time. He gently placed the dish in front of Minhyuk. The shell of the crab was filled with mouth-watering crab fat, and the legs neatly placed on the sides looked meaty and good.

“Ahem, ahem. Eat well. I’m quite busy,” Rocado said as he went to a corner to hug and kiss Eirin.

“He– Herakel... need to close eyes...”

Herakel covered his eyes with both of his hands. However, there was a slight gap between his fingers. The more the two shared intimate touches, the wider his eyes grew.

Of course, Minhyuk was not interested in what the two were doing. He was entirely focused on the meal in front of him. Rocado had given Minhyuk a pair of seafood scissors so that he would have an easier time dealing with the joints of the legs.

Minhyuk cracked the joints and broke the legs into two. Then, he gently pulled them away from each other. The moment he pulled them apart, the meaty and thick crab meat hiding inside the dense shell of the legs was pulled out. The steaming crab meat was as thick and meaty as the king crab’s meat.

He took a massive bite of the meat. The soft meat of the snow crab immediately filled his mouth with every bite he took. The taste brought a delighted smile to his face. He finished one leg of the snow crab in an instant.

This time, Minhyuk turned his attention to one of the claws. Surprisingly enough, the crab meat was still in the shape of the pincers when he gently pulled it out.

‘The pincers are a bit chewier than the rest.’

He dipped the pincer meat in the chili sauce before taking a huge bite.

“Kghhk...”

The taste was truly divine.

Minhyuk had heard that the Pillar Ingredients represented the land, the sea, and the air. The taste of this Pillar of the Sea, the emperor of the sea, was enough to shake Minhyuk’s shoulder. What more about the taste of the rest?

Next, Minhyuk dipped the thick and fleshy crab meat in the crab fat. The moment he placed it in his mouth? The savory flavor of the fat burst in his mouth. After finishing all the snow crab instantly, Minhyuk turned his attention to the snow crab fried rice.

The savory scent of the sesame oil wafted to his nose and stimulated his appetite even further. He scooped one huge bite and put it in his mouth.

‘It’s stir-fried evenly and nicely.’

It tasted amazing. When his mouth started to feel dry, he grabbed the bowl of snow crab ramyeon and took a sip of the spicy and refreshing soup.

“Ho~ Refreshing.”

Minhyuk felt like his senses opened up with that one sip. Then, he took a massive bite of the snow crab ramyeon noodles that had been boiled well inside the metal pot.

“Sluuuuuuuurp!”

The notifications rang the moment Minhyuk’s very delightful and satisfying meal ended.

[You have eaten the Pillar’s Snow Crab.]

[Jack-of-all-Trades Rocado had made the dish surprisingly well.]

[The Pillar’s Snow Crab's current effects will improve.]

[All of your stats will increase by 3.7%.]

[Your DEX will increase by 13%.]

[The special effects of the items related to DEX that you will create in the future will be 6% better.]

[Your water attribute resistance will increase by 32%.]

[Your attack and defensive power will increase by 19% when fighting against water-attribute monsters.]

Minhyuk’s expectations were not wrong.

‘The effects of the ingredients grow better when cooked by Rocado.’

This was why Minhyuk took the risk and went to meet and pick up the God of Death. Of course, another reason was that it would be more delicious if he used this method.

Then, Minhyuk suddenly turned to look at Rocado and Eirin.

Chu– Ch... slurp– Slurp–

“...?”

It was because the sounds coming from their corner had changed. Then, Minhyuk caught sight of Herakel, who was pretending to cover his eyes with his hands.

“Why are you still here?”

“I’ll go later.”

The God of Death was still in this place, even watching their genuine and intimate display of love.

***

TTBC’s Go Eun-Ah came to visit the Beyond the Heavens Empire. Why? It was simple. Today was the day that they would hold the completion ceremony of the Battle God’s Temple, and since this was the completion ceremony of the Battle God’s Temple, it was only natural that it became a hot topic.

When Go Eun-Ah arrived near the Battle God’s Temple, she saw countless reporters lined up. Even ATV Broadcasting Station’s PD Kim Daeguk was also present.

Reporter Go Eun-Ah was acquainted with PD Kim Daeguk. So, she approached him and asked, “What’s your take on today’s matter?”

PD Kim Daeguk just chuckled at her question. “Why do you have to ask when you already know the answer?”

“Well...”

No one in the world did not know about the construction of the Battle God’s Temple. All the reporters, including PD Kim and Go Eun-Ah, knew full well that the anticipation of the masses would peak with the completion ceremony. After today? This issue would slowly die down and disappear. Since all the reporters already knew about this, they started to show impatience.

“When will it start? I have another schedule after this.”

“It looks amazing for a temple made by a player. However, it still fails to meet expectations. There aren’t as many players as we thought. Hmm...”

Indeed, the players joining the fun were less hyped up and excited than the reporters expected.

“Everyone already knows that Player Minhyuk is the Battle God. The completion of a temple will not generate many issues.”

“That’s true.” Go Eun-Ah could only nod her head bitterly.

Of course, she had always supported Minhyuk and the Beyond the Heavens Empire. However, even in her eyes, she could tell that this event would fail to make any waves.

‘Ah, if a huge issue suddenly breaks out, I will write a sensational article.’

However, everyone present was of the same mindset.

At that moment, Alvier, the core figure in the temple's construction, appeared in front of everyone’s eyes. Alvier was a well-known figure among the players and NPCs. Everyone knew he was a sought-after figure to the point that all gods had commissioned him to build a temple for them.

The reporters rushed forward and began to throw one question after another at Alvier.

“How was the construction of the temple this time?”

“Is there anything special inside?”

“Since this is the Battle God’s Temple, is the quality much better than the others?”

Alvier was an NPC. He was in a position where he could choose to respond harshly to such questions. However, what happened last time left a deep impression on him, and he felt very honored to have built this temple for Minhyuk.

“A temple that has recognized its god. That is the kind of temple the Battle God’s Temple is.”

After leaving those words, Alvier moved to leave. It seemed like he was still swamped. As for the reporters? They only needed those words to create provocative titles. After all, they were better at doing things like this than others.

[Minhyuk: The God Recognized by the Temple.]

[From a God Above Gods to a God Above a Temple. How far will Minhyuk go?]

However, even after writing such articles, these reporters still felt that it was lacking.

At that moment, Haze appeared in front of everyone. She said, “His Majesty has not yet arrived. The start of the completion ceremony will be delayed for a bit. I hope that you understand.”

“Ah...”

“Ey. Just get it over with.”

The reporters clamored loudly. And Go Eun-Ah? She looked at them as if they were nothing but pathetic people.

‘This is the reason why reporters always get criticized.’

It was because they openly expressed their discomfort and annoyance. When they settled down and began to wait, a shocking notification rang in everyone’s ears, leaving the reporters stunned.

[One of the Eight Pillars, Rocado, has descended!]

For most players, the Eight Pillars were a source of fear. This was primarily because of Helenia’s influence. In addition, they did not know who Rocado was.

“Wh– What the hell?!”

“Shouldn’t we log out right now?”

“It seems like he appeared somewhere near here?”

“Why does he have to appear in Beyond the Heavens Empire...? Heok?! Don’t tell me he’s trying to keep Minhyuk, who has become the Battle God, in check?!”

The words of one of the reporters sounded reasonable enough. Was this man coming here to destroy the Battle God’s Temple? The reporters, wrapped in their thoughts, were left confused.

However, when they looked around, they saw that the Beyond the Heavens Empire soldiers stood there calmly as they waited for their emperor.

At that moment, Reporter Go Eun-Ah and PD Kim Daeguk made eye contact.

“Something’s strange.”

“Yes. I didn’t get any warning notifications.”

Those who had seen Helenia received flashing red warning notifications along with the notifications about her descent. But the notifications now? There were no warning notifications.

“I’m sorry for the delay. Unfortunately, the completion ceremony will be delayed for a bit longer.”

Then, Minhyuk appeared behind the reporters. But his words made the faces of the reporters grow ugly.

‘We’re all going to die now, but you’re just saying that you came late and there will be a delay. What the hell...’

‘Just a delay in the completion ceremony? Are you nuts...!’

‘Do you think we’re free all day?!’

Their expressions grew uglier by the second.

[You have seen one of the Eight Pillars, Jack-of-all-Trades Rocado.]

[He is the Father of Dexterity.]

[Those who have seen Rocado will experience a 13% increase in DEX and a 20% increase in EXP Acquisition Rate. The buff would remain for a day.]

“...!”

“...!”

“...!”

Only at this moment did the reporters realize that the new Eight Pillar that appeared before them was related to dexterity. What did being related to dexterity mean? It meant that they would make something.

Go Eun-Ah’s pupils started to shake. ‘Don’t tell me... The reason for delaying the completion ceremony...?’

Minhyuk just smiled faintly and asked for their understanding. “I’m sorry, but my statue, portraits, and artifacts have not yet been displayed inside the Battle God’s Temple.”

Go Eun-Ah hurriedly asked, “You said it’s not yet been displayed. Are they still unfinished, or are they already finished?”

In response to that question, Minhyuk said, “It’s going to be made right here and now.”

“...!”

“...!”

A commotion broke out among the reporters.