Chapter 111

Yu Seong-un was terrified that he might be served a feast of the gods, with kraken legs stir-fried in phoenix blood and garnished with a haetchi's head, but contrary to his worries, the meal Jio prepared was humble.

‘…No, it’s ordinary.’

And it was bountiful.

A large grilled fish placed in the center of the table and a brown-sauced meat stew with steam wafting from it.

A vegetable stir-fry that seemed to contain tomatoes, onions, and bok choy.

A heaping bowl of rice piled high, and a bone broth soup with green onions and seafood.

‘The combination seems a bit odd, like a table set with whatever could be made….’

For some reason, it was a meal made of creatures never before discovered on Earth.

“…….”

Yu Seong-un didn’t use his Appraisal Skill.

It couldn’t be called a wise decision, but he felt that if he read the exact contents and effects, he wouldn’t be able to eat in his right mind.

“…It looks delicious.”

“It will be delicious.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

He resigned himself to it.

‘Surely Jio won’t lock me up in this cabin.’

It wasn’t that he wasn’t worried. Didn’t the Hunter named Park Eun-gyeom have to pay a price to leave as a complete painting after staying in the “City of the Void” for just a few days?

Technically, this place was also a painting.

In Greek mythology, Persephone was tied to the underworld where Hades resided because of a few pomegranate seeds.

As this was a world where gods actually existed, Yu Seong-un couldn’t help but feel even more uneasy.

‘Still, Hunter Cha Ara didn’t get stuck here just because she ate a meal.’

He had already heard the news that Jio had personally invited her and even fed her.

It didn’t look much different from the current meal, so it seemed unlikely that a major problem would arise just because Yu Seong-un ate it.

“…You’re a really good cook.”

However, what Yu Seong-un was worried about was whether he could leave this painting in the same state he had entered.

Seeing as his already not-bad eyesight had become even clearer, it seemed it was already too late.

It looked like he would soon be able to observe the cells of living organisms with his naked eye.

“You’re also generous with your portions.”

“Is the fish a bit big?”

“Does only the fish look big to you?”

Of course, he was surprised by the fish sitting imposingly in the center of the table.

For one, it wasn’t an aquatic creature he knew, and its size was almost that of a well-fattened, in-season winter yellowtail.

“Of course, the fish is a bit big, but.”

Yu Seong-un looked at the meat stew.

“That friend is no slouch either.”

“It’s Dongpo pork.”

“Are we thinking of two different kinds of Dongpo pork right now?”

“I made it thinking of the Dongpo pork one can often find in Korea.”

“What kind of Korea have you been to?”

Even Chinese restaurants don’t serve it like that.

“I’m not lying, it’s the size of a wedding cake.”

“3-tiered Dongpo pork….”

“That’s a phrase I’m genuinely hearing for the first time in my life.”

It was also a mystery how he had made Dongpo pork in such a short amount of time.

“Honestly, I don’t know much about cooking, but doesn’t Dongpo pork take a long time to make?”

Simply put, Dongpo pork was a Chinese dish made by braising pork for a long time.

It was usually cut into cubes and simmered in a soy sauce-based sauce, characterized by a texture so soft it could be chewed with just the gums.

“I requested it at a Chinese restaurant once, and they said I had to wait a day.”

“They must not have made it in advance. It must have been fresh and warm Dongpo pork.”

“If you want, let’s go together next time. No, so this, what on earth….”

“The time was shortened thanks to Honey and Father’s help.”

“Ah, I see. I understood that perfectly. So I’m allowed to eat this?”

Somehow, I don’t think this is something a human can eat?

‘A 3-tiered Dongpo pork created through the combined efforts of the Child of the Source and the Sun God?’

I didn’t know what it was, but it felt like if I ate it, I would have to stop being human.

“…By any chance, when Hunter Cha Ara visited.”

“Yes, there was such a time.”

“Did the… esteemed elder help you like this back then, too? With meal preparation?”

“I was in charge of it all back then.”

“Then why me?”

“Pardon?”

“No, that came out wrong.”

Why on earth are you doing this to me?

‘I can’t feel at ease like this.’

Just moments ago, he had been patting himself on the back, thinking, ‘Well, Hunter Cha Ara was fine, so I’ll be fine too.’

But hearing that the meal preparation process was different from back then, he couldn’t help but worry.

‘This is why gods have no consideration for humans.’

Yu Seong-un forced himself to swallow a sigh.

“…I’ll eat well.”

“I hope you enjoy it.”

“I don’t know why I see greed in your eyes.”

So you were a guy who could show greed, huh.

“I’m learning a lot today.”

Considering Jio’s habits, it was likely closer to a very similar imitation of a human emotion that matched the situation in order to communicate, but anyway.

“What on earth is this greed for?”

“I know this might sound rude, but I really wish you would gain some weight….”

“I don’t know about rudeness, but am I really going to walk out of here as a pig?”

“…….”

“Jio?”

Anyway, around the time the meal began.

“Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaak—.”

“Oh my.”

An incident occurred where the Anticat, Dana, hissed upon seeing the human, Yu Seong-un.

“I apologize, Mr. Yu Seong-un. My child is very shy and rude. I will make her reflect.”

“No, it’s only natural for a monster to dislike humans. Seeing a hiss from an Anticat, which usually just runs away at the sight of people, is a rare experience….”

Yu Seong-un was actually pleased. Through that jeweled cat’s hiss, Yu Seong-un could prove that he was still human.

Anyway, the meal now truly began.

“…Oh.”

It was delicious.

“This is a heavenly feast.”

“You’re too kind.”

“That was a rather objective statement.”

Although he was a little worried about the aftereffects of eating it, the meal Jio prepared was truly delicious.

Without a word of a lie, he could feel his tongue rejoicing from eating the rice alone.

“The color of the rice is unusual.”

“I cooked it with vegetable broth.”

“Ah, you cook rice that way too?”

“It’s also delicious when cooked with bone broth or seafood broth.”

“That’s interesting.”

He had thought rice was only cooked with water.

It was a strange thing to say to the Source, but Jio was indeed multitalented.

“…….”

Even this strangely friendly demeanor was all likely a facade to get along with humans.

‘…Well, there’s no easier way to lower a creature’s guard than a meal. Especially when one cooks it themselves, the level of intimacy is high.’

He wondered if this was the reason Jio enjoyed cooking and giving gifts.

Especially since Jio’s appearance was so intimidating and flashy.

‘It was certainly effective. A good number of the citizens searching for the Black Cape these days are wandering around to get a taste of the snacks this guy hands out.’

In that sense, these cooking skills could also be called bait to lure humans. Yu Seong-un inwardly nodded.

“It’s very fluffy, not a single grain is mushy.”

“It’s rice I cooked with care. I’m pleased you complimented it.”

“I just don’t know how you cook rice like this.”

The texture, similar to the firm rice cooked by a renowned sushi master, yet chewy to a point just before it became unpleasant, was honestly enjoyable in and of itself.

“The umami is great too.”

It didn’t seem to be seasoned, but the unique, subtle bitterness of the vegetables, the umami that seemed to flow from it and a deeply brewed aroma like drinking warm fish cake broth on a winter day were fantastic.

“What did you use to make the vegetable broth?”

“Various things went on.”

“…….”

It hadn’t been long since he started enjoying the taste of the food, but Yu Seong-un quickly became uneasy.

He was reminded once again that it was impossible to enjoy a peaceful meal inside the Source’s stomach.

“…Is it just my imagination? Why do I feel my body getting healthier right now?”

“I’m glad I put in the medicinal herbs.”

“Medicinal herbs? What kind of herbs?”

No, wait a minute.

Herbs that grew in the Source?

“You used that to cook rice?”

“Isn’t it delicious?”

“Do people normally use medicinal herbs to make things delicious?”

“There’s no reason not to.”

“That… is true.”

Yu Seong-un was convinced.

“There is no reason….”

For Jio, the Source, that is.

‘It feels like I’m eating bread baked with a 500-year-old elixir.’

There was certainly no reason why he couldn’t, but that didn’t make the thought that it was extravagant go away.

The pharmacists of Earth would shed tears of blood if they found out.

“…Should I think of it as eating medicine in a more delicious way?”

“I don’t think medicine that’s good for the body necessarily has to be bitter.”

“Yeah, that way of thinking seems fine.”

If he thought of it not as making delicious rice with medicine, but as making delicious medicine with rice.

‘…Still, I feel like something is sitting heavy in my stomach. I just learned that even a meal can go beyond the human realm….’

He himself probably considered himself an ordinary human, but for Yu Seong-un, who was experiencing this meal firsthand, it was just burdensome.

But it was so damn delicious that he didn’t want to put down his spoon.

“Ha….”

He knew full well that this was bait to entice humans and various other creatures, but he still thought Jio could be a little less skilled at cooking.

Humanity was in danger.

“This would be delicious if you made rice balls with it.”

“It is, in fact, delicious. I’ll pack some for you next time you have a business trip.”

“No, I mean… right. Thank you.”

Since it’s delicious, I won’t refuse.

‘It doesn’t feel like my body is changing dramatically from eating it.’

Compared to the tea he drank at the beginning that improved his eyesight, this rice, which made his body feel a bit refreshed, was ordinary.

It was at a level where the fatigue accumulated from working overtime for several days was washed away.

‘Actually, that’s amazing in itself, but I’ve been through so much that I can maintain my composure.’

Honestly, the rice alone was quite frightening, but since the Source who had prepared the meal was observing him intently, he couldn’t just stay still. Yu Seong-un slowly turned his eyes to the fish.

“…….”

“Should I debone it for you?”

“No, it’s okay.”

He was just surprised by its magnificent form once again.

“What kind of fish is this…?”

“It’s a fish that inhabits the ‘Kingdom of the Deep Sea’.”

“I see, that’s possible.”

There were quite a few guilds that utilized a dungeon as a sort of fish farm or agricultural farm.

Considering that, it was understandable that Jio would procure ingredients from the ‘Kingdom of the Deep Sea’.

“It’s a species I’ve never seen before….”

“In Earth terms, it’s a fish that’s a mix of salmon and flounder.”

“What on earth is that kind of fish?”

“It’s a fish with the texture of a flounder and a strong salmon taste.”

“The universe truly is vast.”

Yu Seong-un took a piece of the crisply grilled fish.

“…It certainly has an orange tint and is oily.”

But it didn’t look as oily as salmon.

“Oh, it’s moist.”

“I changed the firewood in the stone oven, how is the aroma?”

“So this was cooked in a stone oven. It’s amazing.”

He had wondered how on earth this huge fish was cooked, and it seemed a stone oven was used.

As Jio said, a bitter, smoky aroma rose up, masking the unique fishy smell of seafood.

He didn't know what on earth they did to the fish, but the texture was also very soft.

The skin, which clearly showed it had been grilled in a stone oven, was crispy like a thin cracker, but the flesh inside crumbled softly, as if eating a thick piece of well-cooked hairtail.

“It’s a little sour? And there’s a spicy scent too. You didn’t just grill it, did you?”

“I grilled the fish after marinating it in green tangerine, lemongrass, and chili juice.”

“Are you a chef?”

I don't know how many people he plans to seduce with these cooking skills.

No, this seems manageable because the topic is a meal, but this was no joke, it was truly dangerous.

‘Humans who don’t even know of the Source’s existence shouldn’t feel close to this being.’

As if it didn’t matter what Yu Seong-un was thinking, Jio continued to explain the dish.

“Lemon is good too, but I think this kind of oily fish needs a bitter taste….”

“…….”

As he spoke, a hint of excitement graced the young man’s calm face.

He looked quite happy.

It was clear that Jio himself was passionate about cooking.

He also knew it was pure goodwill, but the goodwill of such a massive Source could be poison to humans.

‘This goodwill is hard for even me to handle right now….’

What on earth should he do about this?

“…I have a lot to say about your professionalism, but what’s with the sauce bowl next to this fish?”

“It’s a special sauce for fish made with a base of lemon, soy sauce, and chili peppers.”

“How can it be this elaborate?”

Even now, as he was contemplating how to prepare for Jio’s goodwill, he just let out a chuckle; it was so absurdly well-matched.

The Source’s disguise was probably not for harming humans.

At the same time, describing it as a ‘disguise’ would be a contradiction, so it seemed impossible to condemn the Jio who enjoyed cooking and sharing gifts as a lie.

“My goodness….”

Yu Seong-un forced himself to hold back a sigh and spoke with his characteristic nonchalant smile.

“It was delicious even on its own, so I thought I was supposed to eat it as is.”

“Is there a problem?”

“It feels like I lost out by not dipping it in the sauce.”

“Thank you for the passionate compliment.”

“Why don’t you open a restaurant on Earth? I think it would be very popular.”

“I don’t think my constitution is well-suited for business.”

“That’s true, too.”

The egos of Jio that had been revealed so far were mostly an artist, a priest, a doctor, and a teacher.

He seemed to be either a very free spirit or someone who preferred to be under a somewhat organized system, so he couldn't force him to run a business.

‘A restaurant run by the Source would be quite magnificent. Every Gardener on Earth would gather. The catastrophe that would ensue from that would also be an interesting event….’

Yu Seong-un was slowly losing his reason.

‘…Right, as long as it’s delicious, it doesn’t matter who made the food.’

It was truly delicious.

“This vegetable stir-fry is….”

“It’s stir-fried with tomatoes, bok choy, onions, garlic, and so on.”

“So what I’ve been eating until now wasn’t real vegetables.”

Yu Seong-un nodded after tasting a crisp onion.

“It’s sweet.”

“It is sweet.”

“And slightly sharp.”

“Is it just right?”

“Yes, it’s just right.”

An onion that retained its characteristic sharpness, yet was stir-fried over high heat and full of sweet juices.

This thing was so juicy and crisp that it felt more like a fruit than a vegetable.

“At this rate, just stir-frying the onions would be delicious.”

“How is the tomato?”

“…Why is this so sweet?”

If this tomato were exported, the vegetable-tomato faction and the fruit-tomato faction could be united as one.

This tomato that Jio stir-fried was definitely a fruit.

At this point, it felt like he was eating a warm fruit salad.

“This is the first time I’ve had a vegetable stir-fry that wasn’t greasy.”

“Is there any reason for a vegetable stir-fry to be greasy?”

“Because you use a lot of oil.”

“Then it would be greasy.”

“I definitely like this feeling better.”

This vegetable stir-fry, made with a minimal amount of oil, was more crisp than mushy, and the smoky flavor was stronger than the oil.

The crisp vegetable stir-fry, with a bitter, smoky aroma as if the surface had been seared with a torch, boasted a completely different freshness from other vegetable stir-fries that became limp from the heat.

It wasn't heavily seasoned either.

It was a stir-fried side dish that brought out the natural flavors of the ingredients, with a hint of a high-quality, slightly burnt soy sauce aroma and a touch of salt and pepper.

“It’s really almost at the level of a salad.”

Yu Seong-un picked up the long-awaited Dongpo pork.

“…….”

“Kkuu.”

The teddy bear was watching Yu Seong-un with anticipation.

‘…What part exactly is it anticipating? What reaction should I give, and how can I get out of here alive in the form of an average human.’

For some reason, it looked like an old man who had found his talent for cooking late in life, waiting for the reaction to his first-ever prepared meal.

Finding his own analogy absurd, Yu Seong-un steadily broke off a piece of the Dongpo pork and placed it in his rice bowl.

It was so soft he had to use a spoon instead of chopsticks.

‘This is really close to pudding.’

And then he took a spoonful with the rice.

“…….”

For a moment, Yu Seong-un contemplated whether he should spit it out.

‘…I don’t think this is food I can handle? What should I do?’

If misunderstood, it might sound like some pathetic fawning, but it wasn’t. He was genuinely feeling a sense of crisis.

For the first time, Yu Seong-un realized that being too delicious could also be a problem.

Fortunately, the catastrophe of Yu Seong-un spitting out the food did not occur.

Not only would such an act be impolite to those who prepared the food, but it was also too delicious for that.

“…They say humans are beasts who can’t help but be swayed by instinct….”

“Why on earth are you saying such things in the middle of a meal?”

“I just felt that I’m not much different.”

So this is why the humans in all those legends and myths made such foolish choices.

‘Because they couldn’t abandon their human greed.’

It was a situation that made even a Gardener, who knew the dangers of mysterious stories, nod in understanding once again.

“Hmm….”

In any case, Yu Seong-un did not become immortal even after finishing the meal.

“You’re a really good cook.”

“You’ve been saying the same thing for a while now.”

“Too good.”

“Thank you?”

“It’s okay to be moderately good.”

“You’re very good at giving compliments, Mr. Yu Seong-un.”

“…….”

No, I just meant you should be less good.

‘I don’t know if you know this or not, but your cooking threatens human identity.’

Having been treated to a delicious meal, Yu Seong-un couldn’t bring himself to say that much.

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