Chef in the Apocalypse

Chapter 74: Feast (4)

A hush fell upon the gathering, an anticipatory silence that held its breath in the face of the unknown. Then, like a volcanic eruption, the first voice broke through the stillness.

“Aye!” The proclamation came from a stout, bearded man, a figure who might have seemed at home among dwarves, his long, wispy hair flowing like a banner of resolve.

Once the barrier of silence was breached, there was no stopping the tide. One after another, the citizens rose from their chairs, voices roaring with emotion, a collective shout that surged through the city’s streets. Their agreement rang out, echoing through the very foundations of the town.

Jayce observed the scene with a mixture of astonishment and mystification. His slaying of the High Troll had evidently set in motion a series of events he hadn’t foreseen. His actions in this new life diverged so dramatically from his previous existence that the consequences were beginning to ripple through the fabric of time.

Quickly, he made a mental note to tread carefully, aware that altering significant events could lead to unforeseen consequences. If he changed the course of history to such an extent that it became unrecognizable, he might lose the advantage of his past knowledge.

Colin, however, greeted the unfolding spectacle with hearty laughter. He took delight in seeing his Leader garnering respect and admiration from complete strangers. Slapping Jayce firmly on the back, he encouraged him to choose a name, acknowledging this pivotal moment.

Pushed forward by Colin’s large hand, Jayce snapped back to reality. It didn’t take him long to decide; after all, he had no qualms with the name from his previous life. He cleared his throat and cast his gaze around the table before fixing his eyes on Dion. In a voice resonating with gravity, he declared, “This new city will herald humanity’s resurgence, a bastion to reclaim what we have lost. Let it be known as ’Bastion.’”

Dion’s eyes widened, shock radiating through his very being as he heard the name uttered from Jayce’s lips. The name that he, Kane, and the others had once considered before ultimately yielding the decision to Jayce. A flood of thoughts rushed through his mind in an instant, a wild contemplation of fate’s intricacies.

Was this destiny? he wondered, caught in the whirlwind of emotions and surprises.

Amidst the charged atmosphere, a profound stillness enveloped the townsfolk as Jayce’s words reached their ears. Yet, their stillness was not stagnant, merely a prelude to the storm that was about to erupt. Jayce’s words were the spark, igniting the dormant fervor within them, needing only the right moment to explode into a fiery blaze.

Jayce, seizing the moment, raised his fist into the air, his voice booming, “BASTION!”

In the wake of his rallying cry, a dormant power within each person stirred and surged, like smoldering embers fanned into life. The city street became an arena of spirited exclamation, as voices united, shouting fervently, “BASTION! BASTION!” Fists punched the air in synchrony, a crescendo of frenetic shouts echoing through the air.

Dion and Kane exchanged glances, their surprise mirrored in each other’s eyes. Yet, in the very next heartbeat, Kane’s lips curled into a wry, knowing smile. The pieces clicked into place as Jayce’s words reverberated through the crowd—humanity reclaiming what was lost. In that moment, Kane comprehended the profoundness of Dion’s earlier remark about differing goals.

The chorus of cries carried on for several minutes, a unifying anthem that bridged the divide between hearts. Eventually, as the echoes subsided, a palpable sense of camaraderie and unity lingered, drawing the collective closer.

Jayce seized the lull in the fervor to signal Dion with a nod, indicating that it was time to move forward. In response, Dion cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the assembled residents. “Dear residents of Bastion,” he began, his voice resonating with authority, “the time for deliberation has come to an end. Let the feast begin!”

With those words, the atmosphere shifted once more, the crowd’s jubilant roars now transitioning into a joyful buzz as they took their seats, ready to celebrate in the true spirit of Bastion.

Plates were filled, and the only sounds that resonated were the clinking of utensils against dishes and the loud, hearty munching of the townsfolk.

Amidst the feast, exclamations of delight began to punctuate the air. “By the heavens, this is amazing!” cried out a bearded man, his mouth full of juicy wolf meat. “I’ve never tasted anything like this!” another chimed in, a wide grin stretching across their face.

In the midst of the cacophony, there were those whose exclamations took on a different tone. “My body feels invigorated!” someone exclaimed, their voice tinged with awe. “I swear, I can feel strength coursing through my veins!” another added, astonishment lacing their words.

The scene that had unfolded was surreal—a symphony of groans, grunts, and ecstatic praises harmonizing in an odd symphony of satisfaction. Dion, who had initially been puzzled by the scene, hesitated before taking a bite himself. Instantly, a wave of vigor surged within him, invigorating his entire being. A baffled frown creased his forehead, and he discreetly accessed his status window.

His eyes widened as he saw the changes—it was as if his strength and vitality had been gently amplified, each attribute gaining a few extra points. He stared at Jayce in disbelief, his gaze flickering between the feast’s creator and his own enhanced status.

But Jayce was absorbed in his own realm, oblivious to the shockwaves he had set off. Notifications streamed before his eyes in a rapid cascade

[You have served 100 people in one sitting – Class upgrade quest unlocked]

[You have served 400 people in one sitting – Class upgrade quest updated]

[You have served 1000 people in one sitting – Class upgrade quest updated]

[Quest: Class upgrade (Main)]

Please select one of the following:

Station Chef

Sous Chef (Warning, player may find this quest difficult to complete at their current level)

Executive Chef (Warning, player may find this quest difficult to complete at their current level)

Jayce’s eyes lit up and a grin crept onto his face. ’Is it even a question?’ he scoffed internally. He was the leader of his own Faction, there was no way he would be anything less than an Executive Chef, even just in name.

Without second guessing, he selected the third option.

[You have chosen: Executive Chef class upgrade]

[Calculating…]

[…]

[Executive Chef class upgrade Quest (Main)]

Kill Boss Monsters: [0/3]

Prepare and cook Boss Monster: [0/1]

Recruit Staff: [0/100]

Prepare dishes: [0/1000]

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