F-Class Destiny Hunter

Chapter 46

The creatures on this island were impossible to eat, to say the least. They were either poisonous, or their flesh crumbled like dirt upon death, or they were too tough to be edible. But now, someone was cooking.

"He's finally here."

Dokgo Jun's eyes, which had been foreboding just moments ago, softened. He approached the party members with a friendly smile.

"Hey, where's that person right now?"

"Well, I'm not exactly sure. We smelled food coming from the western area, so..."

"Thanks."

Dokgo Jun left before the other person finished speaking. Shin Sooah quickly caught on and followed him. As they headed in the direction indicated by their party member, a delicious aroma faintly wafted through the air.

"Ah, Seo Gangrim!"

Dokgo Jun called out cheerfully and approached Seo Gangrim. Seo Gangrim looked up from boiling something over the campfire upon hearing the visitors. He seemed quite relaxed, as if he had come to the campsite for a leisurely activity. Ignoring Dokgo Jun, Seo Gangrim addressed Shin Sooah instead.

"Shin Sooah-ssi, hello. What brings you here?"

Seeing Seo Gangrim, Shin Sooah smiled gently. It had been a few days since she had seen him, and she felt genuinely happy as if it had been a long time. She masked her delight, however, and spoke, "I heard there was someone cooking nearby, so I came to check... and it's indeed you, Seo Gangrim-ssi."

On this place, only someone as skilled as Seo Gangrim could casually cook. Shin Sooah looked around briefly, examining the remains of the slaughter. It seemed that he had captured a demonic beast that was active in this place.

"Gangrim-ssi, it's not advisable to eat these creatures. They're poisonous."

"I know. I've removed all the poison, so there's no issue."

"You removed the poison?"

Shin Sooah exclaimed in surprise. At the same time, the commotion grew louder, and rustling sounds came from inside the tent. Soon, a somewhat groggy Yohan came out. His hair was a mess, making him look like a beggar.

"Ah, Sister Shin Sooah. Brother Dokgo Jun, too."

"Hello, Father Yohan. ...Are you alright?"

Looking at Yohan, Shin Sooah asked with a worried tone. She had a reason to be concerned, given Yohan's appearance. His face was crumpled as if he had been up all night. He awkwardly smiled and said, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. I was just working on something yesterday..."

'What could have possibly happened to make a person look this disheveled?' Shin Sooah thought. Yohan's ability was in the healing category, so maybe someone had gotten severely injured yesterday. In the meantime, the cooking seemed to be done. Seo Gangrim poured the dish into a bowl and the delicious smell wafted through the air. He called for Yohan. "Father Yohan, come and have some. You still have to work today."

At the mention of work, Yohan flinched, but eventually nodded his head. He sat near the campfire and began to eat weakly. Dokgo Jun observed this scene with a curious expression. "Wow, you really removed it, huh? Seo Gangrim, can I have some too?"

As Dokgo Jun approached with a grin, Seo Gangrim scooped some into a bowl. The portion was so small it didn't even fill half the bowl. He handed it to Dokgo Jun.

"Dokgo Jun, help yourself. It's 1000 spirit pearls for a portion."

No matter how one looked at it, it was a statement that said 'don't eat it.' But Dokgo Jun opened the trading window without showing any signs of annoyance.

"Wow, it's an expensive meal. I'll take it for now."

Soon, 1000 spirit pearls was transferred to Seo Gangrim. Shin Sooah observed this while speaking to Seo Gangrim.

"I'll buy a bowl too. With spirit pearls..."

"200 spirit pearls."

At the sudden price drop, and Dokgo Jun looked at Seo Gangrim. "Huh? Why is my price different?"

"That's the owner's prerogative."

"Well, I guess I can't do anything since Shin Sooah-ssi is a heroine. But you still take money."

Ignoring Dokgo Jun's sarcastic smile, he filled a bowl with the dish and handed it to Shin Sooah The gods chimed in as well.

【Gangrim, the portion you gave Dokgo Jun earlier is quite different from this, isn't it?】

【Yeah, it's almost twice as much. What's up with that?】

【I think you're giving her more because...】 Gangrim barely contained his desire to retort with a line aimed at the sky. Meanwhile, the voices of people began to be heard from nearby. Familiar voices.

"So, who's cooking?"

"No way... The creatures here aren't edible."

"Huh? Master!"

The people who came armed were the members of Zone Two. Their reactions indicated they couldn't believe their eyes. The fragrance of cooking after a long time. Seeing Dokgo Jun and Yohan eating something, everyone started to salivate. Curious, Yoon Geoul approached. "Master, what's this?"

"I just caught some beasts and made it."

"Looks like this might be edible. Can I have some too?"

"200 spirit pearls."

Yoon Geoul pursed his lips. "Can't you give it for free? You're too stingy with your disciple."

"You're not my disciple. If you don't want to eat, don't."

"Fine, here."

With grumbles, Yoon Geoul bought a portion in the end. Yoon Bom also paid the full price and received a bowl. Other people looked at him with envy.

"I wonder if it's tasty."

"200 spirit pearls is quite expensive..."

"But I still want to eat something else. I've only been eating raw rations and fruit for the past few days..."

Although they had managed to pick some fruit near the orchard, eating just that for days had taken a toll. Eventually, the others also paid the high price to get their portions. Unknowingly, a group of people had gathered around the tent, and they all began to eat. After taking a bite, their surprised expressions spoke volumes.

"Huh? This is delicious? It's like a rice soup."

"There's a mysterious depth of flavor."

"Ah, it's been a while since I had proper rice..."

【Wow, this place is a rice soup heaven.】

【Jumo! One more bowl of rice soup!】

【But seriously, what did you make to leave them in this state of awe?】

【200 spirit pearls seems to be a reasonable price.】

Shin Sooah also tasted a spoonful and marveled at the taste. The meat of the beasts, the herbs, and the grain-like substance created a diverse flavor. Dokgo Jun had also emptied his bowl without realizing it.

"It's delicious. How did you remove the poison?"

"That's a trade secret."

"That's stingy. Give me another bowl."

"There's none left now."

With so many people around, the large pot was now completely empty. Yoon Bom, who had been eating the demon beast's soup in a hurry, looked up.

"Huh? Master, aren't you getting any?"

"It's fine. I'll eat separately later."

At those words, Father Yohan's shoulders slumped. The others, meanwhile, felt a pang of disappointment at the now-empty pot.

"Huh? It's already gone?"

"I was going to buy another bowl..."

"Really, it's so delicious."

Praise and regretful voices could be heard from various places. For Seo Gangrim, this was a chance to earn more money. He got up from his seat.

"Just wait a moment."

He picked up the pot and disappeared into the nearby woods. Yoon Geoul, who wanted to see how it was made, followed, but returned after being scolded. As soon as Seo Gangrim finished preparing the ingredients and put the pot back on the fire, the delicious aroma started to spread. People looked at each other with smiles of happiness.

"Ah, the smell is really amazing."

"I hope it's ready soon..."

After about an hour, the second dish was ready. Seo Gangrim looked around at the people.

"One portion for 200 spirit pearls."

As those words ended, trade windows popped up before Seo Gangrim's eyes.

【You have acquired 200 spirit pearls.】

【You have acquired 200 spirit pearls.】

【You have acquired 200 spirit pearls.】

【You have acquired 200 spirit pearls.】

【You have acquired 200 spirit pearls.】

Initially, people had complained about the high price. But now, they were all paying 200 spirit pearls without any complaints. A pot that had been full was emptied in an instant.

【Does the demon beast soup melt in your mouth?】

【Hey Gangrim, you should open a shop.】

【Do you want to be a golden god?】

【If news of this cooking spreads to the god of cooking, it will cause a stir.】

Seo Gangrim was now looking at his suddenly inflated spirit pearls. It was enough to fill his stomach even if he didn't eat.

【Possession spirit pearls: 11,230】

With this amount, he felt he could buy most items. People emptied their second portions as quickly as they did with the first. Seo Gangrim addressed the people. "Business is over. If you're done eating, please leave."

"We enjoyed the meal, Gangrim-ssi. Can we come back to eat tomorrow?"

"If you bring spirit pearls."

"Wow, I'll come tomorrow too!"

Even though they paid quite a bit, the meal was more than satisfying, so they had no complaints. Everyone had excited expressions at the thought of eating delicious food again tomorrow.

Everyone started to return to their campsite, but only Dokgo Jun and Shin Sooah remained. While Seo Gangrim was cleaning up, he caught a glimpse of Shin Sooah.

"Why aren't you leaving?"

"I have something to discuss with you, Seo Gangrim-ssi."

"Me too!"

Although Dokgo Jun raised his hand and spoke, but Seo Gangrim's attention was fixed only on Shin Sooah.

"Go ahead."

"Do you know the conditions for conquering this place?"

"No, I don't."

"If you obtain Hundred Fragrance fruit from the orchard on this island, you're finished. It's for the lower-grade difficulty, but it works."

Seo Gangrim nodded, even though he was already aware of this information.

"I see. Thank you for letting me know. Shin Sooah-ssi, are you looking to finish this stage at the intermediate or high level difficulty?"

"Yes, that's why..."

Looking at Seo Gangrim, Shin Sooah continued, "I hope you could lend me your strength, Seo Gangrim-ssi."

When Seo Gangrim didn't reply, Shin Sooah continued, "While trying to conquer, I'm facing difficulties not just from the beasts but also from people of other zones."

"Other zones?"

"Yes. We encountered people from other zones this time too. They seem to be more interested in us than the beasts. Every time we meet, a fight breaks out."

This situation seemed similar to their past life as well. Although he had heard that it was quite intense at that time, Seo Gangrim wasn't still inclined to help Shin Sooah.

Seo Gangrim glanced at Dokgo Jun. "Did you also obtain Hundred Fragrance fruit?"

"Yeah. But I'm not satisfied with the lower difficulty. I'm trying to search for more, but it's not going well."

"In that case, the two of you could work together."

At his words, Dokgo Jun and Shin Sooah looked at each other. Neither of them said anything. It was evident that both of them weren't thrilled about the idea.

"I feel like I get along better with Seo Gangrim-ssi."

"I also prefer being with Seo Gangrim-ssi."

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