The following day, Jonathan awoke first, greeted by the sunny weather, a cool breeze, and the melodious chirping of birds. After stretching his body and rubbing his eyes, the remnants of sleep gradually dissipated. He proceeded to the rear of the wagon and peered inside, ensuring that his belongings were in order and observing that Mary remained soundly asleep, her head resting on a small bag. In an effort not to disturb her peaceful slumber, Jonathan resolved to prepare breakfast prior to her awakening.
He retrieved various cooking utensils from his Dimensional Storage and employed one of his low-level fire magic skills to ignite a campfire. Subsequently, he began the cooking process. He pondered why he consistently undertook the responsibility of preparing meals. Despite having suggested that Mary take on this task to allow him some rest, he harbored concerns that her culinary efforts might not yield favorable results. Additionally, Jonathan primarily purchased meat, lacking cooking spices, which he conveniently stored in his magical inventory. It was worth noting that he possessed a notable proficiency in cooking, alongside his capabilities in developing combat strategies and practicing martial arts and magic.
Upon completing the meal and serving it on a plate, Jonathan made certain to include vegetables to ensure a balanced nutritional profile. He awaited a moment for Mary to awaken, yet she continued to sleep soundly. After a sigh, he concluded that it would be more prudent for him to consume his breakfast independently. While appreciating the bright view before him and observing the diminishing amount of food, Jonathan contemplated the implications of acquiring the book. As their journey was set to extend beyond dimensions, he expressed a desire to understand the characteristics of these dimensions, revealing his eagerness for inter-dimensional travel and curiosity regarding the contents of the Ancient Doors.
When Jonathan had almost finished his meal, Mary finally woke up from her sleep and emerged from behind the wagon. Noticing that Jonathan was awake and having breakfast, she jumped out of the wagon and started to approach him. Jonathan turned to Mary and invited her to sit next to him, moving her plate slightly to the side. Mary glanced at her food and then sat down beside Jonathan. There were also spoons and forks on the plate. The delicious aroma of the food Jonathan had prepared made Mary's empty stomach growl. The meat, covered in a rich brown sauce, looked particularly appetizing to her, and she couldn't help but inhale the delightful scent wafting from the dish.
"What's wrong Mary? Come on, let's eat, your food will getting cold. This food is delicious to eat while it's hot."
Jonathan said, telling her that this food is delicious eaten when it is hot,
"I-i know Jonathan, but i just amazed by how beautiful it is to see, even only just look at it, its already tell that this food is delicious"
Mary expressed her admiration for Jonathan's culinary skills, noting that his dishes consistently appeared both appetizing and of high quality. Despite the use of standard-grade meat, the quality of the overall preparation of the meals had a significant impact on Mary's perception and enjoyment of the food. This led her to consider Jonathan's cooking among her preferred choices.
Jonathan appreciated Mary's acknowledgment of his culinary abilities, as he had invested considerable time in honing his cooking skills prior to embarking on his career as an adventurer. Additionally, he has established connections with several reputable and professional chefs, who specialize in high-quality cuisine.
After sampling Jonathan's dish, Mary enthusiastically remarked, "D-delicious!" Over time, she consumed the entirety of the meal, finding herself pleasantly satisfied and content with the exceptional flavors. Once again, Mary expressed her gratitude to Jonathan for the delightful meal he had prepared.
"Thanks Jonathan, once again you've made another delicious food. I honestly envy about you that can make a delicious meal, so could you please teach me how to make a delicious meal, Jonathan?"
During her expression of gratitude, Mary revealed to Jonathan her jealousy regarding his exceptional culinary skills. Seizing the moment, she approached him with a hopeful demeanor and inquired whether he would be willing to teach her to prepare food as he did. Jonathan, initially taken aback by this unforeseen request and the earnestness reflected in Mary's eyes, recognized her genuine desire to learn. The proximity of their faces caused Jonathan to experience a momentary flush, prompting him to establish a more acceptable distance between them.
"A-alright Mary, i will help you to make a delicious food, with my own recipes."
Jonathan ultimately acquiesced to Mary's request due to her strong enthusiasm and unwavering determination. This enthusiasm would serve as an effective resource to help fulfill her objectives. Jonathan recognized that once they opened the Ancient Door and uncovered the long-lost secrets of knowledge that had been consumed by the Cosmos, they would inevitably face separation. Although this separation would occur over time, Mary would encounter challenges in finding someone with culinary expertise. It is prudent, therefore, to seek assistance from those who are closest to her before their eventual parting.
Jonathan collected the dirty dish and placed it into the Dimensional Storage, signaling the conclusion of their breakfast. With their meal finished, it was imperative to resume their journey. He proceeded to tidy the area by extinguishing the campfire to prevent any potential spread of flames that could lead to a conflagration. During this time, Jonathan assessed the condition of his horse to ensure its readiness for the continued journey ahead. After providing the horse with some food, he patiently awaited its completion of the meal. Once the horse had finished eating, Jonathan took his position in the driver's seat, while Mary entered the wagon from the rear.
Now prepared to continue their expedition, they remained cognizant that numerous events awaited them on the road ahead. It was essential to be equipped and resolute in facing any challenges that might arise. With a renewed sense of determination, he gently pulled the reins, prompting the horse to move forward slowly, drawing the carriage that was securely attached behind it, as the protective barrier gradually faded from view. Jonathan carefully guided the horse along the path they intended to follow.
The cool morning air contributed to a relaxed atmosphere, with flocks of birds soaring overhead, their cheerful chirping resonating in the sky. A calm breeze swept across the expansive landscape, enhancing the tranquility of the moment.
The wagon moved at a steady pace, exhibiting no urgency. The views along the journey were remarkable; the sun rose gradually, casting a warm light that illuminated the sky in various shades of blue. The clouds drifted lazily, giving the impression of stillness. Jonathan maintained his grip on the reins, carefully controlling the speed of the wagon as they traveled toward a distant destination. It was hoped that they might encounter a village or small town along the way, where Jonathan could procure necessary equipment and ingredients for their meals. Additionally, a more comfortable place to rest for the night was desired, as their current accommodations were far from ideal for any traveler, including themselves. They yearned for the comfort of a soft mattress, having spent an extended period in a dungeon devoid of such luxury.
Although they were still quite far from the kingdom's territory, this distance added an element of thrill to their adventure. Although the option of teleportation existed, it would diminish the essence of the experience, which encompassed enjoying the surrounding views and confronting various challenges along the route. These elements constituted the true nature of an adventure.
In this serene moment, they followed the path indicated by the map. Mary placed the map aside and began to retrieve a book from her backpack. She opened the book and commenced reading, succumbing to boredom due to the absence of notable occurrences that would necessitate action. As Mary focused on her reading, a sense of awkward silence enveloped the duo. Jonathan contemplated breaking the silence but found himself at a loss for a suitable topic of conversation.
Remaining composed, he noted the rhythmic sound of the horse's steps. As the sun reached its zenith, its brightness momentarily dazzled his vision without obscuring it entirely. Leaning back against the seat, Jonathan sighed in weariness as his hands rested on his thighs while still gripping the reins. After approximately six hours of travel, the sun began to descend, and the sky transitioned to darker hues. Jonathan observed an open area that appeared suitable for resting. Upon guiding the horse to this clear space, he noticed remnants of a campfire, with only charred wood remaining from previous occupants.
Jonathan parked his horse and wagon before dismounting from the seat to approach the horse and assist it in sitting down. He then proceeded to the remnants of the campfire, kneeling down to add some wood from his storage. As he placed the wood onto the fire, Jonathan extended his hand and cast a fire magic spell, igniting the wood with flames. The campfire was soon primed for cooking and illumination. Jonathan could feel the warmth emanating from the fire, providing comfort from the cold of the night.
Eventually, Mary exited the wagon, her face displaying signs of fatigue as she yawned slightly. She approached Jonathan and settled beside him, seeking the warmth generated by the campfire. Having felt chilled during her time inside the wagon, she had endured the cold until Jonathan deemed it appropriate to take a break. She raised her hands toward the fire to absorb its heat.
"Jonathan, when we're going to reach the next kingdom? I want to feel the softness of mattress. Sleeping inside of wagon is suck, my back always hurt because how rough the floor is."
The silence was interrupted when Mary addressed Jonathan, inquiring about the duration of their journey to the next destination and expressing her discomfort concerning the roughness of the wagon, which made it difficult for her to sleep. Although the wagon was designed for travel and the transport of various items and crates, Jonathan reflected briefly and noted that they had not moved far from their previous location. He found Mary's complaints surprising, as he had observed her apparent enjoyment of sleeping in the wagon based on her facial expression while asleep.
"Just wait until we find a village or something, we've just travelling not far from previous place."
"And i think, we're not even enter the kingdom territory yet based by the map that guided us."
Jonathan attempted to persuade her to suppress her grievances, as this experience was not akin to a fairytale. Mary exhaled deeply, resting both hands on the floor behind her while she began to lean her body backward.
"How about i'd make another but different delicious meal to forget about what've you dislike about."
Jonathan raised his hand, gripping a spatula with precision. Mary's eyes shimmered with anticipation, thrilled at the prospect of sampling yet another exquisite meal. What heightened her excitement further was the knowledge that Jonathan intended to prepare this dish differently from his previous creations. Leveraging his extensive culinary expertise, he would transform the original recipe into an even more delectable version. Leaning in closer to Jonathan, Mary's wide-eyed enthusiasm reflected her eagerness to experience a new flavor profile that she had yet to encounter.
"Yeah yeah! Make it Jonathan! I'm excited to see how taste it is."
Mary's voice was raised due to her excitement about tasting Jonathan's new culinary creation. He calmly instructed her to sit down and wait while he prepared the dish. Following his guidance, she complied and took a seat, a smile evident on her face, which did not go unnoticed by Jonathan. He proceeded to kneel and construct a platform atop the campfire for his frying pan. Once the pan was securely placed, he poured oil into it until it began to sizzle.
Subsequently, Jonathan organized the necessary ingredients: a pepper, onions, four cuts of fresh meat, salt, soy sauce, and additional seasonings. He aimed to prepare a 'Hikorly' dish, a traditional recipe passed down from his master long ago. This dish originates from a village known as 'Wretyoch,' famous for its popularity among locals. It features well-cooked meat garnished with a brown and white sauce, creating a spicy yet salty flavor, and topped with melting butter for a rich, juicy texture. To enhance the meat's flavor, black pepper was added. Additionally, the meal included a side of vegetables, comprised of fried onions and Coryhishs—an herb with dense, yellow-leaved heads that is classified as a biennial plant. These vegetables were also seasoned with black pepper and salt. A special sauce for the vegetables was prepared, consisting of a creamy mixture of cream cheese and butter.
The aroma of the dish was remarkable. Upon inhaling this enticing scent, Mary's stomach began to growl in anticipation. She grasped a fork and a small knife to slice the meat, subsequently piercing the cut and placing the morsel into her mouth. With the first bite, her eyes widened in astonishment; the meat was both juicy and tender. The quality of the dish evoked the experience of dining at a fine restaurant, where all ingredients are held to the highest standard. The seasoning of the meat was compelling, providing a delightful balance that could easily lead to a craving for more.
Jonathan observed Mary as she enthusiastically enjoyed the meal he had created. His culinary skills possess the potential to satisfy diners immensely. Should Jonathan decide to open a restaurant, it would undoubtedly attract significant patronage, readily achieving thousands of customers within a single week. The financial prospects of such an endeavor are promising, potentially yielding earnings of one thousand gold coins or even more, contingent upon the steady flow of customers frequenting the establishment on a daily or weekly basis.
It is regrettable that Jonathan chose the path of becoming an adventurer, as he could have generated significant income by establishing a restaurant. Ultimately, we cannot dictate the course of his life or the decisions he makes; however, a career as an adventurer is not inherently negative, as it is regarded as a respectable profession. This vocation relies heavily on individual agency and critical thinking. With the right logic and experience, one could potentially accumulate wealth through various perilous missions sanctioned by the guild, all of which have received approval from the respective kingdoms.
After some time, Mary concluded her meal. She expressed satisfaction with the food, once again commending the quality of the homemade dish while gently rubbing her stomach to indicate that she was both full and pleased.
"Jonathan, honestly everytime i ate the meal you've made, i felt like i'm eating in five-stars restaurant."
Her complimentary remarks can catch Jonathan off guard, prompting him to downplay his achievements as though his culinary offerings were commonplace and unremarkable. However, this is not the case; Jonathan has historically struggled to gain popularity among others.
"Oh please, my foods aren't that good — it's decent. Not like the foods that served in five-stars restaurant with their finest imported ingredients."
Jonathan asserted that the quality of his food differed significantly from that served in upscale restaurants. While he acknowledged the distinction, he firmly believed that his culinary creations were, in fact, more flavorful and visually appealing than those offered by any high-end establishment. Jonathan was a modest individual who did not seek to establish a reputation or expand his influence beyond his local vicinity. Mary perceived untapped potential in his culinary skills but struggled to persuade him to open a restaurant and capitalize on his talents.
Their conversation eventually shifted to topics of cosmic wonder, as Mary shared her theories with Jonathan, discussing various myths that circulated across different cultures. The evening was enjoyable, enhanced by a refreshing breeze that brought a pleasant chill to the air. Illuminated by moonlight, Jonathan gazed upward, appreciating the beauty of the night sky adorned with visible stars against the backdrop of darkness.
The dialogue continued, characterized by laughter and merriment in their secluded setting. Hours passed swiftly, and Jonathan eventually realized the late hour, noting that they had engaged in conversation for at least three hours. Despite the time, he remained alert, attributing his wakefulness to the captivating tales they exchanged, which spanned themes of myth, horror, and fantasy.
As Mary animatedly shared her unique stories, she became increasingly unaware of their darkening surroundings. Jonathan gently tapped her shoulder to bring her back to reality, suggesting that they had discussed enough for the evening and should consider resting. Mary, caught up in her excitement, gasped upon recognizing the extent of the darkness enveloping them. She brushed her hair back and acquiesced to Jonathan's suggestion.
Standing up, Jonathan extended his hand to assist her, and as she moved to the rear of the wagon, he took a moment to glance at her. Ultimately, Jonathan chose to rest outside, driven by either a strong sense of chivalry or perhaps a sense of trepidation regarding sleeping in close proximity to a woman.
Following an evening of rest, the group retired for sleep, surrounded by the pervasive chirping of crickets and a gentle, cold breeze that rustled Jonathan's hair. The tranquil night air flowed steadily, providing a safe passage devoid of any encountered monsters along this route.
As dawn broke the next day, the sun ascended in the eastern horizon, gradually illuminating the sky while the moon descended. The sunlight cascaded upon the slumbering animals, prompting them to commence their daily activities. Birds took to the sky, while deer ventured from their habitats in search of food. The sunlight warmed Jonathan's face, and he instinctively opened one eye to the brilliant light before gradually awakening. Turning his gaze upward, he faced the sun, which brightened his vision, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of chirping birds. Realizing it was morning, he resolved to rise.
As usual, Jonathan prepared breakfast while also checking on the condition of his horse, Mary, who had now roused from her slumber and joined him for the meal. Once they completed their breakfast, it was time for their departure; lingering could significantly alter the potential outcomes of their journey, which may range from benign to perilous—an uncertainty inherent in their travels.
After ensuring that the campsite was left in order, including extinguishing the campfire, Jonathan took his place at the driver's seat. Mary hopped into the wagon and acknowledged Jonathan with a nod, signifying their readiness to proceed. Jonathan began to move the wagon forward, guiding the reins, and they both felt invigorated by the cool breeze that accompanied them.
Their journey through the Tyóush Kingdom brought them through several forests, small towns, and picturesque landscapes adorned with blooming flowers. Ultimately, they entered the territory of the Tyóush Kingdom, with approximately 290 kilometers remaining until they reach the kingdom's center. Within this territory, they would encounter small towns governed by nobles, which differ remarkably from the towns located under the jurisdiction of other kingdoms. Notably, they had previously visited a town situated just outside the territory, which is, in fact, a component of the Tyóush jurisdiction, suggesting a distinct cultural and administrative difference from neighboring dominions.
On the other side of the globe, in a distinct continent largely overrun by demonic forces, only a few kingdoms remain intact, having formed an alliance in response to the aggressions. This coalition has established a considerable territory that amalgamated into a singular nation, with preparations underway to mobilize their military forces to confront the demonic threat. The leader of the demons is General Borvathre, who bears the ominous title of "The Fierce of Death." He is reputed for his ruthless strategies, demonstrating no mercy towards any adversary, including non-combatants such as children and women.
The surviving kingdoms have united to declare themselves as The Federation of Körthivers, and they have recently executed a significant invasion into demonic territory. This operation resulted in the successful reclamation of lands previously under demonic control, thereby expanding their military territory. In anticipation of a potential counterattack from the demons, the Federation has strategically relocated its military forces to the front lines, ensuring robust defenses that prevent any demon incursion into populated areas, thereby safeguarding the innocent populace.
Concurrently, the Hero and his party have recuperated from their injuries. The Hero, determined to confront the Darkness Knight, is resolved to employ all means necessary, including potentially questionable strategies, to overcome this formidable opponent.
Demons have devastatively conquered approximately 19% of the terrestrial landscape, resulting in nearly two million casualties due to their assaults. Recently, alarming reports have emerged regarding a demonic virus that has begun to affect various creatures, including monsters, wildlife, and humans, with the potential for all races to become infected and transformed into demons. This virus, attributed to another General of the Demons, known for his exceptional acumen in science, magic, philosophy, and chemistry, is being deliberately disseminated throughout the environment to enhance the demons' operational capabilities and expand their ranks. The infection strategy not only bolsters their forces but also causes significant losses among enemy civilians and military personnel.
The dissemination of information regarding the demonic infection has been facilitated through newspapers, which serve as the primary medium for news transmission. In light of this information, various guilds have collectively decided to announce a quest event aimed at all adventurers, irrespective of their rank. This initiative, requested by multiple kingdoms, addresses the urgent national threat posed by the ongoing infection. Simultaneously, the Darkness Knight has initiated movements toward targeted objectives, leading a substantial contingent of demons prepared to engage with the Hero's allies. The current situation necessitates a rigorous strategic evaluation by human factions to formulate effective countermeasures against the advancing enemy forces.
In an unforeseen development, Jonathan and Mary remained unaware that the infection caused by the Demon virus had proliferated across the entire continent and subsequently throughout the globe. The consequences of this affliction were profound, as humanity endeavored to eradicate and find a cure for the virus. Fortunately, circumstances were favorable. A scheduled visit from one of the Overseers of Mages, Tariô Vor Hisk, offered a glimmer of hope.
Tariô arrived in the Holy Kingdom, where he was received with great enthusiasm, and the spirits of the populace were elevated. Upon his arrival, he met the Cardinal, the esteemed leader of the Holy Kingdom, which is recognized as one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms worldwide, particularly in religious matters. This kingdom is steeped in history, specifically the tale of an angel who descended upon its land, delivering messages from God to a chosen individual known as the Cardinal. The Cardinal holds the highest rank and is revered for his ability to convey divine messages, guiding the people towards righteousness with a focus on humanitarian efforts, rather than personal fame or wealth. His leadership is characterized by a strong aversion to the Demon Race.
When Tariô stood before the Cardinal, he refrained from bowing, an action that several High Priests insisted upon. However, the Cardinal intervened, acknowledging the significance of Tariô's role within humanity and recognizing that the Overseers of Mages are regarded as equivalent to deities, despite not being actual gods. Tariô presented an array of books, each distinct in visual appearance and unlike any human creation, eliciting gasps of astonishment from those present. He informed the Cardinal of the intention of the Overseers of Mages to venture beyond the confines of the Multiverse, exploring realms outside of the known Universe. Tariô emphasized the importance of the Cardinal's non-interference in their missions, which are critical for identifying potential threats and acquiring knowledge for the advancement of humanity. The Cardinal acknowledged this principle and assured Tariô of his support.
As Tariô prepared to depart, the Cardinal requested his assistance in addressing the urgent challenge of the viral infection that had caused significant casualties and for which no cure had yet been identified. Upon understanding the gravity of the situation, Tariô conjured a medium-sized potion in his palm, accompanied by a book containing detailed instructions on how to replicate the potion. He entrusted these items to the Cardinal, who was once again taken aback by the capabilities exhibited by the Overseers of Mages. This encounter confirmed their role as humanity's most vital hope against the ongoing threat. Following his departure from the Holy Kingdom and Earth, the Cardinal immediately directed all alchemists to commence large-scale production of the cure and to begin utilizing it for vaccination among those who had not yet been infected.
Three days have elapsed since the announcement regarding the infection and the arrival of Tariô Vor Hisk. Jonathan consulted the map and noted that they were approaching a town located within the territory of Tyóush. Mary sat beside Jonathan, displaying the map and directing his attention to a specific path with her index finger to indicate the direction of the town. However, their journey to the nearby town was prolonged by the necessity to traverse a forest that lay ahead.
Faced with no alternatives, they proceeded into the untamed forest. The roadway became increasingly uneven, with rocks distributed across the surface, causing their wagon to jolt considerably. On several occasions, as the wheels struck larger stones, Jonathan and Mary were momentarily lifted from their seats before settling back down. The crates within the wagon also shifted due to the impact.
Despite the discomfort caused by the bumpy journey, Jonathan remained composed. He glanced at Mary, who expressed her frustration with the rough terrain while focused on the map. Jonathan's gaze then shifted upward, where the sunlight illuminated his surroundings, and he observed a clear blue sky adorned with irregularly shaped clouds drifting by at a leisurely pace.
After some time, they decided to take a brief respite in the forest. They established a campfire and commenced preparing a meal to restore their stamina, while also providing nourishment for the horse. This interlude lasted approximately thirty minutes. Their primary objective was to enjoy a short break and ensure they were well-fed, allowing them to proceed with their journey to the nearby town. Following the completion of their meal, they concluded that their rest period was sufficient and returned to the wagon to resume their travel. As they continued their journey, the distance to the town diminished, and it appeared that they would require merely a few hours to reach their destination. Upon exiting the forest, they spotted the town mentioned by Mary in the distance, prompting Jonathan to guide the horse toward it with urgency.
-To be Continued...