Just as Ryan was finishing up, he heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. The creature from the previous night appeared, followed by two more Abyssal beings, each one more intimidating than the last. The sight of them made Ryan's heart race, but he kept his cool, focusing on the task at hand.
The first creature, who had been the one to try Ryan's stew, stepped forward, sniffing the air with obvious interest. "Helcurt," it said, its voice filled with anticipation. "You made more."
Ryan nodded, motioning towards the freshly assembled burgers. "I did. I hope you're hungry because this one's something special."
The two new creatures eyed the food warily, their expressions unreadable. The first creature took one of the burgers, examining it closely before taking a cautious bite. Ryan watched anxiously, waiting for the reaction.
The creature's eyes widened in surprise as it chewed, its wings twitching slightly. "This… this is unlike anything I've ever tasted. It's rich, savory, with a hint of something I can't quite place."
Ryan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "That's the oil from the fruit. It adds a creamy texture, like cheese, but with a unique flavor. I'm glad you like it."
The second creature, larger and more menacing than the first, reached for a burger. Its massive hand dwarfed the food, and Ryan couldn't help but feel a flicker of fear as the creature took a bite. It chewed slowly, thoughtfully, before nodding in approval.
"This is... good," it rumbled, its deep voice reverberating through the alcove. "Helcurt, you have outdone yourself."
The third creature, silent and brooding, finally took a burger as well. It sniffed it suspiciously before taking a small bite. Ryan noticed it was more cautious than the others, but after a few moments, it too nodded in agreement.
"This is a fine meal, Helcurt," it said, its tone begrudging. "I did not think you capable of such things."
Ryan grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. "I'm full of surprises. But remember, this is just the beginning. I can make more, better dishes, if you're willing to try."
The first creature finished its burger, looking at Ryan with a newfound respect. "I will spread the word. The others need to taste this. If you keep making food like this, you could become a valuable ally in the Abyss."
Ryan's mind raced at the possibilities. If he could gain the favor of more creatures, he might be able to secure some protection, maybe even influence. It was a risky plan, but it was better than being seen as an outsider or, worse, an enemy.
"Bring them here," Ryan said, his voice steady. "I'll keep cooking, and you'll keep coming back. But remember—this stays between us. No one else needs to know how I'm doing this."
The creatures nodded in agreement, their expressions serious. They understood the need for secrecy; in the Abyss, trust was a rare commodity, and betrayal was common. Ryan needed to tread carefully.
As the creatures finished their meals and began to leave, the first one turned back to Ryan, a curious look in its glowing eyes. "Helcurt, why are you doing this? You've never shown interest in anything like this before. What changed?"
Ryan hesitated for a moment, considering how to respond. He couldn't tell them the truth—that he was a human trapped in the body of one of their own. But he needed to give them something that would make sense.
"Being in the Abyss changes you," Ryan said finally, choosing his words carefully. "I realized that there's more to survival than just fighting. If we're going to live here, really live, we need something more. We need... enjoyment, satisfaction. Even in a place like this."
The creature seemed to ponder Ryan's words for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Perhaps you are right, Helcurt. Perhaps we have been too focused on our battles, on our hunger for power. Maybe there is room for... other pursuits."
With that, the creature turned and disappeared into the shadows, followed by the others. Ryan watched them go, a mix of relief and excitement swirling in his chest. He had just served Abyssal creatures burgers—and they liked them.
But Ryan knew this was just the beginning. The real challenge would come when more creatures started showing up, expecting meals that matched or exceeded what he'd already made. The pressure was on, but Ryan welcomed it. Cooking was his passion, and even in the Abyss, he would find a way to share that passion with others.
As Ryan cleaned up his makeshift kitchen, he began planning his next dish. He had no idea what kind of ingredients he might find next, but he was determined to make something even better. Maybe something spicy, or sweet—a dish that would push the boundaries of what these creatures knew as food.
But beneath his excitement, Ryan couldn't shake the feeling that he was playing a dangerous game. The more attention he drew to himself, the more likely it was that someone would discover his secret. And in a place like the Abyss, secrets could be deadly.
Still, he couldn't turn back now. He was committed to this path, for better or worse. If he could survive and even thrive in this dark world, then maybe, just maybe, he could find a way out of it.
But until then, he had a new goal: to become the best cook in the Abyss. And if that meant feeding its most fearsome creatures, so be it. Ryan was ready for the challenge.