The atmosphere in the hall was charged with tension and excitement. Soft lights streamed down from the high ceiling, bathing the entire space in a warm, bright glow. Standing at the center stage was the host, a professional smile on his face and a gold-trimmed microphone in hand. He was a seasoned speech with a magnetic voice that easily controlled the mood of the room. Every movement, every word seemed carefully orchestrated, captivating the audience's full attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, now comes the most anticipated moment—the introduction of our taste-testers!" Bradley announced in a vibrant tone, his voice echoing throughout the hall, eliciting a burst of applause. The lights instantly focused on the stage, illuminating Perry and the girl beside him. Both of them stood in the center, looking slightly nervous as their eyes scanned the crowd. The seats around them were packed, some spectators already whispering amongst themselves, others gazing at the stage with curiosity, while a few were jotting down notes, seemingly prepared for the upcoming competition.
"Now—" Bradley said, drawing out his words for dramatic effect, "we will present the taste-testers with bracelets to signify their roles." As he spoke, a silver tray was handed over by an assistant at the side, carrying two slender purple bracelets. They shimmered with a cold, elegant light under the stage spotlight, the metallic purple surface glowing faintly like stars in the night sky.
"Lady and gentleman, please step forward." Bradley gestured toward them, and Perry and the girl took a step forward, facing the tray. Bradley lifted the first bracelet from the tray and handed it gently to Perry. The metal felt cold and heavy against his skin, and with a soft click, the purple bracelet was locked around his wrist. Bradley then handed the other bracelet to the girl, and her wrist was soon encircled by the same cool purple metal.
The moment the bracelets were fastened, a giant screen at the center of the hall suddenly lit up, emitting a faint flash that captured everyone's gaze. The screen displayed two clear numbers and icons—their levels and attributes were flashing before the audience's eyes. The crowd held their breath, waiting for the revelation. The light on the screen gradually stabilized, and the host's voice broke the brief silence.
"Gentleman, Level 22, Attribute—Water." Bradley announced Perry's level and attribute in a neutral tone before turning to the girl, "Lady, Level 25, Attribute—Earth."
With this straightforward announcement, the audience immediately began to murmur. A subtle breeze seemed to ripple through the hall as hushed discussions broke out. Some people frowned in confusion, while others exchanged intrigued glances, clearly eager for the upcoming challenge. Yet, the revealed information seemed to hold no major secrets and caused no significant uproar. The taste-testers' backgrounds had not drawn much attention, and their levels didn't seem central to the competition.
Perry glanced at the bracelet on his wrist, its deep purple hue appearing particularly cold and mysterious in the dim light. He realized that the true focus of the competition was not on these numbers or their backgrounds. The information on the screen was only superficial; the heart of this competition lay in the quality and creativity of the dishes, the true key to impressing the audience and judges.
He looked over at the girl standing beside him. Her expression was calm and composed, clearly understanding this as well. The two exchanged a brief, knowing look before quickly turning their attention back to the task ahead. There was a subtle tension in the air, building up to the moment when they would uncover the next stage of the challenge.
Turning to the audience, Bradley smiled and asked, "Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to witness this thrilling culinary showdown?" As soon as his words fell, a wave of applause and cheers erupted, filling the hall with a surge of excitement. It was clear that the real excitement was just beginning, and the challenges Perry and the girl would face in this taste-testing contest had only just begun.
After a moment, a short and somewhat sleazy-looking figure appeared at the center of the hall. It was the Goblin chef, carefully carrying a steaming bowl of stew as he stepped onto the stage. The aroma was tantalizing, but Perry noticed that the originally light-blue vegetables had lost their strange hue, now looking quite ordinary. If he hadn't witnessed the Goblin's frantic cooking process, he might have thought it was just a regular home-cooked dish.
As the Goblin approached the girl, his face beamed with pride, as if already certain that his dish would conquer everyone's taste buds. His slightly bulging belly and greasy face exuded a sense of flamboyant arrogance, as if the entire hall existed to bask in his glory. "This is my masterpiece—'Earth's Stew'." His voice was loud with pride, each syllable dripping with confidence in his culinary skills. He stood before the dish, fingers trembling slightly, eagerly awaiting praise and amazement.
When his gaze landed on the girl, his leer was all too evident. His eyes roamed up and down her figure, lingering on every detail from her face to the slightest movements of her hands, a sleazy grin spreading across his lips. In a voice he likely thought was charming, he said, "Lovely lady, I hope you enjoy my dish." His tone carried a faint hint of flirtation, as though confident that his cooking would win her over. The girl, holding back her discomfort, maintained a polite smile, though it was somewhat stiff, her manners flawless.
She gracefully picked up a knife and fork, not sparing the Goblin a single glance. With elegance, she cut a piece of the stew's ingredient, the blade gliding smoothly through the dark-colored food, producing a clean cut—a testament to her refined upbringing. Ignoring the Goblin's unsettling gaze, she calmly brought the morsel to her lips. She closed her eyes, chewing attentively, seemingly lost in the flavors of the dish.
The Goblin's grin widened, his expression growing more self-satisfied. In a boastful tone, he began explaining: "Earth's Stew, as the name suggests, is crafted from twelve kinds of vegetables grown in the soil, meticulously stewed together." He paused dramatically, seemingly expecting the girl to show a look of admiration, but her reaction remained indifferent—she continued chewing quietly. "This is no ordinary stew," the Goblin's voice grew louder, his expression more smug, "I personally selected each vegetable, and every one of them carries unique flavors and medicinal properties. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to handle them; only through my special techniques can their full taste be revealed."
The girl cut another piece, this time a dark-brown, rough-surfaced vegetable that looked like a freshly-dug potato. She brought it to her mouth and chewed slowly. Her eyebrows suddenly lifted slightly, as if caught off guard by an unexpected flavor. The Goblin noticed her subtle reaction, and his chest swelled with pride. His eyes sparkled with anticipation, awaiting the girl's enthusiastic praise.
"This taste... is unique." The girl finally spoke, her soft voice carrying a hint of surprise. Her eyes widened slightly, as if trying to decipher the complex flavors dancing on her tongue. The stew emitted a deep and rich aroma, a blend of earth, herbs, and faintly sweet spices, evoking the moist air of an autumn forest. Each bite unfolded layer by layer in her mouth—first the rich aroma, followed by a slight bitterness from the herbs, and finishing with a hint of lingering sweetness.
"These vegetables are treated with special marination and slow cooking," the Goblin continued, his tone brimming with self-assurance and arrogance. "For instance, the piece you just tasted—it looks like a potato, but it's actually a 'Bitter Root Ball' that grows deep underground. It requires seven days and nights of special fermentation to completely remove its bitterness and release that unique sweetness."
The girl nodded and continued tasting the next ingredient, her expression calm and composed, but with a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes. It was clear that the Goblin's dish had made an impression on her. The audience, too, began to whisper, intrigued by the unexpected flavors hidden within the stew. The Goblin stood proudly, chest puffed out, as if the competition's outcome was already decided, certain that his "Earth's Stew" had captured the judge's palate.
The girl's subtle nod of approval hinted at her acknowledgment of the dish's flavor complexities, while Hinnal remained seated off to the side, quietly observing. His expression remained unmoved by the Goblin's boastfulness. Occasionally, his gaze drifted to the cooking station where his own dish awaited. He knew that this contest was about more than just flavor—it was about the skill and technique behind each creation.
Hinnal's dish was brought to the table, in stark contrast to the Goblin's exaggerated and confident demeanor. Hinnal's presence was understated and modest; he didn't need words to capture others' attention. The dish alone was enough to draw every gaze. Perry shifted his attention from the girl to the seafood platter that had just been placed in front of them. On the ceramic plate, slices of fresh fish and shellfish were meticulously arranged, their vibrant colors creating a striking, layered display—like a dazzling rainbow. Each piece of fish shimmered with a translucent glow, clearly the result of careful preparation, preserving the pure flavor of the ocean while making it irresistibly appetizing.
In the quiet moment, Hinnal silently moved to Perry's side. His steps were light and quick. Unlike the Goblin's showy display, Hinnal remained composed and calm, his face reflecting a quiet confidence, completely unfazed by the tension of the competition. He produced a small, transparent glass bottle, the liquid inside catching the sunlight and sparkling faintly. Perry's attention was immediately drawn to it; the liquid seemed to be some kind of mysterious condiment, hinting at an unknown flavor.
Without saying a word, Hinnal leaned over the plate, carefully pouring the clear liquid over the fresh seafood. He only used half, leaving the other half untouched. As the liquid touched the cool seafood, a subtle glow rippled across the surface, like gentle ocean waves spreading through the dish. The seafood's colors became even more vibrant, as if each piece had been given new life. A delicate, refreshing aroma began to waft through the air, perfectly blending with the dish itself.
Standing in front of Perry, Hinnal offered a faint smile and said softly, "This is my dish." His tone was calm and self-assured, without any unnecessary explanation or hint of boasting, as if the seafood platter he had prepared spoke for itself. The dish was like a work of art, needing no excess words, for its beauty and delicacy surpassed any description.
Perry slowly picked up his chopsticks, preparing to take a tentative bite of the mysterious dish.
Perry carefully picked up a slice of rainbow conch, holding it up for a closer look. The meat of the conch displayed delicate, thread-like layers, the light dancing on its surface with a faint shimmer. A gentle tug revealed its elasticity, as if it possessed a life of its own. Perry's heart skipped a beat; this delicate texture revealed the meticulous care behind the preparation. He slowly placed the slice into his mouth, and as he took the first bite, the soft and tender texture instantly overwhelmed his taste buds. It was like melt-in-your-mouth salmon but with a deeper, richer flavor, as the meat gradually dissolved.
With each chew, the fresh oceanic taste filled his mouth, blending with a hint of sweetness and savory saltiness, like the breath of the sea brushing against his palate. The sweetness wasn't from sugar, but a natural oceanic sweetness, reminiscent of tides gently washing over him, tender yet powerful, impossible to ignore. Perry closed his eyes, savoring the flavors, forgetting everything around him in this pure, natural moment.
Then, he turned his attention to the golden slice of liver on the plate. It gleamed invitingly, a faint, mesmerizing light seeming to flow over its surface. Perry picked it up gently with his chopsticks, feeling the soft and springy texture. As he took a bite, the liver's texture unfurled in his mouth. The subtle balance between firmness and softness reminded him of octopus, but with an elusive sweetness, like a hidden secret from the depths of the sea. Each chew was a culinary exploration, the complex and layered flavors blooming on his tongue—sometimes intense, sometimes light.
The sweetness of the liver, fused with a slight saltiness, delivered a unique punch. Its texture was incredibly smooth, almost creamy yet with enough firmness to retain a satisfying chew, as if each bite unlocked a new sensory experience. Perry could tell the liver had undergone a special cooking process, the lingering sweetness subtly spreading across his tongue, leaving a taste that was unforgettable. He felt a warmth inside his mouth, as if a deep sense of satisfaction welled up from within.
When his chopsticks grasped the flame-seared algae, a flicker of anticipation lit up Perry's eyes. He carefully examined the surface of the algae; the faint red grill marks made it look both alluring and mysterious. As he bit into it, he was immediately hit with an unprecedented flavor burst. A spicy, intricate sea flavor exploded on his tongue, as if countless tiny bubbles were popping at the tip of his tongue, delivering a fresh yet slightly stimulating sensation. The salty and spicy notes of the algae intertwined perfectly, making him feel like he was standing amidst coral reefs in the deep ocean, with the sea breeze washing over him.
Each chew revealed a contrast between the slightly crispy, roasted edges and the tender interior, offering a delightful dual texture. Perry's taste buds were electrified by the dish's perfect balance, every nerve seemingly dancing in excitement. He swallowed the algae slowly, feeling its aftertaste gently trail down his throat. The blend of spice and freshness left him with a unique sense of satisfaction, making it feel like more than just a culinary experience—it was a journey for the soul.
As he continued tasting other seafood on the platter, a satisfied smile gradually appeared on Perry's face. He chewed each bite with care, not wanting to miss any detail. He was completely immersed in this culinary feast, anticipating the unique handling and taste of each ingredient. The emotions of surprise and joy stirred in his heart—he realized that Hinnal's cooking was far more than simple food; it was a carefully crafted adventure for the senses, a dialogue with the ocean and nature.
When the transparent sauce was evenly drizzled over the seafood, Perry's attention was immediately captivated by the crystal-clear liquid. It sparkled faintly in the sunlight, adding a delicate misty finish to each piece of food. He picked up a slice of rainbow conch, lightly dipping it in the sauce before bringing it to his mouth. At that moment, the sauce's unique sweet and sour fruity aroma burst across his tongue, like a refreshing sea breeze gently caressing him. The sweet and sour flavor wasn't overwhelming, nor did it overshadow the original taste of the ingredients. It subtly enhanced the delicate texture of the seafood, like the finishing touch to a masterpiece.
He then sampled the tender liver, the sauce's acidity and the liver's natural sweetness blending perfectly to create a remarkable taste sensation. The acidity wasn't harsh but carried a slight coolness that complemented the richness of the liver, deepening its already complex layers. Each piece of seafood, enveloped in the sauce, became juicier and more flavorful, with an indescribable fullness. The fruity aroma seemed to dance through every ingredient, making the taste more vivid. Perry experienced a taste like no other, as if the dish had been given new life, making every bite a surprise and a delight.
The sauce seemed to redefine the dish, bringing out the freshness of the sea flavors. It was as if the essence of each ingredient bloomed in this slightly sour fruity aroma, achieving a perfect harmony. The sweetness and sourness of the sauce balanced the seafood's natural flavors, releasing a unique freshness, like standing by the sea and tasting freshly picked fruits while breathing in the salty ocean air. Each slice of fish and shellfish, glistening under the transparent sauce, turned each bite into a culinary celebration.
Time seemed to stop at that moment. Perry and the girl were fully engrossed in the enchantment of the food, forgetting everything around them. The hall was so quiet that only the sounds of chewing could be heard, the audience holding their breath, every eye fixed on Perry and the girl's smallest expressions. Everyone envied the two tasters, wishing they could experience this unique dish themselves, while nervously awaiting the final verdict.
Just then, Bradley stepped onto the stage with a lively stride, breaking the silence. His voice was filled with mystery and excitement: "Ladies and gentlemen! These two lucky tasters have completed their challenge!" He smiled mischievously, "You're about to witness a special outcome—food is not only about taste, it can even change destiny!"
As he finished speaking, the giant screen suddenly went dark, the page displaying the two's rankings vanishing in an instant, leaving a disconcerting blank space. A low murmur of whispers spread through the audience, a strange tension filling the air. Perry also glanced at the blank screen, his brows furrowed; he felt something extraordinary was about to happen.
Seeing the audience's unease, Bradley smile remained, and he continued in a mysterious tone, "Please remain calm, everyone." He paused deliberately, heightening the anticipation.