The kitchen was unusually quiet as Victor stood before his workstation, the vial of **Essence of Fire** glowing ominously on the counter. The aura it emitted filled the room, making the air feel heavy and charged. Every flicker of its light reminded Victor of the challenge the Demon King had placed before him. This wasn't just about creating a meal; it was a trial of his very existence in this realm.
Victor took a deep breath and opened the system interface. The **Gourmet System** hummed to life, displaying a series of notifications.
---
**[System Notification]**
*New Ingredient Detected: Essence of Fire*
- Properties: Unparalleled heat, capable of infusing dishes with divine power.
- Warning: Mishandling may result in destruction of the dish, kitchen, or chef.
- Suggested Use: Combine with robust flavors that can endure extreme temperatures.
*New Quest: The Flame of Eternity*
