Free Web NovelChapter 287: Chapter 275: [Taste Empathy] Activated
[Chef + Groom]
[Obtained Extra Benefit: Man and Horse Sharing the Same Meal]
[Man and Horse Sharing the Same Meal: Allows for the creation of highly effective, easily digestible meals tailored to the tastes of non-human partners (such as mounts, battle pets, and animal companions). Upon consumption, the target partner gains significant "Physical Recovery" and "Accelerated Wound Healing" effects. When the Chef and a specific mount or animal partner they have a long-term bond with or a deep connection to both consume food made by the Chef (not necessarily the same dish), a temporary "Life Link" is established between them. A portion of the healing or buff effects one receives will be shared with the other. When one is in a state of extreme exhaustion or pain, the other can faintly perceive their general condition and location.]
"Looks like..."
Roland’s brow twitched slightly after he carefully read the description.
’It seems that any Traits and benefits related to the [Groom] Profession are always centered around mounts.’
As this thought crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but think of his old partner, Black Wind, who had accompanied him out a few days ago.
Although Black Wind was a superior steed among ordinary mounts, with Roland’s own strength constantly increasing, the horse clearly had trouble keeping up with his pace.
Even with the buff from the [Knight’s Attendant] Trait and other benefits, Black Wind could no longer handle high-intensity combat.
Its greatest use now was probably just for daily travel.
’Perhaps... I should keep an eye out for information and find a mount that can match my current strength.’
Roland mused to himself.
’Combining that with these Professional Traits and benefits will surely boost my overall combat power significantly.’
[Chef + Fisherman]
[Obtained Extra Benefit: Tidal Blessing]
[Tidal Blessing: When using rare or Magic Aquatic Products (such as Moonlight Trout, Thunderclap Shells, or Abyssal Octopus Tentacles) to cook, in addition to the dish’s inherent effects, the consumer will also gain a temporary environmental adaptation buff related to "water" or the "ocean." The duration of this effect depends on the Culinary Skill Level.]
"This benefit is similar in type to the others, but..."
Noticing the words that appeared repeatedly at the end of the description, Roland raised an eyebrow.
’Unlike the Traits and benefits I’ve gotten before, the duration of the beneficial effects from this synergy with the [Chef] Profession seems to depend mostly on my Culinary Skill Level?’
His gaze slowly moved up, landing on his Skill bar.
His [Basic Culinary Skill], which had already reached Level Three, was not showing a "MAX" indicator for Full Level.
’Does this mean... [Basic Culinary Skill] can still be improved?’
’Maybe... the Professions related to [Basic Culinary Skill] aren’t limited to just the Basic Profession, [Chef]?’
Just as Roland was lost in thought, a clear voice called out from the courtyard.
"Roland!"
The Elf Maiden’s voice was as energetic as ever.
"Aren’t you done yet? I’m starving!"
"Coming, coming! The last dish is on its way!"
Hearing her hurry him along, Roland temporarily pushed aside his speculations and quickly got busy at the stove with his cooking utensils.
In just a moment, a dish of stir-fried venison with a rich, meaty aroma was ready.
Looking at the tempting, fragrant dish before him, Roland’s eyebrows raised slightly.
He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that...
this dish, cooked after he had taken the [Chef] Profession, seemed to have an indescribable, faint glow on its surface that his previous dishes lacked.
This sight...
...inexplicably reminded him of an anime he had watched in his childhood.
Shaking his head to clear away the stray thought, he quickly picked up the plate and walked out of the kitchen.
POP!
With the crisp sound of a cork being pulled, a sumptuous dinner officially began.
A lavish spread of food covered the long table.
Avril could no longer contain herself, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the steaming stir-fried venison in the center of the table, which shimmered with a tempting luster.
Teresa sat quietly to one side, her long silver hair glowing softly in the candlelight.
Galvis, meanwhile, surveyed each dish with great interest, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table as if searching for the rhythm of the meal.
When Roland placed the plate of venison, which seemed to shimmer with a subtle light, in the center of the table, Avril immediately let out a cheer. She eagerly speared a large piece with her fork, put it in her mouth, and her eyes narrowed in satisfaction.
"Woah! Roland, this venison! I feel..."
The Elf Maiden furrowed her brow, then after a moment, spoke with some confusion while still chewing.
"I feel... like my body’s gotten a little lighter!"
Teresa also elegantly tasted a piece. Her eyes, usually as calm as still water, widened for a moment, and a trace of warmth seemed to melt the indifferent expression on her face.
She put down her fork and gently clenched her hand, feeling a surge of Power in her fingers that was greater than usual.
When she tried to pick up her cup, she momentarily lost control of the strength in her fingertips and actually cracked the thick ceramic vessel.
Seeing this, the silver-haired woman froze for a second, a faint, almost imperceptible blush creeping up to the tips of her ears.
"Hmm?"
Galvis, having keenly noticed the unusual reactions from Teresa and Avril, thoughtfully cut off a small piece of venison and savored it carefully.
"The meat is unbelievably tender..."
He chewed, his gaze gradually becoming sharp and clear.
"And... strange. The usual clamor of distracting thoughts in my head... it feels like they’ve been smoothed away by some invisible force. My mind has never felt so clear and focused."
Seeing his partners’ reactions, Roland instantly understood.
This was the temporary Attribute buff from [Wild Gift], as well as the "Steadfast Morale" effect that [Sharing Joy and Suffering] granted the three of them.
"I’m glad you like it."
Roland raised his cup and smiled.
"Eat as much as you want tonight. There’s plenty of food."
"Then I won’t hold back!"
Avril was the first to respond, cheering enthusiastically.
For a while, the only sounds in the courtyard were the soft clinking of cutlery and the noises of food being enjoyed.
In just a few moments, the lavish spread of dishes that had covered the table was wiped clean.
Roland stood up and stretched his limbs.
He assigned the task of washing the dishes to Galvis, ignoring the poet’s mournful gaze. After exchanging a few brief words with Avril and Teresa, he turned and went back to his room.
As the door clicked shut, the noise from outside was instantly cut off.
Roland let out a long breath. After washing up, he used the bright moonlight pouring in from the window to take the two potions from the pouch at his waist.
The Protective Negative Energy Potion and the Concentrated Nutrient Potion.
He gently swirled the bottles, and after confirming the liquids were clear and showed no signs of spoilage, he uncorked them and poured the cold fluids into his mouth.
The liquids slid down his throat. First came the unique, bone-chilling cold and bitter taste of the Protective Potion, followed immediately by the gentle, sweet aftertaste of the Concentrated Nutrient Potion, which felt like the pulse of life itself.
However, at the very moment the two completely different flavors intertwined on the tip of his tongue...
[Gustatory Synesthesia] activated!
