Chapter 14

Living each day to the fullest.

Though collapsing from fatigue should be normal, my body recovers by morning without truly grasping the exhaustion.

No matter how deeply I sleep, when I open my eyes, a new day begins—forcibly refreshed.

“Groooaaarrr…”

Clutching my aching body like a zombie, groaning. Sleep restores stamina and energy but apparently doesn’t heal wounds.

The itchy sensation of potions regenerating tissue feels even more distinct in the morning. Along with that comes a light tapping sensation stimulating my brain—thanks to reaching Combat Level 8.

After such intense battles, leveling up five times was impressive.

Though not tired, my body still protests with pain. Plans for two consecutive dungeon runs are canceled. I’ll do some light work in the morning, go fishing, and head over for Evangelin’s cooking.

There’s no seed planting today—I have no gold left after earning nothing yesterday. The impact of skipping fishing is significant.

Shuffling outside, I check on the crops: cauliflower and Musk melons are growing well.

I need to find painkillers before these fully mature. Watering feels heavier than usual as I lost in thought.

Dragging my heavy body to the lake, I feel utterly drained.

Sitting on a rock by the water’s edge, rod cast, mind blank. My expert fishing skills operate automatically despite my fatigue.

Counting fish mechanically…

Carp.

Snapper.

Crucian carp.

Catfish.

Rockfish.

Spanish mackerel.

Not knowing much about cooking, I can’t judge which fish are best. Best option: bring everything to the chef and let them choose.

Finishing fishing, I head to her place. Remembering our previous meeting helps me find her house easily.

No doorbell—just knock.

“Who is it?”

“It’s fish.”

“Ahh.”

Evangelin opens the door smiling, wooden scents filling her home along with delicious aromas.

“I wasn’t sure what time you’d come, so I’ve been preparing since morning.”

“If I’d come in the evening, it would’ve been disastrous.”

“Don’t worry, come in.”

Cozy though small, her home features one main room and stairs leading upstairs. Familiar kitchenware sits in view—a unique blend of medieval and modern styles.

“I didn’t know what you’d like, so I brought everything.”

“Hmm?”

Interesting to see a sink-like area where I lay out various fish. Watching Evangelin’s reaction adds to the fun.

“You caught quite a lot.”

“Please choose.”

“Let’s go with snapper, rockfish, and Spanish mackerel. Three should suffice. Take your time; cooking won’t take long.”

“I’m fine waiting.”

“My brother might come down, so don’t be surprised.”

She smiles, grabs a knife, and starts preparing ingredients. The sound of scales scraping against the blade sparks curiosity.

A brother?

Does Evangelin’s brother also have crimson hair?

Bubbling sounds.

Rhythmic chopping.

Sizzling cooking noises.

All senses satisfied by this wonderful cooking process.

“That smells amazing.”

“I’m good at cooking.”

Her calm voice remains steady throughout, impressively unfazed.

Glancing at her cooking, though I wouldn’t understand anyway—it seems to be steamed dishes with spicy scents. Regardless, the table fills with delicious-looking items.

Five dishes appear, and Evangelin removes her apron, taking her seat while explaining each dish.

“This is raw snapper sashimi. The rest became snapper meunière, grilled Spanish mackerel, rockfish steam, and spicy rockfish soup.”

“Wow… incredible. It must taste amazing.”

“Thank you. I’ll go get my brother.”

“Take your time.”

A brother…

Curious about both him and the food.

Raw snapper.

Fried snapper.

Grilled Spanish mackerel.

Rockfish steam and spicy soup.

Visually impressive presentations confirm her confidence in cooking isn’t exaggerated. Especially crossing Korean and Western cuisines in this world shows true skill.

“Jack. He doesn’t speak well, so I’ll introduce. Jack, this is Minho. He brought us today’s fish.”

“Eeeerrr…”

Language issues perhaps?

Small boy resembling his sister with curly crimson hair keeps distance awkwardly.

“Hi Jack. I’m Minho. Nice to meet you.”

“Uuuuh…”

Jack’s pale curved eyes show expression even if words fail. Like his sister, subtle gestures communicate volumes.

Spoonful of soup slurped instinctively—spicy flavors awaken Korean cravings.

“Oh, this is delicious!”

Evangelin’s eyes form half-moons, silently nodding then adding lemon juice to my plate of sashimi.

Tangy freshness contrasts beautifully with the spiciness.

“You’re an excellent cook.”

Sincerely.

Truly delicious.

“Thanks to the quality ingredients.”

“Uuuuh…”

Jack vigorously nods seeing my compliment on his sister’s skills. Makes sense—such talent ensures daily happiness.

Thoughts naturally drift to Evangelin’s face.

Intellectual beauty blending charm and wisdom. Her detached tone emphasizes the impression.

Hunger made me devour the meal. Store-bought meals can’t compare—not even worth comparison. Unable to resist, I touch every dish on the table.

“You’re enjoying it.”

Thumbs up while chewing—what else needs saying beyond enjoying the meal?

Finishing, a peculiar notice appears…

[Raw Snapper Sashimi]

[Duration: 06:00:00]

[Effect: Fishing +1, Luck +1]

[Spicy Rockfish Soup]

[Duration: 06:00:00]

[Effect: Fishing +1, Health +1]

Buffs?

Can food provide buffs without me cooking?

This revelation shocks slightly.

If so, maybe I don’t need to learn cooking. Strengthening ties with Evangelin ensures access to these meals, greatly aiding tasks.

Unexpected gain brings wide smile.

Delicious food plus enjoyable buffs—who could refuse?

Finishing the meal, I relax comfortably.

Slightly full, leaning back, enjoying tea offered.

Forest-scented tea fitting her night-walking preference.

“No need to ask if you enjoyed the meal.”

“Ah, I did eat quite a bit.”

Scratching head sheepishly.

Hardly any food waste visible.

Mid-meal, Jack stopped eating to smile at me curiously—perhaps never seen someone eat like this?

“Uuuh. Eeerr…”

“Yes? Ah, you want to go for a walk?”

“Ah-uuh.”

“Be careful. Don’t go too far. Stick to familiar paths, alright?”

“Ah-uuuh.”

“Good. Have a safe trip.”

“Yeee.”

Jack extends hand toward me. Uncertain meaning, glance at Evangelin who indicates shaking hands. Grasp gently feeling softness and weak strength moving my hand up and down.

“Jack seems fond of you, liking handshakes.”

“Is that so? Handshakes are always welcome.”

“Yeeh.”

Faint worry crosses Evangelin’s face after Jack leaves.

Avoiding parental topics wisely.

Young boy.

Recently adult woman.

House showing little other living signs.

Reasonable guesses possible.

Even if parents just travel far, no point risking trouble.

Don’t want to ruin atmosphere accidentally.

Relaxing, offer help cleaning up.

“No need. Guests are here to be served, not work.”

“Guests impressed by cooking may wish to assist the chef.”

“Hehe, thanks but no thanks. Sit and rest.”

Such kindness.

Sipping tea slowly, thoughts drift to Jack.

Jack…

Didn’t exist originally.

Evangelin’s brother?

Not in the game.

Separating game Valley of Starwind from real-life Starwind Valley necessary.

This isn’t a game.

Game-masked alternate reality.

Game information unreliable.

Some usable data remains but relationships differ greatly.

Though disappointing losing future foresight as a gamer…

Without that, world feels less gamified.

Thinking more seriously now about this separate life.

Might return someday, but…

Uncertain escaping this increasingly unknown world easy with rapid growth alone.

Still early days—two weeks into first spring year.

Much to do, adapt to yet.

Immediate issue of painkillers too.

No rush needed.

Clearly living earnestly already.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Hm? Oh.”

Her face suddenly close after approaching quietly.

Beautiful yes, but too close feels uncomfortable.

Her scent familiar, often encountered in forests.

Would frequent forest visits give me similar smell?

Hopefully not fishy odor instead.

“Thinking about how delicious the meal was.”

“You ate heartily. Made me proud creating it.”

“Thanks to your excellent cooking. Could I request more in future? I’ll supply all ingredients.”

“With ingredients, anything’s possible.”

Yes!

Inner fist pump.

Excellent chef acquired—exceptionally skilled one providing buffs too.

Receiving buffs while eating delicious food—could there be better choice?

“I’ll leave first. Thank you for today’s wonderful meal.”

“Not at all. Anytime you enjoy it this much, happy to make more.”

“Thanks. See you next time.”

“Safe trip home.”

Buffs remaining—must work during this time.

Fishing +2, Luck +1, Health +1 buffs.

Wondering their power, I head towards fishing spot happily.

Most healing day so far matching ‘healing’ from first letter perfectly.

Continuing like this tempting but makes returning home harder.

They say those who don’t work shouldn’t eat.

True. Still too much to do before relaxing.

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