40 C-c-combo meal!

Activating the Cooking subroutine, he was presented with two options. The first, was automatic cooking by the system, inside the spatial world. The other option, was something called assisted mode.

Picking the second selection was a no brainier, with the nearby chefs watching, he couldn't just bring the dishes out of thin air. Without even a clatter or a scrape, they'd know something was up right away, so he activated the second option.

A strange tingling sensation went through his head, passing after a second. Then, he noticed a heads up display, that was projected near the ingredients. It had directions written, that would guide him through the cooking process.

When he brought out a thick butchers knife from the space, a video popped up beside the text, demonstrating the movement. This was easier than having a teleprompter, he just had to follow the motions on the video part, trivializing the cooking process.

Like a rampant tornado, he swept through the area. Slicing and dicing, cooking and frying. Once he got going, he worked rapidly, moving in sync with the system, banging out dish after dish, at blinding speeds. The system had already altered the ingredients earlier, during the initial calculations.

Milk from the cows had been irreplaceable, the system was able to turn it into cream, and cream cheese. That alone, enabled him to create two of the dishes. He was also able to have the system extract a beautiful oil for frying, since it could isolate the different fats, from various sources.

Clattering and clamoring, he soon completed the dishes. It might not be enough, for everyone to get a plate, depending on how many people came, but they would definitely be able to taste the flavors.

Storing away the dishes, he covered them with metal dinner covers. They would both keep the dishes warm, and prevent anyone from seeing them before they were revealed.

Showing them to the chefs, they quickly approved of such dishes. Not only had he been able to craft something, he'd ended up making three dishes. They were stunned, since when was cooking so easy?

The chefs would bring the dishes out, at the appropriate time. For now, Zanir and his men had to clean up and change. They were covered in flour and oil spots, from the cooking, looking dingy and scruffy.

Moving to a nearby washroom, they were able to clean up, changing into fancy new clothes he'd designed for the banquet. Based on traditional three piece suits, they were stylish, but also had a few hidden features.

Tougher than they looked, they contained small metal fibers, woven into the threads. It would provide an unexpected layer of protection, in case of an ambush, or surprise attack. There were also holsters and pockets sewn into the suits.

Just because they were dressing casually, didn't mean that they wanted to be any less armed. This solution allowed them to bring their weapons with them, without having to awkwardly hold them. Having cleaned up, looking spic and span, the men strolled out from the kitchen, into the main banquet area.

Seeing their arrival, Lord Martin stood up calling out to them.

"What took you so long, we've all been waiting for you."

"Apologies for the delay, we had to help the chefs prepare the emerald crab dishes."

Hushed silence broke out, as the casual conversations died, you could a hear a pin drop. Seeing the flabbergasted guests, he could only laugh nervously, signalling the chefs to bring the dishes in. Seeing the signal, the chefs moved in, placing the covered dishes onto the tables.

The first course was presented, he uncovered the dish in front of him announcing the dish.

"Today, I have prepared for you emerald crab, three ways. This first dish, an appetizer, is called emerald crab rangoons."

"Crab meat chunks are combined with cream cheese, garlic, and other seasonings. They are wrapped into dumplings and fried. They can be eaten by themselves and are best enjoyed hot."

As they removed the metal plates, the people saw the crab rangoons, as they were still steaming. They had generous portions of crab meat, no tiny, wimpy pieces here. Cream cheese balanced out the rich seafood, complementing the flavor.

Eating the first one, with great relish, he devoured it in a single bite. It was delicious, but he knew that he had room for improvement. Both in his cooking skill, and the quality of the ingredients that he had access to.

Seeing him eat the emerald crab meat, without and adverse reaction, some of the attending banquet guests eagerly tried them as well. Some of them were simply braver people, who didn't fear the consequences, while others were gourmands, who couldn't resist the temptation of a new dish, right in front of them.

Those proud, brave, and gluttonous guests were rewarded, as they enjoyed the bold and delicious flavor. The other guests, who were reluctant to be left behind, soon moved in on the remaining crab rangoons, seeing that they were few in number, and limited in quantity.

As the plates were cleaned out, the people who hesitated too long, were slightly disappointed, thinking that they had missed out. They couldn't be too sad however, as he had announced that there would be there dishes.

Once again, he signaled the chefs. Seeing the motions, they brought the remaining dishes in, placing them onto the guest's tables. The people who had missed out earlier, were all looking at the dishes, ready to pounce.

Zanir announced the second and third dishes, as they were served together at the same time.

"The second dish is emerald crab bisque, a cream based soup, featuring a deep and rich crab flavor. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"For the third dish, I have prepared emerald crab cakes. These are made with crab meat and breadcrumbs, lightly sauteed and fried."

Removing the metal dinner covers, the guests eager revealed the dishes. The aroma of emerald crab spread throughout the banquet. Everyone was enticed by the smell, the presentation, and upon sampling the dishes, the flavor. People couldn't help but comment.

"Such an impressive dish!"

"I agree, I wonder which chef prepared them?"

"Surely, with this quality, it must be a fierce master chef!"

Enjoying the banquet, and the reputation that such great food would bring, Lord Martin was delighted. Calling out to Zanir, he wanted to know, who had cooked these dishes?

"Brother Zanir, these dishes are amazing, I didn't know, that you had such a skilled chef travelling with you. Why don't you bring him out here, so we can all thank him for the meal?"

"Lord Martin, the chef you're referring to is me."