Chp. 33 Cooking Gluten rich foods

"This is going to hurt dude…" Paul looked at the unconscious guy and let the small glob of medicine flow inside the blood vessel of Teon.

Paul could see the medicine slowly take effect as he held the guy down outside and the inside. Then he could see the veins on his neck bulge as the heart of the dude started to beat erratically as blood burst out but Paul focused and held the guy still.

Paul could have used some life-saving items he has but those were very rare and was on his original self's storage. What his clones have were weaker versions and has stricter requirements thus this was all he could do for the guy Teon, it's his fate if he cannot survive this.

Soon screams of Teon echoed but it all cannot leave the room as Paul watched over the guy for a day since the battle. But he forgot there was something he totally forgot as he looked at the struggling guy.

"Hmm… did I forget something? Must be the Mayor on top, I'll deal with that guy later…" Paul said as he kept watch so the medicine would not kill the guy.

It wasn't until the next day that he realized what he had forgotten and how much he has f*cked up.

"Holy crap!! The Children!" Paul was pale as he teleported to the last place he found Teon but all that greeted him was a building in rubble as well as a clear sea.

"Sh*t, did those kids die? Poor dude, maybe the monster already killed them before I arrived… wait a minute? Where's the corpse of the beast?" Paul saw that there was now bones or large corpse underwater as he looked around.

"Someone must have found out about the fight, maybe I should try to search for the kids in case they are alive." Paul said as he flew towards where Union Busan is, since he left a marker on the boat last he visited.

Teleporting there he saw the ship blast a flame thrower towards a ship making him stop and assess the situation. This time he did not rush in as he looked at the conflict that was happening.

Paul found out that the two kids are alive and were being protected by a girl with white hair and an eye patch fighting other guys by knocking them out. Paul also heard how this harpoonist of the ship called her a criminal and wanted to kill the kids of the traitor Teon Ma.

Paul then saw how the girl jump in the water along with the kids while the other guys stopped as the guy with a stitch in his face and prosthetic arm said the monsters would take care of the rest. Paul frowned as he looked down but relaxed seeing a submarine take the three away.

Paul floated for a bit but since the kids seemed safe he went back as the heart and kidney of Teon Ma is still not complete. He already understood that there might be politics inside the Ship but Paul cared not for their drama for the meantime.

Now he needed to keep this guy alive, in the meantime he found various machines and quite advanced tech in the broken shelter. So he studied them and digested the various advancements in this world tech wise.

This time he found great knowledge in marine biology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Neurotechnology and this weapons technology of this place.

He realized that the prosthetic arm of that guy with stitches in his face was able to translate his thoughts on the mechanical arm. Weirdly they were also advanced in battery and energy technology.

But due to scarce resources they could not make more of these special power cells that powered submersibles, weapons and equipment. It's like a pseudo-steampunk technology but with enhancements using this small energy cells to power the small mechanisms inside propelled by the gas inside the canisters.

It help them create weapons that could increase their thrust and lessen weight so they could deal large damage on the sea monsters. There was also the long range weapons that were purely gas powered sending small harpoons strong enough to rival armor penetrating bullets. Paul kept watch for the guy as he tinkered about with the tech of this world.

[Middle Earth Wolf clone]

Paul had a small crow drone follow the orc pack back towards the Weather Tops where the orc leader was confronted by Azog. He was able to record the conversation and watched in while he was in his room in a tablet which is connected to hidden signal towers he had installed.

It was just like in the movies but the wargs were more and Azog seemed pissed since he seems to know about the Iron Tide actively hunting Orc packs. He too had wanted to eradicate these group of so called adventurers but he had seen one time where Paul joined on a mission.

A man even larger than him, an orc and carried a sword so large he could cut ogres and Trolls with in in half. Azog felt that having someone like that as an enemy is not productive right now, he knew if he mustered a force enough to take down Paul then many would notice that the orcs had built a considerable force.

Thus he did not get impatient and kill his subordinate since he needed every riders he has to track down the dwarves, he just needed to keep some packs here to distract the Iron Tide so they cannot find ways to help the dwarves with Thorin.

One thing great if you base yourself in a world where high tech is in abundance then you'll find a good use to the knowledge in worlds where there is no technology rampant yet.

Thus it was easy thing to spy upon the enemies when they have no idea how you would watch over them. It seems this would be a great gadget for the governments to spy on people, conspiracy theorist might be on to something.

In Rivendell Paul stayed there waiting for the arrival of the other influential personage such as Galadriel and Saruman (future bad guy). He needed to give them news of the undead in Rhudaur and the curious activity within Gundabad.

Not concrete enough but enough for them to think deeply at what might happen. But he waited even when Elrond wanted to ask what the matter that needed to be said but Paul said he'll need the ears of the three ring bearers present which made Elrond a bit guarded but he knew Lady of Lorien is already on her way.

Thus he spent about a week there, which made Paul a bit bored so he went to watch the scenery even if the dwarves makes some peaceful places rowdy with their presence.

The elves are starting to feel the strain in their stores of wine as the dwarves were really heavy drinkers. There was also a carriage that arrived with many goods in it after two days since Paul stayed making them confused on who had sent for it but Paul went forward and said the carriage is his.

Soon they saw him take out crates with various jars and glass containers which made the elves curious. Elrond asked why he brought food in when they already have been given great care as guest.

But before Elrond would feel offended, Paul invited him into a small dinner with him, Gandalf, Bilbo and Thorin but only Balin arrived.

"Lord Egon, it seems this was part of your plan all along." Elrond said as he looked at the instant kitchen that was assembled by Paul from the various things he brought with him.

"I did not really plan it Lord Elrond, as I really have come for an urgent matter but this carriage was sent here by my men. Though I gain many coin for hunting beast and such for reward, my upkeep is very high as well so I developed many things that could gain us more coin." Paul said as he finished making the stove part connect.

"Then this is something to showcase the things you have made Iron lord?" Gandalf smoked as he watched in curiosity, Paul nodded and looked at the wizard.

"Here, try this. It is made from select leaves of a plant I found and dried then carefully cured to make a rich taste." Paul showed a small box with five rolls of cigars in it.

"What's that?" Bilbo asked as he took one to look at.

"That master Hobbit is a rolled up Tobacco grown in select conditions." Paul said as he lit one up and smoked which made the wizard curious as he too took one along with Balin.

"Ooh, that's got a nice taste in it." Balin said as he followed behind while Elrond frowned.

"It does seem you plan on cooking yourself Lord Egon." Elrond was not bothered much as he was already acquainted with a wizard that liked to smoke so he too tried a bit.

"I do plan so Lord Elrond, because my dishes are not yet even known by others. These ingredients I use will also be new as they would bring about a change in the culinary field." Paul then started to expertly slice up onions and garlic for a start and began cooking.

"It seems you are quite talented in this regard Iron Lord, then why become an adventurer when you have skills of a great chef?" Balin asked as he smoked with Gadalf and Bilbo.

They saw some small tools with the cigar box and read a bit then understood the use of some like to cut the tip if they are done smoking and keep it for future use.

"I would gladly so Master Balin, but times do not seem to agree with me because only when peace is present could men and women afford to seek out their passion and dreams. Also I cook for a hobby only, I just got very good at it." Paul's cooking started to waft the air with aromatic and drool inducing scents.

"This, what spices are you using to warrant this explosion of aroma?" Bilbo stood up and watched closely as he was curious since hobbits were also great at cooking.

"Just some spices you could find far down to the lands of Khand, they are war mongering people but they do like their food very tasteful and spicy." Paul said as he then cooked four dishes at the same time.

"I might not be able to partake in this Lord Egon as I have no interest in eating meat of any kind." Just as Elrond was about to excuse himself Paul said something the four was amazed at hearing.

"Oh, do not worry Lord Elrond. All these dishes are made entirely of vegetable and fruits, there are nothing here made out of meat or came from an animal. Even the oil I used was extracted from rapeseed and a palm tree found only in the small inland Island of Almaren."

"Really? You've been to those places?" Balin was interested as Paul said names of far-away places.

"Like I said master dwarf, I am no mortal. I live even longer than the Eldar themselves." Paul nonchalantly said as he served them four various dishes.

"This one is called the fried chicken of the forest, made from a mushroom grown in damp shaded areas on rotting wood. It was named forest chicken as it tasted like chicken if you cook it and it's consistency is similar to the animal as well."

"Really? This'll taste like meat?" Balin was interested as he took a fork already curious as they have been eating vegetable since they had arrived here.

"It does taste like meat." Bilbo said as he ate some.

"This Mushroom you speak off, where was it found and how do I grow it?" Elrond was curious as he too found interest to other cuisine that could be consumed by the elves.

"I could give you the spores and way to farm them Lord Elrond, but like I said my men sent these here so I'll have to ask for trade rights of some things." Paul said as he placed the second dish in front of them.

"That can be discussed, then what is this thing called?" Elrond nodded as he took a taste of the first dish.

"This is sweet and sour pork, but the pork here is not real pork. It's a meat alternative that I have invented made from a certain plant and prepared with a special process with no real meat involved." Paul gave them each different plates.

"Next is the Meatball in mushroom soup, also made from plants as well to mimics the taste and consistency of meat."

"Lastly is this…" Paul pulled out a jar that has a seal on it. "…be prepared though, this will release a foul odor but it is part of its fermenting process."

"Go on then, I smelt troll before so it won't matter if the thing stinks." Balin said as he liked the dishes very much.

"Fermented food eh, we do have some such as pickled food here too." Elrond said as he was indeed interested now after he tasted the dishes.

"I eat blue cheese so yeah I can handle it." Bilbo said.

"Go ahead, I want to see this other dish." Gandalf kept tasting the food and smoked cigar as he puffed more smoke.

"Cover your noses first, here we go…" Paul then opened up the jar of stinky tofu which released a strong pungent odor.

"By Durin's beard what sorcery is this! This smells like a dead horse!" Balin said as he did not cover his nose.

"Ugh, even with mine covered I can still smell it." Elrond said but he was still curious.

"Don't worry, this thing is edible. It is a peculiar dish since the stinkier it is the richer the flavor." Paul then placed few cubes of tofu in plates and handed them to the others. He then proceeded to open two other jars and served spicy fermented tofu and plain tofu.

"This is a dish I call Tofu, it is made of soy beans and could be served in many ways. It can be eaten as is like this one." Paul showed them how to eat the dish as they watched a bit first.

"Then there is this one laden with spice but fermented for a bit…" Paul then ate the spicy one.

"Lastly this stinky Tofu, fermented the longest and seems to be black and gooey but don't worry it is still delicious." Paul then showed them him eating the smelly thing.

"By Durin's beard Bombur!! What did you eat this time for this foul air you released!?" Bofur's voice was heard by the four inside making them realize how far the smell reached.

"My lord Elrond! A stench seems to have spread all over the walls, it seems like the forest is sic-bleurgh!" an Elf came running but as he was twenty meters near he suddenly barfed.

"Wow, even an orc would probably die with this stink here." Balin said as he covered his nose.

"Oh, this is really good like he says." Bilbo said which made the others look at him in curiosity seeing him eat one. This made the others also try it and found the plain tofu a bit bland but the red one was filled with taste and the last one was deeply flavored that it does not seem to feel stinky anymore.

"Oh how I would like to go for a drink right now…" Balin said and Paul gave him a glass with clear liquid on it.

"I meant wine lad, not water." Balin said.

"It's not water…" Paul then took a slug on his own bottle but his words made Balin curious as he reached out for the clear liquid and smelled it.

"Ohh… curious." Balin tehn went to drink it but as soon as it hit his throat it burned from the vodka. "*cough*! Hurhg! That's really strong there laddie."

There Balin discovered the 'water' Paul had been drinking was this thing all along. But even when he was coughing he extended the cup to Paul to ask for more which he obliged by giving him a bottle of his own.

This cause Elrond to try as well making him cough too at the strength in the drink, even Bilbo and Gandalf tried but the wizard did not cough as he seemed to be a heavy hitter in liquors.

Elrond liked everything even if one was stinkier than a troll-hoard so he wrote a trade deal with Paul to supply Rivendell with spices, rapeseed oil, Olive oil and the planting method of the chicken mushroom as well as possibly opening a market for the other food products Paul has.

Even if Elves eat meat, they mostly ate were dear and boar that were hunted in forest, it would be great to have food that could enable some Vegetarian elves eat something resembling one. Elrond too ate meat some time but for now he preferred being a vegetarian.

Also Paul showed various tools that could be useful for camping outside or if elves sends scouts that wanted to go towards far lands. He showed small stoves that could be disassembled and placed on a small box, it also lessened the light given out by it thus giving the user minimal exposure to other elements in the dark.

Balin liked it too so he ordered about four sets for the company as it seems useful, especially the lighter Paul showed them. It was the traditional flip lighter with a stainless steel body, Paul told them he used a special method to use alcohol to make Vegetable Oil into organic lighter fluid.

Paul gave him a small canister for refueling the flip lighter, Gandalf too liked it as he bought one for himself. But Paul gave them each as a gift as well as some preserved fruits making them happy a bit, Balin asked for another for the prince and Paul gave him another.

"How come you were able to make this Iron Lord?" Balin was curious as the simple yet useful items he got would make the journey forward a bit better.

"If you can travel the word and listen to various stories then you'll hear a thing or two that will be useful. You just have to listen to what people complain about and think of how to abate or solve the problem, then you discover you'll have knowledge of things not normally known by many." Paul said as he finished his demonstration of the various products his group makes.

"Why do you have a flat shovel with you my lord? It's even broken." Bilbo asked as he looked at the foldable shovel Paul has attached to the satchel he carries.

"That master Hobbit, is a war shovel. It is used like this…" Paul then locked the joints together and showed a shovel with a longer shaft than normal. "… it can help you dig, stab and also act like an axe too. Almost all of my men carry one as it is necessary for survival in the wilds, you can hunt with it, cut trees with it, make holes to hide on or use as shelter from the rain." Paul gave the shovel to Bilbo while Balin went over and inspected the shovel.

"Quite ingenious I must say, but I see that the metal work is of Dwarven hands. But the small bits here and there are finer and more precise, elven to be specific. How were you able to make Dwarvsih and Elven work on one item is already astonishing Iron Lord, a testament to your leader ship." Balin looked deeply at Paul as he watched Bilbo play with the foldable shovel.

"I do what I must Lord Balin, most of my men were vagabonds, poor folk, thieves and lost souls. So I teach them how to survive and live in a world with very distinct line between races. At least it'll give me a peace of mind knowing they have a chance to live a better and longer life." Paul then went to take his leave as the Elf Lord also inspected the small tools Paul made.

"It seems the world might indeed change for the better my friend." Elrond said as he looked at Paul's vanishing form.

"Fortunately so, it seems that one day the view of others will change just as how much he change the vies of his men. I would really like to meet this famous Iron Tide one day." Gandalf smoked his cigar with glee as he puffed more shaped smoke.

"I as well…" Elrond then also left to handle matters of his domain.

That night Paul taught the elves in the kitchen how to prepare the various dishes he knew and threw a feast for the dwarves. This time they all ate in ravenously and even fought Bombur over food but they still ate.

Thorin was also there as he drank with Balin and Dwalin with the vodka Paul provided. The Elves to found Tofu to be great as well as the meat alternatives making them happy when Paul left a recipe book, while Gandalf kept puffing more smoke with the cigars given by Paul on the corner.

(A/N: Don't take much in the things I wrote, I don't know if Elrond is even vegetarian so I made it up. But they did serve mostly vegetables when the dwarves came, which Bifur roasted it on fire made using furniture of the elves.)