Chapter 5: The Unexpected Visitor

The tavern had quieted down after Victor's first successful night as the Demon King's chef. The orc, banshee, and imps left with full stomachs and grudging respect for the human who had somehow managed to please their monstrous palates.

Victor sat in the kitchen, wiping down his new **Beginner Chef's Apron (Enchanted)**, which the system claimed would keep him safe from minor burns and stains. It was a small comfort in a world where even the vegetables had the potential to kill him.

Skritch perched on a shelf, gnawing on what looked like a chunk of coal. "So, how does it feel? First night's over, and you're not dead. That's gotta be a win."

Victor shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "It's weird. I was terrified at first, but... I think I'm starting to get the hang of this. As long as the system keeps giving me recipes, I might actually survive."

The imp snickered. "Might is the key word, human. This is the Demon Realm, after all. Expect the unexpected."

Victor was about to retort when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the tavern. He stiffened, gripping the edge of the table.

"Great," he muttered. "What now?"

The front door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped inside. Cloaked in a black robe with a hood that obscured their face, the figure exuded an aura of menace.

Victor swallowed hard as he stepped into the dining hall. "Welcome to the Demon King's Tavern," he said, forcing his voice to remain steady. "How can I help you?"

The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a face half-covered in jagged scars. Crimson eyes burned with intensity, and a pair of small horns protruded from their forehead.

"I've heard rumors," the stranger said in a voice as sharp as broken glass. "A human chef who dares to serve monsters. I had to see it for myself."

Victor blinked, unsure if this was a compliment or a threat. "Uh... well, you heard right. Care to try something off the menu?"

The stranger's lips curled into a faint smile. "I don't eat ordinary food. I require something... special."

Victor glanced at the glowing menu on the wall, but the stranger's gaze made him feel as if none of the listed dishes would suffice.

"What exactly do you mean by 'special'?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.

The stranger reached into their cloak and pulled out a small vial filled with a shimmering, silver liquid. "This," they said, holding it up, "is the essence of a Fallen Star. Only a skilled chef can combine it with the right ingredients to create the *Celestial Feast*. Can you do it?"

Victor stared at the vial, his mind racing. The system hadn't mentioned anything about Fallen Stars or celestial cooking. But before he could respond, a familiar chime echoed in his ears.

**[System Notification!]**

**[New Quest: Prepare the Celestial Feast!]**

**[Requirements: Combine the essence of a Fallen Star with rare ingredients to create a meal fit for celestial beings.]**

**[Reward: +200 Experience, Unlock Advanced Cooking Techniques, +1 Reputation in the Demon Realm.]**

Victor groaned inwardly. "Of course, it's a quest. Why wouldn't it be?"

Skritch flitted onto his shoulder, whispering, "You're in for it now, human. The Celestial Feast is no joke. Fail, and this guy might not leave you alive."

Victor shot him a glare. "Thanks for the pep talk, Skritch. Real helpful."

The stranger crossed their arms. "Well? Can you do it or not?"

Victor straightened his shoulders, trying to appear more confident than he felt. "I'll give it a shot. Have a seat, and I'll get started."

---

Back in the kitchen, Victor placed the vial of Fallen Star essence on the counter. The shimmering liquid seemed to pulse faintly, as if alive.

"Alright, system," he muttered. "Show me how to make this Celestial Feast."

The system interface flickered to life, displaying the recipe:

**[Celestial Feast Recipe]**

- Essence of a Fallen Star (Provided)

- Starlight Mushrooms (Found in the Forest of Echoes)

- Radiant Dewdrops (Collected from the Plains of Lumina at dawn)

- Eternal Flame Ember (Harvested from the Inferno Mines)

Victor's heart sank. "You've got to be kidding me. These aren't ingredients; they're death sentences."

Skritch laughed from his perch. "Looks like you'll have to venture out, human. Those ingredients don't just fall into your lap."

Victor rubbed his temples. "Great. Just great. Any tips on where to start?"

"The Forest of Echoes is closest," Skritch said, smirking. "But don't expect a warm welcome. The Starlight Mushrooms are guarded by Lumina Wolves—fast, vicious, and not exactly friendly."

Victor grabbed a satchel from the kitchen, stuffing it with a few basic supplies. "Guess I don't have a choice. Let's go."

---

The Forest of Echoes lived up to its name. Every step Victor took seemed to echo unnaturally, the sound bouncing back at him in distorted whispers. The air was thick with mist, and faint, glowing spores floated like fireflies in the darkness.

Skritch hovered beside him, his glowing eyes darting nervously. "Keep your wits about you, human. The Lumina Wolves don't play games."

Victor tightened his grip on the iron skillet he had brought as a makeshift weapon. "I didn't sign up to fight wolves. I signed up to cook."

A low growl echoed through the mist, freezing Victor in his tracks. Slowly, he turned to see a pair of glowing blue eyes staring back at him.

The Lumina Wolf stepped into view, its fur shimmering with an otherworldly light. It bared its teeth, and Victor could swear he saw faint wisps of energy crackling around its claws.

"Uh... nice doggy?" he said, taking a cautious step back.

The wolf lunged.

Victor barely had time to raise his skillet, the sound of metal clanging against claws ringing out. He stumbled, heart pounding, as the wolf prepared for another attack.

"Any bright ideas, Skritch?" he yelled.

The imp cackled. "You're the chef. Figure it out!"

As the wolf charged again, Victor's mind raced. His eyes darted to the glowing spores floating around them. An idea sparked.

Grabbing a handful of spores, he threw them into the wolf's face. The creature snarled, momentarily blinded, giving Victor just enough time to swing the skillet with all his strength.

The wolf collapsed with a pained yelp, disappearing into a wisp of light.

Victor leaned against a tree, breathing hard. "I can't believe that worked."

Skritch grinned. "Maybe you're tougher than you look, human. Now hurry up and grab those mushrooms before more wolves show up."

Victor nodded, spotting a cluster of glowing Starlight Mushrooms nearby. Carefully, he plucked them, placing them in his satchel.

"One ingredient down," he said, glancing at the misty forest around him. "Only three more to go."