Chapter 3: The Demon King’s Verdict

The heavy footsteps grew louder, each one shaking the obsidian floor of the kitchen. Victor gripped the ladle tightly, staring at the bubbling stew as if it might betray him. His heart raced. Serving a dish to the Demon King wasn't exactly on his bucket list.

Skritch, perched on a stool, chuckled. "Relax, human. Just remember, if he doesn't like it, you'll probably only lose an arm or two. Nothing fatal!"

Victor shot the imp a glare. "Helpful. Really helpful."

The kitchen doors groaned open, and a figure stepped inside. The Demon King was even more imposing up close. His massive frame seemed to fill the room, his obsidian armor gleaming under the flickering light of the torches. Crimson eyes glowed beneath a horned helm, and his aura was suffocating, a mix of raw power and restrained violence.

Victor gulped as the Demon King's gaze fell on him.

"So," the Demon King rumbled, his deep voice echoing. "You are the one my system summoned?"

Victor straightened, attempting to look confident. "That's me. Victor, chef extraordinaire."

The Demon King's eyes narrowed. "Chef… extraordinary? Prove it."

Skritch fluttered over with a grin. "Oh, you'll love this one, my lord! It's a stew made with Screaming Tomatoes, Nightshade Eels, and Inferno Peppers."

Victor shot Skritch a panicked look. "You didn't mention the ingredients!"

The Demon King raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Those are not easy ingredients to master. Serve it."

Victor grabbed a bowl and ladled the stew carefully, his hands shaking only slightly. He placed the bowl on a black tray and handed it to the Demon King, who took it without a word.

The kitchen fell silent as the Demon King dipped his spoon into the stew and brought it to his lips. Time seemed to stretch as Victor held his breath.

The Demon King's expression remained unreadable as he chewed slowly, his crimson eyes fixed on Victor. Finally, he swallowed and set the spoon down.

---

**[System Notification!]**

**[Demon King's Approval Pending…]**

Victor stared at the system message, his heart pounding. "Approval… pending?" he whispered.

The Demon King broke the silence with a deep laugh that reverberated through the kitchen. "It's been centuries since I tasted something this… unique."

Victor blinked. "Unique? Is that good or bad?"

The Demon King grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "Good. Very good. The balance of the Screaming Tomatoes and Inferno Peppers is impressive, though the Nightshade Eels could use a touch more salt."

Victor's tension melted away, replaced by a rush of pride. "Well, I aim to please."

Skritch clapped his tiny hands. "He likes it! You're not going to die!"

Victor sighed in relief. "Great. I'll take that as a win."

The Demon King leaned closer, his crimson eyes glowing brighter. "Human, your skills are acceptable. For now. But running my tavern is no simple task. Satisfy me and my guests, and you'll be rewarded beyond your imagination. Fail, and…" He let the threat hang in the air.

Victor nodded, his confidence growing. "Got it. Bring on the challenges."

---

**[System Notification!]**

**[New Quest Unlocked: Satisfy the First Five Guests!]**

- Objective: Prepare meals for the Demon King's most loyal warriors.

- Reward: Unlock Advanced Recipes and Special Ingredients.

Victor read the notification and groaned. "More guests? Already?"

Skritch snickered. "Oh, they're not just any guests. These are the Demon King's elite. They've got… unique tastes."

"Of course, they do," Victor muttered. "Why couldn't it be normal people with normal tastes?"

The Demon King rose, his imposing form towering over Victor. "You have three hours to prepare. My warriors expect nothing but perfection."

Without another word, the Demon King turned and strode out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing ominously.

---

Victor slumped against the counter, rubbing his temples. "This is insane. I'm supposed to cook for demons with ingredients that want to kill me, using recipes I don't understand."

Skritch patted his shoulder. "Cheer up, human. You've already impressed the Demon King. That's more than most mortals can say!"

Victor let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, great. Let's see how long that lasts."

He opened the **Beginner's Recipe Guide** again, scanning for something that might appeal to the Demon King's warriors. The pages shifted magically, highlighting a recipe called **Soulfire Skewers**.

The ingredients included:

- **Phantom Chicken**: A ghostly bird that needed to be "captured" with enchanted nets.

- **Hellvine Tendrils**: A plant that could strangle an unwary chef.

- **Liquid Ember Glaze**: A fiery sauce brewed under extreme heat.

Victor sighed. "This just keeps getting better."

---

**Three Hours Later**

Victor stood in the kitchen, drenched in sweat, his hands blistered from handling the fiery ingredients. Skritch flitted around, offering occasional advice and unhelpful commentary.

On the counter were five plates, each holding a carefully arranged skewer of meat and vegetables that shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow. The aroma was intoxicating, a blend of smoky spices and sweet heat.

The doors to the kitchen burst open, and five demons strode in. They were an intimidating group, each one more monstrous than the last. Horns, claws, glowing eyes—they looked like they belonged in a nightmare.

Victor swallowed hard as the demons approached, their eyes locked on the skewers.

One of them, a towering figure with flaming hair, grabbed a skewer and bit into it. The room fell silent as the demon chewed slowly.

Victor held his breath.

Finally, the demon grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming. "Not bad, human. Not bad at all."

The other warriors followed suit, each one offering gruff nods of approval as they devoured the skewers.

---

**[System Notification!]**

**[Quest Complete: Satisfy the First Five Guests!]**

- Reward: Advanced Recipes and Special Ingredients unlocked!

Victor slumped against the counter, exhausted but triumphant. Skritch gave him a thumbs-up. "You did it, human! You're on your way to becoming a legend in the Demon Realm."

Victor laughed weakly. "A legend, huh? Let's see if I survive long enough for that."

As the demons left, their voices echoing with laughter and praise, Victor allowed himself a small smile.

For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt like he could handle it.