First Pavilion, Unlocking Knowledge

A loud burst of laughter submerged the entire entrance as Jasmine and Dron looked at Aria with gazes filled with pity.

'Hey! Why are you looking at me like this?'

Aria watched their reaction with crossed eyes. The group stopped their laughter as one of them even swiped the tears from the corner of his eyes.

"Suddenly I am feeling too good! Thank you for entertaining us!" One of the members from the group shouted and they left, entering the building.

"Bro, I say, did you not read the rule book before?" Dron tapped his hand on Aria's shoulder and said in a sympathetic tone.

"No, I didn't get the time to read it, why?" Aria replied in a puzzled manner as most of his free time he would either be training or within the Archive.

"The authority of the Academy is only limited in its premises. It's not useful until you graduate and have actual authority." Jasmine's voice chimed in as she explained.

Seeing Aria's still puzzled expression she further explained as they made their way inwards.

'I see, so the Academy cadets before graduation are basically like students who can only display their status in the school that is Academy. Only a graduate from the Academy that renders real merit and gains that crimson collar can exercise their status in places other than the Academy premises.'

Aria thought as he pondered over the explanation prior.

"Wow, this is my first time entering the First Pavilion." Dron's enthusiastic voice dragged him back.

"First Pavillion is something that was created by one of the Marshals and later all the other Marshals joined in. It was created with the aim to ensure that the influential powers of the continent do not gain monopoly over the resources." Jasmine added in as she divulged the information.

"Good afternoon, cadets. How may I help you?" A staff member approached them as they reached the top floor where the restaurant was located and asked politely.

"A table for three please!" Jasmine replied in a similar polite manner.

The staff, with a terminal in hand, checked for the table and swiftly guided them to it. The trio was fortunate that they were able to secure a table by the window securing the view of the city as due to there being less people and more space, there was no need for high-storey buildings.

"What would you like to eat?" Jasmine scanned the code on the table with her tactical watch and a menu displaying the images of the dish, their contents, price and everything was projected in the air.

Dron looked at the dishes and gulped his saliva nervously, it seemed as if he was struggling to place an order. Sensing his nervousness, Aria slapped his shoulders, making his body shudder.

"Don't worry! Order whatever you like! It's my treat today." He mentioned, but alas he forgot that Dron was not the only one here. Jasmine's ears immediately caught Aria's sentence and a smile blossomed on her face.

Aria suddenly felt a chill creeping on him but ignored it thinking it was the breeze. Not even bothering to think how a small breeze could make him feel chilly.

Dron was still unsettled as Aria ordered for him. As for Jasmine she was already done with her order. After ordering a timer appeared on the small screen on the side of their table. A waiter immediately brought forth a serving of cold water to the table.

The trio awaited their food as they gazed at the beautiful skies visible from the window. Different thoughts were swirling in everyone's mind. Dron was worried about the cost for the food, Jasmine on the other hand was thinking something different.

Similarly, sensing the peaceful and light atmosphere Aria's thoughts were drifting towards his identity and Athenaeum.

The timer on the table decelerated slowly and very soon a rich blast of aroma swelled into their nose as it descended through their mouths making Jasmine and Dron gulp in anticipation.

The servers laid dishes filled with exotic and well-crafted ingredients on their table. A bowl of rich broth with freshly curated chicken meat, an array of side dishes consisting of pickled radishes, cucumbers, salads. And last but not the least a whole golden fried chicken served along with three different dips.

"Enjoy your meal!" The server relayed and departed.

The faces of Jasmine and Dron were drenched in the misty vapors of the broth, Aria too lightly inhaled the fragrance of the spices.

***

[ Host has unlocked the knowledge of cooking ]

[ Level: 2.0 ]

[ Integrating Knowledge ]

***

Suddenly with the same previous text on his retina, another batch of memories were integrated within him.

After a few seconds, the way he looked at the food on the table changed entirely.

He praised within his mind as he took hold of the deep spoon laid on the side. Dipping it in the broth and swirling the liquid which had golden drops floating on the surface, he gently scooped in the boiled chicken pieces. Bringing the spoon close to this mouth--

-Slurrp-

He politely savored the flavor of the broth, closing his eyes and enjoying a hearty taste he chewed the chicken pieces and swallowed it.

With the integration of additional knowledge he could infer the ingredients used in the process and the best way to savor them.

Jasmine and Dron were totally enchanted by this action of his, which radiated immense dignity. At the same time a ray of sunlight crossed on his bowl, lighting up his face just like a halo of purity.

Not just the duo, there were even many other customers who were stealing glances at Aria and gossiping lightly about him. At a certain distance from the trio, the previous group from the entrance was seated and having fun. Just then one of them pointed at the table Aria and the rest were seated. Sensing the gazes of the other customers, their eyes flashed with envy.

"Che, this bumpkins! They must have gained a fortune lately, to be able to enjoy a luxurious place like this.." Anger was visible within the man's tone.

"Should we?" Another person mumbled secretly, hinting at something.

"Don't be mad, they should be in our batch. So we are bound to meet sooner or later, then we shall let them know the difference between us and them." Said a person who seemed like the leader of the group.