Chapter 14: Leveling Up

As Max continued to explore the depths of his newfound culinary skills, he was eager to put them to the test by preparing a dish that would truly showcase his abilities.

With Chef Edward's guidance, Max decided to create a remarkable mana-infused chicken soup.

He carefully selected the freshest ingredients: plump chicken breasts, a medley of vegetables, and a special mana-infused broth.

Max began by marinating the chicken breasts with a blend of herbs and spices. All the herbs were 0th-tier herbs.

As he held the chicken in his hands, he felt the unique energy coursing through the meat again. It was the residue of the fire element from the 1st-tier Blizzard Chicken.

With a focused mind, Max activated his passive skill, "The God of Cooking." Instantly, he could feel a connection to the mana within the ingredients. 

It was as if an invisible thread bound him to the fire element present in the meat.

As he added the chicken to the simmering pot of mana-infused broth, Max channeled his mana through his fingertips, infusing the entire dish with a subtle, warm energy.

He could sense the mana intermingling with the natural flavors of the soup, enhancing its taste and aroma.

The vegetables followed, each one carefully chosen for its complementary flavors and magical properties. Max used his newfound skills to calculate the precise amount of mana needed to infuse each ingredient, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.

The soup simmered gently, and as Max stirred it with a wooden ladle, he felt a profound connection to the culinary magic he was weaving. 

He could almost see the mana dancing within the bubbling broth, transforming the ordinary soup into something extraordinary.

30 minutes passed, and the scent of the mana-infused chicken soup filled the kitchen, drawing the attention of the other chefs. 

They marveled at Max's skill and dedication, recognizing that he was crafting a masterpiece.

'This young one possesses remarkable skills.' Chef Edward marveled at the exceptional skills displayed by Max.

His thoughts were filled with admiration as he observed the young chef's extraordinary talents and abilities.

Finally, the soup was ready. 

Max carefully ladled it into bowls, each serving radiating warmth and comfort. As he presented the mana-infused chicken soup to Chef Edward for a final inspection, even the seasoned chef couldn't hide his admiration.

At that moment, Max received a response from Chef Edward. "Visually stunning, and the aroma is absolutely marvelous," Edward replied.

"Thank you for the praise, Mr. Edward, but there is nothing that I can do without your guidance," Max responded modestly.

"Kid, you don't have to be so modest. I didn't do anything at all," Edward chuckled.

Clearing his throat, Max changed the topic, saying, "Ahem, Chef Edward, please try it and check if there's anything that needs to be added."

"Sure, kid, I'm going to do that," Edward replied. He took a clean tablespoon from the side and scooped up some soup from one of the bowls. After tasting the spoonful of soup...

"Absolutely delicious, kid. I've never tasted a dish like this in my entire life, and the purity of mana in this food is top-notch. How is it possible to create mana-infused food of such exceptional quality?" Edward marveled, his amazement and astonishment evident.

Max had succeeded in creating a dish that not only satisfied the Baron's culinary preferences but also showcased his unique talent as a mana chef.

It was a testament to his growing mastery of mana-infused cooking and his ability to harness the elemental magic within the ingredients.

As Max basked in the praise from Chef Edward, he suddenly heard multiple notifications from the system.

**' Ding!'**

[Congratulations, Host, for creating a top-grade 1st-tier mana-infused dish.]

['Received 150 EXP']

[The quality of the food is top-grade within the 1st-tier category.]

**'Ding'**

[You have Received 100 Chef Points]

**'Ding'**

[Host. Since the first dish made by the Host is top-grade, the Host received an additional 50 EXP and 30 Chef Points.]

[Congratulations, Host has reached Level 2. For further details, please check the status window.]

After Max received all the notifications from the system, he was taken aback, and his jaw figuratively hit the ground. 

The reason for his astonishment was that while he lacked in-depth knowledge about the various grades used to evaluate food, he understood that achieving a top-grade rating on his very first attempt was an exceptional feat.

In culinary terms, food grading often involves assessing factors like taste, presentation, and quality of ingredients. Achieving a top-grade status typically means that the dish excelled in all these aspects. 

For Max, a seasoned chef from his previous life, this accomplishment was akin to hitting a culinary home run.

The sheer novelty of creating a top-grade 1st tier mana-infused dish filled Max with an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. It was as if he had effortlessly soared to the peak of culinary excellence, and the feeling was nothing short of exhilarating.

Max was eager to inquire further about the different grades of food and explore his status window to understand his newfound abilities better. 

However, he decided to put those thoughts on hold for the time being. The Baron and his guests were on a schedule, and time was ticking away. 

Max knew that it was essential to stay focused on the task at hand and deliver a memorable dining experience without any delays.

As Max was engrossed in putting the final touches on the dish, he suddenly heard a gentle, warm cough emanate from Chef Edward. 

'Cough! Cough!'

The sound of the cough, although soft, had a significant impact in the bustling kitchen environment, cutting through the noise and drawing Max's attention.

Max could sense that Chef Edward had something on his mind, a message he seemed hesitant to convey. 

Despite the bustling kitchen and the pressure of their culinary task, Max wanted to ensure clear communication and address any concerns that Chef Edward might have.

"Chef Edward," Max spoke, his tone respectful and considerate, "if there's something you'd like to discuss or share, please feel free to do so. I'm here to listen and assist in any way I can. Your guidance is invaluable to me."

Max's response conveyed his willingness to be receptive to Chef Edward's input and to maintain open communication in their collaborative effort.