Chapter:17 Behind The 'VIP' Door

Max trailed behind Chef Edward, their footsteps echoing through the corridor as they made their way from the bustling kitchen.

They passed the lounge where Max had met Ana earlier, and he couldn't help but recall her warm welcome. 

Ascending a grand staircase to the upper floor, they reached the first landing and turned right. Max's room was on the left side, but Edward led him in the opposite direction.

As he walked in Edward's footsteps, Max observed the opulent surroundings, each detail of the corridor hinting at the luxurious lifestyle of the nobility. 

Soon, they arrived at a door marked "VIP" with a discreet plaque. Max couldn't help but marvel at the contrast in how VIPs were treated in this world compared to his previous one. 

'VIPs are VIPs, whether it's in this world or my old one,' Max sighed, releasing a deep breath. His thoughts whirled with curiosity about what awaited him behind that door.

Edward rapped on the door thrice, with a deliberate yet restrained manner that signified both respect and purpose. 

His words, "Lord Baron, I have some important matters to discuss, may I have an audience please?" carried an air of gravity.

From the other side of the door, a commanding and resonant voice granted entry with a composed, "Come in."

Max stepped into the room alongside Edward. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and Max couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

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Max POV:

I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions after Chef Edward's unexpected offer to become his disciple.

The idea of becoming a mana chef had initially intrigued me, but I was acutely aware of the daunting challenges that lay ahead, particularly in a world where success often hinged on connections.

In my past life as David, I had witnessed his struggles while trying to become a regular chef, facing corruption and favoritism in the process. Nevertheless, my confidence in my culinary talents led me to believe that I could excel as a chef.

It was only after creating mana-infused food and receiving guidance from Edward that I fully grasped the demands and scarcity of mana-chef positions.

My motivation to pursue this unique culinary path grew stronger within me. Yet, when I learned about the rigorous process required to obtain a Mana Chef Certificate and the necessity of finding a mentor in this unfamiliar world, my confidence wavered.

I understood that passing the mana chef exam with the skills I had acquired from the system would be challenging.

However, fate seemed to smile upon me when Chef Edward extended an unexpected invitation to become his disciple. Despite Edward's Journeyman Mana Chef status, I recognized that having a mentor was a valuable opportunity, far superior to starting from scratch without any connections in this new world.

I gained valuable insight into the hierarchy of mana chefs from the system.

The ranks within this exclusive culinary profession ranged from Novice Mana Chef to the elusive Legendary Sage Mana Chef.

Starting as Novice Mana Chefs, newcomers to the world of mana-infused cooking, they were still learning the basics of mana manipulation and how to create simple mana-infused dishes.

Progressing from Novice, the journey led to Apprentice Mana Chefs who had advanced beyond the novice stage. They were now capable of infusing mana into a wider range of dishes and could create more complex flavors and effects.

What I got to know from the system, I fall under the Apprentice Mana Chef category.

Journeyman Mana Chefs, the next stage, had honed their skills even further. They could handle a variety of mana types and were proficient in creating dishes that offered both taste and minor magical benefits.

Generally, a mana chef below mana circle 2 falls under this category, and Edward is a Journeyman mana chef as he has only one circle.

Above them were the Master Mana Chefs, recognized for their proficiency with mana circles ranging from above 2 to below 6. These masters held a prestigious status, akin to that of a Marquis in the social hierarchy.

Further up the ladder, the Grandmaster Mana Chefs possessed exceptional mastery, with mana circles above 5 and below 7. Their status placed them on par with the esteemed Duke of an empire. There were only 10 Grandmaster Mana Chefs in the whole world.

At the pinnacle of mana culinary expertise was the Sage Mana Chefs, boasting mana circles above 7.

However, I had learned from the system that there were no Sage Mana Chefs in the entire world of Aiden.

These individuals were exceptionally rare and revered. Comparatively, Journeyman Mana Chefs like Edward held a respectable position, akin to that of a Baron.

I understood that the information provided by the system was a valuable resource, offering more reliable and comprehensive knowledge than I could glean from inquiries with Edward or others in this new world.

I followed Edward closely, feeling like a duckling trailing behind its mother.

We traversed the bustling dining hall on the ground floor, the same place where I had first encountered Ana. It was still teeming with people, and Ana was diligently taking orders as usual.

Lost in thought, I couldn't help but reflect on my situation. I had read numerous novels set in fantasy worlds with nobility, magic, and various intricate hierarchies, but I had never imagined that I would one day reincarnate into such a world. Now, I found myself at the very bottom of this social hierarchy, possessing no skills beyond my culinary expertise.

To gain recognition in this society, I knew I had to become stronger and excel as a mana chef, with people eagerly waiting in line to savor my creations.

As we ascended the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder where the Baron and his guests were located.

The building wasn't particularly large, so I questioned whether they were staying in a regular inn room or if there were private quarters for distinguished guests.

My curiosity was soon satisfied as Edward led me to a lavish-looking room on the right side of the staircase. The door was noticeably more ornate than the others in the hallway, bearing a signboard that read "VIP."

Edward knocked three times on the door, seeking an audience with the Baron.

I was momentarily taken aback by Edward's polite demeanor. As a mana chef, he should be held in high regard, even by a Baron. Suppressing my urge to question, I listened to the firm and resonant voice from within the room, inviting us to enter.

My heart raced with anticipation. I had no idea what awaited me inside, but I was certain that whatever transpired in that room would shape my journey in this new world.

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