Chapter 22: Perfect Divine Physique

[Author's Note: I've made some changes to the status panel, changing "Chef Shop" to simply "Shop," as Max can purchase items or skills other than just chef-related skills.]

Enjoy The Reading 😊

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"System, please show me the status panel," Max asked with a hint of impatience. Suddenly, a blue panel materialized before him, like some futuristic pop-up window.

Max couldn't help but mutter to himself inwardly, 'How many times I've seen this, and it still feels unreal.'

The vivid display of his status panel, with its levels, skills, and quests, had become a constant presence in his life since the System's arrival. Yet, the surreal nature of his situation never ceased to amaze him. 

The more he thought about it, the more Max realized that he was living in a story straight out of a novel or a video game. 

But unlike those fictional tales, there was no reset button, no respawn point, and no cheat codes.

---

[Status Window]

Name: Max Aldwell

Age: 25

Level: 2 (EXP: 200/500)

Chef Points: 130

Shop: Locked [Unlock In Level 10]

Skills: 'God of Cooking' (Passive)(Rank-novice)

Main Quest: Fulfil David's Dying Wish (Click for more details)

3 Days Sign-in Bonus (Day 2 and Day 3 unclaimed)

---

Max squinted at the information on the panel, trying to contain his amusement. "Ah, Level 2, my old friend. We meet again," he exclaimed with mock excitement, giving a dramatic pause as if he were reuniting with a long-lost lover.

But the System had no time for Max's theatrics. It responded with an almost robotic tone, [Host, refrain from comparing this experience to video games. They are irrelevant.]

Max couldn't help but burst into laughter at the System's prudish reply. "Wow, System, you really don't like video games, do you? Who hurt you?"

Before Max could tease the System further, it delivered another gem: [Host, just eat the fruit and don't dwell on the seed.]

Max's eyebrows shot up as he struggled to stifle his giggles. "Is this System giving me life advice with fruit metaphors now? Maybe I should write a self-help book with this wisdom."

With a wry grin, Max continued, "So, I need 300 more EXP to hit Level 3, and then, oh boy, Level 10. Time to cook my way to the top! If only my gaming skills transferred here, I'd be a Level 100 Chef by now."

The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on Max. He chuckled to himself, finding humor in the quirks of the System.

"Well, System, let's make this cooking journey interesting, shall we? After all, life's too short not to laugh at fruit metaphors and digital status panels, HAHAHA."

But just as Max was reveling in his newfound comedic outlook on life, the System's cryptic voice chimed in, pulling him back to reality. 

[Host has yet to sign in for the day 2 bonus gift,]

Max's eyes widened in realization, and he scratched his head sheepishly. "Oh, yeah, I really forgot about that. Thanks, System," Max said, showing his gratitude. "Claim it, System."

With a mental command, Max claimed his day 2 bonus, adding it to his growing list of rewards and achievements.

---

*Ding!*

[Host, you have received the Day 2 gift: 'Perfect Divine Physique.' To learn more about it, please check your status window.]

---

Max couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the peculiar gift he had received. "Perfect Divine Physique? Now, this sounds intriguing," he mused to himself.

Curiosity piqued, he decided to delve into the details by summoning the status window. "Status window," Max said, eager to unravel the mysteries of his latest gift.

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[Status Window]

Name: Max Aldwell

Age: 25

Level: 2 (EXP: 200/500)

Chef Points: 130

Shop: Locked [Unlock In Level 10]

Skills: 'God of Cooking' (Passive)(Rank-novice)

Physique: Perfect Divine Physique [Ready to merge] [Click for more details]

Main Quest: Fulfill David's Dying Wish [Click for more details]

3 Days Sign-in Bonus (Day 3 unclaimed)

---

Max muttered, "System, display the details of the Perfect Divine Physique."

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[System: Perfect Divine Physique (Divine)]

Description: You possess a physique that is unmatched, granting you enhanced physical abilities beyond ordinary humans. This divine physique has been bestowed upon you as a unique gift, and it has the potential to merge seamlessly with your host body.

Congrats, you can now become a mage as well as a warrior.

Benefits:

1. Enhanced Strength: Your physical strength is significantly greater than that of an average person, allowing you to perform feats of great power effortlessly. This strength can be channeled for both physical combat and magical purposes.

2. Superior Agility: Your agility and reflexes are honed to perfection, making you exceptionally quick and nimble in any physical activity. This agility extends to your spellcasting, enhancing your magical dexterity.

3. Robust Endurance: Your body is remarkably resilient, granting you the ability to endure physical stress and recover quickly from injuries. This endurance also applies to your magical stamina, allowing for extended spellcasting.

4. Heightened Senses: Your senses are sharpened to an extraordinary degree, providing you with exceptional awareness of your surroundings. This heightened perception can aid you in both combat and magical endeavors.

5. Perfect Health: Your divine physique ensures that you are always in perfect health, free from illness and fatigue. This state of well-being extends to your magical condition, preventing magical exhaustion.

6. Increased Lifespan: Your lifespan has been extended, granting you more time to pursue your goals and ambitions, whether as a mana-chef, mage, or warrior.

[Note: This gift is ready to merge with the Host body. It is a permanent enhancement to your physical and magical attributes. The merging process with your host body is natural and seamless.]

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Max couldn't believe his eyes as he read through the enhanced benefits of the Perfect Divine Physique. "Enhanced strength, agility, heightened senses, perfect health, an extended lifespan, and the potential for magical prowess? Now that's what I call a gift!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm.

This unexpected boon had Max feeling like a character in one of the RPG games he used to play. "I wonder if this divine physique comes with a superhero cape," he mused, unable to resist the humor in the situation.

With a newfound spring in his step, Max couldn't wait to explore the possibilities that this unique gift would offer on his culinary journey, whether he chose to be a mage, a warrior, or a combination of both.

Max commanded, "System, merge it with my body now."