Barbecue Party
The party was in full swing by the time that the shift change started, and the roast pig had been sliced, pulled, and prepared a half dozen different ways for the Academy students. The ones going to the line had eaten early, and that was the smell that had tortured the students who were coming off the defence shifts.
The Culinary Arts Professor waved at Karl as she saw him coming off the line and waved him over.
"This is considered a tradition in my home village. Take a bite of the beast's heart for good luck, and to gain some of its power." She explained as she handed him a small square of raw meat.
Karl smiled. He had a sword that granted him the beast's life force, and a Holy Stone for luck, but a little more never hurt anyone.