Master Chef Garb - 646

The Imperial Scholar announced the Intelligence points gained after the test.

"First place gets 5, second place gets 3, third place gets one. This changes the rankings on the leaderboard."

Getting on the moving ladder, the Imperial Scholar moved over to the overall ranking leaderboard.

He changed a few names, but most stayed at the same place with only a point change. It had been a while since he had changed this, a week, so even points gained outside of the test were added.

With the leaderboard changed, Skymender found himself in first place with 21 points. Second place had 20 points, a close second.

Charles also made his way into the top five of the leaderboard after this test.

Skymender had only been in the lead once before, and he had been quickly taken over. This was his second time taking the lead.

The Imperial Scholar began to teach about medicine. He went over some plants with medicinal properties, but many of them they had already gone over, even if just briefly.

He got far into his lecture before dismissing the class. Skymender, now with 21 points, had a few more options. 

First, he went to a clothes shop. He only had a few changes of clothes, and they were not very comfortable or even that expensive.

Entering a clothing shop, he saw the walls lined with clothes. The necessary Intelligence points to get in was 20, meaning only he and second place had access so far.

He looked around and found a sky blue outfit. Considering his name was Skymender, it felt fitting. He adorned it and left the store without any need to speak or even think too much.

Next, he headed to a new restaurant. Very few restaurants existed beyond the 20 point range, which meant he was almost reaching the most elite tiers of restaurants present.

As he entered, he was greeted by a raging, but controlled circle of fire.

A man in chef's clothing opened his eyes.

"Finally. A worthy diner. Your dinner shall be legendary."

He picked up a spatula next to him and flipped it in the air, catching it perfectly.

He stood up and spun.

"Behold."

A liquid shot out of his mouth. As soon as it hit the fire, the fire shot up, blocking him from vision momentarily.

When the fire died down, there was meat sitting on a metal grill that appeared.

He stood confidently.

"Take a seat, newcomer."

Skymender was stunned to near silence, but still obeyed.

There were only a few seats, all made around the fire. The tables were just far enough away to avoid getting melted. Skymender was just far enough away to avoid sweating.

"What will it be for you, sir?"

The Chef asked, his figure in the center of the fire nearly terrifying.

"Chef's recommendation." Skymender said.

The Chef smiled. "Do not regret it."

He jumped in the air, spitting a liquid into the fire once again. It raged up, and when it settled down, he held a raw patty on his spatula. The meat previously on the grill was gone, who knew where.

He threw the meat into the fire, it landed perfectly centered on the girl.

He reached down beside him, an area blocked by fire, and when he lifted his hand up, fresh vegetables flew into the air.

He moved a butcher's knife, cutting the vegetables neatly as they fell onto the grill.

Skymender was stunned. This level of swordsmanship was beyond a level any chef should have.

"Years ago, I was a potential Sword Master. However, I abandoned that path for my desire to master the art of cooking. In a thousand years, there may only be one chef at my level of showmanship. Revel in the odds of you being born in my era."

His words were arrogant and proud, and most likely, true.

How many of those that could become potential Sword Masters would be a chef instead. 

Essentially none.

The chef jumped and spit out water. The fire parted, and the chef stepped forward, flipping the patty.

The fire began to hastily close in, but the chef did a backflip back onto his area in the center.

From afar, he threw vegetables and meat. When necessary, he would part or rile up the fire.

Skymender watched, his eyes mesmerized. When any art reaches its peak, it is truly magnificent, a sight to see.

It was as if he was watching the equivalent of a beautiful woman painting an unparalleled artwork. 

Without him knowing, a figure entered the restaurant and sat next to him, staring at the chef. Skymender only noticed when the chef entered the center and looked beside Skymender.

"Welcome back second timer. Give it another go. The usual?"

The woman beside Skymender smiled. "The usual please, Master Chef Garb."

The Chef smiled and spit out a liquid that caused the fire to rage. When it settled, another grill was near Skymender's, a steak cooking on it.

The woman smiled as she watched the chef, seemingly entranced.

Skymender recognized her. She was second place on the leaderboard, the only other person qualified to enter this restaurant.

After a while, she looked at Skymender.

"First time?"

Skymender nodded. 

"The first time is always the best. Master Chef Garb is one of a kind. Another like him may not appear even a thousand years after his death."

"So he has said." Skymender responded.

The woman shook her head. "You don't fully understand. Master Chef Garb has lived a life far more tragic than most. Everyone he loves is dead. His family, his friends, all are gone. He is at the end of his life as well. I'm surprised he has lasted this long. He had shut off everything else, leaving only pure passion for the art of cooking. He cooks for orphans for free, giving a spectacular show, yet charges nobles unimaginable amounts for a single show. Someone like him is unique throughout the entire world."

Skymender didn't respond, but asked a question.

"So why sit next to me?"

"Because it seems we need to work together if either of us wants a chance to defeat Charles."