Chapter 67: The Demon King's Invitation

The campfire crackled softly as Victor leaned back against a log, his eyes scanning the dark canopy above. The stars were faint, obscured by the lingering remnants of corruption, but the Purifying Essence Broth had pushed back the worst of it, giving the group a temporary reprieve from the oppressive darkness.

Lyra, Marcus, and Kain sat nearby, their faces lit by the flickering flames. The exhaustion from their recent battles was evident, but there was also a sense of accomplishment. They had ventured into one of the most dangerous parts of the forest and emerged victorious, with the vital ingredients in hand.

Victor stirred the last of the broth in the pot, savoring its aroma. It was unlike anything he had ever made before—a delicate blend of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors, with a hint of something otherworldly that lingered on the tongue. Despite the strange ingredients, it felt like a triumph of his culinary skills.