Leveling Up Through Eating

Chapter 1179

Light Dragon Order Commander Ancas looked at the knights of the Order and the troops of the Gorodis Kingdom’s army, a grim look on his face. They all looked at him with determination, their hands holding their weapons tightly and firmly.

Even though they looked as if they weren’t afraid, they could barely hide their shaky breaths. The way they trembled as they breathed out was enough to convey their hopes. They wanted to live and survive.

The Gorodis Kingdom only had around 500,000 in their royal army and 10,000 knights of the Light Dragon Order. It was embarrassing to call themselves a kingdom with just this pitiful number of soldiers.

There were two reasons for this. The first one was because they did not see a need to increase the number of troops in the Gorodis Kingdom. As for the second, it was because they were a chef’s kingdom. They did not need to have a considerable number of troops.

‘We’re all afraid. And I know why.’

Ancas was also afraid. In eleven hours, the Slaughter Squad would be arriving, led by its commander. Once they entered the gates of the Gorodis Kingdom, they would unleash a massacre.

The Slaughter Squad had told them to complete the Guardian Deity’s Dish in 24 hours, but they would attack them in 11 hours. In other words, they were set on killing the troops of the Gorodis Kingdom.

Indeed. The Slaughter Squad's only task, as they were coming to face the Gorodis Kingdom and the Light Dragon Order in 11 hours, was simple. It was to show those who dared to lose the precious item that they had warned of the consequences of their actions. The Slaughter Squad would sweep them away altogether.

“Gars, we’ve been playing and sparring with our swords since childhood.”

“Korman, our youngest member. You are the pride of our Light Dragon Order.”

“Bellen. Did you eat three bowls of rice today, too?”

The eyes of the Light Dragon Order members turned red at Ancas’ words. They could tell this was a farewell from their Light Dragon Order Commander.

“Sir Ancas! It was an honor to serve you!”

Tears almost fell past Ancas’ cheeks when he heard their loud cries. Nonetheless, he could not waver. He closed his eyes tightly to stop the tears.

From the moment it was founded, the Gorodis Kingdom had been persecuted and suffered greatly under the Gourmet's tyrannical rule. They had to constantly make dishes to satisfy the Gourmet every time.

As for Ancas’ younger sister, they had forced her into a deep sleep, saying that it was a punishment for losing the dish. They had then taken it from them after making a show of giving it to them. Their cruelty did not end there.

‘She woke up today.’

Ancas thought it was strange that they let her wake up just like that. Only at this moment did he realize why they allowed her to awaken. From the moment she awakened, Ancas’ younger sister, Aelona, could only move her eyes. The rest of her body was paralyzed. Alas, after ten years of deep slumber, Aelona awakened in a vegetative state.

Disgust. That was what Ancas felt towards them, who were laughing and giggling as they watched the situation they had orchestrated. Even though the kingdom was being toyed like this, they had no choice but to dance. They were as pathetic as moths being drawn to a flame.

Ancas dared not even say, ‘We will come out victorious’ to his troops,’ as he finally opened his already red eyes. Instead, with great fervor, he said, “Let’s go out beautifully.”

With no regrets and no pathetic excuses, they would fight until the very end.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

The troops shouted loudly and boldly. In truth, they were psyching themselves up to overcome their fears.

“Have you finished all of your preparations for battle?”

Then, at that moment, the man named Minhyuk appeared. Minhyuk was the only person to obtain the Guardian Deity’s Cooking Stone’s recognition. Everyone present on the scene asked about his true identity, and he introduced himself as the Food God. ṟ

He was supposed to participate as one of the chefs who would make the Guardian Deity’s Dish. Because the Guardian Deity’s Dish was of such high standards and quality, they had planned to use lower-grade ingredients first and run dozens of trials before cooking the real deal. In a way, it could be considered a sacrifice.

Minhyuk came here after hearing that they had decided to fight an all-out war against the Slaughter Squad troops in the Bhagari Canyon.

“Yes, we have finished all of the preparations. I’m sure you’re quite busy. What brings you here?” Ancas answered, his tone rude and prickly.

In the end, Ancas just could not bring himself to accept that the fate of the Gorodis Kingdom was in the hands of someone who did not even belong to their kingdom.

“What’s the current situation?” Minhyuk asked.

Alas, it seemed like Minhyuk had brought up a taboo topic that he should not have, in a situation like this. The soldiers and the knights of the Light Dragon Order all glared at him. And the same was true for Ancas.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“Did you really have to go on and say that?!” Ancas snapped.

‘Isn’t he aware of the situation already?!’

Minhyuk stopped himself from releasing a bitter chuckle. “I just want to know what’s about to happen.”

“What the hell…!” Ancas shouted.

He was just about to continue an angry tirade, but he forced himself to calm down. Perhaps he was just being too sensitive because of the situation.

In the end, he explained it to Minhyuk, “The difference between our troops and the Slaughter Squad is too huge. Even though our numbers are overwhelmingly higher than theirs, the difference in power is too much. You can say that us taking them on is akin to a child fighting an adult.”

“A battle between a child and an adult?”

“Yes. Regarding skills, there’s not much difference between us and the Slaughter Squad. Although our army is small in number, we are skilled enough to be called the best troops in Gaia. The greatest problem is the difference in our basic power. It’s just far too great.”

Ancas was referring to the difference in level.

“One member of the Slaughter Squad can take on at least six of our troops.”

That was indeed a huge difference.

“The members of the Light Dragon Order do not lag behind the members of the Slaughter Squad. But their number is significantly smaller than theirs. The biggest problem will be the Slaughter Squad’s Commander Averra.”

“Slaughter Squad’s Commander?”

“They have four commanders. Each protects the north, south, east, and west. Just like us, they are humans, too. Of course, the members of the Slaughter Squad are also humans.”

Regardless, there was a difference.

“The members of the Slaughter Squad were all originally humans. They became the members and commanders of the Slaughter Squad because they received their protection and blessing. And just like I said before, the biggest problem is the Slaughter Squad’s commander.”

“What’s the reason for that?”

“Commander Averra is the most vicious and cruel commander out of the four. Before every battle starts, he would always say…”

Minhyuk perked his ears up.

“If your commander wins a battle against me, I will leave.”

Just listening to these words would make it sound as if he was being very generous.

“Unfortunately, Averra would usually kill his opponent in the most cruel possible way, within twenty seconds. This would then cause the morale of the soldiers of the opposing army to plunge. He loves to slaughter terrified people.”

Ancas seemed to have already seen how he would end up.

Minhyuk nodded. “If that’s the case, then Averra will also propose the same offer to you.”

That was a given.

“What’s the difference between you and him?”

“From what I understand, the Slaughter Squad commanders are stronger than the Gourmet. Of course, I’m no match against the Gourmet.”

“How many seconds can you last?”

Ancas gave a hollow laugh, “I’ll be lucky if I can last for ten seconds.”

“Is the difference that big?”

Ancas sighed at Minhyuk’s words. He knew Minhyuk was asking for the reason. He replied, “From what I know, Averra’s originally an assassin. Victory and defeat will be determined in the first ten seconds of the battle with him. Perhaps I might have a chance of winning after that ten seconds. However, it’s unlikely that I can endure for ten seconds.”

Minhyuk nodded. He thought, ‘Basically, the assassin class will throw all their skills at their opponent in the first ten seconds.’

Regardless, after ten seconds, it would be worth trying. This meant that there was still hope. Minhyuk smiled faintly and said, “Then, why don’t you bring him down within ten seconds this time?”

“...”

Ancas, who had been answering all of Minhyuk’s questions, frowned.

‘Is this guy joking with me right now?’

Minhyuk looked at the ugly expression on Ancas’s face and said, “There is something new that I learned from the chefs here. Based on what they said, the dishes produced by the chefs of the Gaia Continent are completely different from those where I came from.”

The meaning behind his words was simple.

“The chefs here can make dishes that give a permanent boost in power. These dishes are much more outstanding than the dishes produced in our continent.”

This was the truth. The chefs here specialized in cooking dishes that could give permanent effects, and it was even twice as good as the dishes in Minhyuk’s continent. These chefs were basically like blacksmiths at this point.

“In our continent, it’s very rare, to the point that it is impossible, to create a dish with permanent effects,” Minhyuk continued, “but our buffed dishes are far superior to those produced on this continent.”

Beeeeeeeep–!

Ancas was shocked when a trailer suddenly appeared, especially when huge flames erupted from its vents.

Crackle, crackle–!

Minhyuk climbed inside the trailer, where the Eternal Flames burned brighter and hotter than any other flames.

“You said that the enemy has received their blessings and protection?” Minhyuk looked at the soldiers, who were waiting for their death, and said, “Don’t worry. I am…”

[The God who Rules Over All Armies is looking at you.]

“...the god standing at the highest place. And I…”

[The God who Loves Food the Most in the World is looking at you.]

“...am the one who produces the world's most outstanding buffed dishes. You will all receive my blessings and protection.”

***

“I love this thrill,” Averra smirked, his expression filled with delight and ecstasy. He enjoyed trampling on and crushing the opponent in ten seconds, right when they were filled with hope. He thought of how the upcoming battle would be no different; the commander who thought of protecting his kingdom and his troops, and the soldiers, who were filled with expectations and waiting for their commander’s victory. They would be drowned with a variety of emotions as they watch their commander die in less than ten seconds.

“Of course, frustration is the greatest emotion. Nothing feels better than killing the soldiers who have lost all hope of living after knowing that they will not be able to win, no matter how hard they struggle. That hopeless look on their face gives me the thrill. It makes me feel like I’m a god who can kill them whenever I please.”

“What a bad taste.” Romba, Averra’s companion, retorted.

Averra shrugged. “More importantly, there’s no need for you here.”

“Well, I thought I could go and look around too. See the frustrated expressions on their faces.” Romba drawled.

By some strange coincidence, two Slaughter Squad commanders were heading toward the Gorodis Kingdom. The two were laughing and humming as they rode on their horses. It was as if they were on an ordinary walk.

Not long after, they entered the canyon. The moment they entered, they could immediately sense the Gorodis Kingdom’s army lying in ambush and waiting for them. The archers hiding all over the canyon already had the strings of their bows pulled while the mages were almost done preparing their AOE magic attacks.

“Don’t you know?” Averra scoffed. “Arrows will not be able to pierce through the hearts of the members of the Slaughter Squad. As for magic, it can be canceled by our mages or blocked by our shields.”

Their attempt at using the canyon to their advantage was commendable. But, that was it.

As always, Averra said, “I will give you a chance.”

With a benevolent smile, he continued, “If the one leading you comes out to fight me and win, I will no longer advance and even go back. Do you accept it?”

After reciting his usual lines, he sneered,

‘Did I do it so much that it’s no longer effective?’

At that moment, the commander of the Gorodis Kingdom stepped forward.

‘Light Dragon Order Commander Ancas.’

He was the prince and the greatest sword of their kingdom. He would shine if he was in other kingdoms or empires.

“I will accept the offer.”

Averra grinned.

‘With how he’s looking, he’s just crazy about trampling on others than enjoying the thrill.’ Romba clicked his tongue after witnessing Averra’s bad taste.

Ancas looked nervous as he faced Averra. Averra just twirled the two daggers in his hands as if he was playing around. Meanwhile, the members of the Slaughter Squad were whistling and jeering.

“Oh! The momentum is great.”

“How many seconds do you think the opponent will be able to endure?”

“Ancas is well-known for being a powerhouse. His name as the Light Dragon Commander protecting the east is not for nothing. I bet 10,000 gold that he will last for eight seconds.”

“Eight seconds? Eyyy! I’ll bet 10,000 gold that he will only last six seconds.”

The battlefield was filled with their mocking laughter and giggles.

Then, Averra shot toward Ancas.

‘Averra, this bastard. He’s definitely aiming to crush the man completely. He’s using his secret skill right off the bat.’ Romba noticed what Averra intended to do after seeing the man’s movements, and turned away from the scene.

Unlike Averra, Romba did not have any interest in brutal killings. He shook his head and said, “You guys, you’re too loud. Enough with the whistling.”

Slash–!

Swoosh, swoosh– Swoosh–!

Slash–!

Romba sighed as the terrible sound of the blade whistling through the air rang in the background.

‘It’s too loud.’

The faces of the Slaughter Squad were ugly. Romba thought it was because he scolded them. Then, the sound of something falling rang.

Fwoosh–!

Romba chuckled lowly. Even though he scolded the members of the Slaughter Squad, deep inside, he was willing to bet 10,000 gold that everything would end in five seconds.

Thud–

Thump, thump, thump–!

Romba frowned when he saw the head rolling in front of him. He said, “Averra, this joke is a bit…!”

Then, Romba saw that the one standing behind him was not Averra. It was none other than the Light Dragon Order Commander Ancas. He was even shaking off the blood on his sword.

“...?!”

Romba’s eyes grew wide.

‘The one who died in five seconds was Averra?!’