Chapter 488: Combat Exam (1/2)
”Here you are,” a steaming flavor-filled bowl of goodness arrived in a tray, the fish on the porcelain added a slight touch of appetite.
”Where's my bowl?” asked another cheerful eater.
”On it,” said he pulling the tray away, ”-go have a shower once you've done eating. I'll see you later, roommate.”
”Yeah, sure,” she veered to admire the reaching aroma of the meal. Her mouth watered and the stomach growled, morsels of vegetables often surfaced as if to say, '-hi I'm here, eat me,' then returned to the bottom.
In no way was the eatery a comparison to the restaurant he worked. The place held sitting for a mere twenty people, long-table accompanied by small, round, benches. The dirtied walls from stains left by customers were cared for as if battle-scars. A singular fan rotated above with slight cries of agony. The noise went unnoticed as did the suspended television above the counter. Kord handled the kitchen and customers expertly. He didn't need help. Still, Igna's assistance was greatly welcomed. One after the other, plates were handed out to the customers; some came to eat on the spot, whilst many preferred takeaways.
'This is delicious,' the stoic face broke into an uncomfortable grin, '-it's hot and spicy, my tongue is on fire, but I want more. This explosiveness,' from her seat, she glanced into the kitchen where Igna showed his mastery. The roles rotated between him and Kord, the popularity of the fish dish was audible. 'The same boy who failed and was viewed as a weakling. I can't believe… is that truly him?' Finishing her meal, she crossed the counter.
”What are you doing here?” wondered Igna handling a flaming pan.
”I came to help,” she followed his example and wrapped a bandana, ”-Old man, can I help?”
”Sure,” he smiled, ”-a cute girl like you will increase business. Handle the customers.”
”Deal,” and so, the unlikely duo worked till six. Most returning students would come early for the takeaways. Once the minute hand moved to 18:00, the influx of clients came to a halt.
Outback, Anna dowsed her face in cold water. Igna stood sipping on a cold beverage.
”Good job out there,” complimented Kord, ”-listen, it's enough for today. I appreciate the help, though, I must say I'm not going to pay nor give discounts. The help is appreciated, don't expect anything in return.”
”It's fine,” said Anna, ”-seeing those people eat and enjoy their time was a good experience. I'm not opposed to helping – it's a change of pace from the daily grim fighting.”
”What about you?”
”I'm training chef, the experience is welcomed.”
”Good on ya,” he casually wrapped around the duo's shoulder, ”-I couldn't have wished for more caring tenents. Go on, have a shower. I'll have dinner ready.”
”Thanks, old man,” she took the back door.
”What about you?” turned Kord facing an amber low-handing lightbulb of which presided over a few plants.
”I'm heading to the restaurant. See you later,” locked to the plants, *-Gue of Lkon,* described the interface, *-a plant available only at the Azure Forest.*
'Interesting,' by the time he returned, the sun slumbered. The ever-filled day was naught but cooking and learning. 'First a monster, now an exotic plant. Mr. Kord is peculiar, he moves the same as a seasoned veteran. I could stand to learn more in his company.'
”Excuse me, chef,” the metal steps blasted cacophonous complaints by its hinges, the latter had seen its fair share of films. From a proposal of courtship to the announcement of one being a father, the shadowy exteriors of the Gymnasium was room for a lot of secretive actives. 'I bet if the walls could speak, they'd recount the moments of despair and bliss experienced by the youth.'
”Igna,” said he, ”-come in. The students were waiting.'
”Waiting?”
”Yes,” he thumbed to a tablet crowded by curiosity, ”-the video of Medusa's prodigy.”
”Please don't tell me,” he arrived to tiptoe and glance above the masses, '-that's the viral video.'
”I'm sorry for what I said earlier,” bowed Sai, ”-the prodigy of Medusa is a worthwhile tutor. Please teach us the way,” and so did the rest fiercely.
”Here you are,” said Leko, ”-students. This boy here is younger and even the same age as some of you. Without financial backing nor family, he managed to make a name by fate and hard work. I won't say he's talented since I've seen firsthand how hard he works. In a mere six months, he's been acknowledged by Chef Emma, Emmy, Joe, Igona, and me.” Murmurs of the names went to and fro.
”Didn't those five-win Cle? It's said their abilities are closer to Lady Yuki than anyone else.”
”Yes, they have featured in the lasts culinary magazine. Chef Joe commented about a young boy who grasped his attention. Was he referring to Igna?”
”It's weird, why hasn't he been more popular?”
”That is simple,” voiced Leko, ”-Chef Yuki and I decided to not give him any media coverage. Fame is another beast. What he has to work for now is, performing at Cle.”
”Forgive my rudeness,” interjected Igna, ”-I'm glad about the praise, however, I'm still a trainee. I've come to study, not be the center of rumors. Please, everyone, let's not forget why we wear aprons. It's not to be actors, tis to ultimately create a dish for consumption.”
”Alright,” he turned off the video, ”-let's get to cooking.”
”Yes sir!”
'Cold,' the night-service ended at 22:30. Except for the few waiting cars, the campus was deserted. The wind blew colder and harder. The apprentices split towards the dormitory. 'I don't know what to make.' Pondering the challenge, he dropped onto the stairs and crossed the park. Arrived at 23:00, he leaped into bed. Thus, the return went, the routine was set. Helping Kord in the morning, heading to the restaurant and working till lunch, then return to the eatery and help for the evening, and lastly, leave for the night-service. 'I don't know what to do, I can't find inspiration. The dishes I try don't have much punch; the ingredients are lackluster.'
The 4th of February arrived in stride. The day began strangely, Anna for once woke early. ”-Good morning,” said he brushing his teeth.
”Good morning,” she joined still half-awake. A beanie and short skimpy pajama, her stoic standoffish appearance crumbled to show a normal girl.
Splashing his face, ”-today's the combat exams. Any ideas on what we can expect?”
”Not really,” she shrugged, ”-I don't know. One thing is sure all the students in our semester will participate.”
”I heard a rumor about them choosing people for the expedition in Coria.”
”Oh, that,” she spat, ”-yeah. Students matching their requirements will be welcomed to join the fight. The standard will be hard to beat, especially since Frost, me, and Lampard will set it. Anyway, it doesn't concern you,” said she, ”-I'll go get ready. What about breakfast?”
”The old man's got it figured,” they cross to the kitchen, ”-he packed it for us. I told him about the exam.”