---
Auren, the Flame Warden, was many things.
A deadly warrior. A living furnace. A literal grump wrapped in lava.
But a cook?
Absolutely not.
"Why is the stew bubbling like it wants to kill me?!" Kael shouted, ducking as a chunk of glowing carrot shot out of the pot and exploded against a tree.
Elara winced. "That's... not how stew is supposed to behave."
"I followed the instructions exactly!" Auren growled, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "One phoenix chili, three dragonroot herbs, and half a brimstone beetle."
Elara's eyes bulged. "You used a phoenix chili in stew?! That's used for lighting campfires, not seasoning!"
The porcupine system peeked out of her bag, wide-eyed.
"Analysis: Current meal qualifies as biochemical weapon. Probability of digestive damage: 93%. Congratulations, you've cooked a tactical nuke."
"Hey! At least I tried," Auren snapped. "Unlike Kael, who nearly burned the fish earlier because he was too busy staring at her."
Kael gasped. "I was checking the temperature!"
"Of her face?" Zan muttered with a snort.
Elara buried her face in her hands.
Raykan, ever composed, stood nearby sipping water and observing the chaos like a weary father surrounded by feral children.
"I'm not saying you're all useless," he finally said. "But if I die from this food, I'm haunting each one of you."
Elara stepped forward, sighing. "Move aside. Let the herbalist cook before you poison the forest."
Kael immediately stepped back, holding the pot like it was a cursed relic. "Be my guest, Snow Princess."
She gave him a look. "You're banned from nicknames for a week."
Kael pouted. "Raykan never gets banned."
Raykan: "Because I don't say anything."
Auren, still fuming (possibly literally), hovered nearby. "If you need fire, I can—"
"Please don't breathe near the pot again," Elara cut in gently.
The system chimed again, with a hopeful tone.
"Activating side quest: Culinary Redemption. Goal: Edible meal. Reward: Team morale +20%. Hidden bonus: Increased affection from selected warrior (random)."
Elara rolled her eyes. "You just want drama, don't you?"
"Affirmative."
---
By the time the sun dipped below the volcanic ridges, the stew was ready. It smelled like heaven—herbs, a mild heat, and rich, slow-boiled meat.
Everyone sat down around the makeshift fire pit, bowls in hand.
Zan took one bite and closed his eyes. "This... this is divine."
Varek nodded silently, already on his second spoonful.
Even Raykan cracked a rare smile. "Remind me to let you cook when we face actual hell."
Kael leaned in with a smirk. "Elara, if I die tonight, it better be from love... not indigestion."
"Keep dreaming," she muttered, but her lips curved.
Auren, the most reluctant of the group, took a cautious bite. His brows rose.
"You used frostmint to cool the chili. Smart." He looked at her, gaze softening. "Your mother taught you well."
Elara flinched slightly.
"I wouldn't know," she said quietly. "She died before I could remember."
The group fell silent.
Kael reached out, placing a hand over hers. "You've done more for us than she ever did. Whatever blood you carry... the girl standing in front of me saved my life."
Auren frowned but didn't argue.
Zan stood, trying to lighten the mood. "Let's do night shifts. I'll take the first watch."
Varek followed. "Second."
Kael winked. "I'll take fourth. I want the sunrise with Snow— Elara."
Raykan looked up. "Third watch for me."
Auren raised a brow. "Last is mine, then."
Elara blinked. "You're all letting me sleep through the night?"
Kael dramatically clutched his chest. "Are we not chivalrous warriors?"
The system coughed.
"Statistical truth: Subject Elara is the only healer and power stabilizer in the group. Sacrificing her rest equals collective doom. This is not romance. This is survival."
Everyone groaned.
---
That night, Elara sat alone for a while, looking up at the stars. The volcano hummed in the distance. The breeze carried a strange peace.
Raykan joined her silently.
"You didn't laugh once today," she said softly.
"I don't laugh."
"I think you used to."
He turned, eyes dark. "I did. Before we were betrayed. Before the fake god caged us like animals."
She wanted to tell him the truth.
That the daughter of the real god of light sat inches from him.
But fear held her tongue.
Raykan's voice broke the silence again. "You shine brighter than I thought, Elara."
Her heart thumped.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Behind them, Kael peeked from behind a tree, holding a daisy he had picked hours ago.
He saw them. Together.
And sighed dramatically.
Then handed the daisy to the porcupine.
"I swear, this girl's gonna make me fall for real," he muttered.
The system nodded solemnly.
"Warning: Your emotional core is reaching spicy levels. Recommend cooldown via meditation or petty rivalry."
Kael grinned. "Petty rivalry it is."
End of Chapter 19
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