Paul hadn't expected the system to choose him because he didn't belong to Aeltheris. He still had quite a lot of questions to ask. But stopped short, not knowing where to start.

"What happened to the host? Is he alright?" Paul dreaded to know the answer. Since he had occupied the host's body, he hoped the host was fine. However, somewhere he had an inkling that the host was already gone.

[The host's soul was taken away by the Grim Reapers. He is no more]

Paul squeezed his eyes shut and breathed heavily. He was glad that he had got a second chance at life. Yet, the thought it happened because someone else died made him miserable. It was as if he had snatched someone else's life.

[You do not have to feel sad, Host. The host's soul had lost the will to live. It was impossible to save him]

That didn't assure Paul. Instead, it only made him feel worse. Yet, all he could do was pray for the host's soul to rest in peace.

"Do you know why the host didn't have the will to live?" Paul questioned, once he had calmed his emotions. From the host's memories, he couldn't learn much, other than that he was abused at his workplace and not many people liked him.

'Was there something else he had missed?' he wondered and tried to recollect the memories. But he came up with a blank. It was as if a lot of memories had been erased.

[That... I do not know, Host]

"Fine," Paul sighed and ran a hand through his hair. It was only then he noticed how lustrous and silky his hair was. Moreover, his hair reached the end of his neck, impressing him all the more.

The host didn't have a mirror. So, he could only seek help from the system.

"May I know how I look?"

This time, the system didn't have any qualms with fulfilling his wish and a floating mirror appeared before him.

Paul was taken aback to see himself in the mirror. The host looked just like him. The only difference was he had dark brown hair that reached his neck. He looked younger, maybe because he was malnourished and utterly weak.

He made it his goal to nourish his body first. In the world he was in, he knew the strong squashed the weak and he couldn't afford to be weak.

"I'm glad I am myself, not someone else," he mumbled. He would freak out completely if he had a face he wasn't used to.

The floating mirror vanished and Paul looked out of the kitchen window. The sun was drifting towards the west and the temperature had dropped subtly. A light breeze blew outside, bringing with it the smell of grass.

[Host, forty minutes are up]

Paul sprang to his feet instantly and rushed to open the pot lid. The aroma of chicken marinated with garlic filled the air. His stomach rumbled instantly, reminding him that he hadn't anything for lunch.

Holding back his saliva, he started basting the chicken legs. He then chopped two potatoes into quarters and added them to the pot, allowing them to absorb the juices.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"How do I add mana?" Paul asked when everything was prepared.

[Host, focus on the mana within you and try to force it out. Think of it as an essence in your mind]

Though perplexed, Paul did as he was told and the next instant, a warm sensation spread through his chest. Tentatively, he held his palm over the pot, imagining the energy flowing into it.

A faint glow appeared at the tip of his index finger and Paul's jaw dropped in awe. For a moment, he even wondered if he was visualizing things.

Paul's nose instantly caught the strange fragrance. He couldn't fathom how to describe the smell, but it was delicious and he licked his lips, yearning to find out how the essence tasted.

His eyes almost popped out of his sockets when he saw a clear droplet ooze out of his index finger and fall into the pot.

[For Level 1 dishes, only 1 essence of mana is enough, Host]

The system reminded him and Paul withdrew his hand immediately.

"Was that my mana?" Paul was still flabbergasted and the scene kept repeating in his mind.

[Yes, Host. That was your mana essence]

"Is that how it is? In the form of a liquid?

[No, Host. Within you, it is in the form of magical energy. Whenever you are cooking, it turns into an essence]

"Ahh..." Paul nodded in understanding. His attention was soon diverted when an amazing aroma filled the place. It smelt absolutely wonderful, even better than any dish he had ever cooked previously.

The aroma wafted out of his house and drifted over a few houses and the people came out instantly, wondering who was having a feast.

Using a ladle, Paul tested the potatoes and waited until they had turned soft.

After waiting for another five minutes, the dish was finally done.

[Ding!]

A sound went off in his mind. The floating screen appeared before him and it started to scan the Strength Boosting Chicken.

[Dish Complete: Strength Boosting Chicken]

[Quality: 62/100]

[Effects: Increases the host's strength for an hour by 6 points]

Paul was tempted to try the dish and didn't waste any time. He lifted the pot using the cloth and placed it on the floor. Picking up the only plate in the house, he carefully picked up a chicken leg and some potato quarters.

Paul was drooling. Not only was the dish tempting to look at, it smelt amazing. He had no idea that it wasn't just him, all the people in the lane too were enticed by the smell.

The chicken leg was tender, and the garlic and salt seasoning was perfect. It was the best dish he had ever tasted, even if the quality was subpar according to his standards.

Paul moaned in happiness. The chicken was a true delight and he didn't stop until the pot was clean.

Conveniently, Paul had a well behind his house, which he shared with his neighbors. Thus, he didn't have to waste energy carrying water from the stream, and his dishes were washed quickly.

Paul didn't feel the difference at first. He had ignored it when his body turned warm as soon as he swallowed the first bite of the chicken.

However, now that he was done with all the work, he felt a faint warmth in his stomach slowly spreading through his entire body. The warmth differed from when he had infused the mana essence into his food.

Paul couldn't describe it. It was weird but good. He sensed something in him to have changed.

[Host analysis started]

[Host analysis complete]

Paul noticed that there was a change in the stats.

Mana: 14/15

Strength: 26/26

[Host, your strength will return to normal in an hour]

"How can I increase the strength permanently?"

Paul was curious. Although it was already a great deal for him to increase his strength for an hour, he had to find ways to make it last forever.

[Missions Unlocked]

Choose your mission, Host

- Self-improvement Mission

- Recipe Improvement Mission

Paul's brows drew together, not understanding where this was going.

"Umm... Self-improvement Mission."

[Self-improvement Mission Unlocked]

[Find the Mana Root to replenish your mana]

[No time limit]

[Danger: 6/100]

Paul was interested in the mission. But the danger level made him antsy.

"What about the Recipe Improvement Mission?"

[Recipe Improvement Mission Unlocked]

[Find the IronWood Bark to ensure the effects of Strenth Boosting Chicken last permanently]

[No time limit]

[Danger: 14/100]

Paul made the decision when he saw the second mission. The danger levels in the two missions had shown which mission should be his priority.