The woman with white hair and vivid green eyes observed Azriel from her perch on a tree, the faintest smile tugging at her lips as she watched him settle into the cave. Despite her curiosity over her lady’s command to watch him, she remained hidden, blending into the shadows, her gaze locked onto Azriel as he sifted through his system notifications. His reaction to receiving the unexpected cooking supplies and bedroll amused her; his slight grin, barely contained, revealed an almost childlike thrill that softened his otherwise resolute demeanor. Her chuckle was quiet, almost an echo among the trees.
Yet her amusement faded as she suddenly felt a jolt, a tug through the faint connection they shared, her breath hitching as she felt his gaze upon her, as though he somehow sensed her presence. His eyes, though seemingly fixed on Myth Maker in his hands, felt piercing, as though even while examining his weapon, he was aware of her there, veiled yet present. She froze, her grip tightening as she wondered just how much he might be sensing. Carefully, she eased back into the shadows, watching him in silence, trying to mask the spark of intrigue that now burned brighter within her.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she sensed a shift in his focus, his attention diverting to a new, potent artifact in his possession. She closed her eyes briefly, letting her awareness trace the item’s unique aura, Stormlight Essence. Its raw energy was unmistakable, a blend of crackling power and an almost serene luminosity, carrying a weight that few essences possessed.
Watching Azriel’s fascination with the essence put her at ease. She knew that this powerful, almost celestial item was now part of his journey. It held his attention fully, his careful movements around it revealing respect and curiosity as he inspected the glowing sphere, its swirling energy casting faint shadows around him. She could see him absorbing its presence, testing its weight, and marveling at the sheer force it embodied.
A sudden surge of alarm hit her as she felt his presence vanish, as though he’d been plucked from the fabric of reality itself. Panic gripped her, and without a second thought, she leaped from her perch, sprinting toward the cave. Her footsteps barely made a sound as she darted between trees, her heartbeat a furious tempo against the quiet night.
Entering the cave, she felt a chill of emptiness where his presence had once been. The remnants of energy from the Stormlight Essence still hung faintly in the air, leaving an otherworldly resonance, but Azriel was nowhere to be seen. She scanned the shadows and stone, her senses straining for even the slightest trace of him, her thoughts racing.
"Azriel!" she called out softly, her voice echoing into the empty darkness of the cave. Desperation tightened her chest as she realized she’d lost sight of him completely, and she clenched her fists. Whatever had pulled him from this plane had acted quickly, without warning. She swallowed back the rising fear and steeled herself, knowing she had to find out what had happened and, if possible, bring him back.
Her gaze lifted, and she froze at the sight of Azriel floating several feet above, his form now transformed into a constellation of shimmering stars and glimmering light. His body radiated with an ethereal glow, each pinpoint of starlight a testament to the power awakening within him. It was as if he was shedding his mortal form, becoming a true Radiantborn.
She reached up, her hands gentle yet firm, and slowly drew him back down to the cave floor, carefully settling him onto the bedroll he’d set up earlier. The glow softened as he made contact with the ground, the starry energy calming, contained as if the very earth was anchoring him.
"Rest now, Azriel," she murmured. “Your path has only just begun, and your strength will only grow from here.” The woman knelt beside him, brushing a stray lock of reforming hair from his face with surprising tenderness.
***
Azriel sat cross-legged on the ground, his eyes focused on the list of Radiant Forms before him. Each option seemed like an open-ended mystery, waiting for him to define what he imagined as a path, and he scratched his head in mock frustration.
"So, any recommendations on where to start?" he asked, turning to the figure standing beside him. His tone was light, teasing as if he half-expected silence in return.
"Aurora. Calamity. Evony," it replied, its voice resonating in the quiet space, calm and unwavering. Each name they said was heavy with purpose.
"Really? And why those three?" Azriel asked, with a raised eyebrow, intrigued.
"Because together they form the strongest combination," it said simply.
Azriel’s eyes lingered on the figure as he mulled over the names. He could almost feel the weight of each word: Aurora, the light that pierces through darkness; Calamity, the force capable of unraveling worlds; and Envoy, a form of ancient, sovereign power meant to carry the will of realms beyond comprehension. Each one called to a different part of him, each with a strength and purpose unlike any he’d felt before.
“It is the strongest combination, Azriel, the power to illuminate, to destroy, and to represent the very essence of the Radiantborn.”
Azriel looked at the options before him, taking a deep breath as he selected Aurora, Calamity, and Envoy. The choices felt monumental, as though they defined his very existence. As the selection solidified, he turned to the figure still standing beside him.
“Alright, enough mystery. Who are you?” Azriel asked his tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
The figure’s expression softened into a knowing smile, their form shimmering faintly like a mirage.
“I am thou, thou art I,” they said, their voice calm yet resonant, echoing through the starry expanse of the realm.
Azriel blinked, his mouth opening slightly in shock before he pointed at the figure.
“Wait a minute, that’s a—”
In an instant, his vision blurred, and he jolted awake in the cave, lying on the bedroll. He sat up quickly, the lingering remnants of the surreal realm still vivid in his mind.
“—a Persona reference!” he finished, his voice loud in the quiet cave.
"What even was that dream?" He groaned, running a hand through his hair. He looked around, noticing everything was as if he had left it, except now, his body felt strangely different.
Azriel rubbed his eyes, the lingering haze of sleep doing little to dull the surreal weight of his transformation. His body felt different, slightly heavier, yet solid, as though his muscles had gained strength overnight. He rolled his shoulders and stretched, but a faint glow in the corner of his eye caught his attention. The cave was dim, lit only by the cool light of the stars outside, but this glow wasn’t from the night sky.
He turned his head, scanning the cave, then paused. The red light wasn’t coming from the surroundings; it was coming from him. His heart skipped a beat. Confused, he reached up to his hair and pulled one of his dreadlocks forward. His breath caught.
Several of his dreadlocks were glowing faintly, a deep, pulsing red, like the light of embers hidden beneath the ash. The glow radiated softly, illuminating the strands with an almost ethereal vibrancy. He moved the glowing lock in front of his face, the light flickering slightly with his movements.
“What in the...?” he whispered, the words barely audible. His fingers ran over the glowing strands, feeling their warmth but no heat. The red glow painted faint patterns across the walls of the cave, casting the faintest illumination into the night. Azriel let the lock fall back into place, his other hand brushing through his hair.
“Alright, this is new,” he muttered to himself, glancing down at his glowing hair and then at his subtly more muscular form. “I guess becoming a Radiantborn comes with some perks...and style changes.”
He chuckled softly to himself, the sound echoing faintly in the cave. The glow was subtle but unmissable, an ever-present reminder of how much had changed. As he sat back down on the bedroll, the soft red light pulsing around him, he couldn’t help but feel both awe and unease at the continuous changes to him.
Azriel sighed, running a hand through his glowing dreadlocks as he tried to ground himself. With all the recent chaos, he needed a distraction, something simple, organized, and grounding. He opened his inventory, scrolling through the items until he found what he was looking for: the camping cooking set he’d received as part of the Nighthawk Quest reward.
"Alright, let’s see what this thing can do," he muttered, retrieving the set. A small, compact kit materialized in his hands, neatly packed with pots, pans, utensils, a small mana-powered burner, and an assortment of spices and oil.
He inspected the mana burner, tilting his head at the small, crystal-like core embedded in its base. The faint instruction manual that appeared alongside it made it clear: to activate it, he had to channel a little of his mana.
“Interesting,” Azriel mused. Placing a hand on the burner, he closed his eyes and focused. A thin thread of mana flowed from his fingertips into the core. Instantly, it flickered to life, a small blue flame dancing in the crystal. “Alright, that’s pretty neat.”
Setting the burner on the ground, Azriel began arranging the rest of the kit. He grabbed some of the shadow wolf meat from his inventory and set it on a cutting board, the raw cuts gleaming faintly as though the meat itself held residual energy. The spices and oil were laid out beside it, the rich aromas offering a comforting normalcy amidst the strange night.
As he worked, an idea struck him. The faint glow of the burner reminded him of the energy he now carried within himself. What if he infused more mana into the cooking process? It wasn’t something he’d ever tried before, but considering his new abilities, it felt like an intriguing experiment.
With a smirk, he concentrated, channeling a steady stream of mana into the burner. The blue flame brightened, taking on a faint reddish hue, almost matching the glow of his hair. As the wolf meat sizzled on the pan, he extended the energy further, imagining it seeping into the food itself.
The meat began to caramelize, releasing an aroma that was richer and more intense than he expected. He sprinkled on some of the spices, their scent mingling with the mana-infused heat to create an almost intoxicating fragrance.
“Well, this is either going to taste amazing or kill me,” Azriel joked to himself, flipping the meat carefully. The sizzling sound was oddly soothing, a rare moment of calm after the storm of his transformation. He leaned back for a moment, watching the meat cook and feeling an odd sense of accomplishment.
Azriel flipped the sizzling wolf meat with a flourish, watching the juices sear and caramelize in the pan. The mana-enhanced spices filled the cave with a mouthwatering aroma, and a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t help himself; the absurdity of the moment needed a punchline.
“Call me Meowscular Chef,” he said with a smirk, mimicking a flex as he sprinkled a dash of glowing salt over the meat, “because I’m out here cooking monsters.” Then, a sudden system notification appeared in his vision, and he opened the system window.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Congratulations, you have gained a new [Path]
[Monster Cook]
[Monster Cook]
* Monster Cooks are culinary artisans who specialize in preparing meals from the spoils of their hunts. They understand the properties of monstrous ingredients and unlock their latent potential through expert preparation. Whether roasting a dragon steak or brewing a wyvern broth, their meals enhance their allies while showcasing the Monster Cook's daring creativity.
* +15 Intellect per Level
* +10 free points every time this Path levels up.
Growth Methods:
* Defeating Monsters
* Slaying creatures provide a base amount of XP, but you gain a bonus when harvesting ingredients or cooking meals using parts of the defeated monster.
* Cooking Meals
* Preparing dishes, especially those with buffs or unique effects, rewards XP.
* Discovering Recipes
* Experimenting with ingredients or finding rare recipes rewards you with XP. Recipes involving legendary or exotic ingredients provide greater rewards.
*
* Feeding Allies
* Meals that empower allies during combat or exploration will contribute to your experience. If an ally achieves a critical success, deals significant damage, or avoids harm due to a meal’s buff, you gain increased XP.
New Skills Acquired:
* Harvesting Expertise
* The Monster Cook knows how to extract the most valuable and useful parts from defeated monsters. You gain increased loot from monster harvestings, such as rare ingredients, materials, and unique cooking components. At higher levels, the Monster Cook identifies even hidden or magical properties in ingredients.
* Gourmet’s Buffs
* Meals prepared by the Monster Cook grant unique buffs to allies. Buff durations increase, and effects become more potent or multi-faceted as the Monster Cook levels up.
Azriel blinked at the screen, then tilted his head in disbelief. He stared at the notification for a long moment before sighing and closing the window with a deliberate flick.
“I’m not even going to ask how or why,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I make one meal, and suddenly I’m a master chef? Sure, why not? Maybe next time I’ll unlock a [Path] for folding laundry.”
With a huff, he turned his attention back to his makeshift camp. The smell of his cooking still lingered, and despite the absurdity of his new Path, he couldn’t deny the satisfaction of a well-prepared meal.
Azriel cut into the wolf steak with one of the utensils from his cooking set, a faint trail of steam escaping as the blade sliced through the meat with surprising ease. The steak’s surface glistened with a subtle sheen of mana, the oils and spices he had infused during cooking forming a delicate crust.
He lifted the first piece to his mouth, hesitated briefly, then popped it in.
The flavor hit him immediately, and a rush of rich, savory essence carried the wild, untamed power of the shadow wolf. It was unlike anything he’d tasted before, a perfect balance of robust gaminess and a subtle, smoky undertone. The mana he’d infused seemed to heighten the flavors, adding a unique depth that bordered on ethereal.
Hints of the spices danced on his tongue: a sharp, peppery heat followed by a soothing, earthy sweetness. The oil added a buttery smoothness, while the meat itself was tender yet substantial, with just enough chew to remind him it came from a beast of formidable power.
“Wow…” Azriel muttered, eyes widening as he chewed. The flavors continued to evolve with every bite, leaving behind a tingling sensation that spread through his body, a lingering warmth that was both comforting and refreshing.
It wasn’t just delicious. It was transformative, as though the wolf’s ferocity and raw energy had been distilled into a meal.
After he finished eating, he packed away his utensils and extinguished the mana-powered flame. He leaned forward and slid into his bedroll. He took off his armor and boots, tossing them into his inventory with a swipe of his hand. The fabric of the enchanted Dream Sheep bedroll enveloped him in warmth, soft as clouds.
“Whatever tomorrow brings…” Azriel murmured as his eyelids grew heavy, “At least I’ll face it on a full stomach.”
In moments, he was out cold, the stars overhead casting a faint glow into the quiet cave.
***
The campfire crackled softly, its orange glow casting dancing shadows around the group. The circle of adventurers sat on logs and stones, sharing stories of the day’s trials and triumphs. Despite the exhaustion that clung to them, there was a warmth in the air—not just from the fire but from the camaraderie forming among them.
Evie’s voice carried over the murmurs as she gave her version of events, blending praise with scolding for Darius.
“You can’t just throw out every spell you know like that! You’re going to burn through your mana before it really matters.” She sighed, gesturing emphatically with her hands while Darius sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
“I was improvising!” he protested weakly. “Besides, it worked, didn’t it?”
“Barely. You’re lucky Devin was there to back you up.” Evie said while fixing him with a glare.
Devin, sitting a little apart from the group, worked with quiet focus. The forge construct he’d conjured glowed faintly, its edges sharp and efficient. With a simple gesture, it flared to life, emitting heat and light as he began shaping a piece of metal. Sparks danced in the air as his hammer struck the glowing bar, filling the camp with a rhythmic, metallic ringing.
Nearby, Harper and Eliza were joking with each other, laughter erupting between them every so often. Harper made exaggerated gestures as he recounted something ridiculous, and Eliza leaned in, her eyes alight with amusement as she bantered back.
Katsumi, however, remained detached from the lightheartedness. She sat slightly away from the others, her gaze fixed on the night sky. Her staff rested across her lap, its runes glowing, catching it faintly reacting to the stars above. The forest’s mana was alive tonight, weaving through the air like a silent melody only she could hear.
She closed her eyes, her breathing slowing as she let herself feel the flow of energy. It was everywhere, crackling in the fire, vibrating in the earth beneath her, whispering through the trees. The stars above seemed to pulse in time with the rhythm, filling her with a strange mixture of serenity and purpose.
Katsumi opened her eyes, glancing back at her companions. She saw the bonds forming among them: Harper nudged Eliza playfully, Devin’s determination was mirrored in Darius’s admiration, and Evie’s leadership kept them grounded.
Katsumi held a long, ornately carved staff. Its surface was covered in intricate, glowing runes that pulsated faintly as she gripped it. The staff's head was adorned with a crystal orb that shimmered with the soft glow of gathered mana. She absentmindedly traced the runes with her fingers, the glow intensifying slightly under her touch.
Her gaze remained fixed on the sky, her mind attuned to the forest's ambient energy. The staff resonated gently in her hands, a subtle hum aligning with the natural mana currents around her. It was as though the forest itself was breathing through her weapon, feeding her thoughts as she reflected on their journey.
Harper approached Katsumi, his movements casual but his concern evident.
"You okay, God-sister?" Harper asked, her tone light but genuine as she plopped down beside her.
Katsumi gave a soft laugh, leaning her staff against her shoulder.
"I’m fine, Harper. I just wished we had a cook at our party, though. I could go for something better than these rations." Her lips curled into a teasing smile.
"You and your appetite, Katsumi. I’ll keep that in mind next time we recruit someone. ‘Must cook a mean stew’ will be top of the requirements list." Harper chuckled, shaking her head.
They shared a laugh that broke the tension lingering in the air. After a moment, Harper’s expression turned more serious, his gaze following Katsumi’s toward the sky.
"But seriously, don’t worry too much about that astral mana we felt earlier. Devin and Evie think it’s nothing we can’t handle. Plus, we’ve got you."
Katsumi sighed, resting her chin on her hand.
"It’s not about handling it, Harper. It’s about understanding it. Astral mana doesn’t just show up for no reason. But…" She shook her head with a faint smile. "I’ll drop it for now. Thanks for checking in."
[Arcane Insight] is now Level 25
"Anytime, God-sister. Now, come on, you’re missing out on Darius trying to explain why fireballing a tree was tactically genius." Harper grinned and nudged her shoulder.
Katsumi let out a soft sigh, releasing the tension in her shoulders. She reached for her staff, gripping it tightly as though drawing strength from the smooth, familiar wood. Closing her eyes for a moment, she centered herself, the flow of mana around her easing into a gentle rhythm.
When she opened her eyes, her gaze found Harper’s warm smile, and she couldn’t help but smile back.
“Alright, God-sister, let’s see what chaos Darius is stirring up this time.”
Harper laughed, standing and offering her a hand. “That’s the spirit! Come on, you can help me back him up or at least keep Evie from throwing her shoe at him.”
Katsumi took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. As they walked back toward the campfire, the lively sounds of their group grew louder. Eliza was leaning into Harper’s earlier quip, teasing Darius about his “innovative” battle strategies, while Devin hammered away at something in his conjured forge, the rhythmic clangs punctuating the conversation. Katsumi slipped into the circle, and Evie immediately noted her presence, giving her a knowing glance.
“All good?” Evie asked softly, her scolding of Darius momentarily paused.
“All good. Just needed a moment.” Katsumi nodded, settling in beside her.
“Glad you’re back,” Evie said with a smile before turning her attention back to Darius. “Now, where was I? Oh, right, tactical genius, my foot!”
As the group laughed and bantered, Katsumi found herself relaxing, the warmth of their camaraderie seeping into her. The astral mana and the worries it brought were still there, lingering at the edges of her mind, but for now, she let herself enjoy the moment grounded by the people around her.
***
Rena sat by the faint light of the dwindling campfire, her frail body trembling with each cough. She held Yuki close, gently stroking her daughter’s silken hair as the girl slept soundly against her chest. Yuki’s peaceful face was a stark contrast to the storm of worry and sadness swirling in Rena's heart.
Another cough wracked her body, and Rena’s free hand clutched at her chest. She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her time slipping away. She whispered, her voice trembling but resolute.
“Goddess of the Guardians,” she began, the words carrying her hope and desperation. “Please… send someone, anyone, to protect her. She’s all I have, all I’ve ever lived for. Don’t let her face this world alone.”
Her vision blurred with tears, but her hand continued its soothing rhythm through Yuki’s hair. She looked up to the sky; her whispered prayer echoing through the silence of the night.
“Give her someone strong… someone kind… someone who will see her light and protect it.”
The fire flickered, and for a fleeting moment, Rena thought she felt a warmth beyond the flames, as though the Goddess herself had heard her plea. A faint smile graced her lips as she pressed a kiss to Yuki's forehead.
“Stay strong, my little star,” she murmured before resting her head back, her breath evening out, though her time was drawing nearer.
***
High above the mortal plane, the Goddess of the Guardians sat within her celestial domain, her essence radiating compassion and strength. Rena's prayer reached her like a delicate thread of light, its desperation tugging at her heart. She paused her eternal vigil, her gaze softening as she peered into the world below.
Through the shimmering veil, she saw Rena, frail yet resolute, cradling her child with a love so profound it pierced even the divine. The Goddess extended her hand, weaving her celestial threads into the tapestry of fate. Her fingers danced, and the threads wove a path toward an unusual soul, a soul she recognized as belonging to the Outworlder.
In another corner of the forest, Azriel slept near his campfire, unaware of the divine gaze upon him. The Goddess observed his journey, his battles, his awakening, and the unyielding resolve that burned within him. This mortal had faced very few trials but knew he would endure; his heart bore the spark of a guardian, one who could shelter Yuki from the storms ahead.
The Goddess smiled, her voice carrying through the astral plane as she began to write. With each stroke, a quest began to take form:
----------------------------------------
[Divine Quest Sent]
Guardian’s Light
A prayer has reached the heavens, pleading for a protector. A young girl, Yuki, needs a guiding hand and a shield to guard her from the shadows threatening to consume her future. Will you answer the call?
* Protect Yuki from harm.
* Ensure her safe passage through the trials ahead.
* Fulfill the dying wish of her mother.
Reward:
* A blessing from the Goddess of the Guardians.
* A Celestial Essence.
* ???
----------------------------------------
The quest shimmered in Azriel’s system as the Goddess sent it with the rising dawn in mind. She whispered, her words carrying across realms.
“You are chosen, Outworlder. Prove that your strength is not just in battle but in compassion. When the sun rises, you will be her shield, her guide, her guardian.”
Satisfied, the Goddess leaned back, her gaze lingering on Rena and Yuki. She offered a silent blessing over them as the first light of dawn began to paint the horizon, signaling that fate was already in motion.