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"How did this happen? Why do you reek of alcohol. Are you drunk?" Jack was the first to interview the reporter.
"Ace, they were testing me. They told me I have no taste. They questioned my ability to make proper judgements. Please defend my honour, friend. I am in this deep. All you have to do is cook. You love to cook."
"So, you were taunted. That doesn't seem like you." Stella clearly disappointed in the reporter.
"Yea basically. Let me explain what really happened.
***
Earlier today...
William was sitting at the bar counter. Tana brought him a freshly cooked burger with crispy fried potatoes. His mouth sprung water, his nostrils flared and returned multiple times in an attempted to drag more of the sizzling fragrance into his olfactory nerve.
"Thank you so much Mrs. Lantana. I will thoroughly enjoy this."
"I know you will. You have been ordering it for the last three days."
"I really can't get enough. Compliments to your chef."
"That would be the one bringing you the burger. We cook it but Tana developed the recipe. She is the best," the cook happily bellowed from a window to the kitchen.
"Very nice! You should meet my friend. He will be here soon. He is an amazing cook. I wonder what he would do with this burger." William took a large bite causing the unabsorbed juices to drip on the plate.
"I would really like to give it—" Tana started.
"I'm sure it could be good, but it wouldn't be better than this burger." The cook making his stance known.
"I understand what you are saying," William responded with an awkward chuckle. "He is a really good cook though. I think with this—"
"Doesn't matter. Didn't you hear me? Tana...is...the...best." The chef's tone had a growl now.
"Now, now Chuck. It is okay. He is just trying to say his friend can cook too."
"Yea but Tana, he is saying something dumb. There is no way that his friend is a better cook."
"Dumb?" William felt his blood pressure begin to climb. "I believe he is the better cook."
"Is he a professional? Is that what his ledger says?"
"No, not that I know of. He was a lumberjack before I believe."
"Then there is no way that an amateur chef can beat our Tana. Didn't you say you were reporter? How can you be a reporter when you can't even understand facts?"
"What?"
"Oye, Chuck. What's going on over there." A man across the bar butted in.
"This guy thinks his friend can cook better than Tana."
"No way. What is he thinking?"
"And get this. He is a reporter!" The chef erupted with a contagious laughter that gripped the other man.
"A reporter? I wouldn't read anything written by someone with garbage taste!" The crowd caught the laugh.
"Hey guys that's harsh! Stop it! I am sorry for how they—" Tana said.
"Ohhh, why don't we find out, huh! I hear you guys are famous for duels. I am sure he can beat this rookie cook here at any dish she chooses. What do you say? You scared? Huh? Huh? Wimp!" William aggressively twisted his head left and right, his eyes bulging.
Tana strengthened her jaw, and her hand had a slight tremble. "What are you a child! I am no wimp! I will take anyone on! 5 o' clock. Town Square. We will make the same Venison Burger and a side dish. You better be ready you glorified scribe!"
"Scribe! I will write an article about how we crush you and let this whole village know how you are a loser. No! I will let the entire empire know! Muwahahah! Ahhhh! Be careful." Tana accidentally spilled William's beer on his lap.
"I am so sorry. Ah, let me get a rag. Gosh, I am so sorry."
"That's okay, accidents happen."
***
"That is what happened." William nodded his head, waiting for the crew to understand his plight.
"Nope, you did this to yourself." Stella began walking away.
"Sorry William. I am with Stella on this one." Jack walked behind his friend. Luna followed behind him. The corner of William's mouth curled into a frown.
"I will help. Sounds like fun. It is the closest to a real battle that I will get." Ace grinned at his friend. William was being brought to tears. "You mentioned that this village likes duels. What is that about? Also, spot me a cigarette."
"Let's walk and talk so we won't be late. With the collection of adventurers and hunters, it came with a lot of ego as well. A lot of newbies want to prove their stuff, fight for placements in groups, or fight for certain hunting days or locations. It isn't acknowledged by the government officials in the village, but they don't object. It has become a form of entertainment for the people, so everyone tries to make it work. Most of the time it is one on one fights, but it can be team battles, or challenges such as cards or in our case a cooking competition."
"What are the rules?" Ace asked.
"We will find out when we get there."
The crew entered the village with no outside walls. Large buildings stood on the edge, and it looked like the buildings become smaller and smaller as they approach the centre. There just seemed to be one large building set just off to the side of the town square, the town centre. It was large, but that made sense since a lot of new people would have to go there for ledgers and information. The town square was an open area with a hard orange dirt pressed flat for the flooring. A huge tree with large sprawling branches covered the entire town square with shade. Its winding branches spread over a few close by buildings as well. The sunlight peeking through created a magical feeling that created butterflies in Jack's stomach.
"This village is gorgeous. The architecture is a bit weird though. Why are there so many large buildings towards the edge, and why is there no protective walls?" Jack asked the crew while inching their way through the crowd surrounding the tree.
"The population keeps growing, so many guild houses have been expanding or forming towards the edge of the city. They say that's why they can't put up walls, but I heard that it is so animals can wander close by, and they can hunt freely while claiming it is for the protection of the town. This lets them bypass some of the hunting laws and hopefully keeps Virgo away."
"There you are! Are you ready? Everyone is patiently waiting, let's get you on stage. Which one is the cook?" A silver haired man wearing a blazer and bow tie dragged William forward, who in turn, took Ace's hand.
The older gentleman took them to a wooden stage built three steps off the ground and attached to the massive trunk of the tree. He guided Ace and William to one of the empty stations fitted with a grill, metal tub, and large counter space, before proceeding to grab a metal rod that was attached to a rectangular box via a chain that rested against the tree. A metal rod in the rectangular box came with a large CLANK when pushed. The final switch was engaged when the man simply placed his hand on it, the machine coming to life with a constant, WHOOSH. The rod separate from the box was glowing green between the loop that was at the top.
"Good day people of Evergreen Village!" The man's voice travelled far and wide. Jack stumbled. His mouth opened enough to fit a small creature. Jack looked over to see Ace with the exact expression on his face. They both pouted to the man.
"This expression is priceless." Stella couldn't hold back her laugh. "It is called an amplifier. It a mimic tool, or Syng Tool. It has become popular a couple years ago, but I suppose they are hard to get. They are mostly found in kingdoms and cities. I am not sure how it works, but there is something called a Synthetic Gem that remembers a spell, like a Divine Gem, but it can only create up to class two spells and can't be rewritten like a Divine Gem. William's Ground Glider works with the same thing."
"That is so cool."
"Boff! Boff! Boff!" The crowd was ecstatic. Jack never saw his village unite so happily for anything.
"We gather under to Southern Magnolia Tree once again to witness the clash of knives. The heated competition of stove warriors. The battle of two amateur chefs. The TIMEEEEEEEE is NOWWWWWW! Introducing the challenger from afar." Mr. Boff leaned to the side. "What's your name?"
"Ace."
"Ace The Taste!"
"Ha! I love this guy's energy." Ace slapped William on the shoulder.
"And now, we have the hometown hero. The one you all have been waiting for. Miss—"
The crowd erupted into cheers. A few were outright screaming. Jack, Stella, Luna and especially Tenny had to cover their ears. Why are they behaving this way? A bad feeling punched Jack directly in the gut.
"Calm down! Calm down! The one you all have been waiting for...Miss Kyouko, The New Divine Gem, Lantana!"
The woman that walked on stage seemed to be a bit older than Jack. Probably 301 or 302 years younger than her opponent. She was shorter than Ace ass well, and had long flowing black hair. Her skin was a tanned honey as smooth as can be. Three black dots were evenly spaced just under her silver iris left eye. A long flowing blue skirt and a white rolled up long sleeve top was what she chose to be wearing for this battle. A large confident grin draped across her face.
"Oh, I forgot to mention she is extremely beautiful and well liked in the village," William whispered to his champion.
"The competition was confirmed earlier today. They will be making a Venison Burger with a side dish. The Venison was graciously supplied by the local tavern and the wonderful hunting guild, Wolves Blood." Stella released a chuckle at the tacky name. Her eyes widened when she noticed Jack's eyes were sparkling at, hopefully not, the name. "The competitors will have to prepare this dish to the first 100 people in line. The individuals will then drop a red marble if they think Ace wins, in this box. If they believe Tana wins, then a blue marble will be placed in the box. The trick to this competition is that competitors will have to acquire the rest of their ingredients. The equipment and other cooking utensils are already placed at the station. Anything besides stealing is allowed. Now will the competitors shake hands."
"I guess you are the one that William was talking about. I am sorry it has come to this, but I don't plan on losing."
"I look forward to the challenge. It should be fun, Miss." Ace smiled.
"Tana, you can call me Tana. It will be quite the challenge. Quite the en-deer-vour- indeed."
The entire audience went silent in an almost alarming fashion. The shaking of their heads from left to right was synchronised to a rhythm of disappointment. The whispers mentioning Tana's fatal flaw filled the crowd and only lead to her sporting an awkward grin. To everyone's surprise, Ace and Tenny burst into loud laughter that brought the crowd back to normal. Tana's cheeks glowing like fire mimics.
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"Start!"
The crew ran on stage to greet their mentor slicing the venison smaller. William completely out of the way.
"What are you going to do about the ingredients?" Stella questioned.
"Um, I think I will be fine. Tenny, go back to the temple and ask Lyon on their methods of getting salt. We are going to need a fair amount of salt. Also, I grab me as much of these seasonings that you can find, along with cabbage and carrots. Tell Lyon we don't need much and for the three of them to come by and have a taste."
"Got it. I'll be right back." Tenny vanished from the countertop.
"The only problem is the bread."
"I noticed that villagers brought some of their bread for Tana. We can ask them for help," Jack said.
"It's worth a try." Ace began seasoning some of the cuts with salt from his bag.
"We will be right back. Luna, you can stay here and help Ace with anything." The young girl nodded her head at her sister's request and began cutting slices of meat with a dark blade emitting from her palm. The sight made Jack feel nervous for some reason. He looked over to see Tana being assisted by quite a few people in aprons, probably chefs from the Tavern. Jack and Stella bolt off.
***
The pair split up. Jack dashed through the streets. The buildings were small and similar to the two other villages he has seen. The difference came in the use of stone bricks interlaid into walkways and creating random arches. It seemed like nothing had an order or reason, they were just being placed all over. It reminded Jack of when his village was damaged by the explosion, walking through the streets back then and seeing materials and parts of buildings all over the place being built back up. However, these building components were attaching to already finished structures. The buildings that didn't have any work was the massive guild buildings that Jack could spot from anywhere in town. The sun dipping behind them gave Jack this ominous feeling, like this town was being swallowed up.
Jack noticed a window open. He dashed to the house. "Hello, is anyone there. I would like to ask for help."
"What can I do for you young man?" An aged gentleman answered the door.
"Excuse me sir, I am sorry to bother you, but my friend is in a duel. We were wondering if you can spare any bread."
"Oh, it is you guys who is taking on our Tana. Sorry young one, we have already lent our resources to your competitor."
"Even if we did have, we wouldn't have gave you none anyway. Serves you right for even thinking about taking on our sweet girl." An old lady emerged to berate Jack before slamming the door shut.
The rest of houses he went to all gave the same impression. They were fools for challenging Tana. She was the sweetest. She was hard working. She was stunning. If only she stopped with her terrible jokes. Tana was the best thing since sliced bread. Damn, slice bread would be great now. He doubted that Stella was having any luck on her side. It was obvious that no one wanted them to win. Tana is the greatest foe Jack has faced yet. She may be the one to take down his mentor. No! He can't give up yet. The town hall must have resources. Maybe they haven't delivered all resources yet.
Jack dashed into the office. It was built like the town hall back home. The exact structure just larger. Jack used to submit and collect his dad and his own ledger every week. Sometimes he would do it for Ace as well.
"Hello, how may I help you?" A soft-spoken man with glasses greeted from beyond the counter. "Are you here for a village ledger."
"No, well not yet. I will have to come by later with the rest of my friends, but I was wondering if I can have access to flour if you haven't shipped it out yet."
"I am sorry, but we won't be able to help you. The ledgers for today have already been fulfilled."
"I know, but this was a last-minute competition. It is to feed the people. Please. I promise the food will be worth it."
"That is none of my business young man. I already..."
"What seems to be the problem here." A middle-aged woman with her hair tied in a tight bun stepped out from an office.
"Nothing is the problem. This young man is being unreasonable at the moment."
"Ma'am. Me and my friends are in a bind. We just arrived and we got roped into a cooking competition. If we had known that we had to gather ingredients, then we wouldn't have accepted, or at least we would have brought some more things from Nectar Village. I am sor..."
"Nectar Village! Were you there when they brought down Eclipse? I saw that William had entered the Village, but I didn't get time to speak to him. I wanted to inquire more about that scenario. Maybe, you can help. Do you have information about The Hummingbird, or The Ice Queen?"
"Um. I do know the Ice Queen, and I also happen to be The Hummingbird." Jack gave an awkward chuckle. Both officials had their jaw drop slightly.
"Your little jokes are not—" the gentleman began.
"Wait. Brown hair. Headband. It might be him. Let me see your ledger. Jack...Sidra...adventurer. I'll be damned. It is The Hummingbird. What can we help you with?"
"I was wondering if we could gain access to flour if it hasn't been shipped. It is to feed to people of the village. We just got caught up in a duel."
"Well, if it's for a duel, then how do you plan to make the bread?"
"I didn't think that far, but I am sure my teacher will have an answer."
"All of you are here? Let's make a deal." The sly smile made Jack feel uneasy. "We will bake the bread and bring it for you in...let's see...2 hours. In return, I want you to start a hunters or adventurers' guild in town."
"Start a guild? What would we have to do?"
"Nothing besides starting the paperwork. Evergreen village has been growing a lot lately. We have been trying to get accepted as a Kingdom. If we have up and coming talent like the ones who stopped Eclipse as members of the village, then it can make the process simpler. What do you say?"
"Sure. Once it doesn't require us to stay in the village forever."
"That's no problem, it is just your name that we need. We also would like a name to your guild."
"Ummm, can I get some more time."
"I would like to submit the paperwork today. Just in case you back out of your word."
"What if you back out of yours?"
"Then you can just close the guild."
"True. Ummmm. I guess we can go with—" Jack paused before mumbling, "Lunar Eclipse."
"I didn't quite catch that."
"Lunar Eclipse."
The official struggled to catch her breath. "That is bold. I like it. Well, Mr. Sidra, a deal is a deal. We will bring it to the town square as soon as we can. How many do we need?"
"100...120 burgers."
"Done deal."
***
Jack rushed back, using a roof top to shorten the time. Stella had already made it back and was cutting cabbages. Jack didn't like the expression on her face.
"I got the bread! It will take 2 hours."
"Thank you!" Ace yelled in a hustle. Sweat pouring down his face as he continued seasoning the deer.
"How did you manage that. Every house I stopped by ended up insulting me for thinking we can go against their divine hero, Tana. What could make her so special? I don't even know her yet and she gets on my nerves. I never thought William would be on the correct side of this." Stella pouting as her hands moved at deadly speeds. Jack felt sorry for the cabbages. He couldn't imagine what was running through her mind with each cut.
"I think it's gem, but ummm...The town hall offered to make bread for us and deliver it in 2 hours." Jack laughed awkwardly as his words caught the attention of his teammates. "I just had to start an adventurers' guild."
"Huh? That is weird. What did you name it?" William inquired.
"Lunar Eclipse."
Stella's knife embedded into the table. "What?"
Ace was dying with laughter. "Good on you, Jack. That is a bold name."
"I am sorry! They told me they need a name now, and...and...and I panicked. Ace keeps...you know...saying it...and...and...I just blurted it out."
Stella laughed at her frantic friend. She tossed him a cabbage and he joined her quick hands. The time was ticking. Ace decided not to cook the venison and potatoes until it got closer till time for the bread. They continued to cut and make a salad with the fresh vegetables Tenny was returning with. Tenny was the saving grace for the entire competition. He first brought all the seasoning Ace needed. Salt, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, and cilantro. He then brought tomatoes, cabbages, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and limes. He was now sound asleep under the counter. Ace proceeded to make a green sauce using the fresh herbs. They prepped the toppings for the burgers and seasoned the venison. Salted and coated with herbs and rubbed in with oil. Cooked on a medium heat grill for 15 minutes. Ace was handling the grill, while Luna started organising the plates, and William was maintaining the fire to keep the grill at the temperature they wanted. Jack worked the fryer, until the fries were golden brown before passing them to Stella. She managed a large bowl tossing the fries in a seasoned blend.
The grilled deer from both stations filled the square with a strong savoury smell. It mixed with a warm smell that reminded Stella of a troubling recent experience. She looked over to see the crowd being parted and trays of fresh baked bread making its way to the them. William twisted his expression at the disapproving sounds coming from the other station. The crowd muttering their own interpretation of this action. Close behind them were a group of sweaty individuals all wielding weapons. Whispers immediately silenced in a wave as they passed. Jack wondered if it was their smell.
"What do we have here?" Red long spiked hair draped over the smiling man. He didn't wear a shirt. Scars were drawn on all visible body parts. One running from the corner of his hairline, across his face.
"Looks like they are cooking something, Chief."
"It looks like we are going to get some of Kyouko's cooking tonight. Aren't you excited boys?" the red-haired warrior howled.
"Sorry to break it to you Saber," Tana interjected. Jack and Stella stifled a laugh. "The people were waiting before you. You are always welcome at the tavern when you bring your ledgers."
"I'm sure no one else here has a prob—"
"Beats Ace," William whispered in a mocking tone.
The entire crew bust out laughing this time. Everyone minus the Little Reaper.
"Something funny there, moustache?"
"Sorry, these guys were saying Saber is better name than Ace." The crew stifled their laughs again. "But I have to admit that we both have kind of dumb names. Who gave you your nickname?"
The chief's eyes narrowed. His mouth barely changed shape, but the frustration was evident.
"Shut up! Saber has always been Saber. Since I knew him." His blue haired, skinny subordinate informed them.
"Oh no. Does that mean you gave yourself that name?" Ace chimed back. That was tipping point. The crew's laughter was infectious enough that the other villagers began to chuckle.
"Now you all find something funny? I can show you all something to laugh at!" All the muscles in his arms tensed. His neck strained.
"There is no reason to be afraid everyone. That is The Hummingbird and the Ice Queen up there. You can stop acting like a tough guy, Saber!" The woman official announced to the crowd. Jack looked around anxiously. Stella looked proud of her nickname for the first time. She was probably just ready for a fight.
"Oh, the new heroes. I like the idea of a fight. Bring it on." A red orb grew in his hand.
"What do you guys want to do?" Ace questioned.
"I wouldn't mind putting him in his place," Stella answered.
"I'm not sure how strong he is, but I want to stop him from scaring the people," Jack answered.
"I would like to challenge you to a duel!" Ace exclaimed. "Did I do that right?"
"Yea, yea you are all good," William supported.
"And who are you?" Saber asked.
"I am the teacher of the Hummingbird and new teacher to the Ice Queen. Let's just say, I am the best of the best." Ace placed a hand on the chief's shoulder after appearing behind him. "I have the offer of a lifetime."
The entire crowd gasped. Jack saw the muscles on Saber release tension. Stella didn't like this. Every time Ace talks to a bad guy, there are risks.
"I don't want to fight you," the chief responded.
"Oh no, I am not fighting. I want to give you the fight you wanted. A fight between either one of them. The Ice Princess or The Hummingbird is all yours in a one-on-one fight. If you win, then I will join your guild. I can make you guys the strongest guild in the empire by being there. I can even train you guys."
The chief thought about it for a short time. He calmly answered, "I can accept that. What do I have to offer?"
"Just leave everyone alone tonight. Go back home and be ready for the fight tomorrow. There are no stakes for you once you leave quietly."
"I accept your terms. Tomorrow at 4pm. Right here in the square. No mimics, just a fight." The hunters retreated to the crowd.
"Let's eat some burgers!" Ace threw his hands in the air. The crowd cheered once again. Tana couldn't help but smile after shaking her head.
One by one the citizens tasted the hot, aromatic burgers. Jack thought things looked good. Their faces lit up with the bites, but Tana received a thumbs up with every taste.
"It looks like it will be close." Lyon walked to Ace's station with the twins.
"Hey, how long have you guys been here. I placed your burgers under the covers there. They gave us quite a bit extra."
"Yes! Two meals from Ace in the same day." List tore into his burger. His sister not hesitating either.
"I was here long enough to see that little challenge you issued. You guys going to be okay?"
"I think so. These guys are strong," Ace said while placing his hands on his pupil's shoulders.
"Could have fooled me!" Lynn sticking her tongue out at Stella.
"They have a point. Oh no. I may be in danger. Don't let me go you guys." Ace pouted.
"You done this to yourself. I don't even think I want to fight anymore. How about you Jack?"
"I'm starting to think Saber might be a good guy. I guess Ace will find out soon." Jack scratched his chin. Even Lyon joined in on laughing at the moustache's expense.
"William you better not be laughing. I am in this mess because of you."
"The ballots have been casted. It looks like...a domination by the blue team. Kyouko Lantana wins with 92 votes." Mr. Boff announced. The crowd was not as happy as the crew thought they would be. They just quickly filed out.
The opposing team came baring huge grins as they should. Their walks displayed an unwavering swagger. It was well deserved. Tana walked up with her hand extended. Ace welcomed the gesture.
"Told you I would win." Her smile was bright. It felt heart-warming. William was the only one who seemed to be sad about losing.
"You did. I am glad my defeat came at the hands of someone so en-deering." The entire crew covered their eyes in embarrassment. The opposing team was blown away. The silvered eye chef was glowing red.
"That was a good one. Um. Thank you for getting rid of those brutes for the evening. They really have been causing a bit of trouble recently."
"No need to thank me. My friends wanted to fight, and I got caught up in the spirit of competition thanks to my troublesome reporter. Speaking of competition, we made enough burgers for you guys. Dig in."
"We did the same. Hold on. I'll go grab them."
The tavern chefs took a bite into the burgers. Their face distorted. That wasn't the reaction the crew was hoping for. The chefs exchanging strong looks. They jumped at the return of their friend.
"Here you go." The crew all took bites. Ace gave his burger for the twins to share. William split his for Lyon, and Stella and Jack both took half for their sleeping friend and mentor respectively. Their faces surprised when they took a bite. Stella's eyes locked onto Ace's. Ace shook his head and then locked eyes with William. William about to open his mouth when Jack kicked him in the shin.
"What is up with those reactions. You are making me think it taste bad or something. I can't wait to try yours." Tana picked up the burger from the table before Ace smashed it into the ground. Her hands now holding an invisible sandwich, and her eyes opened in disbelief.
"I am so sorry. A massive fly sat on it. I panicked. Aww, I can't let that go to waste. I will feed it to some animals."
"Oh, okay. Well, I will see you guys around." Tana awkwardly made her way through the sentence, while being dragged away. She turned to continue her walk on her own and yell at her friends.
"You are a strange one, Ace." Lyon expressed to his friend. William sulked.
"That doesn't matter. I am sure everyone knows your taste aren't bad now, Willy. Lyon, I wanted your help with something if you don't mind."
"What can I do for you?"
"We are going to see a Dark Wolf."
"Now?" Jack panicked.