As the recruits caught their breath from their first trial, Zhang Ye's expression remained unreadable. The beasts were satisfied, but this was only the beginning. He let the silence drag for a moment before finally speaking.
"Well done. You survived the Trial of the Four Paths. But a chef's true test isn't just about one good dish—it's about consistency. A single meal won't win a war. If you can't keep up under pressure, then you're nothing but a one-hit wonder."
The recruits' faces paled. They had just gone through the most grueling cooking challenge of their lives, and he was already telling them they weren't done?
Kai wiped the sweat from his brow. "You've got to be kidding me. You mean we have to—"
"Keep cooking," Zhang Ye interrupted. He gestured toward a massive beast pen on the far side of the academy. Inside were twice as many beasts as before, their eyes filled with hunger. "This time, you're not cooking for just a few beasts. You're feeding an entire army."
The recruits stiffened.
Linna narrowed her eyes. "So, what's the twist this time?"
Zhang Ye smirked. "Simple. You have three hours to prepare a continuous feast. The rules are different now. The beasts will grow hungrier and more aggressive if they aren't fed in time. Fail to keep up, and the entire academy might be overrun."
A system notification rang in Zhang Ye's mind.
[Feast of Endurance Trial Unlocked]
[Objective: Prepare a continuous flow of high-quality dishes under increasing time pressure.]
[Failure Penalty: Beasts will break through containment and attack the academy.]
The recruits gasped as the gates to the beast pen slowly creaked open. The first wave of monsters stalked forward, their mouths already drooling.
The trial had begun.
Cooking Under Fire
Battle Cuisine Disciples:
Kai and his team had no time to think. They immediately started preparing fast, high-energy dishes that could be cooked while moving.
One recruit tossed a massive slab of Inferno Bear Meat onto a blazing pan, using the heat from his own battle aura to sear it instantly. Another diced vegetables at high speed, tossing them into a spicy broth that enhanced physical strength.
Kai himself grabbed a Titan Ox Rib, balancing it on his shoulders while flipping a wok with his other hand. "Hurry it up! We need to keep the portions coming or we'll be swarmed!"
The first wave of beasts lunged forward, their hunger growing. The recruits worked at breakneck speed, tossing dishes toward them just in time to prevent an attack.
The pressure was unrelenting.
Weaponized Cooking Disciples:
Linna's team took a more aggressive approach. Instead of just feeding the beasts, they used food as both a deterrent and a defense.
One disciple crafted Firecracker Meatballs, throwing them into the air where they detonated, releasing a spicy cloud that momentarily disoriented the more aggressive creatures.
Linna herself worked on a batch of Pressure Wave Dumplings, carefully wrapping them in a thin, explosive dough. The moment a beast tried to bite one, it would burst, creating a force strong enough to push the creature back.
It wasn't just about cooking—it was warfare through food.
Alchemy Cooking Disciples:
Elira's team focused on maintaining a steady supply of energy-restoring meals. They prepared Essence Porridge, a dish made from Spirit Rice that rapidly restored stamina.
One disciple was tasked with brewing Calm-Mind Tea, which released a soothing aroma that kept the beasts from going completely berserk. It didn't fully stop their hunger, but it slowed their aggression, buying time for the others.
At one point, an injured Steel-Fang Tiger roared in pain, nearly breaking through the ranks. Elira's team quickly prepared a Medicinal Beast Stew, pouring it into a wooden bowl and offering it.
The tiger sniffed, then cautiously lapped it up. Within moments, its wounds began to close, and its rage subsided.
Gastronomic Healing Disciples:
This team had the toughest challenge. While the others could fend off the beasts with explosive flavors or high-energy meals, they had to ensure that the weaker beasts didn't collapse from exhaustion.
One disciple focused on creating a Vitality Soup, blending herbs with rare meats that could rejuvenate stamina without overloading the digestive system.
Another crafted Cooling Desserts using Ice Lotus and Honeydew Pears to counteract the overheating effects of the more aggressive dishes.
The real test came when an Elder Beast, a massive Titan Ape, entered the field. Unlike the others, it wasn't just hungry—it was starving to the point of exhaustion.
A single mistake here could mean disaster.
The healing chefs worked fast, crafting an Energy-Revival Paste made from Fermented Spirit Beans and Sungrass Essence. The paste was thick, nutrient-rich, and easily digestible—perfect for a weakened beast.
Zhang Ye watched as the Titan Ape took a hesitant sniff, then devoured the paste in one bite. Within seconds, its tired eyes regained their sharpness, and instead of attacking, it simply sat down, satisfied.
The Final Push
Time ticked down. The beasts' hunger grew, their instincts pushing them closer to a frenzy. The recruits were exhausted, sweat dripping down their faces.
But they didn't stop. They couldn't stop.
Dishes flew from the kitchens at an insane pace, some landing right in front of rampaging beasts just in time to prevent an attack. The teamwork was flawless, each disciple fully immersed in their role.
Zhang Ye finally raised his hand. "Enough."
A deep silence fell over the training grounds. The last beast curled up in satisfaction, its hunger fully sated.
A system notification appeared before Zhang Ye.
[Feast of Endurance – Trial Completed]
[Evaluation: High]
[Total Beasts Fed: 53]
[Disciples Exhausted: 100%]
Zhang Ye smirked. Perfect.
He turned to the recruits, who were panting, barely able to stand. "Congratulations. You've passed the second trial."
Kai groaned, dropping onto the ground. "Barely."
Elira wiped her hands. "That was insane."
Linna chuckled, despite her exhaustion. "And yet, we did it."
Zhang Ye nodded. "You all proved one thing today—you have the endurance to be true combat chefs. But don't get comfortable. This was just the second course."
The recruits paled.
Kai groaned. "You mean there's still a main dish left?!"
Zhang Ye smirked.
"Oh, it's coming. And when it does, you'd better be ready."