The Silver Spoon Arena loomed like a cathedral built for battle.
Massive white pillars, banners fluttering, and the scent of roasted spices in the air. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their voices merging into a thunderous roar.
Luna gawked at the sheer size of it. "There are… so many people!"
Maris adjusted her collar, expression tight but calm. "Every major Guild chef competition is broadcast to the capital. You'll get used to it."
Ethan just grinned, his hands tucked into his apron pockets. "I'd rather cook than talk. Let's make this count."
---
They walked into the main floor. The polished tiles gleamed under the light. Two massive kitchens faced each other, identical — stocked with every tool imaginable, ingredients arranged in perfect order.
At the far end stood Gareth, the Guild chef who'd issued the challenge. He wore his red coat proudly, arms crossed, eyes sharp as blades.
"So you actually showed up," Gareth said with a smirk. "I half-expected you to burn down your inn before today."
Ethan smiled. "Sorry to disappoint."
"Don't be. I enjoy crushing overconfident amateurs."
Luna whispered, "He's scary."
Maris muttered, "He's worse when he's polite."
---
A booming voice echoed through the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Silver Spoon Cook-Off!"
The announcer, a man in a shimmering gold coat, raised his hand to silence the crowd.
"On my right — representing the Silver Spoon Guild, the Flame Artisan himself, Chef Gareth Vayne!"
Cheers exploded from the stands.
"And on my left — the rising name shaking the frontier with his Spirit Cooking, Chef Ethan of Crescent Moon Inn!"
The crowd erupted again, half cheering, half shouting curiosity.
Ethan raised a hand in casual greeting, his grin never fading.
"Today's match will consist of three rounds: Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert! Each chef must create a dish using the mystery ingredient unveiled before each round!"
The announcer gestured dramatically as a silver dome lifted from the center table — revealing a glowing, crystal-like root.
"The mystery ingredient for Round One — Solar Root! A Tier-3 ingredient infused with sunlight essence!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Maris leaned close. "Solar Root is powerful but unstable. Too much heat and it turns bitter."
Ethan's eyes gleamed. "Perfect."
---
The timer lit up overhead: 60 minutes.
"Begin!"
The arena exploded into motion.
Gareth's side moved like a machine. Assistants prepped ingredients with precision, knives flashing, oil heating in synchronized rhythm. He was already caramelizing Solar Root slices with golden glaze, the air filling with a sharp, rich scent.
Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Alright team, let's make them remember us."
He turned to Luna. "Prep the Solar Root — thin slices, cold water soak. Removes bitterness."
"Got it!"
"Maris, bring out the Frostfire Glaze base."
"Already on it."
Ethan began chopping with blinding speed. The Infernal Stove flared to life, blue and steady. Every motion had rhythm, every step confidence.
He threw Solar Root slices onto a pan — a clean, bright sizzle filled the air.
Luna blinked. "Chef, it smells sweet!"
"That's because it is sweet," Ethan said, flipping them easily. "We'll balance it with something sharp."
He poured a splash of citrus essence, the aroma bursting out like sunlight and frost combined.
Maris plated alongside him. "You're pairing Solar Root with Frostfire?"
"Exactly. Solar and frost — harmony through contrast."
The crowd started murmuring.
"Is he crazy?"
"That combination could cancel itself out!"
"Or explode!"
Ethan smiled faintly. "Let's find out."
He controlled the flame carefully — not too hot, not too weak. The blue fire danced, wrapping the Solar Root slices gently, almost affectionately. When he plated them, they shimmered gold and silver.
---
Gareth, across the arena, smirked. "Cute idea. Let's see if it tastes like anything."
He plated his own appetizer — Solar Root Croquettes filled with molten essence sauce. Perfectly round, golden, and elegant.
The announcer shouted, "Time! Step away from your stations!"
The judges — three of the region's top chefs — approached.
"First, Chef Gareth."
They tasted his croquettes.
"Crisp exterior, molten interior, perfectly balanced spice. Excellent control."
Gareth gave a confident nod. "Naturally."
Then they moved to Ethan's plate.
A single bite, and silence fell.
The judges' eyes widened almost in unison.
One of them finally spoke. "It's… astonishing. The Solar Root's sweetness and the Frostfire's chill — they don't clash. They sing. It's like sunlight melting into snow."
The second nodded slowly. "This shouldn't work, yet it does. Beautifully."
The third leaned forward. "Technique unconventional, but flavor divine. Unexpected harmony."
The crowd erupted.
Luna nearly jumped for joy. "Chef! They loved it!"
Ethan smiled faintly. "Told you. Opposites aren't enemies."
---
The announcer raised his hand. "Round One Winner — Chef Ethan of Crescent Moon Inn!"
Applause thundered through the arena. Even Gareth's smirk faltered for half a second.
He adjusted his collar. "Hmph. Beginner's luck."
Ethan looked at him calmly. "Luck has nothing to do with taste."
Gareth's eyes narrowed. "Let's see if you can keep that confidence in the next round."
The announcer's voice boomed again. "Prepare for Round Two — the Main Course! Mystery ingredient reveal in five minutes!"
Ethan turned to his team.
"Drink water. Stretch. Next round's going to be tough."
Luna grinned, energized. "Chef, that was amazing! You totally beat that guy!"
Maris smirked. "Round one, maybe. But he's dangerous. He's analyzing us right now."
Ethan nodded. "Good. Let him. We'll just keep cooking our way."
He looked up at the roaring crowd, at the flickering light reflecting off the blue flame that had followed him from another world.
This was his arena now — not for fame, not for glory, but for the joy of cooking.
The bell rang again.
Round Two was about to begin.
And this time, the fire would burn even brighter.
To be continued...