Walking Disasters and Me-Completing Clarifications – Ch 30

Walking Disasters and Me-Completing Clarifications – Ch 30

Ios seems to be looking at a few more screens all circled around her projected form in various ways as we walk in. I'm nearly 100% confident that she is either doing stuff like that for dramatic flair, or to annoy us as they go zipping by when she flicks them away after reading them. Either way, its obvious that she enjoys it. I dodge an illusory excel sheet that comes flying by my head on instinct, which makes the plate of food I'm still ferrying to the table wobble slightly in my hands.
"Hey! Can you knock it off a bit? I'm carrying precious cargo here and I will be beyond salty if you make me drop it on the ground before I've even tasted any of it!" I bark out in a huff of annoyance to this cheeky eldritch being. She simply giggles, apparently the desired effect achieved, before waving her four arms downward which dismisses all of the little pop-up screens. Again, pretty sure that's all for
pizzaz
, not function, the troll.
Her chirpy voice greets both Akiko and I finally as we sit at the table and get ready to partake of this divine gift in front of us, "Welcome back you two~ I was just looking over some skills and things that I think Aims should get in the future as well as reviewing some of the stuff related to the other crafting schools here. Looks like you saw firsthand how spirit cooking is done cutie~ Why don't you use Appraise on the meal and see what benefits you'd get from eating it?" She rests both of her hands in front of her in a very professional manner after she ends her question, clearly waiting for me to follow through with her advice. Shrugging, I go along with her suggestion as they haven't led me astray yet.
[Perfected Mountain Bisoonses Steak (Peak Heaven Rank)] x2: A masterfully seared and charred steak created by a world class spiritual chef, it's taste and texture are beyond comprehension and give a near euphoric sense of happiness when consumed. Additionally, when consumed, for the next 24 hours all physical stats will increase by 15%, and Health and Stamina regen rates will increase by 10%.
[Elegant Dreroth Broth Stew (Peak Heaven Rank)]: A masterfully crafted broth that was created by a world class spiritual chef. It has the perfect balance between thin and thickness, and pairs well with any other arrangement on the table. Its floral notes and taste belies a rich, filling sensation to its humble appearance. Additionally, when consumed, for the next 24 hours all mental stats and Health and Stamina regen rates will increase by 10%.
[Refined Bisoonses and Vegetable Soup (Peak Heaven Rank)]: A masterfully crafted meat and vegetable stew that was created by a world class spiritual chef. The meat has turned beyond succulent from bathing in the broth and juices of the now tender and delectable vegetables for hours. Additionally, when consumed, for the next 24 hours all physical stats and Health and Stamina pools will increase by 10%
[Divinely Baked Valley Bread Slice (Peak Heaven Rank)]: This slice of bread was baked with love and care by a world class spiritual chef. Its whole form is long and elegantly toasted to perfection, with butter, herbs, and spices glazed on top of the loaf as soon as it comes out of the oven. It has a beyond satisfying crunch to the crust, with pillow like softness to the inner fluff, while the taste of all of those seasonings mixes perfectly together while consuming it. Additionally, when consumed, for the next 24 hours experience gain and Qi accumulation rate will increase by 10%, and stamina costs for actions will be reduced by 5%.
What. The. Fuck?! This is incredible!! Beyond amazing!! I cant even process words by how crazy some of those buffs are, and I can feel my mouth hanging open and my eyes go wider and wider as I'm reading through them all. I finally look back up to Ios and Akiko, who sat across from me like before so I can look at both women at the same time, and try to come out with some kind of words about how insane this is!
"Wha... How... Why would
anyone
ever talk shit about Gerra's profession if these are the benefits they can have?!? If they had two brain cells to rub together, they'd instantly try to be friends with her! Or you! Or.. Or at least be friendly enough to
maybe
get some of this wonderful, overpowered as shit food! Fuck, even the bread is named after the Valley, so I assume its an original creation by her!!" My hands wave a bit frantically as I go through my little rant, with my eyes constantly looking between Akiko, Ios, and the food in front of me, like I can't believe what I know to be true about it to be real. I steady myself a bit after getting it all off my chest though and take a few deep breaths to see Akiko giggling behind a raised hand with her eyes squinted closed in enjoyment at my fumblings while Ios just gives several repeating nods, like she knew this was the outcome all along.
Before I can go on a further rant about how astounding this all is, Akiko gets her posture back in control and gives me an answer with her soft voice still full of levity, "I am of the same opinion myself my dear Amelia~! But, as I said before in the kitchens, I think it is because they lack the opportunity to ever experience this, or any food cooked by Gerra. She has steadfastly
only
cooked for us, her family, since she has completed her apprenticeship, which also means she already considers you part of the group in some fashion my dear~." She says with a wink before continuing.
"It may not be as widely known just how good she is across the vast continent, but there are indeed other spiritual cooks that exist that are employed by some various powerful figures or governments. Therefore, it is basic knowledge that food imbued with a powerful spiritual cooks' attention can provide immense benefits to the person who consumes it, so those people too weak or not fortunate enough to experience that deem it an unfair advantage and lash out at the one person or profession they can safely do so to. Also, perhaps Gerra is not the exception to the rule, and most spiritual cooks are similar to her isolationist attitude or have binding contracts to not proliferate their works to others outside of the managers group or members, I do not know. Gerra is the only spiritual cook I have ever had the fortune of meeting, and I only know of the existence of other spiritual cooks from various s and high-level societal events that happen from time to time.
Although it is
fascinating
to see just how effective her cooking is by comparing it to your status sheet here, my dear." She pauses briefly to point toward Ios' projection which has four smaller text boxes floating next to her. I presume these are the four Appraisal descriptions that I just had my mind blown by as Akiko picks up where she left off, "Truly remarkable indeed. I knew I felt much stronger and livelier after enjoying her hard work, but I can see why you had such an extreme reaction to it, sweet Amelia. For a being like myself, who likely has many times your 'stats' as spirit Ios had alluded to, these treats would indeed give me unrivaled strength for a short while. I wonder if the duration can be extended at all..." She raises a hand to her beautiful face to adopt a classic pondering pose, her tails beginning their thinking mode by flicking around a bit to add to the effect.
Ios chimes in at this point to answer Akiko's line of questioning, "It most certainly can, and honestly the effects will last waaay longer for you since you are much more used to refining and distributing Qi, Akiko. Amelia's durations are likely because that is the baseline for what the food will
always
give out to someone who eats it."
I'm about to voice that while this is all well and good, I am dying to finally enjoy all of this but embarrassingly my stomach decides to make the notification for me. A loud, rumbly groan of hunger comes from my middle, and I beat my record for achieving a full blush by a solid minute. If the Guinness book of world records is here, I need to start sending in my results! To my relief, both Akiko and Ios play it off with just a couple of chuckles as Akiko looks apologetically to me before saying, "I am sorry my dear, you must be famished. Please, enjoy Gerra's talents, as I will do as well, and then we can move on to other matters."
Thankfully, both plates had been fitted with a small, sharp metal knife with a wooden handle, a solid dark metal two-pronged fork, and a wide wooden spoon when Gerra handed them off to us. I quickly set about digging into the perfectly browned, seared steak first, as I can't resist its charm any longer, and cut off a decent, dripping with juices portion to then shove into my mouth. The instant it hits my taste buds I swear I can hear colors and taste music, and I'm quickly lost in rapture as a low and heavy moan comes out of my mouth on impulse. I'm so engrossed in this reality shattering meal that I don't even care, which is a huge plus, as faintly see Ios nearly bent over herself in silent laughter out of the corner of my eyes.
I ignore everything that isn't edible after that first bite of steak, my mind tunneled in on tasting paradise. I use the finely made wooden spoon to lift some of the meaty vegetable stew to my mouth and nearly loose another moan from the combinations of flavors that assault me. The bits of steak are so tender and juicy that the create a small ocean of flavor in my mouth all by themselves, while what can pass as carrots, potatoes, and some kind of bean all have the perfect texture of squishiness and firmness after a long marinade in the broth. And the broth itself is divine too! Thick, creamy, and filling all the way down my throat! Wait... That sounds wrong...
I shake my head a tiny bit at my own innuendo as I pick up the slice of bread and decide to get adventurous with it. I tear off a piece of the slice, holding the crackling crust end as I dip the soft fluffy part into the thinner broth soup a couple of times. Satisfied with my efforts, I bring both the bowl and the piece of now soaked bread to my mouth, so I don't drip anywhere, and then rip out the sauced, formerly white cloud with my teeth. Again, euphoria! Gerra's cooking just
doesn't fucking miss!
My eyes close in delight as I savor the salty sweet combination of the bread mixed with the broth, gently sucking a bit on it to reverse the process and enjoy it as long as I can.
My eyes turn to the rest of the plate, with a look of more than just hunger filling my eyes. I don't know exactly
how
long it took, as I kind of... went into a fugue state after I had sampled everything, but the next thing I knew I was staring at an empty plate, leaned back in the comfy chair at the table with both hands resting on top of my stomach. Which I'm surprised doesn't have a small food baby bump in it if I'm being honest, I hardly
ever
eat that much all at once! I can't even muster the energy to open my eyes and see how Akiko fared, or the no doubt shit eating grin of Ios, as I'm still too lost in the afterglow of the best meal I've ever had.
Eventually, I'm able to rally enough willpower to voice out to the group with my voice full of awe, and my eyes still closed, "That... That was the best fucking thing I have ever,
EVER
, tasted. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat anything that Gerra doesn't make ever again Akiko. I think you guys have broken me." With the communal silence finally broken by me, boisterous laughter fills the room from the projected voice of Ios and the hearty, full sound of Akiko.
I let them have this round, because quite frankly I don't really give a shit right now. I'm still in nirvana, and the only reason I know I haven't ascended to a higher state of being is that I can still hear these two goofs laughing their asses off at my expense, which eventually does bring a smile to my face.
Ios recovers first as I hear her high-pitched voice twinkle in the room, "I'll bet it was honey~! You looked like a possessed woman after you tried the soup and bread combo! Acting like someone was going to take it away from you hehe! Judging by the way your brain lit up like a Christmas tree, I know you thoroughly enjoyed it too!"
Akiko's soft tone follows afterwards into my ears, "Indeed spirit Ios! I was stunned by the ferocity our young Amelia had when let loose! However, I cannot fault her really, the first time Gerra made a dish for myself and the rest of the girls after she had reached Grand Master status in spiritual cooking, we all had nearly the same reaction~. It is truly something that few get to experience in their lives." I hear a pause in conversation, but I'm still too into my food coma to put in the effort of opening my eyes yet. Akiko's caring tone comes back but not directed at me for once.
"Perhaps, in the future when young Amelia and Sandra's situation is more secure, we can find some way of giving you a material body so that you can enjoy it too, spirit Ios. I saw a few looks of longing as our dear girl was enraptured with her feast, and for a few other occasions here and there once we have begun conversing in full. I know not how burdensome you find your existence as it is now, but this system seems a powerful enough tool that, should you wish it, I have no doubt that either Amelia or Sandra would aid you and spirit Ilya in achieving physical form." Well shit, that's enough motivation for me to wake up and pay attention.
I open my eyes finally and look across the dark wood table to my two mentors and see that Ios indeed seems to have a slightly bashful look at being caught out in some kind of secret she was trying to hide. Her voice comes back online to answer Akiko, "Ah well, maybe in the far off future sure~! I'll admit, it is kind of weird to be in a 3-dimensional space and not be able to act like I'm in the 3rd dimension. The projector really helps though! And when we get Sandra healed up enough for my sister to come back online, her and I can make a sort of... digital, or I guess you would call it spiritual Akiko, meeting space where we can be pretty much back to our full forms and interact with each other there. Besides, Aims and Sandra need to spend their points wisely, and getting me a body isn't what I would consider a good usage of that resource right now." She ends her reasoning with a faintly small hint of sadness to it, which flips a switch somewhere in my psyche as I become fully alert and attentive now.
Akiko nods once sagely and looks like she is about to respond before I can't help but cut in with my own voice full of concern for her, "Ios, why didn't you say anything honey? I know its only been like... 2 or 3 days? I don't know, time is a bit fucky right now for me, but I would totally be okay with getting you a real girl body or something! And don't
ever
think your priorities and comfort aren't important to me and Akiko either, unless you
actually
want to make me mad! I don't want you to be miserable and isolated while you're helping me, or just in general because I care about you Ios!" I speak up with increasing frustration, trying not to let the stinging sensation of fresh tears prick into existence before tacking on, "How many points would something that suited your needs and made you feel comfortable cost? That is, if there is even something in the store like that..."
My mini tirade ends and leaves both the women stunned for a second, before Ios adopts a gentle, almost loving look to her posture and face, her eyes shimmering in thankfulness, "Akiko is always right when she says you are one of the most caring, thoughtful creatures in the universe Amelia. Thank you honey, I will look into something that can fit the bill for Ilya and I, and I'm sorry if I made you upset with my selfless attitude. I'll try to speak up more often if something is bugging me, okay partner?" She reaches out one of her holographic hands across the table to me, and I smirk a little as I wipe away a few tears that didn't get the memo about not being shed.
I reach across to her waiting palm and then 'hold' her hand before I look back up at her and say back, "Thank you. You and Akiko are beyond important to me. I know you joked about me being co-dependent back when I first landed here, but honestly, I think you were right. Even with all my skills and titles helping fix my fucked up brain, I can't deny that I've come to rely on and trust both of you so deeply and fully in such a short amount of time, and I want both of you to be safe and happy just as much as it seems that you want that for me. Also, the fact that you're both beyond attractive probably factors into it some too!" I laugh out in jest, even if the rush of heat to my face makes it clear I was far from joking. Oh well, not like it's a secret anymore. Might as well accept it~!
I continue on before any cheeky remarks can derail my train of thought, "Please, if anything like that pops up again for you let either of us know. Even if its not something that can be sorted with the shop or me spending points, I'm here for you anytime. And that goes for you too Akiko, although I think you would be the first to let us know if something was bothering you by how mature you always act." I give Ios a warm, soft smile as I move back to a more comfortable position in the chair, and she pulls her hologram arm back to rest in front of her again.
She gives me a small wink and blows a kiss before replying, "You got it cutie~ I'll be sure to show my
immense
gratitude sometime in the future too, don't you worry your pretty little head~!" As she evilly, yet still sexily giggles at her declaration I feel the sweat form on my neck, Oh god... The search histories...
Akiko saves me from the downward spiral of fear and arousal that I was about to embark on with Ios' threats by putting in her opinion too, "I fully agree, sweet caring Amelia, and I promise to do just that if ever the need should arise! Just as spirit Ios and I look after and make sure that your safety is achieved and your training is apace, we must do the same for each other when needed. It is similar to how my harem functions, no member should be left unattended with issues or problems long, and although it may be hard to voice out when something has gone awry, it makes it all the more important to speak out and let others help you when needed. There is no shame in receiving aid, whether it be simply listening to your woes, or helping you better yourself to overcome an obstacle. The only danger is letting someone live your life for you, which is something none of us will do.
Now, while spirit Ios goes over functional forms for her future foray into material living, let us discuss the final few crafting techniques that are practiced here. The first I'll go over briefly is blacksmithing, and I assume by the recognition in your eyes, dear Amelia, that you know at least the Earth equivalent to it which is good! It is likely similar honestly, as it involves forming and shaping metal in various ways to create items. From weapons and armor to cauldrons and hinges, blacksmithing is the backbone of industrial development and military competence.
Naturally, the forging and shaping process heavily involves the use of Qi to help heat and cool the metal, imbue it with attributes, and even give it a small form of sentience if the crafter is skilled enough. Actually, Samantha would be a fantastic case study to watch perform if you desired to have a live demonstration. While not as proficient as Gerra is in spiritual cooking, Samantha is still considered the best blacksmith here in the Village. She has only lost in a couple of tournaments out of the multitude she has entered in her lifetime, and even then it was to vastly larger and more powerful sects than our Village." Akiko finishes up her explanation but hearing that Samantha is a blacksmith is somewhat surprising at first! I guess its my own norms coming into conflict again with this world, but anytime I think of a blacksmith, I think of a burly, thick muscled man hammering away on an anvil in the dead of night, the room glowing from the heated metal he works.
I nod once in acknowledgement before adding in my opinion, "Wow that's amazing! In my world that craft is almost primarily done by males, so seeing someone like Samantha be an awesome, talented blacksmith is really incredible!" I knew that Akiko really liked it when I praised Gerra earlier, and am delighted to see the same sense of pride and joy wash across her whole body, from her flapping ears to her upturned eyes and wide smile, to the nearly hurricane creating wagging tails. I hide my own laugh at her adorableness before I hear her continue on after a spell with her gentle voice full of matronly pride.
"Ara~ My girls simply are the best aren't they! I am always so keen and proud of them and their accomplishments, of which there are many! However, we can spend all day on that subject if I do not restrain myself, so let us move on to the last two major professions. They are in the same branch, so to speak, as they use many of the same items and techniques to achieve two vastly different results. They are alchemy and poison making. Jun Li is an unrivaled master of the latter, and nearly as effective at the former as well!" She adds on to the end, which instantly makes me revise my, admittedly limited, assessment of the talk, dark, and voluptuous fox woman. Akiko powers on, unaware of my stunned face however.
"Alchemy is the craft of creating pills, ointments, and other medicinal items via a cauldron. The alchemist must learn pages upon pages of information worth of herbs and how to clean and prepare them for use, as well as how to use a specially made cauldron that requires a constant, delicate balance of Qi infused flames to be used correctly. On top of that, certain pills will require certain methods of cooking, different temperature flames, exact timings of cooling, and more. It is quite an involved process, but having a person on your team or in your group that can manage it is more than a life saving measure in difficult scenarios.
Poison making is much the same, as I alluded to. A poison crafter will need the same level of knowledge about various plants and venoms, and their preparations to make a useful poison. Especially when trying to make something that would affect higher ranked cultivators, as our bodies naturally develop resistances to such things as we gain power. Poisoners also use the cauldrons to make their items as well, and the process is again very similar to alchemy. I realize that this all seems very underhanded and cloak and dagger, but the truth is that someone knowledgeable in poisons also means they know what to do to counteract their effects, provided they are also proficient in alchemy. So, having someone like Jun Li around is a remarkable boon, you can take my word on that."
I breathe out a sigh of relief at that last bit. Maybe Jun Li got super into all that stuff because she wanted to make sure her harem was safe in case some nefarious person came in with shifty motives! "Thats great to hear then! Sounds like she really cares about all of you if she went through all of that trouble twice essentially just to keep you guys safe!"
Akiko tilts her head a bit and puts a finger to her chin in a fucking
adorable
manner that nearly makes my heart melt before making me once again have a bit of fear of the dark furred fox, "Hmm, I am sure that is part of it, but she herself has said that she mostly just thoroughly enjoys testing out new and deadly combinations of poisons on her adversaries while she watches the effects take hold~!"

.
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Completing Clarifications – Ch 30