Chapter 34: A New Mission Type—Special Side Quests

Some might wonder why making food unpalatable counts as wasting grain.

If the food is made so unpleasant that students refuse to eat it, leaving it to be discarded, isn’t that just wasting food?

Perhaps the strange creatures didn’t care about this.

But Lu Wenwu did.

Or rather, every person in Shenzhou held food in the utmost regard.

A thunderous rumble continued relentlessly, accompanied by terrifying sounds of fracturing.

The other bizarre creature chefs looked on in horror, scrambling out of the kitchen, unable to believe the scene before them.

Even through the dim, foggy glass of the serving window, the creatures could clearly see the devastation inside.

[You have gained 100 free attribute points.]

The system’s prompt didn’t cause Lu Wenwu to pause.

Only after five minutes did the resentment in his chest finally dissipate completely.

“Disgusting stuff.”

With a forceful step, Lu Wenwu leaped out of the deep pit he had hammered into the floor, twisting open the kitchen faucet to wash the blood off his arms.

The heavy gauntlets were excellent in every way—except that every punch caused an explosion, often splattering his body with blood.

“All the cafeteria chefs, get in here now,” Lu Wenwu said coldly, glancing sideways.

The chefs dared not delay for a moment; chattering nervously, they huddled together and rushed in, fearing that any tardiness would bring the wrath of this formidable man upon them.

Without a word of explanation, Lu Wenwu raised his hand and started eliminating the strange creatures.

Who would dare offend such a ruthless man?

That rotund head chef probably never knew the exact reason he lost his life.

“Esteemed human sir, may I ask what your orders are?” a humanoid creature chef asked boldly.

“Can you cook normal dishes?” Lu Wenwu asked plainly. “I hope you can.”

The strange creatures scrambled to respond, “Yes, yes! Of course we can! It was that fat bastard who made us cook those abominations! Please judge us fairly, human sir!”

“It’s too late for lunch now. For dinner, if anyone dares serve wasteful food like this afternoon’s, don’t blame me for smashing your skulls to make meatballs.”

Lu Wenwu said flatly, tossing a hefty book he often referenced onto the table.

“This is a human cuisine cookbook. It covers everything. If you don’t know how, go learn.”

“Also, since the head chef is dead, I’m the new cafeteria head chef now. Any objections?”

“N-no, of course not! You are the boss here now,” said a sharp-looking humanoid creature, eagerly flattering him.

The others chimed in, unwilling to be outdone.

Though the mission prompt said he couldn’t become a teacher, being head chef was surely acceptable.

This wasn’t teaching, after all!

What’s that? You say once someone holds a faculty position they can’t kill strange creatures to establish authority?

Which of your eyes saw me as faculty?

You claim I’m head chef—got any proof?

An appointment letter? Contract?

None?

Any creature to back you up?

Try punching and see if your “proof” survives.

It won’t, right?

Then sorry, but you’ll have to die.

Brother Wu treats you as kin—don’t play games with him.

Remember to watch your words next lifetime.

Having done all this, Lu Wenwu nodded with satisfaction. “From now on, I’m the king of this place, and you’re all my little creatures. Even if I order you to cut yourselves up and fry in oil, not a single ‘no’ is allowed! Understand?”

“All hail your command!” That clever creature smiled obsequiously again. “Human sir, how shall we address you?”

“Just call me Brother Wu,” Lu Wenwu replied with a glance. “You’re reliable. When I’m not here, this place’s yours to manage. Put the cook’s name on each dish at night. If there’s a problem, think twice before blaming me.”

“Got it, Brother Wu! You can rest easy!” The clever creature was overjoyed, eager to pledge loyalty.

Lu Wenwu said no more, leading his few clients straight out of the cafeteria, leaving behind a group of creatures whispering nervously.

[You have unlocked a special side quest—The Respected Culinary King.]

[Quest progress: 1/2]

[Quest description: The head chef of the Qiwei Academy cafeteria has long been ineffective; you shall take his place! Even when cooking for a crowd, a chef must cook with heart and respect. Show the creatures what true cuisine really is!]

[Quest hint: Serve as head chef, prepare dishes, and earn genuine recognition from the creatures within the school.]

After killing the head chef and smoothly taking over, this task prompt appeared before Lu Wenwu.

A special side quest, something never seen before.

Even a simple glance told him that this task’s requirements would take time, so there was no need to rush.

Seeing Lu Wenwu’s mood remained somewhat sour, the few companions trailing behind him kept silent about the cafeteria meal.

All were C-rank top-tier transcendent experts; even without their cultivation techniques, going hungry for days was no problem.

They followed Lu Wenwu purely for safety.

Walking ahead in silence, Lu Wenwu was not wandering aimlessly.

Extending his spiritual senses, he quickly pinpointed the location of a strange creature.

“Fangzi.”

The simple name sounded like thunder crashing in Fangzi’s ears, causing the creature to snap to rigid attention.

“Brother Wu! You’re looking for me?”

Lu Wenwu patted his shoulder gently. “Don’t be nervous. I know you’re well connected. Take me to someone. Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on your share once this is done.”

Fangzi was overwhelmed with pride. “Brother Wu, who are you looking for?”

“The student council president and all the officers,” Lu Wenwu smiled. “Think it’s difficult?”

“No! I guarantee the task will be done!” Fangzi declared loudly. “Brother Wu, should I bring them here to meet you, or...?”

Lu Wenwu considered briefly. “You find a place, and both sides go there. It’s simpler.”

...

That very noon, all the strange creatures in the high school department of Qiwei Academy learned of a major event.

Several dozen human transfer students had arrived.

Among them was the strongest, a burly man who called himself Brother Wu. He was said to stand nine feet tall, with a blue face and tusks, a brutal and bloodthirsty temperament, and with a single punch, he could turn even the fiercest creature into bloody meat.

Roughly enough to stop the little creatures from crying at night.

This man, Brother Wu, simply because he disliked the cafeteria’s lunch, flew into a rage and slaughtered the head chef—whose strength rivaled that of the school’s senior leadership—on the spot, then took over the kitchen staff.

Now, not only was he the student council president and class monitor of Senior Year Class One, but also head chef of the cafeteria. He had also helped other humans secure minor positions in their respective classes.

Reportedly, no creatures opposed this.

Whether in the cafeteria, various classes, or the student council, all raised every hand they could in unanimous approval.

Only...

The original student council president and a few classmates mysteriously disappeared without explanation...

No one quite knew what had happened.