Chef in the Apocalypse

35  Return

As the weary party returned to the shelter, their steps heavy and their bodies drained from the intense battle, the inhabitants gathered around eagerly, their eyes alight with curiosity and anticipation.

However, upon their arrival, it was clear that the party was in no condition to share their stories. Fatigue clung to them like a heavy cloak, their faces drawn and their movements sluggish. Jayce stepped forward, his voice gentle yet authoritative as he addressed the expectant crowd.

"We'll hold a meeting tonight, after everyone has had a chance to rest," he announced, his words met with a mixture of understanding and disappointment from the gathering. They knew that the party had faced danger out in the city, and their well-being was a priority.

With a nod of agreement, Jayce led the party back towards their living quarters. Once in the safety and comfort of their base, he turned his attention to the kitchen, the heart of their operations. Despite his own weariness, a sense of purpose fueled his actions.

Determined to aid his comrades in recovering from their exhaustion, Jayce set to work crafting a nutritious and revitalizing meal. He understood that healing magic could only do so much; true vitality required sustenance and proper nourishment.

After the party had dispatched the Goblin threat, they had ventured out into the surrounding areas, cautiously exploring without engaging in further battles. Jayce's leadership shone through as he prioritized caution and vigilance, determined to prevent any unnecessary risks. His familiarity with the local terrain allowed him to guide the group through shops and back alleys, gathering provisions that now sat within his inventory. With these ingredients, the list of meals he could prepare expanded.

Before deciding on the specifics of the meal, Jayce paused to open his status screen.

Name: Jayce

Title: N/A

Class: Chef

Subclass: N/A

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Level: 5

EXP: 100/800

Health 200/200

Mana: 90/90

Strength: 6 (+3)

Dexterity: 6 (+2)

Intelligence: 5 (+2)

Vitality: 7 (+9)

Luck: 27

Stat Points: 21

The first thing he noticed was that he was now level 5, meaning he had received 3 levels from fighting the initial 5 goblins, and felling the Goblin Shaman boss shortly afterwards. Although most of the experience would have come from delivering the killing blow.

Another thing that caught his attention was the permanent stat boosts which had risen from a total 10:40

of 5, to 16 as a result of his mid-fight eating spree. Remembering the suffering he went through with the Goblin Shaman Tonic, he almost retched as a subconscious response.

However this was not the best news. During his eating spree, he heard the notification for the VIP15 skill trigger two times on the same type of sushi, which meant that he could now change his strategy for stat boosting, putting him in a fantastic mood.

What only made his mood grow happier, was that he received an Epic drop from the Goblin Shaman Boss monster. Although it wasn't an item that he could use personally, it showed that he was ahead of the other supporters at least.

What he really had his eyes set on was the first prize in the World Quest… The unique skill.

Nonetheless, he decided to inspect the new item which he hadn't had a chance to do yet.

Goblin Staff (Epic)

Description:

Forged in the crucible of chaos and magic, the Goblin Staff is a rare relic that embodies the raw power and primal energy of the Goblin Shaman. This staff, once wielded by a creature of malevolent intelligence, radiates an aura of both mystique and danger. Its gnarled and twisted form tells the tale of its origins, a story of fervent incantations and ruthless battle.

Attributes:

Intelligence +20: The essence of the Goblin Shaman's arcane knowledge has been absorbed into the staff, providing a significant boost to the wielder's intelligence. The staff itself seems to whisper secrets of forgotten spells and ancient rituals to those attuned to its power.

Vitality +5: The Goblin Staff emanates a subtle life force, bestowing a small measure of enhanced vitality upon its bearer. This gift of resilience bolsters the body, granting a touch of endurance in the face of adversity.

Effects:

Haste: The chaotic energies that infuse the staff grant the wielder an increased spellcasting speed. Spells are woven with greater finesse and expedience, allowing for swifter manipulation of arcane forces. Spellcasting time is reduced by 40%, enabling the caster to react swiftly to the ebb and flow of battle.

Berserker: A touch of the Goblin Shaman's berserker nature lingers within the staff, granting a chance to inflict a berserk status on enemies. When triggered, this effect reduces the intelligence of affected foes, plunging them into a state of feral aggression and impulsive action. The enemies' strategic acumen is compromised, making them more susceptible to erratic decisions.

Elemental Affinity: The staff's intimate connection with the elemental energies of the world enhances the wielder's affinity to various elements. Spells that harness fire, ice, lightning, and other natural forces are imbued with greater potency and precision. This affinity empowers the caster to channel and manipulate elemental magic with heightened control and effectiveness.

Note:

The Goblin Staff is a potent artifact that bears the marks of its chaotic origins. Its unique combination of attributes and effects offers both offensive and strategic advantages to those who dare to wield it.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the staff emanates a palpable aura of hatred among nearby Goblins. In their societies, the Goblin Shamans hold a revered and respected position, acting as conduits to the spirit world and wielders of profound mystical authority. To witness another species wielding the sacred Goblin Staff is considered blasphemous and heretical, as it defies the cultural and spiritual norms of the Goblin camps. This underlying enmity might provoke the ire of Goblins and incite conflict for those who bear the staff, serving as a testament to the deep-seated reverence and fear the Goblin Shamans command.

Level requirement: 5

Jayce's eyes widened as he continued to read the detailed description of the Goblin Staff, his disbelief growing with each word. "I've never seen such overpowered stats and effects on a single weapon, especially with such a low level requirement," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in awe. It was a treasure that defied common sense, a relic of unparalleled power that had fallen into their hands.

Shaking off his shock, Jayce's mind started to race with possibilities. He contemplated the potential wielders of such a formidable artifact. Given its focus on intelligence and spellcasting, the staff seemed tailor-made for a mage. But which one? Jayce mentally scanned the members of his party, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

Lianna, the healer and support mage, came to mind first. While the staff would certainly enhance her magical abilities, the effects of Haste and Berserker might not be fully utilized in her role. The decision to wield such a weapon would be a delicate one, considering the potential consequences of imbuing healing magic with the staff's chaotic powers.

The other mages, who specialized in elemental magic, were stronger contenders. The increased affinity to elements could significantly amplify their destructive spells, and the staff's other effects might complement their offensive strategies. Jayce weighed the pros and cons of each candidate, envisioning the staff in their hands.

Then his thoughts settled on Jackie, Colin's wife and the Ice mage of the group. Jayce's memories of her performance in battle were vivid – her quick and accurate casting had been a deciding factor in their fight against the Goblins and Goblin Shaman afterwards. Not to mention her unflinching demeanor in the face of gruesome scenes. The staff's potential to bolster her icy magic and provide additional tactical advantages seemed like a perfect match.

Decision made, Jayce stowed the Goblin Staff carefully, resolving to entrust it to Jackie before their next outing. But for now, their immediate needs called for sustenance. With a determined focus, Jayce set to work in the kitchen, conjuring a hearty Beef Stew that would invigorate the tired and wounded with its +2 Vitality and +1 Strength bonuses.

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