Leveling Up Through Eating

Chapter 659: The First Priest

Minhyuk, who was traversing the path to the Land of Forgotten Heroes with Hanwoo, saw a group of people approaching him, causing him to be surprised. He had heard from Saintess Loyna that there were already quite a few people that were going to the Land of Forgotten Heroes. However, he never expected to meet some of them like this.

The man right in front had a very familiar face.

‘What was his name again? Was it Henry…?’

Minhyuk knew that he was the one with the God of Money class and was the number one player in the global merchant rankings. There could be said to be no corner in this world, especially after the continents had united, where Henry’s merchant group had not taken root. That was how far Henry’s reach was.

That very same Henry approached and greeted him politely, “Hello.”

Minhyuk looked warily at them, especially since he looked different from his usual self.

Henry said, “Looking at this cow and the sandwich in your hands… You must be the Food God, right?”

It seemed like Henry had a pretty sharp eyesight. In fact, Minhyuk was walking around with Hanwoo because he did not expect to meet someone so easily in this place. In any case, Minhyuk knew that he would not be able to hide his identity here.

“That’s right.”

“Aaaah. As expected, I was right. So, you’re really the Food God!”

“Wow. You’re really the Food God?”

“You were the first to receive the qualifications to become a True God not too long ago!”

“I was very moved and impressed with the Battlefield of the Gods!!!”

They all smiled happily as if they were in awe and delight at meeting Minhyuk here. The same was true for Henry.

Henry bent his upper body, showing a more polite gesture than normal, and said, “It’s an honor to meet Athenae’s best player.”

Then, Henry reached his hand out and grabbed Minhyuk’s hand. At the same time, a set of notifications rang in his ears.

[God of Money’s Flattery]

[The God of Money’s Flattery is special. The other person will develop good feelings towards you and listen more to what you have to say!]

“I’m a huge fan. I’ve been watching you since your ‘Frying Pan Killer’ days. Meeting you here is truly an honor!”

Henry, as the one with the God of Money class, was someone that had plenty of special skills in his arsenal. One of them was God of Money’s Flattery. With this skill, he would be able to quickly increase his favor with both NPCs and players, as long as they did not harbor any hostility against him. It was all thanks to this skill that Henry was able to have a high success rate when dealing with large merchant groups.

However, Minhyuk’s reaction was lukewarm.

‘As expected, he doesn’t trust people that easily huh?’ As the thought flashed in his head, Henry suddenly remembered something, ‘Ah, come to think of it, I…’

Henry had obtained a special ingredient recently. The ingredient was so valuable that he was already pondering about how much he would sell it for. However…

‘The Jade Emperor’s Jade Seal is far more valuable than this. Besides, I will be able to get enough rewards once we finish hunting the Fake Sun Wukong.’

He would gain bigger profits from giving up something small. Henry did not hesitate at times like this.

“To be honest, since I’m a fan, I have always kept the rare and special ingredients that I got since a long time ago, in hopes of being able to give them to you once we meet.”

“Ingredients?”

The look in Minhyuk’s eyes changed the moment he heard the word ‘ingredients’. At this moment, Henry realized that the rumors were true. The Food God would always show great favor to those that would give him something special and delicious. Henry was confident that he would succeed with the ingredient in his hands.

Not long after, Henry handed over an ingredient that seemed to resemble the shredded chicken that was in Minhyuk’s inventory.

(Phoenix-like Bird)

Ingredient Grade: Legendary

Special Abilities:

?You cannot make a buffed dish with this ingredient.

?All of your stats will increase by 0.5% upon consumption.

?Fire attribute resistance will increase by 5% upon consumption.

?Your EXP Acquisition Rate will double for two weeks upon consumption.

Description: This is a bird that wanted to become a phoenix and resorted to imitation. Although it is not a phoenix, it has become a bird that is faster and stronger than other birds. This bird might taste like chicken or it might also taste like a phoenix. All in all, it will taste like something that you have never tasted before.

“…?!”

Henry could see how Minhyuk’s eyes grew wide and how his palms clenched into a fist, and he broke into a grin despite himself.

“As you can see, it’s a very precious ingredient. It might just be a legendary grade ingredient but I think it’s as good as any God-grade one, especially with the 0.5% increase in all stats, the 5% increase in fire-attribute resistance, and the doubling of the EXP acquisition rate.”

It was the truth. The Phoenix-like Bird ranked the highest among all of the legendary grade ingredients.

The Food God gulped dryly and asked, “You’re going to give this to me, just like that?”

“Yes. I’m simply a huge fan. Take it as receiving my heart and feelings. Haha. You can eat it here.”

Squeeze—

Minhyuk’s big and warm hands held Henry’s hand tightly. He then looked at Henry deeply while saying, “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

“…”

For some reason, Henry felt like he had just become Minhyuk’s benefactor with how he was looking at him.

“In fact, I’m really curious to see how the Food God cooks. I would really like to see you cook and eat here.”

Minhyuk gave a thumbs up at those words.

‘Fufufufu.’

There was no one in this world that did not like bribes. Just like that, Minhyuk began cooking. The dish that he was cooking was none other than spicy braised chicken.

Minhyuk naturally hummed. After all, he was making spicy braised chicken with the Phoenix-like Bird. As he hummed, he looked at Henry and the others.

‘What are you all up to?’

No goodwill came without a price. That was what Minhyuk always believed. As for Henry, he was planning on avoiding conflict with the Food God while finding a way to hunt the Fake Sun Wukong. He intended to guide Minhyuk to the cave where the Fake Sun Wukong was after eating his buffed dishes. But of course, all of that were his thoughts.

The power of the Fake Sun Wukong was beyond anyone’s imagination. It would be very hard to defeat him, even if it was the Food God. They would act as if they did not expect the appearance of the Fake Sun Wukong while leading Minhyuk to him. The Fake Sun Wukong would then focus on attacking the Food God while pretending to attack them.

Then, the Food God would be forced to log out by the Fake Sun Wukong and be subjected to his ‘Greedy Monkey’. Once that happened, the Bull Demon King would come under the possession of the Fake Sun Wukong. After that, Henry and his comrades would move to kill the Fake Sun Wukong.

It was the perfect plan. They could just tell the Food God that they had been forced to log out too if he questioned them too.

“Wow. The way you cook is truly magnificent,” Henry burst out in admiration at the man that did not realize what would happen to him.

Minhyuk just gave him a thumbs up.

***

The freshly made Phoenix-like Bird’s spicy braised chicken was placed in front of Minhyuk along with some white rice, pickled purple daikon, and kimchi. The spicy braised chicken had a glossy sheen and looked just like those big native chicken legs the size of plates, something that he had eaten before.

“Thank you for the meal.”

Of course, Minhyuk did not forget to say his thanks. Then, he took a big bite of the native chicken-like leg. The heat of the freshly made chicken spread the moment he placed it in his mouth. However, it was immediately followed by the flavor of the spicy seasoning and the chewy texture of the meat.

There was a slight hint of difference in flavor. It tasted more mellow, softer. Even the distinct smell of chicken was nowhere to be found. The more Minhyuk chewed, the more the natural oils of the meat flowed in his mouth.

‘Wow. So this is what an imitation of a phoenix tastes like… then, what would a real phoenix taste like?’

Minhyuk gobbled up the chicken leg, vowing to eat a phoenix someday. Then, he scooped a bowl of rice and mixed it with the spicy braised chicken’s sauce. He also mashed some of the potatoes and mixed them with the sauce, before mixing them with the rice and putting it in his mouth.

‘Aaaaah! This is the best! It’s a flavor that can make you eat three bowls of rice in one go!’

Meanwhile, Henry and his party, who were watching him, gulped dryly.

“…”

They were people that lived in a different country from Minhyuk. But just one look at Minhyuk and his delighted expression as he ate the red and spicy braised chicken made them want to try it too. The spicy scent wafted over and tickled their noses, filling their mouth with saliva.

‘I’m getting hungry.’

‘Hoo… Just one bite, please.’

Minhyuk had already finished his entire plate clean, leaving only the bones, even before they could finish the thought in their heads.

[You have eaten the Phoenix-like Bird.]

[You have gained 0.5% increase on all of your stats.]

[You have gained a 5% increase in your fire attribute resistance.]

[Your EXP Acquisition Rate will double for two weeks.]

Then, Minhyuk thought, ‘They probably gave me this for a buffed dish, no?’

It was obvious. However, Minhyuk thought that it would not be that bad to cook buffed dishes for them. What could the worst outcome be?

‘They want to eat my buffed dishes then turn around and hit me on the back? Well, even if that happens…’

Even if that happened, Minhyuk still had a way to deal with them.

Then, Henry said, “You’re probably going to the Land of Forgotten Heroes, right? By any chance, would you like to come with us?”

Henry knew that he should not bring the subject up immediately. If he did that, then it would make it look like it was truly a transaction. So, it would be better and would look more natural if he asked for a favor while talking in a friendly manner.

“We’ll make sure to carefully… no… show you around,” Henry said, pointing at the cave connecting to the Land of the Forgotten Heroes.

‘If it’s really just asking for a favor, then it’s not a bad thing.’

Minhyuk did not know much about the Land of the Forgotten Heroes, so he hoped it was not the worst case.

Just like that, they all began to move.

***

The Fake Sun Wukong wished to kill the real Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal and take his place to become king. However, there was one problem, the Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal was a tad bit stronger than himself. It was mainly because of that reason that the Fake Sun Wukong was feeling restless and uneasy to issue a challenge right then and there.

So, the Fake Sun Wukong decided to work with the human named Henry to gather artifacts, gold, and bizarre items. However, this cooperation was now coming to an end. He had seen through Henry and his group’s plan to turn against him.

Thus, Fake Sun Wukong watched as Henry and his party entered the cave. The group was talking amongst themselves, the core contents of their conversation ringing in the ears of the Fake Sun Wukong.

[Minhyuk’s dishes are truly amazing. To think that it can increase stats by 25% and even increase skill levels. If it's at that level, then wouldn’t we become 1.5x stronger than before?]

[That’s right. There would be nothing that we would be afraid of if we ate the Food God’s dishes.]

For some reason, Henry and his party were flattering the man named Food God. When the Fake Sun Wukong heard their words, he instantly realized why.

‘Anyone could become 1.5x stronger? If I become 1.5x stronger then I will be able to defeat the real Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal, right?’

The Fake Sun Wukong kept on listening to bits and pieces of their conversation, trying to put everything together. From what he had gathered, that man, the Food God, was someone that could make buffed dishes that could make anyone become stronger.

‘I also need that man’s dishes!’

Then, the Fake Sun Wukong thought of something, ‘Is Henry going to attack me after eating that guy’s dishes?’

Shrewd, but the Fake Sun Wukong would not leave things be. After all, he also needed that man’s cooking.

‘I’ll head over there!’ The Fake Sun Wukong thought as he rushed out of his throne.

***

Henry and his party eventually asked Minhyuk to cook buffed dishes for them with Minhyuk agreeing to their request. However, the Fake Sun Wukong appeared just when Minhyuk had summoned the cooking trailer inside the cave.

[Fake Sun Wukong has appeared!]

[The ones that will hunt the Fake Sun Wukong will receive rewards!]

“…?”

“…?”

“…?”

What was more shocking was the part where the Fake Sun Wukong was looking at Minhyuk with great favor and kindness. Then, he said, “I’m originally supposed to protect this place and kill you, human. However, I want to eat your food. I will give you a generous reward if you cook for me.”

“…?”

“…?”

Henry and his party were all rendered speechless.

‘What the hell is wrong with this bastard? Why is he going off script?!’

However, the Fake Sun Wukong did not mention anything about them at all. The first and main priority was to get the buffed dish. So, the Fake Sun Wukong believed that he should not be caught conspiring with that group.

Henry was also aware that things were going in a very strange direction. However, he hurriedly quipped, “This, this is quite strange. From what I heard, the Fake Sun Wukong is very ferocious. But it seems like that’s not the case at all?”

“Really? I just got a quest. It says that I will be able to get 1,000 platinum if I satisfy the Fake Sun Wukong.”

“…”

Henry was rendered speechless. Considering Minhyuk’s point of view, it was advantageous to also cook for the Fake Sun Wukong. If they suddenly said, ‘Don’t cook for him,’ then the situation would become strange. In the end, all they could do was sit and wait amidst a very awkward silence.

Henry and his party had planned to eat buffed dishes and kill the Fake Sun Wukong. On the other hand, the Fake Sun Wukong wanted to eat the buffed dish to kill the real Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal.

Everyone remained silent as Minhyuk finished cooking another spicy braised chicken. Just like that, Henry, his party, and the Fake Sun Wukong hurriedly gobbled up the dish.

The Fake Sun Wukong was in both awe and admiration when he finally tasted the dish. He had never tasted anything like this in his entire life. He thought, ‘It would be a pity killing that human but…’

There was nothing he could do. Then, after eating the dish, the notifications rang in Fake Sun Wukong’s ears.

[You have eaten the Spicy Braised Chicken.]

[All of your stats have increased by 24%.]

[Your Ruyi Jingu Bang skill level has increased by +2.]

[Your Flying Nimbus’ speed has increased by 40%.]

The Fake Sun Wukong was in shock. The same was true for Henry and his party members.

Amidst this tense and awkward atmosphere, the Fake Sun Wukong slowly stood up and said, “Then, is it time for me to kill everyone?”

“…!”

“…!”

Henry and his party were confused and dumbfounded. They were obviously working in partnership with Fake Sun Wukong, but he suddenly declared that he would kill them.

‘He knows?’

‘He knows that we’re trying to kill him?!’

The situation had become complicated in an instant. It was not just them that grew stronger, even the Fake Sun Wukong grew stronger.

“F, Food God. The bastard was truly up to something! Please join us in hunting the Fake Sun Wukong!” Henry said, judging that the hunt would be possible if Minhyuk was with them.

But then, the Fake Sun Wukong said, “Human that cook well, do you truly believe them? Did you know that they were trying to lure you and bring you to me so that they could kill you?”

“Eeeeeeek! What nonsense…!”

“This monkey bastard!”

Minhyuk, who heard the words of the Fake Sun Wukong, finally understood the entire situation. It seemed like Henry and his party were cooperating with the Fake Sun Wukong. However, they also wanted something from the fake Monkey King, and sought to kill him by gaining more strength through Minhyuk’s buffed dishes. However, the Fake Sun Wukong found out about their plans and also wanted to kill them, all the while coveting Minhyuk’s power.

‘So, that’s what happened.’

They might not know it but Minhyuk was actually in a very good situation. He was in a situation where he had nothing to lose and more to gain.

Grin—

So, Minhyuk looked at Henry and said, “Thank you for the Phoenix-like Bird.”

“…”

Then, Minhyuk sighed and continued, “But you m*th**f*ckers that are trying to hit each other in the back must have gone crazy, no?”

“…”

“…”

All of them looked at Minhyuk as he raised his hand above his head and snapped his fingers.

Snap—

[Inversing Giddiness]

[Everyone that has eaten your buffed dish will receive a decrease in their stats and abilities that are equivalent to the buff that they have received!]

Minhyuk, with a cold smile on his face, said, “Then, since you’re all getting along, how about I kill all of you?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

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