Branno narrowed his eyes, sizing Starlight up from head to toe before turning to his disciple. “It seems this lad wasn’t lying. He’s much more honest than you, Falmer!”
Falmer didn’t argue. He simply smiled and asked, “So, Master, are you thinking of taking on another disciple?”
“Of course not! Didn’t you hear him? He’s already that rascal Carlos’s disciple. How could I possibly take him as my own?” Branno shook his head decisively.
Hearing this, the weight in Starlight’s heart finally lifted.
It seemed Noah and the others were right; these Archmages wouldn’t easily pass their secret techniques to an outsider. However, Branno soon turned back to him with a grin.
“Your master must have told you that this old man doesn’t just teach his ultimate skills to anyone. Of course, it’s not impossible if you’re determined to learn, but there are conditions.”
“What conditions?!”
“I’ll say it again: first, use your magic to cook a dish for us to see,” Branno said, gesturing toward the stove nearby.
Starlight took a deep breath and nodded.
He knew this was Branno’s way of testing his ability, even if the test seemed a bit strange for a mage.
He walked slowly to the counter, picked up a fresh steak from a tray, closed his eyes, and adjusted his breathing.
“Little Star, don’t be nervous. Just follow your usual rhythm,” Noah’s voice echoed in his mind, carrying a hint of encouragement.
Starlight nodded, his palm hovering gently over the steak as his fingertips trembled slightly. Wisps of fire elements flowed slowly from his palm, wrapping around the meat like fine threads.
He precisely controlled the temperature of the flames, ensuring they stayed within the perfect range—searing the outside to lock in the juices without burning the meat.
The air in the kitchen seemed to fall silent as everyone’s eyes fixed on Starlight’s hand.
A flash of surprise crossed Branno’s eyes, while Falmer narrowed his slightly, seemingly sensing the subtle fluctuations of Starlight’s mana.
As time passed, the aroma of the steak gradually filled the room. A few beads of sweat formed on Starlight’s forehead, but he remained fully concentrated, not daring to relax for a second.
This method was undoubtedly exhausting, but he understood that if he wanted to impress Branno, he had to cook using the same technique they did.
He made no wasted movements and added no extra seasonings, aiming only to present the pure, original flavor of the meat.
Finally, he opened his eyes, and the flames in his hand slowly died out. He removed the steak from the pan, placed it on a plate, and handed it to Branno and Falmer.
“Please, have a taste,” Starlight said with a smile, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Branno picked up a knife and fork, cutting a small piece and putting it in his mouth. His eyebrows arched slightly, followed by a satisfied smile.
“Not bad. Your control of the heat is excellent; the tenderness and the sear are just right.” Branno nodded, his tone filled with praise.
Falmer took a bite as well, a flash of surprise appearing in his eyes. “It really is good. Especially your control over the fire elements—it’s even more precise than I expected. Master, this is a rare talent! Are you tempted?”
“Hmph! I knew you were up to no good. You’re just hoping that if I take him, you won’t have to practice anymore, aren’t you?” Branno huffed, stroking his beard as he shot his disciple a sidelong glare.
“Oh, as expected of Master, seeing right through my thoughts. After all, I’m not as passionate about cooking for others as you are. I’m just more interested in using my restaurant to make more money!” Falmer laughed and shook his head, making no effort to hide his intentions.
“Exactly! That’s why your mindset is a waste of talent!” Branno seemed somewhat helpless against his disciple. He gave Falmer a sharp pat on the back before looking at Starlight.
“Ahem... Anyway, Starlight, I can see from your cooking that you are a very gifted young man. If you truly want to learn from me, will you agree to two conditions?”
“What are they? I’ll do it!” Starlight asked immediately. As long as Branno didn’t ask him to do something wicked, he was willing to do ten things, let alone two.
“Good! Straightforward—nothing like that riddle-loving master of yours. Now listen carefully. The first task is to go to the northern part of the continent and bring me back a Hellfire Lotus.” Branno nodded, satisfied with the answer.
“Hellfire Lotus? What is that?” Starlight looked at Moen, puzzled. It was the first time he had heard the name.
“Hellfire... Lotus?” Moen frowned, her mind racing through her knowledge.
Judging by the name, it was likely a type of flower. Normally, she should have known about it, but after thinking for a while, she couldn’t recall any mention of it.
“Tsk, Master, you really know how to put people to work!” Falmer clicked his tongue and began to explain. “The Hellfire Lotus is an extremely rare material that only grows near volcanic craters in the north. The old man sent me once, but I failed. This time, he’s set his sights on you.”
“A plant that grows in volcanic craters... Hellfire Lotus,” Starlight whispered, nodding to himself.
If it was just collecting a material, it shouldn't be an impossible problem. Although the northern volcanoes were far from the Crimson City-State, the task was still manageable.
“And the second one?” Starlight looked up at Branno and continued.
“The second one is simpler. You know about next year’s Magic Grand Arena, right? I want you to get on that stage and give this kid a good thrashing!” Branno said, pointing at Falmer.
“...”
Falmer’s smiling face instantly soured. His expression darkened as he looked at his master. “Old man, are you serious? Who asks an outsider to beat up their own disciple?”
“What? Why not? Just because I don’t lower myself to your level doesn’t mean someone else can’t knock some sense into you!”
“Ugh... I didn't realize it, but this old guy is actually pretty petty! He wants to find someone else to do his dirty work!” Little Gold looked up at the strange master and disciple, muttering under his breath.
“Fine, fine! But Master, if you’re going to find someone to beat me, you shouldn’t be so casual about it. Starlight looks to be eighteen at most. Are you sure he can actually beat me?” Although Falmer didn’t say it explicitly, his tone carried immense confidence.
“I accept, Master Branno!”
To Falmer’s surprise, Starlight agreed without hesitation.
He knew that as a disciple of an Archmage, Falmer was likely among the strongest mages under twenty-five.
Furthermore, Falmer was likely very close to that age limit, meaning he had several more years of experience. That gap was no joke.
However, Starlight still didn’t believe he would lose. He had just as much confidence as Falmer. After all, the advantages of the Radiant Elemental Body weren’t just for show.
Besides, he had already promised his senior uncle and grandmaster that he would achieve a high rank in the competition. Branno’s request was just something he could do along the way.
“Good! Then it’s settled! Bring me the Hellfire Lotus and defeat him in the competition. Once you complete those two tasks, I will teach you my ultimate techniques!”
Seeing Starlight agree so readily, Branno’s mood improved significantly. He slammed the table and stood up.
“In that case, I’ll be the one cooking today’s meal! Kid, go close the shop. I don’t want any outsiders barging in!”
“Wait, Master, this is my shop, isn’t it? I’m supposed to be open for business! Do you know how much money I’ll lose by doing this?” Falmer looked at his master, speechless.
“Money, money, money! All you think about is money! Do you think those commoners could ever afford to eat my cooking even if they had the coin?” Branno glared at him, looking like he was about to lose his temper.
“Fine, fine... I get it...” Seeing this, Falmer could only shrug helplessly. He signaled the waitress to temporarily close the shop.
He then straightened his clothes and followed Branno into the kitchen.
Rate on N.U.
