Chef in the Apocalypse

The party’s progression led them to the forest’s edge, where the burgeoning sunrise cast its warm glow. The challenges of their recent journey had made them stronger, but it couldn’t erase the discomfort of camping amidst the forest’s insects for over a week.

Relief echoed through the group as the open clearing lay before them, a symbol of their liberation from the dense woods. Their arduous days in the wilderness were now transitioning into the past. Yet, a signal from a young man with spiky black hair halted their approach.

His sword-shaped brows knitted together, a sight familiar to the group only in moments of peril. Without a word, everyone assumed their defensive positions, ready to confront whatever obstacle lay ahead. His gestures conveyed instructions to the watchful onlookers, a silent language that he had taught the group.

Minutes passed until an Archer, adorned in supple leather armor, appeared at his side. A quiet exchange ensued, after which Jayce turned to Colin, whispering instructions that were met with an eager grin. With the signal given, the Jayce advanced along with the archers, disappearing along the tree line.

The scene perplexed some observers, but their trust in Jayce remained unwavering. The week they had spent following his lead had deepened their confidence in his decisions and capabilities. Not only had they avoided significant harm, they had grown stronger through his guidance.

Jayce’s sound battle strategies and culinary finesse was at odds with his appearance. Anyone who had participated in a battle led by him would be stunned into submission. Each confrontation felt like a masterclass, erasing their fears. Every meal turned into a sumptuous feast, bringing diverse flavors and nourishment to their lives.

Not to mention that their leader also had the ability to buff them all. Just by being within 100 meters of his presence, they felt twice as strong and resilient as usual. Some would say that this was his best skill, but those that knew him would definitely say it was his cooking skills.

Jayce’s influence reached new heights, attracting a lot of female attention and causing Lianna to become increasingly protective of him, her shy nature overridden by her territorial instincts. This led her to spend more time by his side, inching closer to him throughout the week.

Despite this proximity, progress in their relationship seemed elusive. In private moments, aside from occasional flustered glances or blushing cheeks, Jayce appeared preoccupied. His thoughts seemed to wander elsewhere, leaving Lianna with a sense of longing.

As Jayce disappeared from view, Lianna’s sigh was audible, revealing her disappointment. Jackie, attuned to her feelings, approached with a knowing smile masked beneath playful curiosity.

"Hey there, what’s putting a cloud over your head?" she inquired in a lighthearted tone, fully aware of the reason.

Lianna shook her head, causing her lively brown locks to dance. "How did you and Colin start dating?" she asked earnestly, determination evident in her expression.

Suppressing a chuckle, Jackie decided against teasing the young girl. "I had to throw myself at him before he realized that I was interested."

Lianna’s face lit up, muffled laughter escaping from her mouth which was covered by her dainty hand. Jackie smiled, "If you thought Jayce was a blockhead, you should have met Colin back then. Unfortunately these men aren’t very good when it comes to taking a hint."

Understanding crept onto the young girl’s face, "So you’re saying it’s not that he isn’t into me, it’s just that he’s too dumb to make the first move?" Lianna asked

Jackie almost choked on her saliva, causing Colin to look over in question. She quickly waved to let him know she was fine, before turning to Lianna, "I wouldn’t say he’s too dumb, maybe it’s because he has so much to think about. Even though he’s just a young man, he’s now in charge of 30 people, guiding them through a dangerous forest during an apocalypse."

Lianna felt a little embarrassed for being so selfish, she silently admonished herself for calling Jayce dumb. Jackie continued, "That’s not to say that he doesn’t care for you, in fact I can tell that he definitely does." She paused for a moment, letting the words sit in the air.

"So what do you think I should do? Is it not the right time for a relationship?" Lianna’s face looked a little downtrodden, like a puppy who had lost its favorite toy.

Resisting the urge to pinch the young girl’s cheeks, Jackie leaned closer and whispered in her ear. Lianna’s face reddened in embarrassment, "I-Isn’t that too direct?" she stammered, suddenly feeling a little overwhelmed.

The older woman’s eyes dulled, seeing the reaction of the naïve young woman in front of her, responding in an unenthusiastic tone "If you’re that embarrassed over a kiss then you might explode when you move to second base."

Lianna tilted her head curiously and asked, "Second base?"

Jackie subconsciously lifted her hand to her face, slotting it into the facepalm position. Matchmaking had been one of her favorite pastimes before the apocalypse, however she had never met such a dolt when it came to relationships.

Colin’s sudden action diverted Lianna’s thoughts, as he thrust his fist into the air, a clear signal for the group to proceed out of the forest. Without hesitation, Jackie seized Lianna’s arm and joined the movement.

Emerging from the forest’s embrace, their group was greeted by the sight of twenty swordsmen, positioned approximately a hundred meters away, within a sunlit clearing. Yet, more prominently, massive rocks punctuated the scene, positioned another hundred meters behind the swordsmen. These boulders served as elevated platforms for about thirty archers, who spanned across the rocky terrain like an open fan, bows taut and arrows poised for action.

At the front of the swordsman stood a tall man wearing silver armor that gleamed in the sunlight. The only part of his body that was uncovered was his head, which was bald and had the same reflective properties of his armor.

Lianna’s voice quivered with unease, her words ringing out amidst the tension. "W-What in the world is this?" she stammered, her voice betraying her trepidation.