Chef in the Apocalypse

As Jayce expertly tended to the giant wolf on the spit, it began to emit an irresistible fragrance that wafted through the air, reaching the nostrils of everyone in the vicinity. The collective grumbling sounds of hungry stomachs grew louder and more intense, akin to an oncoming thunderstorm. The aroma was so tantalizing that it was nearly impossible to resist.

Hidden away in a quieter corner, Dion and Kane found a moment to engage in conversation. Kane, donned in his sleek suit, looked at Dion with a curious expression. He couldn’t quite wrap his head around Jayce’s enigmatic nature, nor understand how a seemingly non-combat class could wield such immense strength, enough to take down a High Troll and a colossal wolf. Being a non-combat class himself, the very thought of undertaking such perilous tasks was beyond his comprehension.

In a tone of perplexity, Kane expressed his doubts, "Dion, I can’t fathom how he accomplished those feats. A non-combat class like me can’t even imagine doing something so treacherous."

Dion, his features as stoic as ever, silently acknowledged that if the world knew not only of Jayce’s non-combat class origins but also his single-handed completion of a world quest that saved humanity; it would send shockwaves through the world. The idea was utterly unfathomable to most.

However, in response to Kane’s raised eyebrow, Dion offered a measured reply, "I may not fully understand how he achieved what he did, but I believe we can trust him."

Kane, struck by the sudden trust Dion placed in this outsider, questioned further, "Dion, this is unlike you. Why do you trust him so readily?"

After a brief pause, Dion continued, "Our goals are on entirely different scales. We’re aiming to build a small safe haven, yes, but he... he aims to achieve much more."

Kane, baffled by Dion’s cryptic words, sought clarification, "What more is there to achieve than creating a sanctuary for survivors?"

Dion’s usually impassive expression seemed to flicker with a hint of something more. His voice, though still measured, revealed a spark of excitement as he replied, "The survival of the human race... an end to the Apocalypse"

Kane recoiled, struck dumb by the words of the usually pragmatic man in front of him. "H-He said that? That he wanted to end the Apocalypse?"

Dion shook his head, causing Kane to feel even more perplexed. "No, he didn’t explicitly state it. But I could tell..."

***

With the grand feast prepared, Jayce waved down Dion, calling him over with a warm smile. The paladin responded in kind and signaled a few townspeople to assist with the final steps of plating and serving. Even though much of the city lay in ruins, they had managed to gather enough tables and chairs to span nearly 300 meters, a humble attempt to accommodate the thousand or so residents who called this place home.

Jayce, with his skillful hands, began to carve generous portions of the colossal wolf onto large plates, which were then meticulously arranged at intervals along the immense table. He added side dishes like kidney pies, foie gras, and flaki made from the wolf’s offal.

By the time he had finished plating the food, he was thoroughly exhausted, having undertaken the entire preparation process single-handedly. It wasn’t that he shunned help; rather, he wanted to ensure that the prerequisite for his class upgrade was fulfilled with precision.

As the tantalizing aroma of perfectly roasted meat enveloped the city square, mouths watered and stomachs growled in anticipation. However, despite their gnawing hunger, the townsfolk remained patient and respectful, not daring to approach the feast without permission from their leaders.

Kane and Dion exchanged a nod, signaling that the time had come for everyone to take their seats. The hungry residents, though longing to indulge in the mouth watering feast before them, stayed still and poised, waiting for their leaders to address them. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Donned in his usual suit, Kane cleared his throat, being sure to speak loud enough for everyone to hear him. "Thank you all for joining us for our first town feast. I won’t keep you all too long as I’m sure you’re all raring to go."

"Firstly I’d like to thank Jayce who has taken the time to prepare this lovely feast for us this evening." He gestured to Jayce who was currently standing next to Colin looking a little disheveled.

A resounding applause rang out, showering the chef with praise. Jayce did a perfunctory bow in response to the cheers.

Kane cleared his throat before continuing, "This feast is a welcome to those who have joined us, yet also serves as a celebration for everything we have achieved so far." He began to pace back and forth slowly, projecting his voice outward with ease.

"Although we have suffered, we have succeeded in rallying together with a shared purpose." Kane paused for a moment, letting the words hang in the air, "To rebuild and create a safe haven for not only ourselves, but for others like us."

A solemn expression appeared on a lot of the town folks faces, filling the atmosphere with thick emotion. Nearly all of those in attendance had lost someone after Cataclysm descended, and unfortunately they were not the only ones, with many stories mirroring their own across the globe.

Dion broke the silence, getting everyone’s attention and snapping them out of their reverie. "While we are still in the middle of rebuilding, I think it is time that we decide on a name for our new city. One that radiates hope for all who hear it."

After saying those words, he looked at Jayce with a smile. "Many of you may not know, but the very same man who had prepared your feast tonight is the hero who took down the High Troll who ravaged our city."

At these words a cacophony of gasps and shocked whispers rang throughout the street, and Jayce felt the sting of 1000 pairs of eyes drilling into him at once. He gazed at Dion questioningly, unsure of what his purpose was for revealing this information.

Not bothering to acknowledge his questioning eyes, Dion continued, "So as the one who did what we failed to, what do you say we leave the naming of our city in this capable man’s hands?"