Junyeok swallowed.
Their lips met.
The kiss lasted long enough for warmth to spread through both of them, a faint sensation like energy flowing gently away from him.
When she pulled back, her fever had vanished.
"…Thank you very much for the delicious meal," she said softly.
Junyeok blinked.
"…That's all?"
She nodded.
"…Yes. I can survive for thirty suns now."
Junyeok scratched his head awkwardly.
"…I thought it was… something else…"
She blushed.
"…That is also a way… but… that would be too embarrassing…"
Junyeok thought, A modest dryad… I never thought I'd see one.
---
After speaking a little more, she asked his name.
"…Junyeok."
"…Jun… ye… ok… Junyeok…"
She smiled.
"…Too hard. You are my Pollen."
"…Pollen?"
"…Because pollen creates new life with flowers… and we kissed."
Junyeok sighed, smiling helplessly.
"…I understand."
"…My dear husband," she said sweetly.
Junyeok's heart nearly exploded.
I can't handle this much cuteness…
"…Fine," he said.
Before he left, she created a dress from vines and flowers and handed him several golden seeds.
"…A gift."
Junyeok smiled and patted her head.
"…I'll come visit again."
---
On his way back, Junyeok thought,
She's a bit like Yun… bold in some ways… but just as cute.
He nodded to himself.
Yun really is cute too.
---
At that moment—
Yun suddenly sneezed several times.
The girls nearby giggled.
"Someone must be talking about you."
"Is it your boyfriend?"
Yun's cheeks turned bright red.
"I-It's not like that…"
But quietly, she thought—
Junyeok…
- - -
Ultimate Monster Food Maker Tournament – Final Round
A few days later, at the first Ultimate Monster Food Maker Tournament, an announcement echoed through the massive arena:
"The final round of the Ultimate Monster Food Maker Tournament is about to begin! Hold your breath!"
The crowd erupted in excitement. Cheers thundered through the stadium like rolling waves.
Junyeok stood on the grand stage behind a long table filled with rare ingredients, advanced cooking machines, and specialized utensils. The lights shone down intensely, casting dramatic shadows across the competitors.
Three other finalists stood beside him.
First—
A woman with short red hair, one eye hidden behind loose strands. Her crimson eyes were sharp and focused. She wore a pristine white chef's coat. Around twenty-six years old, she carried herself with calm confidence.
Lara. A professional chef known especially for her mastery over meat. Her cutting techniques were flawless — precise, elegant, terrifyingly efficient.
Next—
A muscular man in his mid-thirties. Bald, with a thick mustache and a stern expression. He wore an American-style chef's uniform.
Bron. A renowned chef originally from America, now settled here. Owner of one of the most famous five-star restaurants in the country. An expert with overwhelming experience.
And finally—
A tall man with a splendid physique and long black hair tied back neatly with a golden hairpin. He wore a white shirt with the upper buttons slightly open, paired with black pants. Around twenty-seven years old, he stood with composed dignity.
Zonzu. One of the top ten chefs in the country. A multiple award winner. Known by many as the Cooking King.
Junyeok inhaled slowly.
So I'm finally here…
It had been exhausting competing against countless participants just to reach this stage. But the prize money made it worth it.
I don't want to live in debt forever.
He studied his opponents again.
Pretty serious competition…
But then a confident smile curved across his lips.
Even if they're professionals… they don't possess the one thing I have — knowledge.
If this were a normal cooking competition, he wouldn't even dream of standing beside them.
But this wasn't normal.
This was a battle using monster ingredients.
And in that field—
They could never surpass him.
No matter how hard they tried.
Bron suddenly glanced at him and scoffed.
"Hey kid. Back off now. You don't stand a chance."
Junyeok let out a quiet sigh.
There's always one of these types… school, college, work… even in fiction.
People would say, "Just ignore them."
But when you do that, they grow arrogant. They start stepping over you.
So what's the best course of action?
A wide grin spread across Junyeok's face.
Simple.
He looked at Bron and smiled mockingly.
"Oh really? Or are you afraid you might lose to a mere kid? If you're that scared… maybe you should back off."
He chuckled lightly.
Bron's face twisted with anger. "Why you little—"
"Enough."
Zonzu's calm voice cut through the tension.
"Are you truly picking a fight with a child? How shameful." His eyes sharpened. "If you have a problem, you may direct it at me."
A visible chill ran down Bron's spine.
"…It's nothing," he muttered irritably.
Lara leaned slightly toward Junyeok and whispered with concern,
"Hey… you shouldn't provoke him. You might not know, but he has a bad reputation for beating people."
Junyeok turned to her with a bright, gentle smile.
"Thank you for worrying about me. I really appreciate it. But I'll be fine."
Then he added sincerely,
"And honestly… I truly admire your talent in handling meat. I've never seen anyone with such precision and elegance."
He lightly held her hands in gratitude.
For a moment, Lara froze.
Her face flushed bright red.
"Th-thank… thank you…" she stammered, quickly pulling her hands back.
Junyeok scratched his head awkwardly.
"Oh, sorry! Did I make you uncomfortable?"
"N-no! Not at all!" she said quickly, covering her face.
Inside, her thoughts spiraled.
He's so handsome… and polite… and he admires me? Ahh… how adorable…
Junyeok blinked, confused.
Did I do something wrong?
Suddenly, the announcer's voice boomed again:
"Participants, take your positions! The final round of the Ultimate Monster Food Maker Tournament begins now!"
The crowd exploded in deafening excitement.
The air grew heavy with tension.
Knives gleamed.
Flames ignited.
The ultimate culinary battle had begun.