Chapter 19: Crispy Outside, Soft Inside

A tiny sprout peeked out.

I looked closely.

「Immortal Peach, Lv 1」

Maybe because it had just sprouted—

Still Level 1.

But what’s certain is that it is an immortal peach.

Overcoming the absurdly low cultivation success rate…

Our Popo did it!

“You really did amazing, Popo!”

“Popo!”

A joyful exclamation escaped me naturally.

When I patted Popo on the head, Popo gave that signature ^_^ eye-smile and bounced happily.

It looked at the sprout once.

Then looked at me.

Then spun in place.

Like, I did good, right?

An expression that clearly wanted praise.

“Aww, yes. Our Popo. You’re the best!”

“Popo!”

I hugged Popo tight, full of affection.

I’m counting on you from here on out too, Popo!

[Kyuu, me too, me too!]

Maybe Popo and I looked too close.

Dania suddenly started pouting for attention.

“Yes, Dania is the best too!”

“Popo!”

I hugged Dania from the front.

And Popo hugged Dania from behind.

[Kyuuu~! Hehe. Feels good.]

Dania broke out into a big smile.

Inside the lair, overflowing with happiness and laughter—

We shared each other’s warmth for a while.

Grrrrowl!!

Then, a loud sound came from my stomach.

“Popo!”

[Kyuuung! Seojun, are you hungry? Dania’s hungry too. Give food.]

Ah, right.

We were about to eat, weren’t we?

Looks like everyone’s hungry.

Dania’s belly looks rounder than before.

And Popo… honestly just has a great appetite.

‘Now that I think of it, I’ve never seen this little one say they’re full.’

“Popo!”

I was about to make <Tai Yin Yang Essence>, when Popo approached with a +_+ face.

It glanced at the potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Then looked at me.

“Popo!”

Smiling with its eyes, then hop!

“You want to eat potatoes and sweet potatoes?”

“Popo!”

Right, Popo hasn’t really gotten to enjoy potatoes and sweet potatoes yet.

‘In that case…’

How about I try a super simple dish using the recipe I learned from <Bangbaedong Gourmet ?

“Just wait a bit.”

“Popo!”

Leaving Popo and Dania behind, I moved to an empty space.

Then connected to <SuperNet> right away.

I searched for the items I needed.

‘Search: Oven.’

An oven usable in a dungeon.

Not cheap at all.

[B] Magic Oven – 100,000 Coins

What kind of B-rank oven costs 100,000 coins?

That’s roughly… 1 billion won in Korean currency.

But there’s a good reason.

‘Because it’s made by dwarves.’

Human technology still can’t produce ovens usable in dungeons.

They can only be crafted through dwarves, who are only encountered in the Abyss Tower.

But it’s incredibly hard to meet a dwarf.

They’re fundamentally unfriendly toward humans.

Which is exactly why dwarf-made items are astronomically expensive.

Especially ovens, since they require custom orders—making them even pricier than regular gear.

‘And yet… people still buy them.’

“Where there’s demand, there’s supply.”

Mostly ultra-wealthy superhumans.

They’re the ones buying it.

Why, you ask?

Because once you step into the superhuman world—exploring dungeons or climbing towers—you often end up camping for several days at a time.

That’s when the demand for a warm meal naturally arises.

“Coins aren’t an issue.”

「Purchased <[B] Mana Oven>.」

「Purchased <[A] Dagger of Dusk>.」

「Purchased <[A] Dungeon Salt>.」

Mana Oven: 100,000 coins.
Dagger of Dusk: 150,000 coins.
Dungeon Salt: 1,000 coins.

Why buy the Dagger of Dusk?

“To slice potatoes and sweet potatoes.”

Some might scoff at the idea of using a top-tier dagger—one Dagger of Dusk considered one of the best for under level 30—to cook with.

But.

“Bangbaedong said this dagger’s surprisingly good for cooking.”

Apparently, it’s because of its special option, <Mana Refinement>.

Anyway, since a master chef recommended it, I just followed their advice.

I got straight to work chopping potatoes.

The method: diced.

Chop chop!

As expected, it cut beautifully.

Next step: seasoning!

Sprinkle sprinkle!

I added some freshly bought dungeon salt, then put everything straight into the oven.

No power source? How does it run?

No worries. This one runs on <Mana Stones>.

I had already installed one I bought earlier, so it should run smoothly for at least 100 hours.

Vwooooom!

The Mana Oven whirred to life, and a delicious aroma began to spread.

“Popo!”

[Kyuuung! Delicious smell!]

They reacted instantly.

Like baby birds waiting to be fed—adorable.

“Alright, time to prep the sweet potatoes.”

Today’s menu: oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries.

After slicing the sweet potatoes thin, I got them ready for the oven too.

Now, some might ask:

What kind of cooking is this?! You were trained by a Michelin 3-star chef and this is all you’re making?

But that would be missing the point.

Why?

Because even with a simple dish like this, Bangbaedong had fine-tuned every aspect of his recipe.

From the slicing method, to how the salt is applied, to the exact timing and temperature for baking.

He said those finely tuned micro-adjustments determine whether a dish stands out from the rest.

“Besides, the potatoes and sweet potatoes I’m using aren’t your average dungeon produce.”

They’re way tastier.

Sizzle sizzle!

After a short wait, the dish was done.

Golden-brown oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries.

“Man, the smell is heavenly.”

But how would it taste?

Starting with the potatoes—I took a bite.

Crunch.

“…!”

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.

Perfectly seasoned, with a savory-salty flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

The surface had a light crisp while still retaining a moist bite, filling my mouth with a rich, nutty taste every time I chewed.

“…..”

That deep, hearty potato flavor spreading in my mouth—

This was it.

“Popo!”

[Kyuuung! Me too, me too!]

Seeing me eat, Popo and Dania started clamoring.

I gave Popo a whole potato.

“Popooo!!”

The moment he took a bite, he let out a cry of delight.

His eyes sparkled like ☆_☆.

Now for our Dania.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t eat it directly.

So I mashed it up, mixed it with a mana potion, and drizzled it over her egg.

[Kyuuuung. So tasty. Sooo happy!!]

Dania also let out a squeal of pure joy.

“Alright.”

Everyone’s loving it!

“Shall we try the sweet potato next?”

Crunch!

I took a big bite.

✧✧

The sweet potato, too, has a crispy outside and a soft, tender inside.

Crackle.

The roasted sweet potato has a deep, caramelized sweetness, and with each bite, the natural richness and deep, sweet flavor of the sweet potato bursts forth.

“Kya!”

That dopamine-charging taste!

Yes, this is it!

The outside gives a slightly crispy, crunchy texture, but the inside is very soft and moist, with a chewy mouthfeel.

The rich sweetness of the sweet potato and the crunchy texture combined gave a satisfaction like eating dessert.

“Kheh. I can die happy now.”

The spiritual herbs and elixirs we always ate—

They tasted good and gave a feeling of fullness, but…

There was always a kind of mental hunger that wasn’t quite satisfied.

But after eating those oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries just now, it felt like that emptiness had been filled all at once.

Maybe it’s because these two taste a bit more like worldly (mortal) food.

“Popo!”

Seeing me tremble with emotion, Popo beside me begged for a bite too.

I gave him one.

“Popo!!”

He bounced around in delight, bursting with amazement.

Looks like Popo prefers sweet potato too?

[Kyuuuung! Me too, me too.]

Even Dania begged for some, so I mixed it into a magic potion for her.

[Kyuyuuuul. Tasty! Sweet potato tasty!]

Dania let out another cry of happiness.

[This is happiness.]

If there’s one thing I regret…

If only I could’ve gotten cream and cheese too.

Then I could’ve made even more delicious dishes.

Cheese potato & sweet potato gratin, potato cream soup, potato & sweet potato purée, cheesy potato casserole, sweet potato cream soup, sweet potato cheese muffins, and so on.

“I want to eat that…”

Sadly, there was no cream or cheese in the dungeon.

Items that couldn’t be found here.

So I added them to my bucket list for when I eventually leave the lair.

“Hmm.”

I looked at the remaining oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries and smacked my lips.

I did want more, but…

“Gotta hold back for the sake of leveling up.”

The oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries were heavenly, but unfortunately, they didn’t contribute to leveling up.

Now that I’m over level 20, looks like potatoes and sweet potatoes aren’t enough to level me anymore.

Still, it’s fine.

I have <Tai Yin Yang Essence> and <Heaven and Earth Restoration Soup>, after all.

“Looks like sprouts are growing well too.”

While we were eating, sprouts had already grown about a finger joint taller.

At this rate, it might be fully grown by tomorrow morning.

It’s really like watching a bamboo shoot grow.

Of course, part of it is thanks to my <Elixir Master> skill, but the biggest reason…

Is probably because our Popo prepared the soil so well.

“Popo!”

“Yes, yes. My dear Popo. Have some more.”

When Popo begged for more, I handed over all the remaining oven-roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries to him.

“Popo!”

Chomp!

“Popo—!”

Nom nom.

“Popo!”

Nom!

You’re eating it all up so well.

In the blink of an eye, the oven-baked potatoes and sweet potato fries were gone.

‘Such an appetite.’

Popo eats really well!

Now that the meal is over, time to prepare the <Tai yin Yang Essence> and get ready to level up.

—Or so I thought.

“Popopopo!”

“Huh?”

Popo started hopping around, pointing at the remaining potato and sweet potato fields.

“You want more?”

“Popo!”

“…How much more do you need to eat?”

“Popo! Popo!”

In response, Popo hopped over and began going back and forth around the halfway point of the remaining potatoes and sweet potatoes.

There are 100 potatoes and sweet potatoes left in total.

Which means…

“You want to eat 50 more?”

“Popo!”

At my words, Popo made a >_< embarrassed face and twisted its body shyly.

“Heh heh.”

This little guy… turns out he’s a real big eater.

Well then.

Good Hardworking Popo.

Eat as much as you want.

‘I’ll have to work harder to plant more potatoes and sweet potatoes from now on.’

I’d better calculate Popo’s daily rations and plant accordingly.

Luckily, I’ve confirmed that crops and spirit herbs fully grow in a day, so there should be no shortage.

“You can eat as much as you want.”

“Popo!”

I let out a small laugh at Popo, who was now overjoyed.

Seeing him this happy… I’m glad I didn’t stop him.

“Alright then.”

Now it’s really time to take the <Tai yin Yang Essence>.

I immediately placed <Public Healing oil> and <White Sun Herb> into the alchemy furnace and started the synthesis.

KWAHHHH!

「Congratulations. <Public Healing oil> and <White Sun Herb> have successfully fused.」

「Tai yin Yang Essence, Lv 99」

Another great success!

Without hesitation, I took a big gulp.

Gulp gulp!

A refreshing and warm sensation spread down my throat.

「Your total mana has greatly increased.」

「Your level has increased.」

「Your level has increased.」

I jumped two levels in an instant.

And now, my current level is—

‘Level 25.’

Feeling as light as air, I moved quickly to stand before the first and second passageways.

Now then—will something new be unlocked this time?

***

Hong Seolhwa.

She felt like she was walking on air.

Because she had been able to communicate—however briefly—with the Archmage who had become her lifelong mentor.

‘You have no idea how grateful I am, Archmage.’

She had once been swallowed by a swamp of despair.

To her, who saw the world as engulfed in darkness, the Archmage had given a new life.

And so—

‘I want to thank you in person.’

Truly, from the bottom of her heart—for giving her a chance at life again.

‘Once my schedule wraps up, I’ll send a personal message.’

Having ascended to the Tenth Heaven and made a dazzling return to the superhuman realm, she now faced a crushing schedule due to the many groups and individuals seeking her out.

But—

No matter what, she’d make time to personally thank the Archmage.

‘I wonder what kind of person he really is?’

She didn’t know the Archmage’s age or appearance, yet for some reason, her heart fluttered.

With that fluttering heart, she began to carefully compose the message she would send—word by word—with sincerity.

***

At that moment.

“Hoooooo.”

In the forbidden zone of the northern hemisphere, where a blizzard raged.

A man with a body full of honed muscles sat cross-legged.

He was fully immersed in cultivating his mana through a rigorous technique.

“Hooooooo.”

With each exhale—

The air began to freeze.

Crack. Crack crack crack.

With every breath, the ice forming around him grew thicker and thicker.

Until finally—

CRACKKKKK!

A massive mountain of ice formed around the man.

His name—

Aleksei Volkov.

The Guardian of the North and the man known as the Immovable Mountain.