Chapter: Salt of Another World
The celebration on the shoreline of the corrupted forest had grown louder.
The bonfire crackled like a miniature sun in the middle of the beach, flames dancing wildly as the night breeze carried the smell of roasted sea monster meat across the coast.
Crab shells cracked.
Piranha warriors were being chopped and grilled.
Morlock warriors laughed loudly, slapping each other on the back as they devoured meat the size of their arms.
Even the corrupted beasts were feasting, tearing apart the leftovers with savage enthusiasm.
For the first time since the birth of the corrupted forest's new ruler…
There was peace.
And eventually, the ruler himself decided to join.
The Demon King Joins the Feast
Draven walked back toward the bonfire slowly.
His black wings folded behind him like a cloak as the firelight reflected on his armor. The Spirit King's Crown faintly shimmered above his head, blending subtly with his demonic aura.
The monsters parted slightly to make space.
Not out of fear.
But respect.
The Morlock prince Varuk bowed his head slightly.
"Lord of the Forest."
Draven waved casually.
"Relax. Tonight isn't a war meeting."
He sat down beside the fire and grabbed one of the roasted crab legs A1 had prepared earlier.
The meat looked perfect.
Golden.
Juicy.
The smell was strong.
Draven took a bite.
Everyone watched.
Silence spread across the beach.
Draven chewed slowly.
His expression changed.
Then froze.
Then twisted slightly.
He swallowed.
And stared at the meat in his hand like it had personally betrayed him.
"…What is this."
A1 tilted his head.
"Food."
Draven looked horrified.
"There is no salt."
The entire beach froze.
A World Without Flavor
Draven grabbed another piece of meat and sniffed it again.
Still no salt.
No spices.
No sauce.
No seasoning.
Just raw roasted sea monster.
He looked around slowly.
Everyone else was eating happily.
The Morlocks were tearing meat apart with their claws.
The Blood Lancers were chewing loudly.
Even Samuel was quietly eating grilled piranha.
Draven looked at them like they were insane.
"You people eat like this?"
Prince Varuk looked confused.
"This is… roasted meat."
"Yes," Draven said flatly. "And it tastes like disappointment."
C3 blinked.
"What is salt?"
Draven dropped the meat and leaned back dramatically.
"My kingdom is doomed."
The Resource Chamber Discovery
Draven sighed and opened his system interface.
A faint crimson screen appeared in front of him.
He scrolled through dozens of system panels.
Inventory.
Domain management.
Unit evolution.
Dungeon formation.
Then something caught his attention.
System Resource Chamber
Draven narrowed his eyes.
He tapped it.
A long list appeared.
And suddenly…
Draven's expression changed.
"Oh."
He scrolled further.
Then further.
His eyebrows slowly rose.
"OH."
Trading With Another World
The interface displayed something incredible.
Through the system's resource exchange function, Draven could buy certain items originating from his previous world.
But there was a catch.
The price.
Draven stared at the numbers.
"…Are you kidding me."
A single small bottle of salt.
Price: 1000 gold coins
Draven rubbed his temples.
"This system is robbing me."
But right now…
He was desperate.
He pressed purchase.
The system accepted.
A small glass bottle appeared in his hand instantly.
Then he noticed another item.
A bottle of sake.
Draven grinned slightly.
"Alright… one luxury purchase."
Another 1000 gold coins vanished.
A ceramic sake bottle appeared beside the salt.
Draven looked at the two tiny items.
Two thousand gold coins.
Gone.
For what could fit inside his pocket.
"…This better be worth it."
The Birth of Flavor
Draven stood up and walked back toward the bonfire.
The monsters paused as he opened the small bottle.
He sprinkled a little salt over a freshly grilled crab leg.
Then handed it to Varuk.
"Try again."
The Morlock prince looked confused but obeyed.
He took a bite.
His eyes widened instantly.
The entire Morlock tribe leaned forward.
Varuk chewed slowly.
Then looked up at Draven like he had discovered a new universe.
"…What magic is this."
Draven smirked.
"Flavor."
Soon the salt bottle began circulating.
Each warrior received barely half a spoon.
But the reactions were legendary.
Blood Lancers shouted in excitement.
Morlocks began fighting over seasoned meat.
Even Samuel paused mid-chew.
"…This changes everything."
The Legendary Spoon of Salt
Draven carefully rationed the salt.
There were too many people.
Thousands of monsters.
So everyone only received a tiny amount.
Less than a spoon.
But the effect was revolutionary.
Even the gargoyle general stepped forward.
Technically…
Gargoyles did not require food.
But higher ranking beings like him possessed advanced intelligence and could enjoy it.
He carefully took a piece of seasoned crab.
Chewed once.
Then nodded slowly.
Approval.
Samuel meanwhile had grabbed the sake bottle.
He sniffed it cautiously.
Then drank.
His eyes widened.
"This is strong."
Draven chuckled.
"That's alcohol."
Samuel passed the bottle around.
Each warrior took a tiny sip.
Soon laughter erupted across the beach.
The celebration became even louder.
Plans for Civilization
Draven leaned back near the fire while watching the party.
"This can't continue."
C3 looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Draven pointed at the empty salt bottle.
"We need production."
He began explaining quickly.
"How to create sea salt."
"How to ferment alcohol."
"How to cultivate spices."
"How to build proper kitchens."
The monsters listened like students hearing forbidden knowledge.
Even the Morlock king moved closer.
Draven concluded with a simple statement.
"If we build these industries… this kingdom becomes self-sufficient."
Samuel nodded thoughtfully.
"Economic infrastructure."
Draven smirked.
"Exactly."
The monster kingdom had just discovered cooking.
System Chaos
While the celebration continued, Draven opened his system again.
And instantly regretted it.
Windows exploded across his vision.
Outpost Creation: 37%
Unit Evolution Detected
Domain Expansion Available
Resource Production Unlocked
Monster Loyalty Increased
New Skill Combinations Available
Dozens.
Hundreds.
System windows flooded his vision.
Draven sighed.
"Not tonight."
He waved his hand.
The windows froze.
Then disappeared.
He had temporarily blocked the system notifications.
Tonight was a celebration.
Not paperwork.
A1's Report
Draven turned toward A1.
"You said something earlier."
A1 nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"The intruder."
Draven's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Explain."
A1 calmly reported the events.
The infiltration.
The battle.
The strange hooded figure.
And finally…
The identity.
"A dark elf."
Draven's gaze darkened slightly.
The same intruder who had attacked the bunker earlier.
Apostle of an evil god.
Captured.
One arm severed.
Currently restrained near the bunker.
Draven nodded thoughtfully.
"So she survived."
A1 replied simply.
"Yes."
Morning Interrogation
The fire crackled softly as Draven stood up.
The moon hung high above the corrupted forest.
The party behind him continued.
Laughter.
Dancing.
Drinking.
For tonight…
The monsters were simply enjoying victory.
Draven looked toward the dark forest in the distance.
Somewhere deep inside…
The captured dark elf waited.
He folded his wings slightly.
"We deal with her tomorrow."
A1 nodded.
Draven turned back toward the bonfire.
"Tonight…"
He grabbed another piece of salted crab meat.
"…we celebrate."
The corrupted forest roared with laughter beneath the moon.
But tomorrow…
The interrogation would begin.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Chapter: Salt of Another World
The celebration on the shoreline of the corrupted forest had grown louder.
The bonfire crackled like a miniature sun in the middle of the beach, flames dancing wildly as the night breeze carried the smell of roasted sea monster meat across the coast.
Crab shells cracked.
Piranha warriors were being chopped and grilled.
Morlock warriors laughed loudly, slapping each other on the back as they devoured meat the size of their arms.
Even the corrupted beasts were feasting, tearing apart the leftovers with savage enthusiasm.
For the first time since the birth of the corrupted forest's new ruler…
There was peace.
And eventually, the ruler himself decided to join.
The Demon King Joins the Feast
Draven walked back toward the bonfire slowly.
His black wings folded behind him like a cloak as the firelight reflected on his armor. The Spirit King's Crown faintly shimmered above his head, blending subtly with his demonic aura.
The monsters parted slightly to make space.
Not out of fear.
But respect.
The Morlock prince Varuk bowed his head slightly.
"Lord of the Forest."
Draven waved casually.
"Relax. Tonight isn't a war meeting."
He sat down beside the fire and grabbed one of the roasted crab legs A1 had prepared earlier.
The meat looked perfect.
Golden.
Juicy.
The smell was strong.
Draven took a bite.
Everyone watched.
Silence spread across the beach.
Draven chewed slowly.
His expression changed.
Then froze.
Then twisted slightly.
He swallowed.
And stared at the meat in his hand like it had personally betrayed him.
"…What is this."
A1 tilted his head.
"Food."
Draven looked horrified.
"There is no salt."
The entire beach froze.
A World Without Flavor
Draven grabbed another piece of meat and sniffed it again.
Still no salt.
No spices.
No sauce.
No seasoning.
Just raw roasted sea monster.
He looked around slowly.
Everyone else was eating happily.
The Morlocks were tearing meat apart with their claws.
The Blood Lancers were chewing loudly.
Even Samuel was quietly eating grilled piranha.
Draven looked at them like they were insane.
"You people eat like this?"
Prince Varuk looked confused.
"This is… roasted meat."
"Yes," Draven said flatly. "And it tastes like disappointment."
C3 blinked.
"What is salt?"
Draven dropped the meat and leaned back dramatically.
"My kingdom is doomed."
The Resource Chamber Discovery
Draven sighed and opened his system interface.
A faint crimson screen appeared in front of him.
He scrolled through dozens of system panels.
Inventory.
Domain management.
Unit evolution.
Dungeon formation.
Then something caught his attention.
System Resource Chamber
Draven narrowed his eyes.
He tapped it.
A long list appeared.
And suddenly…
Draven's expression changed.
"Oh."
He scrolled further.
Then further.
His eyebrows slowly rose.
"OH."
Trading With Another World
The interface displayed something incredible.
Through the system's resource exchange function, Draven could buy certain items originating from his previous world.
But there was a catch.
The price.
Draven stared at the numbers.
"…Are you kidding me."
A single small bottle of salt.
Price: 1000 gold coins
Draven rubbed his temples.
"This system is robbing me."
But right now…
He was desperate.
He pressed purchase.
The system accepted.
A small glass bottle appeared in his hand instantly.
Then he noticed another item.
A bottle of sake.
Draven grinned slightly.
"Alright… one luxury purchase."
Another 1000 gold coins vanished.
A ceramic sake bottle appeared beside the salt.
Draven looked at the two tiny items.
Two thousand gold coins.
Gone.
For what could fit inside his pocket.
"…This better be worth it."
The Birth of Flavor
Draven stood up and walked back toward the bonfire.
The monsters paused as he opened the small bottle.
He sprinkled a little salt over a freshly grilled crab leg.
Then handed it to Varuk.
"Try again."
The Morlock prince looked confused but obeyed.
He took a bite.
His eyes widened instantly.
The entire Morlock tribe leaned forward.
Varuk chewed slowly.
Then looked up at Draven like he had discovered a new universe.
"…What magic is this."
Draven smirked.
"Flavor."
Soon the salt bottle began circulating.
Each warrior received barely half a spoon.
But the reactions were legendary.
Blood Lancers shouted in excitement.
Morlocks began fighting over seasoned meat.
Even Samuel paused mid-chew.
"…This changes everything."
The Legendary Spoon of Salt
Draven carefully rationed the salt.
There were too many people.
Thousands of monsters.
So everyone only received a tiny amount.
Less than a spoon.
But the effect was revolutionary.
Even the gargoyle general stepped forward.
Technically…
Gargoyles did not require food.
But higher ranking beings like him possessed advanced intelligence and could enjoy it.
He carefully took a piece of seasoned crab.
Chewed once.
Then nodded slowly.
Approval.
Samuel meanwhile had grabbed the sake bottle.
He sniffed it cautiously.
Then drank.
His eyes widened.
"This is strong."
Draven chuckled.
"That's alcohol."
Samuel passed the bottle around.
Each warrior took a tiny sip.
Soon laughter erupted across the beach.
The celebration became even louder.
Plans for Civilization
Draven leaned back near the fire while watching the party.
"This can't continue."
C3 looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Draven pointed at the empty salt bottle.
"We need production."
He began explaining quickly.
"How to create sea salt."
"How to ferment alcohol."
"How to cultivate spices."
"How to build proper kitchens."
The monsters listened like students hearing forbidden knowledge.
Even the Morlock king moved closer.
Draven concluded with a simple statement.
"If we build these industries… this kingdom becomes self-sufficient."
Samuel nodded thoughtfully.
"Economic infrastructure."
Draven smirked.
"Exactly."
The monster kingdom had just discovered cooking.
System Chaos
While the celebration continued, Draven opened his system again.
And instantly regretted it.
Windows exploded across his vision.
Outpost Creation: 37%
Unit Evolution Detected
Domain Expansion Available
Resource Production Unlocked
Monster Loyalty Increased
New Skill Combinations Available
Dozens.
Hundreds.
System windows flooded his vision.
Draven sighed.
"Not tonight."
He waved his hand.
The windows froze.
Then disappeared.
He had temporarily blocked the system notifications.
Tonight was a celebration.
Not paperwork.
A1's Report
Draven turned toward A1.
"You said something earlier."
A1 nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"The intruder."
Draven's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Explain."
A1 calmly reported the events.
The infiltration.
The battle.
The strange hooded figure.
And finally…
The identity.
"A dark elf."
Draven's gaze darkened slightly.
The same intruder who had attacked the bunker earlier.
Apostle of an evil god.
Captured.
One arm severed.
Currently restrained near the bunker.
Draven nodded thoughtfully.
"So she survived."
A1 replied simply.
"Yes."
Morning Interrogation
The fire crackled softly as Draven stood up.
The moon hung high above the corrupted forest.
The party behind him continued.
Laughter.
Dancing.
Drinking.
For tonight…
The monsters were simply enjoying victory.
Draven looked toward the dark forest in the distance.
Somewhere deep inside…
The captured dark elf waited.
He folded his wings slightly.
"We deal with her tomorrow."
A1 nodded.
Draven turned back toward the bonfire.
"Tonight…"
He grabbed another piece of salted crab meat.
"…we celebrate."
The corrupted forest roared with laughter beneath the moon.
But tomorrow…
The interrogation would begin.
TO BE CONTINUED....