The Cook of a Perished World - Chapter 90

Episode 90: Recyclable trash (1)

The occupation of Inje-gun has been completed.

Our unit’s daily life hasn’t changed much.

“It’s the same with the mountains. “Just because we occupied it doesn’t mean the monsters in that area were wiped out.”

Occupation simply means the greatest influence.

There were still monsters and enemies we didn’t know about in Inje-gun.

In the first place, we did not succeed in completely cleaning the county.

I just took the quickest route to the county office.

The part we’ve processed is probably less than a third of the total.

‘There. ‘Because there are military bases.’

A military base that is said to be haunted only by monsters stronger than ordinary monsters.

And Inje-gun is Gangwon-do, where most of Korea’s military units are located.

Among them, it is located at the forefront.

This means that there are so many military units that it can be said that they are literally ‘spread out’.

Among them, there are probably monsters that are sufficiently threatening to our unit.

‘The good news is that those monsters most likely won’t leave the territory.’

According to Ariella, who was one of those monsters.

The monsters that occupied the military base seemed to be in fact controlled by some thought.

They are only devoted to protecting the ‘human species’ military facilities’ they occupy.

It’s a situation where you can’t go outside.

This means that unless it is a special case, it will not affect the outside world, so

the military units will have to take it back slowly.

anyway.

The fact that it is still a city overflowing with monsters remains the same.

The unit members continued to scout the surrounding area and hunt monsters.

When off-duty, which was not part of reconnaissance, it was common for each person to train their abilities on their own.

In the case of warrior teams, they train their fighting senses by sparring with each other in the unit’s gym?

In my case, it’s culinary research.

When I finished cooking and had time left, I opened the recipe book that the unit members had obtained.

I spend time researching new recipes.

but now.

I was sitting in the battalion commander’s office, looking at the mirror.

“hmm.”

The result of recently awakening the talent called [Large-scale cooking].

The time it takes to prepare meals for unit members has been drastically reduced.

“…Should I cut it too?”

Thanks to you, I have a lot of free time left.

Sometimes, I have time to think about other things.

“Write. “It’s too long.”

The only thing I’m thinking about right now is hair-related.

‘Day of Destruction’ was a few days before I was discharged from the military.

Our unit wasn’t a very tough unit.

A few days before I was to be discharged from the military, they subtly allowed me to grow my hair out.

actually.

Until then, in the eyes of members of society, he must have been at the level of an unreasonable military barbarian.

But it’s a bit harsh now.

‘I’ve spent months fighting and cooking, so there’s nothing I can do about it.’

There was no time to cut my hair.

As a result, my hair almost reached my shoulders.

It seems like other soldiers besides me had similar concerns.

Unusually, all warriors had short hair.

I asked why.

-Don’t we have a lot of situations where we engage in close combat?

-That’s true.

-When you fight so close, there are many times when the enemy grabs you by the hair.

-ah.

-It’s not that it suits me to play shorter or anything like that. The reason is that it is extremely practical-oriented. It’s a sports cut, so we can cut it with a knife, so it’s easy to maintain. Well, it’s not bad. Sergeant Shin, if you want, I can cut it for you myself.

The soldier then raised his sword.

What was in his hand was a greatsword that was almost the size of a person.

-Oh no. Don’t just take my heart.

-It’s a shame. I’m really good at cutting hair with this.

-…You’re talking about hair, right?

-yes? Is there anything else to cut?

At that time, I was shocked and refused.

If you think about it, it’s a pretty amazing reason.

I also often fought in close combat during battles.

Besides, don’t most chefs cut their hair short?

I also thought I might have to go back to being a stickler, but…

“Hmm! “Let’s just tidy things up!”

I have two days left until I am discharged.

Isn’t it too cruel to say that we should go back to being tight-fisted?

‘Come to think of it. Commander Lee Sang-ah said he was good at cutting hair.’

Awakened as a ‘tailor’, she possesses [Scissors Skill].

Although it can also be used to cut off a zombie’s head.

I heard that he is also quite knowledgeable in haircutting.

Traits granted as a seamstress.

Originally, I think I should stay away from those who take care of my hair.

‘I also cut down monsters with the dagger skills I received as a chef.’

It wouldn’t be surprising if she became skilled at barbering.

Maybe I should ask her to do my hair later.

I can’t believe I’m spending time thinking like that.

“Sergeant Shin?”

A soldier knocked on the battalion commander’s office and entered.

“Sergeant Lee Min-jae asks me to come to the village for a moment.”

“Minjae hyung?”

I’m not that busy right now anyway.

I followed the soldier outside.

Let’s go out the main gate of the unit and move outside.

A small village was created there.

A military base surrounded by nothing but rice fields.

The closest buildings were far away farm huts or warehouses.

‘It still seems worth living at this level.’

What was built near the base now were gray buildings.

These are houses built for a small fee for those who want to settle nearby.

Buildings made of iron.

Originally, it would not have been a very good material for residential use.

[Identification of food ingredients (strengthening)]

[Steel imbued with the magic of ‘Mac’]

Materials strengthened by the magic of black pepper.

When the hands of engineers are added to it, the story becomes a little different.

Of course, it is strong enough to be safe even against monsters that can tear apart vehicles with their bare hands.

I don’t know what effect it has, but it is said to have a warming and cold weather effect.

Let’s walk near it.

“oh. “Is the bachelor with a cooking problem here?”

People who settled in the village saw me and said hello.

“Loyal loyalty. How have you been?”

“We are doing well thanks to you.”

Some time has passed since survivors first settled in the area.

Meanwhile, quite a few people had gathered after hearing the rumor.

‘Now the population of the surrounding villages is similar to the number of soldiers in the army.’

Those who have agreed to pay a small price and receive our guild’s protection.

For reference, most of the compensation is food received by helping Cheol-wook, an awakened ‘farmer’.

“Really… I’m thankful.”

Farming isn’t easy, so it’s hard to call it a leisurely life.

There were many people who expressed gratitude just for not having to worry about dying.

Thanks to this, most people’s favorability towards our unit is very high.

“Please tell Lieutenant Kim that we are always grateful.”

“I thought there was no future anymore… but you decided to protect us for only a small price. “He is truly a great man.”

but.

They still thought Lieutenant Kim was our boss.

“haha. Even if I don’t tell you this, I’m sure you all know it well.”

lately.

Lieutenant Kim also spoke about this.

-Youngjun. Honestly, this is a bit burdensome. How could it not be possible?

-yes? What.

-When you said you would give me the nominal position of battalion commander, I thought you would. My position will be quite useful when facing other military units. In my own way, I’m also confident in how I speak. But…

Lieutenant Kim sighs slightly.

-I would rather suffer than suffer. You are the one who decided to protect those people, Youngjun, and I am being thanked. This is too much of a burden.

In those words.

I answered as if I was a little dumbfounded.

-I wasn’t hearing any negative comments, everyone was just praising me, so what’s the burden?

-If someone swears, I’d rather not put up with it…!

However,

Lieutenant Kim also seems to have something clear to say about this.

-It’s more burdensome because it’s a compliment for something I didn’t do.

-Hmm.

-It is certain that other armies have been wiped out, so I don’t think my position will play that big of a role. Wouldn’t it be okay for you to go public soon? Anyway, raise your rank as a soldier to sergeant…

Hmm.

Although it wasn’t a big mistake.

-It’s annoying.

-Is that so?

I guess I have a bit more free time now.

The reason Lieutenant Kim was given such a role in the first place was not only external status issues.

‘There was also a big intention to lighten my workload.’

I’m already busy.

Isn’t it too troublesome to even play the role of external leader?

-I also don’t think it’s a good idea to let people know that Youngjun is the captain.

Do I think this is a bit irresponsible? I wanted to, but.

Minjae hyung listened to me.

-Because it’s a dangerous world.

-What does that have to do with this-.

-If there are forces opposing us. They will most likely target the captain. The same goes for the goblin I recently met when I was subduing vampires last time. I don’t think there is a need to appoint a real leader to such a dangerous role.

What Minjae said.

-Are you saying that Lieutenant Kim has to become my shadow warrior?

-…Minjae. That means. It sounds like I can die.

-I’m not saying it’s okay to die. Lieutenant Kim is also an important person. But if I’m going to die, it’s better for Lieutenant Kim to die than for Youngjun.

-….

-Anyway, the guild members all know that Youngjun is the real boss, right? You can tell this just by checking the guild’s status window. As long as there is no confusion among guild members, I don’t think it would be a bad thing for Lt. Kim to receive positive reviews from outsiders.

Even if you are evaluating Lieutenant Kim positively.

If such a person becomes a guild member, ‘Actually, that is what Shin Young-jun did.’ And you will find out.

As long as the external evaluation is positive.

It doesn’t really matter who the target is.

-Lieutenant Kim’s job is to manage his image well as the external commander of the corps.

-Whoa. i get it. What I am confident about is my political skills and image management. I don’t know if I should consider this fortunate.

Well, that’s how it happened.

To the outside world, Lieutenant Kim was still known as the captain.

Lieutenant Kim often patrols the village and even communicates.

If it had been my job, it would have been terribly annoying.

‘I’m glad I handed it over to Lieutenant Kim.’

anyway.

A plan to rebuild human society near our base.

The plan seemed to be going fairly well.

but.

There are always side effects with things like this.

“Keuuuhhh…!”

“Don’t move, man.”

Let’s go to the place where Minjae hyung called me.

A man was being held down by a soldier and was face down on the floor.

“What is happening again?”

“oh. “Is Youngjun here?”

“Old soldiers! “It’s really a misunderstanding!”

I misunderstood and all.

I don’t understand what’s happening at all.

Let’s look at Minjae.

“This man. “There are suspicions that he was a looter.”

“what?”

“Someone of the survivors who recently joined came to me secretly and told me. “This man looks just like the raider who attacked them.”

“So I feel unfair…!”

“So, when we approached to properly investigate, they attacked our soldiers and tried to run away, right? “Is that unfair too?”

“That is. Suddenly people gathered around me, so I was embarrassed and made a mistake…”

Hmm.

I roughly understand the situation.

“You guys go back to work first.”

“yes? Is that okay?”

“uh. Minjae and I will take care of this guy, so don’t worry about it.”

“Hmm… I don’t think a dangerous situation will arise if you are Sergeant Shin. All right.”

First, the soldiers except Minjae were dispersed.

“Uncle, please follow us.”

“Where do you plan to go?”

“If you are truly innocent, there will be no problem, so don’t worry.”

I took the man with me and moved to a corner.

Only Minjae and I are around.

There is evidence that this man was a looter.

But you claim your innocence?

Then what?

There is an easy way to find out.

“ruler. Ah, do it.”

“Okay.”

After forcing the man’s mouth open.

I ate a piece of candy that I always carry with me.

[A mid-level chef’s honest feelings]

“Okay. Let’s be honest. “The reason you came to our unit.”

“Recently, I started hearing bad rumors.”

The effect was immediate.

A man who immediately became more honest than anyone else.

however.

A bad rumor?

“What rumor?”

“It seems that people who specialize in hunting predators have appeared…”

People who specialize in hunting predators.

…hmm.

I can kind of guess something.

‘Has it already become a rumor?’

It’s a world where it’s difficult to move around.

I thought rumors could travel really fast.

“Those hunters are very powerful beings. Even groups that had built up considerable power seemed to be disappearing helplessly…”

“Big. So?”

“I was already in a situation where I was being pushed out of the power struggle within the group. It was obvious what would happen if things continued as they were. Either they are hunted to death by those rumor hunters, or they are kicked out of the group’s power struggle and die on the streets. “One of the two… In the meantime, I received information about this place.”

It seems so natural that he was a plunderer.

“I don’t know what kind of thugs they are, but I heard they guarantee safety for almost free money. “From my perspective, there is no reason not to go.”

“Huh. So what happens after you come to this town? “Have you tried to make up your mind and live a good life?”

If only that were the case.

I was willing to look at it once.

“Am I crazy? “How can I make up my mind?”

Unfortunately.

He doesn’t seem to be a purely evil person.

The next words he spoke were shocking.

“Where people gather, there is not only a bright side. As the light grows, the dark side also grows… As the society here is still in its infancy. “I decided that if I could quickly blend in here, I would be able to dominate its dark side.”

“…ah. “Is that what you thought?”

“Hehe. “It’s not difficult to secretly increase your power as long as you avoid the attention of soldiers.”

“what. Let’s say you’ve increased your strength like that. “What next?”

“First of all, I have to get revenge on those who tried to kick me out. But it doesn’t end there. Now, some time after society collapsed, a new society is emerging on the ashes of the collapsed society. “I will become the king of the dark side of society… the underworld.”

Your dreams are pretty big.

what.

I think I’ve heard everything I needed to hear.

“I heard that’s true?”

“…I did it just in case, but it turned out to be the same.”

Minjae hyung frowns, touching the area between his eyebrows as if he has a headache.

I turned my gaze back to the man, wondering if he might.

[Ingredients Identification (Enhancement)]

[Lowest Gangster Lv. 9]

After checking.

Even though he looked like this, he was an awakened person.

Level 9 is pretty good, though.

There didn’t seem to be any useful skills or characteristics.

“It’s good to create a society around us, but how many more guys like this will come in… It’s a headache.”

“what. “Some side effects were not expected.”

“First of all, the disposition of this guy is….”

“Ah. “I’ll take care of that.”

I flinch.

Upon hearing that, Minjae paused for a moment.

“Is this the disposition I think it is?”

“hmm. maybe.”

“…Whew. okay. “That would be beneficial.”

It’s unpleasant, but it seems like there’s nothing he can do.

Minjae sighs and nods his head.

“Let’s work. come out.”

Let me say this while pounding on the floor.

“yes. “My master.”

I hear a voice answering there.

Something jumped out from the shadows.

“What is that!”

The self-proclaimed future king of underworld was astonished upon seeing this.

For someone who wants to go to the underworld, I don’t think he’s very brave.

“My dear master. Did you call me to give you grace again?”

“It’s still far away from meal time.”

“Oh yes.”

One of the abilities that only noble-level vampires have.

[Curtain of Shadows].

It is a technique to create your own space within the shadow.

That is the dark space that dragged me into it not long ago.

I think it was originally a space created in her own shadow.

They say that it doesn’t mean that you can only make your own shadow.

Now I had moved into my shadow.

Hunting marauders at night.

During the day when it is difficult to be active, I have ordered my shadow to return to guard me and take a rest.

Her relatives have not officially joined the unit either.

Basically, I sleep there during the day.

“In the first place. Weren’t you probably listening to what was being said? “It’s this guy.”

“ah. yes. “There is a bug.”

She said that and looked at the man.

It was an expression of disdain, as if looking at a bug.

“It was so insignificant that I didn’t notice it.”

After defeating this guy.

Quite a long time has passed.

In the meantime, has he gotten used to being subordinate to me?

There are times when you can see a little bit of your original personality.

Arrogant.

Coercive.

A guy who considers humans to be insects.

however.

“I told you to speak nicely.”

“Hi. sorry!”

[Subordinate] recognized by the system.

Regardless of their original personality, they absolutely obey orders.

“This guy. “The level is okay, but as a human being, you’re trash.”

“hmm. “It would be suitable for recycling.”

“Take him.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Because I lost quite a few of my followers in the recent battle.

It would be perfect to fill that empty spot.

“…It won’t be a good sight for your master’s colleagues to see, so let’s take this man away.”

Meanwhile, Minjae hyung must have been looking at her with wary eyes.

Unlike the man who will soon become his subordinate, Minjae is my colleague who is the owner.

She seemed to notice and moved to a place where there were no others in order to make the man part of her family.

“…Youngjun.”

Minjae said after seeing that.

With a slightly reluctant attitude.

“first. “I respect your choice. From what I have experienced, you have always made the right choice.”

“I’m afraid of the backlash because you suddenly praised me.”

“but.”

Minjae sighs softly.

“I have some doubts about whether it was really the right choice to have that woman as my subordinate.”