The Military Chef of a Ruined World

After clearing [Eroded World – Dasmur] dungeon, chaos reigned for a while.

-Crack!

“Damn it!”

Immediately after the dungeon collapsed, monsters emerged as if they had always belonged there.

“I can’t believe we’re suddenly threatened by monsters.”

“Honestly, it was better when we were trapped.”

While we were stuck in that dungeon, we faced issues like food shortages, but surprisingly we were safe from monster attacks. The monsters couldn’t come into the buildings, so we only needed to hide inside.

“No one asked to be let out.”

Most of the people didn’t realize that they were destined to be wiped out in a few years if things continued as they were.

Of course, not everyone felt that way.

“I can finally return to my family.”

Many shared the joy of successfully stepping outside.

Thousands of people had been freed into the world, and most of them were awakened individuals.

Crash!

“Phew… I barely caught that one!”

Despite expressing various grievances, people adapted to the outside environment relatively quickly.

“The fact that so many of us have been released into the world… it holds more significance than we realize.”

Min-jae hyung, who had just managed to leave the hospital, remarked on this.

“We might clash with them over food issues and other concerns in the future.”

“Well, that’s a problem for another time.”

What mattered most was clear:

‘The strength of humanity has significantly increased.’

The number of monsters that appeared in the city was considerable.

Under normal circumstances, like in the case of Inje-gun, people would have had no choice but to hide in the city.

But now, with awakened individuals pouring into the town, simply by each group protecting their own territory, safe zones were beginning to form around the city.

I had thought about returning to Inje-gun after we had successfully conquered the dungeon, but could I really afford to miss out on these awakened individuals?

I had been desperate for manpower.

For the time being, I needed to settle here in the city and start building up my team.

* * *

Thus, we took ownership of an abandoned building in the city.

“‘Ownership’ is a bit of an exaggeration; we only cleaned out the monsters and laid down our sleeping bags.”

Monsters had already taken residence inside the building, so it took quite some time to clear it.

For now, we would use this place as a temporary base before gradually establishing a proper one.

“Alright then, I’m heading out for duty.”

“Okay.”

The number of monsters had significantly increased.

The team decided to conduct regular patrols to secure the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, we would also have to try to recruit the countless awakened individuals nearby.

After finishing the meal preparations for my team, I took a moment to rest and check my status screen.

A message appeared in front of me:

[Unclaimed rewards are available!]

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of this message.

After all, what was our primary goal in attempting to conquer the dungeon?

‘Farming, of course.’

It was time to check those rewards.

[Checking rewards for clearing the Eroded World – Dasmur]

[Rewards will be distributed based on contribution]

[Awakened individual, Shin Young-joon’s contribution rank: 1st place]

As expected, my contribution was in first place.

The second place was likely held by Min-jae, who had unleashed that lightning spell.

And then…

[Rewards have been granted]

[You have gained experience points]

[You have gained experience points]

So far, this felt similar to my previous dungeon conquests.

An overwhelming surge of energy coursed through me, accompanied by those points.

‘Last time, something akin to a group skill was given next.’

I wondered if something resembling a group skill would be awarded again this time, but it turned out to be a bit different.

[You have acquired the Essence of the Shattered World]

[Checking class… Chef.]

[Rewards will be granted]

[Dasmurian Chef’s Essence]

This time, it wasn’t a group skill rather it was rather it was some sort of essence.

‘Although I had heard about it from the team members…’

I had taken a bit longer to confirm it myself.

Some members of my squad had already claimed their rewards.

I was somewhat aware that the upcoming reward wasn’t a group skill.

‘By the way…’

The last reward I received for conquering the dungeon was indeed a group skill, [Aura of the Legion].

At that time, the monsters in the dungeon had a trait called [Black Sand Energy], which transformed into the reward I received.

And now, the name of this reward is [Dasmurian Chef’s Essence].

‘Dungeon rewards are related to the dungeon itself.’

I believe this hypothesis can now be considered confirmed.

According to my team members, the rewards depended on profession and contribution, varying widely among us.

Some received gear, while others obtained skills.

For the wizards, it was elemental spells or staffs.

The warriors ended up with weapons or armor related to their element, or skills that caused tough scales to sprout all over their bodies.

‘The wizards were quite thrilled.’

While our team’s equipment is managed by Grandpa Park and the skilled artisans of the workshop, even Grandpa Park, an expert at crafting swords, faced challenges when producing staffs that the wizards demanded.

The wizards who successfully obtained proper magical equipment were so delighted they even named their staff.

‘In general, it seems that the greater the contribution, the better the reward.’

The reward granted to me, the top contributor, was the [Dasmurian Chef’s Essence].

A small, round orb that faintly glowed blue.

Its texture felt soft to the touch.

“…Hmm.”

There’s something about it.

It’s a bit different from what I expected.

‘I was hoping for a decent knife, a special trait, or maybe even some high-quality ingredients.’

When it comes to ingredients, there are various options available.

Classic items like Dragon Hearts, which were once considered essential in fantasy novels or maybe some cool martial arts or cultivation techniques.

‘But [Dasmurian Chef’s Essence.’

It was certainly quite different from the rewards others had received.

Even Min-jae hyung, who holds the second rank, received a trait that

significantly boosts his mana.

Others received equipment or skills as well.

I had no clear idea of how to utilize this essence, but then a notification appeared.

[Warning!]

[This is a high-grade ingredient]

[Your current cooking skills are insufficient for this ingredient]

[Attempting to cook with your current skill level carries a very high risk of failure]