The Military Chef of a Ruined World

‘It feels strange.’

At this moment, I felt less like a chef and more like a surgeon or you can also call me a butcher.

Considering the absence of anesthetics, I was no traditional doctor, but maybe I could be likened to the legendary Hua Tuo, who operated without any pain relief.

That was the sentiment hovering above me.

Since this cooking had helped maintain its sanity, if I were to wait for the effects to expire, and the creature regained its power, it would go on a rampage again. 

Ultimately, I had to proceed without anesthesia.

‘That dish also had a [Calm Mind] effect.’

The creature wouldn’t even faint comfortably, forced to remain fully aware of the pain.

I felt pity, yet…

This creature had slaughtered hundreds of humans.

It could argue that killing wasn’t a true expression of its will, but that doesn’t erase the actions taken.

And I was…

Not about to forgive such a monster so easily.

“Grrr… Please, I’d rather die…!”

“Mother… Father…”

This pain served as the price for its actions.

* * *

After what felt like an eternity, I finally remarked, “We’re done here.”

“Likewise, I’m almost finished.”

[Blended Magical Flesh of the Gourmet Glutton]

[These tissues contain a typical blend of various monster magics]

[While the quality of this mixed magic is deficient, the sheer amount is substantial enough to blend well with any ingredient.]

The process of slicing and pulling out the monster’s blood and flesh was complete.

Lying on the cold, hard ground was a figure, moaning in agony.

Having scraped away the flesh without killing it, it was somewhat more human-like now.

What it used to look like or its gender was indistinguishable.

-The pain’s enough. Kill me already.”

“Just a bit more, hang in there.”

“Ah, ahh…!”

“Why are you still crying blood? Clean that up!”

“Yes!”

Having avoided death, I stripped the blood and flesh from the creature.

But my work was not done.

‘It may now resemble a human, but…’

The bones and remnants still contained a significant proportion of the monster’s essence.

“Now, what’s next?”

“Having extracted the blood and regurgitated the flesh, now…”

I wiped the blood from the knife and turned to the waiting vampires.

“We need to refill this empty space.”

The vampire workers stepped into the [Shadow Veil] and began retrieving the ingredients stored within.

Then, with a swift motion, I pulled out the cooking tools concealed within the shadows.

Now, the real cooking was about to commence.

“Good! We have a plentiful supply of meat and some recently replenished vegetables.”

The surplus of ingredients was ample enough to replace all the remnants of the monster with nutritious ‘human’ provisions.

[Black Sand Larva Stir Fry]

[Arachron Omelette]

[Blended Magical…]

From simple stir fries to grilling, deep-frying, stews, and more.

I drew upon the various recipes I had learned during my time in the army, focusing on those which were quick and easy to prepare.

With the effect of the [Calm Mind] dish still active on it, I thought to myself,

‘There’s no point worrying about any buffs it might gain from the new dishes.’

For now, sheer quantity was all that mattered. @@novelbin@@

The key was simple.

‘After expelling the wrong forms it consumed, feed it correctly again!’

After completely separating the blood and flesh of the monster from its body, I filled that very space with my cooking.

If everything went well, those blood and flesh remnants would be replaced entirely by my meals.

Notably, I was aware of others who had previously consumed dishes like this—those who were now far from monstrous.

“My squad members.”

This creature would be no exception.

If my declarations were accurate.

“Now eat,” I commanded.

“Huh…?”

The moment it consumed all this food,

It would revert to its human form.

The quantity of food piled high was staggering.

A regular human would struggle to eat even a tenth of it.

But this being was a [Gourmet Glutton].

“Ah, I’m starving…!”

Having devoured countless monsters, the limits of its stomach were unknown.

I began to shovel the completed dishes into its awaiting mouth.

Wait, no, it was not just that.

I literally ‘poured’ the food inside.

As I continued stuffing the creature’s mouth—though it writhed in pain—it managed to mumble:

“De-delicious.”

“Who made it? Of course, it’s amazing.”

Although its form had shrunk back into that of a normal human, it still endlessly devoured the food.

Time passed, and by the time I had put in just over half of the entire meal—

…I began to feel slightly anxious.

“What’s going on? Why isn’t there a response?”

Having thought of an idea sparked by its earlier words, I realized it made sense.

But that realization didn’t give me any reassurance.

“Cough! I see what you’re trying to do.”

It seemed I was not the only one feeling uneasy.

“But, as I said…”

The creature continuing to consume the food had finally spoken again.

I expected it to reference that last message it had seen.

[You are on the brink of falling out of the realm of humans.]

[If you continue to indiscriminately consume, there will be no turning back.]

Certainly,

The system did not speak falsely.

“Since I’ve already strayed from the path, there’s no turning back.”

“….”

“The suffering I’ve endured is nothing compared to the sins I’ve committed. I understand this. So now, please…”

It wished for death.