Chapter 1309

Chapter 1309

[Someone has fulfilled all of the conditions and requirements set by the Gaia Continent.]

[The Gaia Continent and the Western Continent will enter a peace treaty for some time.]

Because of the Olympus Gods’ Oath that they had sworn at Hephaestus’ demand, the Twelve Gods of Olympus could not deny the dishes presented to them. In the end, the Twelve Gods of Olympus ate several

kimchi-

based dishes. Nonetheless, once they tasted the dishes, they could not help but admire their spicy yet refreshing flavor.

‘I will allow him to use my and Ares’ fields for a week.’

He had set this reward because the man was the Pillar of the Gourmands. Even so, Zeus did not concern himself much. After all, even the person with the highest DEX in the Gaia Continent could not harvest the ingredients in their fields so easily. The only ones who could harvest the ingredients easily in these fields were Demeter and the owner of the fields.

Goddess of Agriculture Demeter was remarkable. She created the ingredients that spread far and wide in the Gaia Continent. Thanks to the feed she created, livestock could eat, and humans, who slaughtered these livestock, lived abundantly with the grains she had scattered on earth. That was why Demeter was an essential being on the continent.

Zeus, who was looking at Demeter, could not understand something.

“I wish to leave.”

Demeter was devastated after learning that Olympus had deceived her. Zeus sent her to demand something from the Western Continents. She believed that they were asking for something reasonable because they had taken a lot from the Gaia Continent and left it in an impoverished state.

Alas, reality was completely different from what she expected. They had sent her only to create a pretext to help them start a war. When Hephaestus came to the Gaia Continent, Demeter was also forced to face the truth she had always ignored.

All of the gods had mocked and jeered at Hephaestus. On the other hand, how did the Beyond the Heavens Empire treat him when he joined them? It was with respect, care, and love.

“Are you also going to the Beyond the Heavens Empire?”

Demeter was Zeus’ sister, born from the same father, Kronos. He would feel completely imbalanced if she went to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

Demeter shook her head and answered, “I haven’t decided where to go yet.”

The desire to leave this place, explore, and experience the world had also bloomed in Demeter’s heart.

“What about the humans you care so much for?”

Demeter’s expression immediately showed disgust when she heard Zeus’ words. She felt utterly disgusted at the fact that Zeus could spit out something that he did not mean at all with a voice that sounded as if it was filled with worry.

“Even if I’m not here, my love and affection for them will remain.”

Zeus knew how stubborn Demeter was. He knew that he would not be able to stop her.

‘First Herakel, then Hephaestus and now Demeter?’

“He’s like the God of Abduction,” Zeus murmured.

“Yes?”

Zeus shook his head. Of course, Demeter did not say that she would go to the Beyond the Heavens Empire, but there was a high chance that she would. If the one standing in front of him was another god, Zeus would have already dropped a lightning bolt and smote them in anger. However, Demeter was Zeus’ sister, and he had too much affection and care for her.

Even so, Zeus would not let her go so easily. Just as he pondered this matter, an interesting idea flashed.

“The Pillar of the Gourmands will come soon and head toward Ares’ fields.”

It was a promise. If Minhyuk completed the quest, he and Ares would allow him to take everything he could from their fields. Unfortunately, Demeter knew the truth.

‘He won’t be able to dig it so easily.’

Zeus grinned. “If he harvests Zeus’ Ingredient, Ares’ Ingredient, and... Hades’ Ingredient, then I will allow you to leave.”

“...?!”

It was an absurd condition. Each of the Twelve Gods of Olympus’ fields had a special ingredient that represented the field’s owner. These special ingredients were named after the god that they represented. The problem was that one had to harvest more than 40% of the ingredients planted in the field before they could try to harvest the ingredient. Regardless, there was an even bigger problem than that.

‘From the beginning, it’s difficult to dig that ingredient.’

Even Demeter, the Goddess of Agriculture, could not guarantee that she could harvest those ingredients. Of course, if they received the approval of the god owning the fields, they could obtain it easily. As long as they were allowed, they could get it.

Unfortunately, it was obvious that Zeus did not have such intentions. As for Ares? He was someone who wanted to kill Minhyuk right away if he had the opportunity to do so. As for Hades?

‘From what I know, Hades’ Ingredient is the most outstanding out of all of the ingredients of the Twelve Gods of Olympus.’

In other words, it would be even more difficult than ordinary to harvest such an ingredient. The only way to get that would be to obtain Hades’ approval.

Hades, the master of the Underworld, was Zeus and Demeter’s brother. He was originally not part of the Twelve Gods of Olympus, but he was allowed to join to fill the vacancy that Hephaestus had left behind.

‘No one can forge a relationship with Hades.’

That meant Minhyuk would have no choice but to harvest the ingredient personally, though that seemed impossible.

“Why...”

Demeter was already disillusioned with Zeus, especially after she saw him treat Hephaestus badly in the past and even in the present. Unfortunately, Demeter knew how stubborn and insistent this man was. She knew she could never make him back down from this decision.

If that was the case, she had to find a more favorable way for her.

“Then, allow me to give him some indirect help.”

“Alright, I will allow that. However, it should only be within acceptable means.”

Demeter sighed as she left. Zeus chuckled lightly.

***

A Pillar was the core that supported a specific field. Pillars could not be removed from their position, but their qualifications could be questioned. They had to prove themselves and become leaders who would create a path for others in their field.

[

Pillar Quest

: Cooking Pioneer.]

Rank

: Pillar

Requirements

: Pillar of the Gourmands.

Rewards

: Evolve a chosen cooking tool into a Pillar Artifact.

Penalty for Failure

: Your qualifications as a Pillar will be questioned, and you can no longer proceed to the next quest.

Description

: The Pillar of the Gourmands supports all the chefs and the gourmands.

You have already created a Pillar-grade dish. Now, create a dish that goes beyond the Pillar-grade.

This quest appeared not long after Minhyuk became the Pillar of the Gourmands.

Minhyuk had created and witnessed the birth of three Pillar-grade dishes. However, he knew the facts well.

‘A Pillar-grade dish has come out because I used Pillar-grade ingredients.’

Of course, there was still a chance that the dish that would come out was God-grade or even lower, even if the ingredient used was Pillar-grade. Nevertheless, the fact that he benefited greatly from the ingredient itself would remain.

‘If I clear this quest, I can evolve my chosen cooking tool into a Pillar Artifact.’

The only Pillar Artifact that Minhyuk had in his possession was Rocado’s work gloves. And its effects were shockingly outstanding. Of course, Minhyuk had already chosen the artifact that he would select once he completed this quest.

‘Hepas’ Legendary Frying Pan.’

In his early days in Athenae, Minhyuk was known as the Frying Pan Killer. This was because his frying pan had broken and smashed countless people’s heads in, and even blocked many magical attacks and physical attacks. Unfortunately, Hepas’ Legendary Frying Pan became an artifact he no longer needed after his level had increased sharply. It would be a different story if he could evolve it into a Pillar Artifact.

‘I wonder what changes it will undergo if it becomes a Pillar Artifact.’

The frying pan was a powerful artifact in the past. In addition, it also possessed various effects related to cooking. Evolving this artifact would be the best choice for Minhyuk. Still, there was a problem.

‘There’s no longer any Pillar-grade ingredients.’

He had already eaten the Pillar Ingredients related to the land, the air, and the sea. Nevertheless, he did not lose hope.

‘An alternative most definitely exists on the Gaia Continent.’

Minhyuk was confident about this guess. And Demeter had cemented that confidence in stone. She had confirmed that there were ingredients named after the gods of Olympus. Currently, Minhyuk was allowed to enter three fields in total. The first field that he visited was Hades’ Fields.

When he entered Hades’ Fields, he was met with a dark and dreary flower bud. He stretched his hand toward the flower bud and read its detailed information.

(

Hades’ Ingredient

)

Ingredient Grade

: Olympus God

Special Abilities

:

•All stats will increase by 3%.

•Resistance to darkness attribute will increase by 22%.

•Attack and defensive power will increase by 10% when fighting against darkness-attributed monsters.

•A synergistic effect will occur when combined with other Olympus God-grade ingredients.

•When combined with other Olympus God-grade ingredients, the risk of cooking will be lowered.

•Cooking and processing are trickier than ordinary God-grade ingredients.

•You can receive whatever seasoned offal you want from the flower bud.

Description

: This is an ingredient that represents a god of Olympus. This exists in every Olympus God’s field and could be said to be equivalent to a Pillar-grade ingredient in the Gaia Continent.

‘Eureka!’

Minhyuk was delighted. It was written that this ingredient was a Gaia Continent’s Pillar-grade ingredient.

Based on the description of the ingredients, Hades’ Fields seemed to be filled with cattle, pigs, and chickens. He could see countless flower buds that were much smaller than Hades’ Ingredients with names like Black Field’s Beef Heart, Black Field’s Intestines, Black Field’s Stomach, and so on. And when he checked one of the ingredients...

‘A 2% increase in darkness attribute resistance and even an increase in STM and AGI by one point?’

“...?”

The standard of the ingredients here was beyond crazy! What surprised Minhyuk more was...

‘The fact that there will be a synergistic effect if it’s combined with other Olympus God-grade ingredients.’

High-grade ingredients were usually not used together in a dish. To be exact, no one dared to use them together when cooking. Why? Cooking a single high-grade dish was already very difficult. If they added more, then they might just risk their lives.

However, according to the description, the risk would be lowered if Minhyuk cooked several Olympus God-grade dishes together. In other words, the risk from the other ingredients was relatively low. Naturally, it would still be harder and riskier to cook than only cooking one ingredient, but at the very least, it was something.

At that moment, something flashed in Minhyuk’s mind. He turned to look at Demeter and asked, “What do Zeus’ Ingredient and Ares’ Ingredient represent?”

“Both Zeus and Ares’ ingredients represented the sea. They’re seafood.”

Minhyuk nodded. If the dish's main ingredients clashed, the effects would be disastrous. More often than not, they would backfire. Why? Because they were too much. Too much of anything was never good.

Assuming he could obtain all three ingredients, he began to think of a dish that perfectly incorporates offal and seafood. As he pondered the matter, drool started to pool in his mouth.

Finally, a dish came to mind. For the offal, he would add beef intestines. For the seafood, he would add shrimp and octopus. This dish was none other than

nakgopsae

.[1]

‘Wow, crazy...’

He could not imagine the taste and flavor of

nakgopsae

made with Pillar-grade ingredients. It must be delicious! Regardless, it was too early for him to celebrate.

Demeter said, “Hades has never gotten along with anyone. Honestly, I believe it’s impossible to harvest his ingredient.”

Minhyuk had already tried to grab and uproot the ingredient, but...

[Even if your DEX is high or your harvest rate of the other ingredient exceeds 50%, you will not be able to harvest this ingredient without Hades’ explicit approval.]

It was an ingredient that he could not take without Hades’s signal. This was what Zeus was aiming for.

Demeter sounded sorry when she said, “There’s no way that Hades will try to forge a relationship with anyone. It’s absolutely impossible to harvest this.”

Minhyuk just shook his head. He hummed, “Hmm? I think it would be very easy, though?”

“Yes, what?” Demeter stuttered, thinking Minhyuk was just saying this because she did not know the man.

That man had lived alone for thousands of years. He had never even hung out with anyone during that time. Zeus did not include Hades’ Fields for nothing.

Then, Minhyuk said, “Ah. I’m trying to say that I have sent a friend over. I’m not the one going over there.”

“???” Demeter looked at Minhyuk in confusion.

***

Hades stood in the Underworld, which was filled with a foul stench and surrounded by a dark and dreary atmosphere. This place had not welcomed any visitors. As mentioned, Hades had never forged a relationship with anyone for thousands of years. At that moment, he could easily tell someone was coming from the River of Styx.

Zeus had already told him that the Pillar named Minhyuk would come to visit him. Zeus even told him to catch him and trap him in the Underworld for eternity. Hades was not one to listen to his whims. He planned just to scare the man away and send him back.

Finally, the boat sailing over the River Styx stopped, and someone’s figure stepped out and disembarked.

“...?”

The person who arrived stared at Hades. Hades also stared at the man. They stood there blankly, staring at each other for a long time.

‘What? What’s this feeling?’

For some reason, Hades felt that this man before him was as dark, dreary, and gloomy as he was. In fact, the gloomy air that surrounded the man was even higher than his own.

Strangely enough, Hades, who felt an unknown sense of intimacy with the man, waved back when the man waved at him awkwardly. He even ended up unknowingly serving the man a cup of tea.

The two chatted over a cup of tea.

“Who... are you?”

“I am the Pillar of Life and Death, Louis.”

“Ah, yes. I am the Master of the Underworld, Hades.”

Then, the two grew silent. Regardless, the two felt comfortable with each other’s presence. It was as if they were friends who had not seen each other for a long time.

***

A few hours later.

Zeus looked down at the Underworld from the sky above. He later learned that Minhyuk had sent someone else to the Underworld.

‘Maybe that guy’s soul has already been extinguished.’

It was like he had given that man a death sentence for asking him to go there unannounced and unexpectedly. After all, Hades was not a kind man. When he looked at the situation in the Underworld, Zeus could not help but be speechless.

“...?”

The two people were playing chess. When Hades lost, the guy swung his scythe at him. Hades, whose head was bleeding profusely, laughed loudly as he clamored for another game. This time, the guy was the one who lost. Hades raised his hand and slapped(?) his wrist to the point of cutting it. The guy looked at his bleeding wrist and just laughed and giggled.

“...?”

Then, the two had dinner together.

“Here, have some more centipede

galbitang.

”

“Hahahahaha! I’m already full. Come, have some more giant ant poop stew.”

“Hahahahaha! I’m also full!”

“...?”

Zeus was speechless as he watched the two.

Then, the guy said, “Can you give my friend Minhyuk the approval to get some of your ingredients?”

Hades, with a look of understanding and generosity, said, “Hahahahaha. Then, sell your soul to me for ten years!”

“Hahahahahaha! Can’t you lower it to nine years? What are you going to use it for?”

“Hahahahaha! I’m going to lock you in hell and torture you!”

“Hahahaha! So silly, don’t joke around!”

“Hahahahahaha! I’m not joking though?!”

“...?”

The two exchanged incomprehensible and weird jokes. Soon...

“Your friend is my friend.”

[Minhyuk has been approved to harvest Hades’ Ingredient.]

“...?”

Hades gave his approval to harvest his ingredients.

1. 낙곱새 - a popular stir-fried dish originating from Busan. Made from 낙지 (octopus), 곱창 (beef small intestines), and 새우 (shrimp), hence the name 낙곱새 ☜