The battlefield was still smoldering as Zhang Ye stood amidst his victorious recruits. The Crimson Sovereign Clan had been forced to retreat, but he knew this was only a temporary victory. The real war was just beginning.
Linna wiped blood from her dagger and sheathed it. "We held them off, but they'll return, stronger and angrier."
Kai smirked, flexing his sore arms. "Let them come. We're just getting started."
Elira scanned the recruits, ensuring there were no serious injuries. Some had minor wounds, but overall, they had performed beyond expectations. "They fought well, but they're still raw. If we're to survive what's coming, they need proper training."
Zhang Ye nodded. "The academy isn't just a school—it's a battleground for the future. This was their first test, but we need to prepare them for war."
He turned to the recruits, who stood waiting, eager yet exhausted. "You fought well today. But this was just the first battle. From now on, your training will intensify. You will learn not only how to fight but how to wield food as both a weapon and a shield."
A murmur spread through the group. They had all seen the power of Zhang Ye's cooking, but few truly understood its depths.
One recruit, still breathing heavily, stepped forward. "Master Zhang, we all saw what you did out there. That wasn't just cooking—it was warfare. How do we reach that level?"
Zhang Ye smiled. "By understanding the essence of food. Cooking isn't just about taste—it's about balance, precision, and transformation. Every ingredient holds power. Every dish is an opportunity."
He gestured toward the smoking battlefield. "Look at what happened here. The Crimson Sovereign Clan relied on brute force. We used skill, strategy, and the power of food to overcome them. That is the difference between a mere warrior and a true combat chef."
The recruits absorbed his words, their gazes burning with newfound determination.
Linna stepped forward. "We need to rebuild our defenses. Reinforce the academy's perimeter and establish a supply chain for ingredients. If we're going to train properly, we'll need rare materials."
Elira nodded. "I'll begin gathering intel on enemy movements. They won't attack again immediately, but they'll be watching us."
Kai cracked his knuckles. "And I'll personally whip these recruits into shape." He grinned. "No more soft training. If they want to survive, they need to learn combat cooking under pressure."
Zhang Ye looked over his allies, then back at the academy. It was still in its infancy, but after today, it had proven its worth.
But he wasn't satisfied.
He turned to the system interface, summoning a new mission.
[New Quest Unlocked: The Rise of the Divine Academy]
[Objective: Establish the first generation of elite combat chefs.]
[Reward: Unlock advanced cooking techniques, hidden recipes, and… a secret ingredient of unknown origin.]
Zhang Ye's eyes glowed with determination.
The first battle was over, but the real challenge had only just begun.