Gaia Chronicles: The Integral Saga

The sun rose high over the Culinary Courtyard—an entire plaza transformed into a culinary battleground. Massive outdoor grills, stovetops, clay ovens, and magical cooking circles lined the venue. Ether-powered smoke vents hissed with fragrant spice, and spectators gathered to watch Gaia's finest flex not just their strength, but their culinary skill.

At the center of it all stood Harriet Synthesis 10, red apron over her flame-scorched black undersuit, Vermithar's wings folded back like a fiery chef's cape.

"Let's set the tastebuds ablaze," she grinned, adjusting her flame-resistant gloves.

Today was the "Knight Cuisine Cook-Off," and each Integral Knight had been asked to cook their favorite dish. For Harriet, this wasn't just fun—it was a challenge. Her pride demanded victory.

🍳 Preparation Phase

Harriet's cooking station was surrounded by enchanted stoves. Fire-type artifacts surged with ambient Ether, creating spontaneous little sparks across the platform. Gaia staff members scrambled to ensure the safety wards stayed in place—Harriet had already melted one pan during warm-up.

"Ten minutes to prep!" called a Gaia announcer over the loudspeaker.

Harriet rolled her shoulders and focused.

A dish that speaks of me… bold, searing, unforgettable…

She smirked. "Fire-roasted drake ribs in lava-pepper glaze it is."

As she worked, flames danced around her hands—not uncontrolled fire, but shaped and honed through years of pyro combat. Her mastery allowed her to ignite without harming, to sear without scorching. Her ribs cooked evenly, crisping on the outside while remaining juicy within.

💥 Unexpected Distraction

Halfway through, she noticed a subtle shift in the crowd's excitement.

There, near the front row, was Cyg—arms folded, expression unreadable, silver eyes scanning the area with surgical precision.

Harriet nearly dropped a bottle of glaze.

Of all the days he chooses to actually watch me…

She turned her back to the audience briefly, cheeks burning in a different way.

"He's here?" she muttered. "Of course he's here."

🧑‍🍳 A Cooking Duel Ignites

Just across the arena, Tryce Synthesis 16—the cryo sniper—was crafting a chilled seafood dish using Glacienn's frost-enhanced arrowhead as a makeshift ice blade.

He caught Harriet's glare.

"Want to make it interesting?" he called out, tossing an ice-crusted shrimp into a glass bowl with flair.

Harriet cracked her knuckles. "You're on, Icicle."

Soon, other Knights started gathering near. Julius, Raul, Elaine, Irene, and even Charlotte were spectating the cook-off between fire and ice.

The announcer caught on instantly.

"We've got a spontaneous cook-off folks! Fire Queen versus Frost Sniper! Let's see whose dish reigns supreme!"

🔥 Flames of Confidence

The cook-off timer began. Harriet's ribs were sizzling perfectly now. She glazed them in thick, bubbling lava-pepper sauce, garnishing with smoked greens and fire-salted mushrooms. The scent was divine—spicy, smoky, and mouthwatering.

She added a final touch—dragonfruit oil drizzle, ignited briefly to create a flickering flame effect as the oil danced.

She turned and placed the plate on the presentation table—just as Tryce delivered his ice-steamed arctic crab with snowberry mousse.

🧑‍⚖️ The Judges

Judging today were:

Irene Synthesis 3 (for balance)

Ali Synthesis 13 (for flavor depth)

King Leonardo himself (guest taster)

Each judge sampled the dishes with solemnity. Flames flickered in Harriet's heart. Tryce's dish had finesse… but hers had soul.

When the results came in—

"Harriet wins, by unanimous decision!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Flames shot skyward in celebration as Vermithar's wings unfurled slightly in reflex. She laughed triumphantly.

🫀 A Private Moment with Cyg

After the crowd began to disperse, Harriet was wiping her brow when she noticed Cyg hadn't left.

He stood off to the side, watching her with that same unreadable gaze. She approached slowly.

"Didn't think you liked food competitions," she said, half-teasing.

"I don't," Cyg replied. "But I calculated a 74.2% chance you'd win. I wanted to verify if my expectations were correct."

She blinked. "So… you came to watch me."

"I came to confirm the outcome," he clarified. "Your use of flame layering was… optimal."

There was a beat of silence. Harriet stepped closer.

"You could just say, 'Good job, Harriet.'"

"…Good job," Cyg said quietly.

She smiled. "Thanks, Cyg. It means more than you know."

He blinked once, then nodded—and turned to leave.

Harriet watched him go, hand brushing her ribs recipe card.

One day… he'll come back just to see me cook again.

And in that thought, a deeper flame stirred.