A Comprehensive Network: An Endless Adventure Begins as a Wanderer

Cheng Yi withdrew his gaze.

Online gamers are incredibly diverse; those wearing furry headgear are considered normal.

He was at least much more normal than the orc boss he'd seen on the forum who wore a pink dress and called himself "Love and Justice."

He turned and walked down the city wall.

The interior of the fortress was much better than Cheng Yi had expected, and it was fairly well-organized.

The wounded were carried to the left side of the fortress, while soldiers from various countries carried defensive equipment up the city wall from the right side.

Cheng Yi looked around but didn't see any commander-like figures. He was about to head deeper into the fortress.

Then, he was called to a stop.

A veteran who was rotated out.

"A newcomer from out of town? If you're looking for the commander, go that way."

He pointed to a door not far away.

Cheng Yi thanked him.

"Haha, you're here to help us fight off those damn warmongers, that's only right."

The old soldier smiled and lowered his head to continue maintaining his heavy crossbow.

Cheng Yi walked in the direction the veteran pointed.

He pushed open the door, and inside was a small room. A long table took up most of the space, and a map was spread on the table, with small red and blue flags stuck in it.

A middle-aged man stood at a table studying a map, his expression serious. He held an enamel mug in his hand, steam rising from its rim.

A bitter, herbal smell wafted over.

So this must be the commander.

Theodore William Mars glanced at the wanderer who entered.

As the war zone commander, he was granted the authority by the network to identify players of his own faction and their classes.

At this moment, he was somewhat disappointed.

After all, roaming soldiers are of little use in a direct confrontation between two armies on the battlefield.

The empire's heavily fortified military camps also made it impossible for ordinary decapitation operations to succeed.

However, Theodore Williammas always held these CrossNet players who had come from afar to support the front lines in gratitude and respect.

Whatever their reasons for fighting here, their help to the defense line is real.

"Welcome, stranger."

"The situation is urgent, so let's get straight to the point."

"Our current mission is to wait for reinforcements; we are surrounded. Apart from our supply lines at sea, we are now an isolated island."

"The quartermaster is on the lower level, and the bulletin board is in the city. You can go there later to check the missions."

"As for now, you can help us defend the city."

Your faction relationship (Alliance of Nations) has been activated. Current affinity: Neutral (0/100)

You have unlocked the faction shop and faction bounties in the Alliance of Nations.

Cheng Yi was somewhat embarrassed, as he indeed lacked any decent long-range attack methods.

However, he keenly gleaned some useful information.

"You said your area is by the sea?"

Theodore William Mars nodded, seemingly puzzled.

"Indeed, it is thanks to the supply lines from the ports and the archipelago that we have been able to hold out for so long under the empire's iron heel."

(Reference image of the Blade Fortress on the coast)

Cheng Yi revealed a slight smile.

"I once learned a few magical cooking techniques from a marine druid..."

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Kirk wiped the sweat from his brow and sat down against the city wall.

The siege by those fanatical imperialists was once again repelled. He looked at the setting sun on the distant sea, the soft orange-yellow light shining on Kirk's face.

This reminded him of the sunset over his hometown, the Moonshadow Islands.

A long, beautiful coastline, lush forests, and leisurely tribespeople...

Unfortunately, all of this was reduced to ashes in the abyssal flames that ripped open the sky.

As a survivor, he was forced to wander through the multiverse.

Kirk suddenly had a craving for Moonshadow Seafood Rice; he could almost smell the delicious aroma of the seafood rice...

Wait, this doesn't seem like a hallucination...

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Cheng Yi was cooking enthusiastically in the fortress's large kitchen.

Theodore William Mars, on the other hand, was glad he had spoken out of turn.

After all, in his opinion, a chef who could make magical dishes using only cheap seafood was far more useful than a wanderer.

What's more, the chef's magical cooking was quite effective, and most importantly, the quantity was generous!

After all, a large pot of Lighthouse Seafood Rice can be divided into nearly a hundred standard servings of magical cooking!

As the seafood stockpiled in the fortress was consumed in large quantities, Cheng Yi's cooking level also skyrocketed.

Just as Cheng Yi was focused on cooking the rice, a familiar figure barged in.

Kirk.

The elf's face was streaked with tears, yet she showed no sign of sadness.

He rushed over, looked at Cheng Yi, and seemed about to say something, but in the end he only sighed.

"The Lighthouse Seafood Rice turned out very well, but don't use your recipe anymore."

Kirk's face was full of bitterness, for he had thought he would be able to relive the taste of his homeland.

As a result, the smells were roughly the same, but the tastes were quite different.

Kirk took one bite, and tears welled up in his eyes.

At that moment, he seemed to see his great-grandmother...

The Lighthouse Seafood Rice truly lives up to its name – it's completely unseasoned, and magically amplifies the fishy smell...

Kirk pulled a page of notebook from his pocket and handed it to Cheng Yi.

"This is real seafood rice! I'll make this next time!"

After saying that, Kirk hurriedly left, leaving Cheng Yi alone, hesitant to speak.

No, I didn't say anything!

Cheng Yi sighed and looked at the notes in his hand.

Moon Shadow Seafood Rice Cooking Notes

Type: Recipe/Classic Elf

Quality: Purple

Description: This creamy fish rice dish originated on the mythical fairy island of Evergrande, but adventurous immigrants spread it to the Sword Bay and the surrounding archipelago. This dish requires a patient chef... but it's worth the wait!

Short-grain rice, along with a variety of marine "fruits" including shrimp and scallops, is slow-cooked in a flavorful seafood broth until it becomes a smooth, velvety texture.

Butter, onions, saffron, Elf Dry White Wine, and olive oil intertwine to bring this dreamy seaside flavor to life. Some older Elf chefs will finish the dish with a swirl of mascarpone.

After consuming one standard unit of Moonshadow Seafood Rice, you gain a significant amount of health restored, and your Dexterity is increased by 2 for one natural day in low light or dark environments. You also gain an advantage on your first negotiation check against elven creatures (including elves, half-elves, wood elves, etc.).

P.S.: The essence of this dish lies not in skill, but in patience. — Chef Ellaria of Yongju Island

"A recipe of purple quality... I'm in a huge debt of gratitude now," Cheng Yi thought to himself.

Moreover, this Moon Shadow Seafood Rice enhances his primary attribute, which is a perfect match for Cheng Yi.

Cheng Yi opened the Multiverse Trading Center and began selecting ingredients.

Making Kirk a taste of home is what he can do now.

Of course, this also adds another layer of security to the operation tonight...