Chapter 540: Chapter 540: The strongest sword is forged through the fiercest hammering

Frost left Kranor elementary with a couple extra books that were mandatory study for their teachers as well as a copy of the institution's syllabus. They'd help him develop and manage his own school in the future or at least get him started.

"That was more fun than I expected." Frost bore a smile on his face as he walked through the campus' grand arch. He found shaping young minds and having them hanging on his every word greatly satisfying.

He looked over the books he received, keen to dive into their pages but it would have to wait. He had more pressing matters.

With his visit to Druakai and Kranor elementary over it was time to visit his teacher.

"I wonder how far his culinary skills have improved." His stomach rumbled lightly in anticipation, hoping Sam would grace him with some tasty tid bits. The jerky Druakai prepared was certainly tasty but not nearly enough to replace a hearty meal. Thankfully Sam and Lola's abode wasn't too far away from the school. Even without Kiba it wouldn't take him more than 15 minutes of walking.

In fact, by choosing to walk on his own two feet he was able to admire the architecture of the upper class residences with a keener eye. Many residents also greeted him in a more friendly manner, Kiba was quite intimidating after all.

"Very impressive, the environment here is absolutely ideal for peaceful living" Frost admired the individuality expressed by the different residential blocks as well as the vast greenery, playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Elderly couples could be seen sitting beside artificially created lakes, feeding the many fish residing within them without a care in the world. Elsewhere groups of adults were engaging in some kind of ball sport with a healthy audience cheering them on. It was hard connect this blissful place with the dangers of the glacial mountains.

Frost was fascinated by what he saw and couldn't help but imagine his dungeon generating the same ambience in the future. A camp or internal outpost would never be able to offer the same level of safety as this former monster lair. Unless he built an established infrastructure he could forget about attracting the vast majority of people, civilians.

"Frost, good to see you man. Come inside and make yourself at home. Yarrow already told me about your visit." Sam answered the door while dressed in casual clothes and a stained apron. It was clear that he had been in the kitchen recently.

Frost's lips naturally turned upwards into a gentle smile the moment he laid eyes on Sam; he missed interacting with his teacher.

Sam quickly led him into the living room, which was a little messy, this place was clearly a home not a house.

"Sorry about the mess, keeping on top of three little monsters is a tall task." Sam quickly pushed aside some of Ren's toys, Jasmine's clothes and even Tulip's books to make the place a little less crowded.

"It's fine, Nanna and Loki are the same way." Frost remarked with a gentle expression.

"I'd really like to meet those kids of yours."

"Perhaps in the future you, Lola and the kids could visit my budding territory for a vacation or maybe when I'm less busy I could bring them over for a visit."

"That would be nice." Sam was onboard with either option. The two smiled at one another before settling on the now freed up sofa.

Sam invited his protégé into the kitchen and like their time in the [beginner's ice magic] monster lair he showed him the ropes of cooking. The two engaged in chatter as Sam prepared his signature dishes with Frost's aid.

Such work helped relax Frost, allowing him to erase the leftover tension from the monster stampede and his attempted assassination. Sam listened to his complaints and patted his shoulder when he struggled to describe the events that transpired in Furano.

"You've had it rough Frost, no wonder you broke through so fast." Sam no longer left jealous towards his student.

"The strongest sword is forged through the fiercest hammering." He decided to refer to his troubles as trials to forge himself.

"True, but if you don't allow the blade to rest it'll become brittle." Challenging oneself and diving into the heat of battle was fine but couldn't make up one's entire life. There must be balance to ensure the best results.

Over the next hour Frost got to taste a vast selection of dishes bringing an end to his stomach's rumblings. Sam was an incredibly skilled chef, none of his dishes were bad. Even the flavours he didn't personally enjoy had great texture. Even putting on his most critical hat he failed to find much fault, much to Sam's appreciation. His kids and wife weren't lying when they praised his dishes.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing your own restaurant." Frost said while patting his belly.

"I'm still a ways off but thanks for the confidence."

"How's your territory coming along by the way?"

"The foundation's been set but like you we've got a loooooooong way to go."

"I see, I wish you all the luck in the world Frost. Establishing your own territory is no easy task."

"I know but I'm confident I'll succeed in my ambitions, having a talented smith by my side should also help."

"Does Daki know how much you're planning to work her over?"

"I'll do my best to make it worth her while hehehehe."

Frost left his teacher's abode twenty minutes later with a bright smile on his face.

"Time to reunite with my green temptress." A sparkle flashed in his eyes as he thought of Daki.

With a skip in his step Frost made the long way back to the mayor's manor. After a proper send-off the two would embark on their combined journey.