Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Matt was sick.

He didnt know exactly what was wrong, but when his alarm went off for school, he barely heard it.

Sometime after that, his mother came into his room to see why he wasnt awake yet, but he couldnt make out her words.

He felt her shake him gently, but that just made him hurt even more, and he groaned.

As if trying to torture him, she turned on the lights, sending agonizing pain into his eyes.

He tried to burrow into the blankets to get away from the light, but his mother started screaming for his father, who was getting ready for work.

Matt could feel each of the booted footfalls in his bones, and knew that his father would be in trouble for walking in the house with his boots on.

Thankfully, his mother seemed to catch on that the light was hurting him, and the main light went off, so he was finally able to rest.

He was just about to fall back asleep when his father pulled him out of bed and pulled him into his arms, before they went running down the stairs while his father told him he needed to stay awake.

Before he knew it, they were outside, and he was enjoying the cool morning air when the flashing lights hit his eyes and seemed to set off every other pain in his body.

Trying to wiggle deeper into his father's embrace to get away from the lights, he groaned as he was pulled away and laid out on something.

Above him, people were talking, but he was too tired and hurt too much to really understand it. Before he knew it, someone was shining a light in his eyes despite him trying to pull away.

I know it's uncomfortable, buddy, but I need you to hold still for me. The voice was an authoritative man's voice that seemed to cut right through the pain Matt was feeling, and he forced himself to stay still, even as another light was shined into his eyes.

Once more, it felt like someone was driving nails into his eyes, and his vision seemed to split into a thousand facets, like the view from a fractured mirror.

Thankfully, it only lasted a few seconds, and then the light went out, and they were quickly in what Matt suspected was an ambulance.

Almost immediately, the overhead light was turned off, which helped alleviate most of his headache, but the light coming in from the open doors didn't help.

As he heard his parents' worried voices, a sharp pain in his arm was quickly followed up by a cool sensation that almost instantly knocked him out.

When he woke up, it was to the quiet whispering of rapid fire comments that he recognized as his parents arguing.

While they didnt argue often, Matt knew better than to interrupt them. It would only mean that the argument was postponed until later, and then he would have to deal with the two of them pretending everything was normal.

It was better to just let them argue it out most of the time, but if they knew he was nearby, they would instantly stop.

Clare, I didn't pick up anything or go anywhere strange. I told you a dozen times. Don't try and blame this on me.

His mother's voice was tight and sounded hoarse, like she had been crying, which almost made Matt open his eyes. Well, I havent been anywhere except for home and the bank, so I couldnt have picked anything up. I work in a cubicle, not a graveyard.

Clare, I haven't been anywhere but the construction site and home. I didnt even go to the bar last Friday cause your parents were in town. Dont blame me. I would never hurt our son.

Before their argument could circle back around, a quiet knock on the door stopped them, and a second later, the door opened. Matt heard a new voice say, Matts vital signs are indicating that hell wake up in a few minutes. Do you mind if I sit here with you two while we wait?

Matt almost smiled as he heard the tone of the doctor's voice. It was masculine, but held a tinge of humor when he said that Matt would be waking up soon.

It seemed his secret was out of the bag, at least for the doctor.

If his parents knew he had been listening to them argue, hed get scolded for listening to adult things, but he was curious.

His mom was the first to speak. Wonderful. Has there been any other news?

The still unnamed doctor said, Not yet. But Id rather only go over this once when Matthew wakes up, if that's alright with you.

His father immediately responded, That's fine. Thank you.

After counting to one hundred, Matt groaned and started to wake up.

Almost instantly, his parents were on him, and he felt exploring hands grasp his own. His mother kissed his forehead twice before the doctor coughed quietly and they backed up, giving the mystery man room to inspect Matt.

As his parents retreated, Matt got a good look at the doctor, who was a middle aged man that winked at him from the side his parents couldn't see.

Matt was barely able to repress his own smirk at their shared secret, but managed it with a herculean effort.

My name is Healer Cox. C, O, X. Not quite as funny when it's spelled that way, is it?

Matt didnt understand, but his dad snorted, which seemed to be the reaction the Healer wanted.

OK basic questions first. Just to see if youre all there. What is your name?

Matt

How old are you?

Seven and a half

What year is it?

1747

Who is your elementary school teacher?

Miss Aberdeen.

Count back from 100 by 7s.

100, 93, 86, 79, 73,...

72, but thats close enough. What is 7 times 9?

63.

Smart for your age, arent you? Im going to show you a list of letters. I want you to point out each letter A.

This went on for a good while, until finally

List all the animals that start with the letter B.

Bee, Bear, Buffalo, Bison, Blue Whale, Beaver, Ba..

OK, thats enough. Not sure if I should count Blue Whale. Im going to show a picture of an animal and you tell me what it is.

Thats a fox. A white one!

Yep, cute little bugger. Well Mr. Matt, congratulations, you're neurologically intact.

After that, the healer inspected his throat by pressing down on Matts tongue, but he didnt seem to see anything noteworthy.

Once he was free, Matt asked, Whats the difference between a Doctor and Healer?

Healer Cox smiled. Now, that is a good question. The main difference is that a doctor generally works with mundane medicine. Healers can do all of that, but we also have a little magic to help us as well.

As the Healer said that, he raised a finger, and it started to glow slightly with light blue luminances.

Matt couldnt help but gasp. Wow! A real spell!

Healer Cox smiled and winked at him. Work hard, and you could do the same thing one day. Then he pressed his glowing finger to Matts abdomen and stared off into space for a while.

When the man blinked back to the real world, he smiled at Matt. Well you look nice and healthy now. The treatment was a complete success. Ill cast [Healing Touch] so you can recover more easily from being bed bound these last few days.

Matt shivered as what felt like goosebumps traveled from the healers touch all the way to his head and toes. It wasnt pleasant, but Matt felt the need to rub the raised hairs back down on his forearms.

Before they could say anything else, there was another knock on the door.

Unlike Healer Cox, who had knocked softly, this knock was assertive and crisp.

Healer Cox rolled his eyes at the knock and said, Well, you might as well come in. If you knock that hard, people might think youre compensating for something.

The woman who walked through the door looked like she was cut out from every military movie Matt had ever seen. She had a ramrod straight back with square shoulders, and the woman had a no-nonsense air about her that immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room.

She nodded to the Healer and his parents before looking at Matt with piercing silver eyes.

Matt swallowed like he had done something wrong, but knew he hadn't.

Mr. Alexander, I need to interview you about your recent history. I am Imperial Investigator Rebecca Ignite, Tier 16, and under the jurisdiction of Count Allaway. Do you have any questions?

Matt blinked. A lot. Whats going on?

Healer Cox didnt seem amused, and in a much harsher tone than he used with Matt, said, Some of us understand bedside manner, and try to give our patients time to acclimate and adjust before badgering them.

Investigator Ignite didnt look amused; she just stared at Healer Cox while they seemed to have a silent conversation.

Eventually, Healer Cox turned to Matt and said, What happened, Matt, is that you were infected with a disease we only see from undead rifts. Which is concerning on its own, but that same disease has infected six other people. As far as we can tell, you were one of the first to be infected, so we need to get as much information as possible about who you talked to before you got sick. The others are still asleep so you are our only source of information.

Investigator Ignite stepped in as Healer Cox took a breath. Could you walk me through everything that happened the day before you fell ill?

Matt nodded slowly, but couldn't think of anything odd. He had never been near a rift, though. Everyone knew they couldn't spawn in the five mile strip between the coast and land, and their city was built entirely inside that safe area.

Seeing the Investigator not taking her eyes off him, he shook his head. Nothing really strange happened that day.

Investigator Ignite seemed unhappy with that and said, Matt, this is important. While we already found and destroyed the rift that had undead in it, we don't know how the disease got inside the city limits. What do you remember about that day? Start from the beginning. Every detail you can remember, I need you to tell me. We know you should have been infected the day before, so I just need you to think really hard about that day. But don't make anything up. If you don't know, just say so.

Matt looked to his parents, who nodded, and he started reviewing his day.

I woke up and got ready for the morning like usual

Investigator Ignite shook her head, interrupting him. Matt, I need every little detail. Please, it's important.

Trying to add every little detail he could remember, he restarted. When he mentioned his clothes, Investigator Ignite, who had been nodding along, asked. Were the clothes clean?

At his mother's outraged huff of air, the Investigator just shrugged a shoulder. If they were old, it might change our time table.

His mother nearly growled. They were clean, thank you very much. I had just done laundry the day before, and I know his clothes very well.

Investigator Ignite nodded for him to continue, so Matt did so.

After she once more reminded him to give more detail he added, he repeated and spelled out the entire list of words he had his mother had gone over this morning trying to annoy her but it didnt seem to work.

Rough, grudge, stunt, thumb, once, another, does, trouble, cousin, began.

After describing how he went to school and the path they took, Matt shrugged. There were a lot of people going in. I only knew Christie Miller and Rodric Sales, though. After I went to my classroom, Miss Aberdeen taught us math before giving us our spelling test.

Matt went on to list everything else they went through that day, along with who he sat by during each period.

It was when he said he went to the bathroom that Investigator Ignite asked for more information.

Did you see anyone in the hall when you walked there? Smell anything worse than usual? Did the water taste funny?

Matt was going to shake his head, but paused as he remembered seeing a teacher talking to someone at one of the doors.

Miss Harrowfall was talking to someone at the end of the hallway. They kissed before she shut the door, but the wind was blowing, and it didnt smell good. Like old trash.

Investigator Ignites eyes narrowed, and she asked, Which door, and can you describe the man in question?

Matt nodded. The green door at the end of the E hallway. The one that goes out to the back entrance next to the playground, but where we aren't supposed to go, since its where they bring in the food.

And what did he look like?

Matt thought about it and tried to replay the moment, but nothing really came to him besides the smell until he remembered the jacket that the man was wearing.

The man was wearing a thick jacket with sleeves that were torn up. I remember thinking Mom would never let Dad leave the house with such a torn jacket. It was orange and brown, I think. He also had a bushy beard and had an earring in his left ear. Matt smiled as more information came to him.

He was about to continue when Investigator Ignite's eyes narrowed to slits as she nodded once slowly.

Do you think you can identify the man if you see him again?

Matt chewed his lip, but nodded after a few seconds.

The image seemed pretty clear in his memory, now that he had thought about it.

Once he said that, Investigator Ignite turned to his parents and got their permission, seemed to pull a pad out of nowhere, and asked. Can you read this outloud to me, please?

I hereby swear what I will say is the truth, to the best of my knowledge. If I Matt looked up at his parents seeing the next word, as he didnt recognize it.

His mother read it out loud for him. Deliberately, honey. It means on purpose.

If I deliberately lie, I can be charged with

He looked up once more, but this time Investigator Ignite answered. Perjury. It means lying after swearing to tell the truth.

If I deliberately lie, I can be charged with perjury.

Investigator Ignite nodded once he finished. If you don't know, just say so, and you won't be in any trouble, so don't worry. But if you recognize the man you saw, please just say so.

Handing him the pad, Matt saw a man with brown hair and a beard, but the man's skin was more ruddy than the man he saw before, and the earring was the wrong shape.

Matt swiped through half a dozen people, not seeing anyone who matched the man in his memory, but Investigator Ignite didnt seem worried, and just gave him another twelve people to look at.

This time, Matt stopped at person number four.

They weren't a perfect match, with the beard shorter and better groomed, but the earring was the same, and the look in the man's eyes was enough to make Matt certain he had the right man.

It's this guy. I'm sure.

Investigator Ignite caught his eyes and asked, How sure are you Matt? This is important. Don't lie to make any of us happy.

That made Matt question himself for a moment, but looking again, he was even more sure. It's him.

Investigator Ignite looked to Healer Cox, who nodded, but Matt wasnt sure why he was important. She wasnt asking him questions, after all.

After that, Investigator Ignite and he went through the rest of his day, but she was less picky about the small details that she had agonized over earlier.

Once he ended his recount of the day with his going to bed, she thanked him before leaving so quickly, he was pretty sure she had teleported, like from the movies.

Healer Cox patted Matts shoulder and said, Well done, Matt. You did good work today. Im sure you helped out a lot.

Matt looked up between his parents and Healer Coxs and asked, Does the Investigator think it was that man who got me sick?

Healer Cox looked to his parents, but eventually answered, That would be my guess. Orange and brown are the Junipers colors, and the jacket sounds like their Deep County workers uniform, so he would have been outside the safe zone. As for anything beyond that, we'll have to wait for her investigation to be finished. If he did come in contact with an undead rift, and both didnt report it and infected half a dozen people, he'll be in trouble, though.

After Healer Cox checked a few more things, a nurse brought in food, which Matt hungrily scarfed down. Or tried to.

As the pasta hit his tongue and his brain registered the taste, he spit it back up immediately.

His parents were worried that something was wrong, but Healer Cox sighed and said. This is unfortunate, but not unexpected. It's a side effect from one of the medicines we use to prevent the spreading of the disease. About ten percent of the recipients have an incredibly heightened sense of taste and smell for a while after. Nothing to worry about, though. It will fade in another three days or so. Well get some more bland food sent in.

The Healer sent the nurse off with a flick of his finger and winked at Matt, who was trying to wipe the lingering taste off his tongue. Sorry, kid, but if we warn you, youre almost guaranteed to get the bad reaction.

Matt shot him a glare but didnt say anything.

That hadnt been nice at all.

After Healer Cox left, Matt could hear his tone change, and he started yelling for others to start doing things, but the door shut before he could listen in. He was yelling at a door or somebody named door which Matt just found odd.

Now that they were alone, Matts parents rushed in close, each taking a side of the bed, and they started fussing over him.

No matter how many times Matt insisted he was fine, they kept adjusting his blankets or, in his mother's case, combing his hair.

Oh honey, we were so worried about you. His mother said as she pulled him into a hug.

His father looked at him with a shaky grin as he added, I knew you would pull through, champ.

That caused his mother to snort, but she didnt say anything out loud despite having a smirk flirting around her lips.

Seeing that moment, things seemed to crystallize for Matt. In that moment, while things seemed so perfect, everything felt so wrong, and it was almost like he was a stranger inhabiting his body. Thankfully, the feeling passed as soon as the nurse came with the promised porridge.

With an effort of will bolstered by his parents' urging, he managed to choke down the bland food, but even that was a struggle, as the oats seemed overwhelming to his amplified senses.

Still, he managed it and quickly fell asleep with a full belly.

When he woke up, his parents were asleep on the couch and cuddling together, his father's arms wrapped around his mother.

Once more, that odd feeling of wrongness overwhelmed Matt, but it passed quickly as he shook it off.

He was stuck in the hospital for another two days as they observed him, but they finally let him go home on the third day of his being awake.

Things returned to normal for the three of them for the next two weeks, once his parents finally stopped worrying about him so much, and he was able to return to his normal routine of after school activities.

The sense of normalcy lasted until two weeks after the incident of the undead rift.

A massive news broadcast went out as Investigator Ignite made an announcement.

She had found in her investigation of the undead rift that the local Baron family, the Junipers, had their personnel creating rifts recklessly close to the inhabited cities. This had led to two cities being outright attacked before the undead sickness had alerted Imperial authorities.

The Junipers had both covered up the earlier incidents and done nothing to rectify the problem, which led to their house head being arrested publicly, while their family was stripped of their noble title.

It shocked the entire city, but Matts family in particular, as they had met the woman personally.

Not long after that, they were brought in with a collective lawsuit against the noble house and the Empire itself.

Matt found it weird that the Empire had represented them and everyone else with a Tier 25 lawyer to sue themselves, but when his parents tried to explain it to him, it just went over his head.

It took nearly five months, but eventually, the verdict was ruled that they and everyone else affected was eligible for both financial compensation and a public apology. The latter of which was given to them personally by Duke Fulton, who had been the Junipers many times removed liege.

Matt hated the entire thing, as his parents had forced him into a suit, and he had been forced to stand around all day during the ceremony, but they insisted he needed to be there with them.

After that, things seemed to return to normal. Matt went back to school and was about to enter the fourth grade when his parents sat him down, and his father asked. Matt, how would you feel about a little brother or sister?

Matt shrugged and looked at the door. He had hoped to join the other kids from his old class in a game of tag, but his parents were asking him weird questions instead.

There was that odd feeling of something not being right, but since this was the third time he had experienced it, it was easy to push away. He quickly said. Its fine, I guess. Can I go play with everyone else now?

His mother put her hand over his fathers and said, Sure, buddy. Just be careful and remember to be back before four. That means you need to leave at three forty five. Set your watch to it. You might not realize this now, but things will change.

Doing so, and showing his parents he had done so, he ran out and went about his day.

It was well past her bedtime, but the two of them rarely got to spend time together alone like this, so he was willing to push it a bit.

And it was a Friday, so she didnt even have school tomorrow and could sleep in.

Even then she was nodding off before the first commercial break so Matt prodded her into brushing her teeth and getting ready for bed.

After brushing their teeth together, Matt sent the tuckered out Aster to bed as he cleaned the apartment from top to bottom as best he could without running the vacuum.

His parents werent exactly on a vacation, and the last thing he would want to come home to was a messy house.

Just as he was dozing off on the couch with a cooking show rerun playing quietly, his pad pinged and he rubbed his eyes to clear them to find his mothers profile calling him.

Yawning, he answered but sent the volume to next to nothing.

Hey mom, how is it going with Aunt Katya?

His mother looked tired but smiled. Shes still in labor, but we wanted to check in on the two of you. How is your sister?

Despite being tired, Matt didnt fall for the trap. Aster is already asleep. If you really want I can wake her up

No, no that's fine. His mother said, but he knew she was happy he had her settled in before ten.

Cracking open her door, Matt turned the camera on the pad to show Aster sprawled across her bed, clutching one of the stuffed animals that was nearly her size.

Quietly closing the door, Matt saw his father was now on the screen and said hello.

Hey kiddo, thanks for looking after your sister. We really do appreciate it. We know you had that date planned for tonight.

Matt dropped back into the couch and waved his father off. I enjoy spending time with Aster. We made stuffed shells and then made some ice cream. It was fun.

Matt could hear both his parents sigh and knew their pain. The kid would live off ice cream if no one made her eat normal food.

Don't worry, I made her eat two stuffed shells and three scoops of mixed veggies before we even touched the ice cream. Really we spent more time making a mess of the kitchen than eating.

Without being asked, he raised the pad so they could see the now clean kitchen and finished up. Were fine here. What about you two and Aunt Katya? I assume everything is ok? Isnt ten hours of labor, like, long?

Matt's mother snorted and shook her head. It's not that long for a first time mother, but she's mostly fine, just tired and wanting it to be over. We just wanted to check in and say thank you.

Rolling his eyes, Matt said, It's not like she's in diapers. Well be fine. Antonio gave me the weekend off, and if you guys aren't back by Monday, he said hell make sure Im out of there in time to pick up Aster from school. Im thinking well go to the new water park tomorrow or something fun. You guys worry about everything up there and we'll send pictures of our plans.

Matts father yawned over his mothers shoulder, and that set Matt off, which then set his mother off. Once all three of them finished yawning, Matt waved them off.

You two have fun and update me when everything is over. Take your time on our account.

Saying their goodbyes, Matt flopped into his bed after showering himself and heard something crack underneath him.

Rolling away, he heard a crinkle and sighed.

Aster must have been drawing on his bed, again, and once he pulled back the covers, he saw the snapped colored pencils and crumpled sheets of paper.

Too tired to get mad, he scooped it all up and dropped it to the floor to deal with in the morning.

Really, Aster needed to learn to leave his bedroom alone. He didnt care that it had better light for drawing after school, and that he had been spending more nights at Leahs apartment, that didnt mean it wasnt his room still.

He also knew that breaking her colored pencils, intentional or not, would go over like a punch to the nose tomorrow.

Rolling over, he decided that was a problem for tomorrow Matt.

And screw that guy.

***

Matt ducked as Chef Abdul threw a pot across the kitchen.

Carlos, if you ruin the scallions one more time tonight I swear by the Emperor's balls I will cut your fingers off. Test me!

Matt looked to Eleanor Eskar, his good friend and sort of rival, and they both shared the same expression.

Chef Abdul wasnt a bad man or boss. In fact, he was normally easy going and relaxed, but word had come in that there were Phoenix Hearth inspectors on the planet, and he was killing himself with stress.

And to be fair, it was a massive event for Chef Abdul.

It was the first time he was the owner and head chef of a restaurant that both rated a Red Feather, and had the possibility of actually getting one. If he did succeed in getting his first Red Feather, he would be one of the youngest chefs to earn the honor, and it would catapult him into instant stardom.

That turned the normally easy going chef into a monster. Some people just didnt handle stress well, and Chef Abdul was one of them.

Matt kept that thought to himself and kept his spoon moving as he stirred the sauce in front of him, pouring in his Talent in a slow but steady stream.

Right as the sauce started to turn golden, he pulled it off the fire and slid it down to Sous Chef Annabelle.

She scooped the pan up and carefully drizzled the sauce over the plate in front of her, before plating the fish in a careful pyramid.

She then slid that down to Chef Abdul, who inspected it and then put it on the tray and said to the waiter standing by, Third course for table seventeen.

At the same time, another waiter, Alex, came into the kitchen and said, Order for two ladies at table fifteen. They would like the fish and duck combo, no pepper in the glaze, extra pepper in the fry. Two orders of duck with lard instead of butter, one for each.

The fact that Alex had read the order out said two things. One, the guests were suspicious, and might be Phoenix Hearth inspectors, and two, they had done at least one test the inspector group was known for, such as putting a utensil on the floor or tipping over a mostly empty glass of wine to test the front end service.

Everyone froze for a moment, but not for long, as Chef Abdul read the ticket back out to them and they all repeated their stations orders.

Personally, Matt was cursing inside, as one of those modifications was on his glaze.

The glaze wasnt anything crazy, but with his Talent, he could bring the most out of the flavors, and freshly ground black pepper was one of those core ingredients.

Eleanor, his friend, was also panicking. As she was the chef rotisseur, she now needed to cook their duck in lard instead of butter, which would completely change the cooking temperature and time needed for the bird. That on its own would be hard, but when added with the fact that the guests were suspected to be Phoenix Hearth inspectors, it drove everyone's nerves to eleven.

Everyone but Sous Chef Annabelle, who was cool as she had been last month, before the rumors of Phoenix Hearth inspectors drove everyone else mad. She had good reason at least, as she had worked for a two time Red Feather recipient, and had worked through the inspection the second time.

Matt breathed out twice as he listened to Chef Abduls proposed modifications for the glaze to work without the black pepper, and got to work.

He was finishing up and had a lull in his orders when Eleanor started to get overwhelmed, and he stepped in to take over her less important dishes.

Not that any order would leave without being perfect, but most of her attention was and needed to be on the two custom orders. And Matt, while not a chef rotisseur, had enough experience in the position to fill in during a pinch.

He was just returning to his own station when his AI pinged half a dozen times from his sister.

Brushing the messages aside for the time being, he buckled down and focused on his work.

Phoenix Hearth inspectors didnt just look at their own dishes. After all, their habits were known and well recorded, which meant they judged a restaurant by all the dishes that came out of the door through some stealthy uses of [Remote Taste]. More than one Phoenix Hearth inspectors had been served a perfect meal, only to deny the Red Feather because the other dishes that night came out sub par.

A Red Feather was a status symbol known across the Empire, and wasnt given out lighty. Helen of Helens Hearth had rescinded more than one Red Feather if the standards of the head chef or restaurant slipped from excellence.

Finally Chef Abdul said the magic words. The last ticket is closed. The kitchen is done for the night. He took a breath before slowly letting it out as everyone else slumped or otherwise relaxed. Thanks for all the hard work everyone. Whether we get the Red Feather or not, I'm proud of each and every one of the dishes that left our hands tonight.

Matt slumped to the floor and was joined by Eleanor. Im so fucking beat tonight. Carry me home Matt.

Matt didnt open his eyes and stretched out his legs. You're two Tiers higher than me. Im going to have you carry me home tonight.

Eleanor chuckled and slapped his arm. Thanks for the cover earlier. I was going under there for a minute.

All good. All good.

As he finally relaxed, Matt remembered the messages from his sister that had come through.

Jerking to his feet, he slammed his head onto the table and dropped to the ground, clutching his head.

That also had everyone's attention firmly on him, and Marco, the entremetier, asked, Whats the big commotion? I don't have the energy to be that excited.

Matt tried to wave him off, but he had already gathered everyone's attention, and Sous Chef Annabelle said, Well now you have to share.

Shrugging, as it was good news, Matt said. My sister just signed an art deal with a Tier 40 children's channel on King Rustys capital planet. Shes getting to write two seasons of a new show, due to some of the art that she has done. They are even basing it off one of her characters.

That took everyone aback, and even Chef Abdul pulled out an expensive bottle of Tier 15 wine and opened it up for the crew in celebration.

Ecstatic for his sister, Matt sent her a picture of the entire team congratulating her and paid the extra fee to have it sent express.

She had worked so hard, and it finally paid off.

Now it was just time for his own pay off.

***

Matts knife was a blur as he cut nearly a hundred onions into perfect cubes when the door opened. He expected sous chef Amanda or chef Jacque, but instead, a woman in a business suit walked in.

Stopping his blade mid-stroke, Matt said, Ma'am I don't think you should be back here. The kitchen isnt open for another three hours. The hotel staff will be more than happy to get you something from the buffet kitchen if you can't wait, but you cant be back here.

The woman smiled slightly and stuck out her hand. I don't think Jacque will mind if I come in. I own the place, after all.

Matt straightened up and apologized, and he checked her appearance with his AI. Sorry Maam I didnt realize you were Ms. Telkia.

Whipping his hands off on a nearby rag, he shook the proffered hand and noted that the woman was definitely a Tier 38. Even as a Tier 12, his hand felt like soft puddy when compared to her own.

No worries. It's good that you can stand up to any nosey guest who thinks they own the place. I just got out of my delve and saw that Jacque hired a new employee.

She must have seen something in his face as she waved a hand. Im not questioning his hiring of you, but I like to meet all my staff. Normally we would have met during the interview process, but I was probably elbow deep in a monster at the time.

Ms. Telkia led Matt out to the dining room and to a table that was off to the side, but well lit by the window, where she pulled out a black leather binder of all things.

Your resume is impressive, Mr. Alexander, I must say. Top of your class at a respectable Tier 15 culinary school, and you came in second place at a Young Chef contest not long after that.

She flipped one of the pages and showed a picture of himself and his friend Eleanor, who had taken the first place prize of that same tournament.

You and Miss Eskar seem to have a rivalry. You both competed in the same tournament and seem to have a nearly equal chance of beating the other.

As she paused and looked at him, Matt explained, Eleanor and I are good friends and push each other. We like to keep each other on our toes, but its all in good fun. Were even roommates whenever were on the same planet.

Ms. Telkia nodded. Yes, so my reports say. Having a friendly rival is a good thing, and it explains some of your achievements. Only one hundred and seventy years old with an impressive record behind you, and glowing recommendations from all your previous employers. Working for Chef Abdul when he earned his Feather says a lot about you as well. Can I ask why you chose to work for Jacque? We are a high Tier restaurant with a prodigious reputation, but after your last win, I see Burnets was courting you for a poissonier with a fast track to sous chef.

Matt smiled his most charming smile to cover his awkwardness. My Concept. I felt Chef Jacque resonated best with my Concept. My Phrase Good Food Takes Time allows me to enhance the effects of ingredients. An example would be anything that increases Strength will be more effective at doing so. Chef Jacques entire reputation is built around making he made air quotes 'simple recipes and elevating them to something exquisite. And I felt that my Concept and Talent are well suited to that mindset. Hes also been a massive help with my professional progress, and has me floating around positions to get a feel for his style and all the positions of the kitchen, so I can step into sous chef sooner rather than later.

Ms. Telkia nodded and changed the subject to something he expected earlier. I hear you have a Talent for making things taste better. Can you demonstrate that for me please?

Matt nodded and asked, I can go get something whipped up in just a few minutes, if you like.

Ms. Telkia shook her head. I hear you can do it with anything. Can you demonstrate with this?

With a wave of her hand, a store bought bar of chocolate appeared on the table.

Scooping the bar up, Matt snapped off two squares of chocolate and handed one to Ms. Telkia without doing anything. If you could try this? At risk of overexplaining, my Talent allows me to imbue mana into food to enhance its properties, most notably taste.

Sending 20 mana into the square of chocolate, he handed it to Ms. Telkia, who sniffed it with her eyes closed before gently biting off the corner.

As she worked her jaw, he continued, It has seriously diminishing returns past a certain point ten thousand mana is only about twice as effective as one thousand mana. Also the mana I put in fades over time and faster if put into a more processed product. So, that means the more involved I am in the process, or earlier in the process, the better the overall result for less mana. That's why I do all the prep for the kitchen. I can do lots of more interesting things, like making essence from monster meat easier to digest.

Ms. Telkia ran her tongue over her teeth as he finished, before taking another bite of the square he hadnt used his Talent on.

She didnt frown, but she did pull out a bottle of water and took a large swig before nibbling on the other square once more.

Seeing she enjoyed the effect of his Talent, he enhanced the rest of the bar and slid it to her with a grin.

Everything is properly licensed, and I have the certifications verifying my Talent is an alchemy talent, not a mental one. Its an actual, physical change that works similarly to an innate [Enhance Reagent] or [Enhance Reaction] skill, but more efficient at a lower mana cost, though more specialized. It only works on food, for example. Im not an alchemist, just a cook, maam.

Ms. Telkia opened her eyes after finishing off the single square, waving away the rest of the bar.

That is a useful Talent, Mr. Alexander. She turned to the side, and Matt followed her gaze to see Chef Jacque walking out of the kitchen.

Ahh it is good to see you, Ms. Telkia. It has been too long with your last delve. How have you been.

For the first time, Ms. Telkia dropped some of her business persona and seemed genuinely happy to see Chef Jacque.

I'm good. Better than good, now that Ive met our newest employee. I saw business was up seven percent, but even his little demonstration with a bar of chocolate has me sold.

Chef Jacque laughed and patted Matt on the shoulder before sliding into the chair next to him, forming a triangle with Matt and Ms. Telkia.

Ms. Telkia looked to Chef Jacque and said, I hadnt intended to eat in tonight, but after that demonstration, I simply must. Can you fit me in?

Chef Jacque laughed. I already told Alison to prepare for your party when I heard you were out. We have the private room set aside for you, and we can easily work a dozen extra tickets in.

Wonderful news Jacque, wonderful news. As Ms. Telkia said that, she looked to Matt, When is the next Young Chef tournament being held?

Chef Jacque waved his hand. Matt has outgrown them. Im instead thinking we send him to represent us in the Tier 15 competition that the Duke holds every decade.

Matt was startled, as that was the first he had heard of it, but Ms. Telkia nodded as if it made perfect sense.

That's a good idea. It gives us more prep time, and we can abuse his Talent more.

She looked to Matt as she explained, The Tier 15 competition is different. While you cook there, you can bring your own ingredients. If I'm right, Jacque plans to use your Talent on growing every ingredient you would use to maximize its use. She paused. It will be expensive, but worth it if you can do well.

As if out of nowhere, she changed the topic and asked, Are your parents still alive?

It took Matt a moment to register the sudden shift in conversation, but he nodded. Yes, they are Tier 14. Mom has her Concept, but hasnt advanced, as shes waiting for Dad. I have a little sister, Aster, who is a successful artist-mage and got them carried to Tier 14. Wanting to show off his sister a little he added. She writes for a Tier 40 children's channel on King Rustys capital.

Ms. Telkia nodded as if what he said was within her expectations.

If you win the competition or even do well, there is a Shard of Reality in the Duke's personal vault. You said your father doesn't have a Concept yet, and this can solve that problem. Are you interested?

Matt's mouth went dry, but he swallowed and nodded. Very. But it seems expensive. I can't afford the cost to do what you said about growing the crops and such.

Ms. Telkia waved her hand. You wear my logo on your uniform when you compete, and thats all the compensation I need. At my level of business, that kind of publicity is worth its weight in Tier 50 mana stones.

After hashing out a few more details, they shook on it, and Matt walked back into the kitchen to finish prepping the food the kitchen would use that night.

Right as he was about to enter the swinging door, Ms. Telkia called out, Also, I heard a rumor that Helen of Helen's Hearth will be there, if you need another reason to try for first.

Hearing that, Matt froze as the world tilted on its side.

He had he had met Helen. He should be calling her Aunt Helen. But that didnt make sense, she was a legend. Hed never met her before. But

He hadnt experienced that since he was a child, but this time, he wasnt a child, and knew this was something to explore. His Concept was still nascent, but hed been taught the exercises. His Willpower flooded out from him, powerful and Endless.

The world around him didnt seem to notice, but Matt the chef was no more. Or perhaps, Matt the chef was far more, far more than hed ever dreamed of, and had given way to Matt the Ascender.

His body didnt seem to notice, though, and carried on talking and preparing food, unaware of the Folded Reflection-reality it was inhabiting.

Matt pushed himself into the controlling seat of the body, and using the AI, sent a message to his parents about how much he loved them and wished they would be at the competition he would take part in.

Then, before he could dwell on them being alive anymore than he was, he let himself drift back into the Folded Reflection life. Now that he had broken free, there was no risk of him losing his Concept, but he wanted to live his life as far as Minkalla would allow him.

Five years later, he went to the competition and won using his Talent and skills, and as Ms. Telkia had theorized, received the attention of the Duke. After a long ceremony, he was handed the Shard of Reality, which Matt was able to utilize to give his father a Concept.

Seeing his parents in person while he was in control felt It felt like everything.

Matt had to go to the bathroom twice and cry his eyes out. Once when he was able to hug the two of them, and another time when he parents just gazed into each other's eyes and said how now that they were both Tier 15, they had eternity together.

It was just too perfect of a moment, and he wasnt able to control himself.

Aster even caused him to cry a few times.

While she was and always would be part of his family in the real world, it felt extra special to have her been born as his literal sister.

He would be able to see her in the real world, so this life ending wasnt such a devastating moment for him as losing his parents was, it just felt all too real to have her in this life as his sister.

It had been perfect. And would continue to be so until he hit Tier 15.

Now that he was in control, he could delay the life a little by prolonging the time until he hit Tier 15, but Matt didnt choose to do so. Nor did he choose to rush to Tier 15 and end the life either.

Instead, he took a back seat during the remaining two hundred years while Chef Matt lived his life.

The only times he took over and interfered directly was when he talked to his parents.

Those moments were just too precious for him to pass up, and he ensured that Chef Matt met up with them at least once a year, just so he could bask in their presence just a moment longer.

Eventually, it came to an end, as all good things did.

Chef Matt was going to make Tiering up to Tier 15 a small affair of little note, but Matt took control and hosted a party with his friends and family so he could have one last moment with them before Folded Reflection life ended.

After saying goodbye one last time, he Tiered up to Tier 15 and felt the world starting to fade away.

Just as he felt the life ending, he pulled his parents and sister into one last hug as they faded away, wanting to savor the feel of them for even a moment longer.

***

Matt sat in the living room and looked at the empty tea cup in his hands, and started to cry uncontrollably.

His parents had been alive, and it had been fantastic.

Aster had even been his actual sister.

He just sat there and processed the life and its repercussions while it started to fade.

He could remember everything just as well as when he had been in the life, but now that he was out, it was like a dream he could remember. Clear, but obviously not real.

But he wished it was.

How he wished it was.

It had been a good life. Everything he could have ever asked for.

Idyllic.

Cleaning himself up, Matt sat and processed everything he had been through.

He couldnt say hed trade lives, but seeing his parents alive and well had been fantastic. If they were alive now, he knew they would be just as proud of him and his accomplishments as they had been in the Folded Reflection life.

It wasnt perfect, but it was enough.

Seeing them happy together, even in a Minkalla alternative life, healed something deep inside him.

With a smile, he contemplated which tea to drink next.