Leveling Up through Eating

Translator: ChubbyCheeks

PR: MattForgenti

Minhyuk smiled in satisfaction. An increase of 113 in STM meant that his HP would increase by 1,130 while an increase of 110 in his WIS meant that his MP would increase by 1,100.

He keenly felt it back when he was fighting the monsters in the mines. Using Ellie’s Swordsmanship was consuming a lot more MP than what he initially thought he would consume. He was lucky that he had the Minotaurus’ necklace, it prevented his MP from reaching zero so quickly.

As he finished eating all the brownies…

“Poopy Daaaaaaaaad!” 

Hyemin quickly ran towards where Hyemin’sDad was. Hyemin’sDad hugged Hyemin tightly when she arrived in front of him. Then, he wiped the chocolate that was smeared on her mouth gently with a tissue. After taking care of his daughter, he approached Minhyuk.

‘My life’s masterpiece has been born……’

Never in his dreams did he ever think that an artifact like this could be his life’s masterpiece. He slowly stood in front of Minhyuk and stretched his hand out to give it to him.

The artifact was literally a frying pan. It looked like those ordinary frying pans that you could find in every household.

“Please check it.”

With Hyemin’sDad’s reminders, Minhyuk excitedly checked on the details of the frying pan artifact.

***

Team Leader Park and Lee Minhwa were staring at the monitor blankly.

“The country’s first ever legendary artifact……” 

Team Leader Park murmured to himself as Lee Minhwa finished his sentence.

“Is a frying pan.”

Suddenly, the door of the Special Users Management Team opened with a bang! as the members of the development team rushed inside.

“Did the first ever legendary artifact come out? I heard that it has the Spirit of the Gryphon and the Sacred Branch?”

It was even produced by the best blacksmith, Hepas’ Descendant!

Team Leader Park and Lee Minhwa both nodded their heads in unison.

For the operators and administrators, the appearance of the first legendary artifact was something unusual.

When they looked at the monitor, they saw User Minhyuk checking out the frying pan. Then, Team Leader Lee Seokhoon suddenly said…

“Member Lee Minhwa, show me the artifact’s information.”

“Yes. Right away.”

Lee Minhwa quickly pulled up the information about the frying pan.

(Hepas’ Legendary Frying Pan)

Class: Legend

Restrictions: 300 STR, 300 AGI, 300 DEX

Durability: ∞ / ∞

Attack Power: 411

Defensive Power: 864

Special Abilities:

━ +15% in all stats.

━ +100 in Magical Defense.

━ x2 increase in Magical Defense’s effectiveness.

━ +50% increase Magical Reflection’s probability

━ +50% increase in Spirit Affinity.

━ You can use 2nd class magic of all of the 5 attributes without casting while cooking with the frying pan.

━ Skill: Gryphon’s Cry

━ Skill: Frying Pan Gigantification*

Description: A legendary artifact produced by Hepas’ Descendant with all his attention and care. He especially placed his all on the cooking aspect of the artifact. You can cast 2nd level magic while cooking in this frying pan.

“Wow…… That’s crazy……”

“……I want to steal it from User Minhyuk.”

Everyone looked at the information with admiration in their eyes. The first effect was already crazy enough, what with a 15% increase in all of the stats and not just the 5 basic stats. In other words, even the special stats of the user would have a 15% increase. As an example, if he has 1,000 points in his DEX then a 15% increase would mean that his DEX would exert a power of 1,150.

Then there was the 50% increase in Spirit Affinity. It was actually extremely difficult to increase favorability and build a friendly relationship with the unsociable spirits. However, if you have 50% in your affinity, then it would mean that you would have a much easier time befriending the spirits. This just shows that the effect was something that would extremely benefit the user.

There was also the +50% increase in Magical Reflection’s probability.

“A good magical defense plus a 50% probability of Magical Reflection……” 

It wasn’t just a simple reflection of magical attacks. Magical Reflection basically meant that the reflected magic would be returned to the person who attacked you with the magic. In other words, it was the deflection of the magical attack back to the attacker.

In addition, the artifact would also allow the user to easily cast 2nd class magic of the 5 basic attributes. Generally, users would need to reach Lv100 before they could learn to cast 2nd class magic. However, User Minhyuk would be able to use all of the 2nd class magic of all the 5 attributes before he even reached Lv100.

“What’s more, that user is not even a mage……”

Then, Team Leader Lee Seokhoon said…

“Can you show us the skill’s information?”

“Yes.”

Lee Minhwa opened the information about the frying pan’s attached skills.

(Gryphon’s Cry)

Artifact Skill

Level: None

Mana Required: 500

Cooldown: 15 minutes

Effects: 

━ Monsters within a 20-m radius can be dragged in an aggro. There is also the probability of holding the aggro of monsters with a higher level than you.

━ You have a 70~80% chance of holding an aggro.

━ Guild members and Party members within a 10-m radius will have a 13~18% increase in their 5 basic stats as a buff effect.

Description: This was a skill added to Hepas’ Legendary Frying Pan when the Spirit of the Gryphon was added as a material for the artifact.

“……So damn crazy.”

Team Leader Lee Seokhoon was left speechless when he saw the artifact skill. The only reason was because he saw the aggro and buff effect together in one skill. In the first place, the buff effect was a special ability that healers and chefs have. However, both the aggro and buff effect were present in one skill.

The buff effect was even so ridiculous. They couldn’t believe that a buff effect was at 13~18% increase. Having such a high increase in all of the 5 basic stats would mean that a group of Lv100 players would have an additional 113~118 power. That power was something that no one could ignore especially when they were hunting monsters. It would even be considered a great boost to a guild or group whenever there were guild warfares, sieges and subjugations. And the most important aspect was…

“There’s no limit……”

Aggro and buff effects usually have a limit. However, the Gryphon’s Cry did not have any limit whether it be on the aggro effect or on the buff effect.

“And if you feed them buffed dishes……”

“…….”

Team Leader Park was at a loss for words.

It was entirely possible for all of his allies to receive a 30% increase in their overall power.

Then, they checked on the second attached skill. The Frying Pan Gigantification.

(Frying Pan Gigantification)

Artifact Skill

Level: None

Mana Required: Will depend on the size

Cooldown: 15 minutes

Effects: ━ The frying pan can be used to cook or to defend. You can freely adjust the size of the pan depending on your needs.

Description: This was a skill added to Hepas’ Legendary Frying Pan when the Spirit of the Gryphon was added as a material for the artifact.

The Frying Pan Gigantification seemed like it was a skill that was extremely befitting of User Minhyuk.

“That user will definitely be happy.”

Lee Seokhoon muttered under his breath. Meanwhile, Minhyuk looked extremely sullen as he pouted on the monitor.

[What’s this… Why are there no effects where I can easily boil down a stir-fried pork or make crispy pancakes… Heung!]

“Keok……!”

Lee Seokhoon gasped in shock.

“Is he saying that those effects were much more important than the effects of the artifact?”

Then, Team Leader Park said…

“You’ll be surprised yet again…”

***

Hyemin’sDad was a bit embarrassed when he heard Minhyuk’s words.

“H, have you also checked the other effects?”

“I’ve checked but why is there no function where I can boil down my food easily? Heung!”

Minhyuk looked like he was about to cry.

I was looking forward to it the most!

Hyemin’sDad thought deeply when he realized his despair.

‘That option was much more important to him compared to the effects of the Legendary artifact……’

He thought about taking it back and doing it again but he quickly scratched that thought out of his mind.

“There is… It’s just not written explicitly.”

“There is?”

“Yes. It says that you can use 2nd class magic for cooking, right? Do you have any marinated meat or something like that?”

“Of course I have!”

Minhyuk had already prepared marinated pork in advance. When Hyemin’sDad started making the frying pan, he already prepared the ingredients so he could eat it the moment the frying pan was done.

“Put it on the frying pan.”

“Yes.”

Minhyuk placed the gochujang, onions, carrots, sesame seeds and the well-marinated pork on top of the frying pan. As soon as he finished placing the ingredients on the frying pan, notifications instantly popped out.

[The Frying Pan has recognized the ingredients.]

[The 2nd class Fireball is recommended.]

[Would you like to use it?]

“Yes.”

Fwoosh!

A tiny sphere of flames was created on top of the frying pan. It was the fireball that was commonly used by mage class users. However, the size of the fireball was much smaller compared to the regular fireball.

“You can adjust the size of the frying pan when you’re cooking.”

“Oho!”

Then, the fireball covered the spicy stir-fried pork.

Shwaaaa!

The fire quickly cooked the spicy stir-fried pork at the right temperature. The sauce was boiling while the outside was cooked at a moderate heat to prevent it from getting burnt. In just a matter of time, the spicy stir-fried pork was completed.

“Wow…… Wow……!”

Minhyuk couldn’t stop himself from exclaiming loudly. Then, he quickly took some stir-fried pork and placed it in his mouth. The spicy stir-fried pork was surprisingly cooked well.

“I want a bite too!”

He also placed some stir-fried pork in Hyemin’s mouth.

The spicy and sweet stir-fried pork was extremely popular among men and women of all ages.

He thought that it would be perfect if he had some rice with him right now. After they almost ate the stir-fried pork, he added a bowl of rice on the frying pan.

[The Frying Pan has recognized the ingredients.]

[The 1st class Fire is recommended.]

[Would you like to use it?]

“Yes.”

Shwaaa!

Fire was a magic that would create a small fire. The small fire covered the rice on top of the frying pan and started to fry it. Then, Minhyuk spread the fried rice all over the frying pan. The fire covered the fried rice once again to cook the rice properly.

“Wow, it really has great functions. Chew, chew.”

Minhyuk munched on the fried rice as he raised his thumb in a gesture of approval.

That wasn’t the end of it. After he finished eating, he heard another notification.

[The 1st class magic Aqua can be used to clean the Frying Pan.]

“Clean.”

A sphere of water was immediately formed on top of the frying pan. Then, the sphere started to spin in the frying pan at a tremendous speed.

Fwaaaaa!

The sphere of water evaporated into the air after it finished cleaning the frying pan. When he looked at the frying pan, it was already shining brightly as if it had never been used.

“I’m really very, very, very satisfied with it. Thank you very much!”

“Yes. Well.”

Hyemin’sDad shrugged his shoulders at him. After all, he was already satisfied with the cooking options and did not care at all about the special options. However, wasn’t it good as long as he was satisfied?

“I don’t think Hyemin will be able to log in for a while. She has to go to kindergarten and eat delicious food in reality. I probably wouldn’t be able to access the game in the meantime too.”

Minhyuk smiled at them when he heard his words and at the same time he felt a bit jealous of Hyemin since she could eat delicious food in real life. However, Minhyuk has high expectations. He firmly believed that the day when he would eat delicious food in real life would also come. It wouldn’t come quickly but he’s already gradually losing some of his weight.

“It’s almost time for me to log-out too. I still need to exercise.”

“I see. Ah, wait. Minhyuk-nim, can I add you as a friend?”

“Of course.”

Minhyuk could see that Hyemin’sDad was a good man. He even made him a good frying pan. He also wanted to see Hyemin more if he had the chance. After they completed the friend request, Minhyuk placed the frying pan on his back. Hyemin’sDad couldn’t help but murmur at the sight.

“He looks like he’s going to a battlefield…”

“……?”

“It’s the game. It reminds me of the chicken game.”

“Aha. I see. I can’t believe you thought of chickens. It must be a great game.”

Minhyuk smiled widely, his eyes were sparkling with interest. Not long after, Minhyuk said goodbye and ended the connection first. 

Before Hyemin’sDad logged out, a whisper came to him.

[Genie: Hyemin’sDad-nim. Did it go well? The gift?]

The Legend Guild. Rumor has it that it was the best guild in the country and Genie, the woman who messaged him, was its guild master. Everyone was speculating on the identity of the Legend Guild’s guild master. They have thought that the guild master was a middle-aged man. However, the guild master was a young woman who had just turned twenty.

But, she should not be underestimated because of her age. She was a genius gamer who thoroughly analyzed Athenae before attacking and playing it.

[Hyemin’sDad: Yes. I gave him a good gift and he was extremely satisfied. Hehe. Thank you for your understanding. GM-nim.]

Originally, the Spirit of Gryphon was something that was supposed to be used for Genie’s item. But it was just a verbal promise. When she heard about Hyemin’s story, Genie gladly gave it away. She was a strong and grateful person.

[Genie: No. He met and played well with Hyemin, right?]

When he saw the whisper, Hyemin’sDad suddenly thought of something.

[Hyemin’sDad: Come to think of it, he’s about the same age as Genie-nim.]

[Genie: Oh, really?]

[Hyemin’sDad: Yes. Actually I always thought that he was like someone, it turns out that he’s quite similar to GM-nim.]

When Hyemin’sDad thought about it, he could tell that the aura and presence coming out from the both of them were quite similar. Now that he clearly thought about it, he was finally certain.

‘Before, I felt that Genie-nim was the best but when I met Minhyuk-nim I felt the same way. I could feel the same aura coming out from them.’

How should I say this? A warm-hearted feeling? 

Hyemin’sDad was quite curious. It was a bit strange for him to feel that way towards someone that was considered to be the top ranker in the country. Rankers were typically known for their cold and frigid attitude. There were even a lot of them who had eyes above their heads and could only see themselves as the best.

[Genie: I’d like to meet him too. I’m curious.]

Hyemin’sDad chuckled softly when he saw that. Then, he saw another whisper from Genie.

[Genie: Ah, wait. You know about the group that attacked the Brethni Mines, right? Horden Guild and Card?]

[Hyemin’sDad: Yes. It’s quite hot on the internet right now. What vicious people…… Why did they do that? Sigh……]

The next whisper that Genie sent to him was something completely surprising.

[Genie: You see, Horden Guild’s GM went to the same middle school with me.]

***

Footnotes

* Regarding the skill Frying Pan Gigantification … I have thought long and hard about how to name this…. I even begged for help from our beloved translators in woopread (aka Thursdays, Skye and Seven with a little Yahiko on the side) and this was the list of what they suggested: Expand/Expansion, Replicate, Enlarge/Enlargement, Colossify/Colossification, Gigantification, Biggerinator (lmao), and Titanator. Now I believe I’m not eloquent enough to choose among these so if you think there’s a better way to name the skill please do head on over our novel channel in the discord server and do suggest me some names. (You can also guess who gave on the name suggestions)

TL’s corner!!!

Why do I feel like Minhyuk and Genie knew each other… Wew.

PR’s corner!

This could get really interesting. Looking forward to this! Also, in other obvious news, Minhyuk has now gotten even more broken with his Frying Pan. Even the devs are jealous!

Report mistakes and chat with us at: https://discord.gg/Q3dStgu