How the Rank 0 Chef Survives 104: The Original Red Witch's Fiery Entrance
Pale moonlight filtered through the branches in the forest depths. It gently settled on the red-haired mage's head.
"…Hey."
Molrangkau waved shyly, her face lighting up with pleasure.
"Molrangkau-nim! Haha! Long time no see!"
Before I could even respond, Geum Taeyang swaggered over. Molrangkau flinched back.
"…What? What's your deal?"
She eyed the thuggish Geum Taeyang warily.
"What do you mean? I'm just happy to see you."
Geum Taeyang slung an arm around her shoulder like old pals. Her brow furrowed instantly.
"Are you nuts?"
Thwack! Crunch—Boom!
In a flash, Geum Taeyang smashed through trees and flew off like a weed, embedding himself in the ground.
"……."
Called it.
"What's his problem? He's cocky, sure, but not this bad."
Molrangkau shot a displeased glance at Geum Taeyang, stuck far off in the dirt.
"And why's his outfit black now?"
Before I could answer, I had a more pressing question—the thing I needed most right now.
"That. What is it?"
"? What?"
Molrangkau tilted her head, a question mark practically hovering above.
"The changing."
"Oh. Disguise magic."
…Magic, huh. Never knew that existed. Mages only?
"…But why say it like that?"
Her eyes narrowed at me.
"Oh."
I still had Dark Chef active. I'd forgotten it was on—must be getting natural.
Feeling a quiet pride, I dispelled the darkness. Tteoksoon-i reverted to her white suit, and Molrangkau's eyes widened.
"Phew—there. It's a skill that tweaks personality and speech a bit."
I pointed at Geum Taeyang, wriggling in the dirt far away.
"Geum Taeyang's the same—skill effect."
"…A skill like that exists?"
She gave me a skeptical look. But it was real—what could I do?
"Ma'am—no, Molrangkau-nim!"
Geum Taeyang, recovered in no time, bounded over with a beaming, bubbly smile. He looked thrilled.
…Brush the snow off your head first.
"Sorry for the rudeness just now. I got too excited without thinking."
"Hmph. Whatever."
"Let me introduce our new family member. One sec."
Geum Taeyang leaned to whisper in Tteoksoon-i's ear.
"Mm-hmm… Huh? Aha! Oho…!"
Tteoksoon-i nodded along, glancing between me and Molrangkau in awe.
…What're they scheming?
Molrangkau watched, her brows twitching.
"Anyway, allow me to introduce her."
Geum Taeyang pulled back from Tteoksoon-i's ear.
Tteoksoon-i faced Molrangkau and bowed crisply.
"Greetings! I'm Tteoksoon-i, the second summon serving my master! It's an infinite honor to meet you, ma—no, Molrangkau-nim!"
She bowed deeply and politely.
"Uh… yeah, nice to meet you too."
Molrangkau accepted awkwardly.
Geum Taeyang and Tteoksoon-i exchanged winks.
…What plot are they hatching?
Ignoring them, I pulled a pouch from deep in my inventory and handed it to Molrangkau.
"Here."
"Huh? What's this?"
"Reward for the Shin-dong Village transport quest. We agreed on it back then."
"I said I don't need it. Take it back."
I wagged my index finger side to side.
"Nuh-uh. It's yours. Take it."
"…I don't need it."
But I held firm, pouch out. Molrangkau grumbled and finally snatched it.
She stared at the pouch, then muttered softly.
"…Kimchi jjigae?"
"Kimchi jjigae?"
"You… don't remember?"
Seeing her face cloud over, I jumped in.
"Of course I remember. Just teasing. Kongnamul kimchi jjigae, right?"
…She nodded.
"Want me to whip it up now?"
I fumbled for ingredients in my inventory, but she stopped me.
"No, not now."
"Huh? Not hungry?"
"Follow me first. Got a favor to ask, and someone who wants an intro."
"……?"
Molrangkau headed deeper into the forest. She tilted her head as she walked.
"Huh? No blizzard? Weird. It always howls here."
"…Haven't been out much?"
"Pretty much."
She must not have ventured out in ages. Makes sense—Rank 5. Ice devils are no big deal for her. Probably ignored it since she didn't know.
"Blizzard lady must be tired."
"What?"
"Blowing gales every day must be exhausting. Maybe on vacation. 'Snow' Blizzard."
"……."
"Hehe."
Cold stares stabbed from three directions. Didn't care. It was funny.
"Hee hee."
"……."
After a bit more walking, Molrangkau stopped before a massive tree.
"Stay put."
She gathered us, tossed flames at her feet. Snow melted instantly. The ground turned swampy, sucking us down slowly.
"Wha—whoa?"
"Don't struggle. It'll be quick."
Molrangkau said casually as we flailed. She stood calmly, so I let myself sink too.
Splash splash—
"M-Master!"
Tteoksoon-i thrashed, face crumpling.
"Geum Taeyang."
"Yes, master."
"Grab Tteoksoon-i."
"On it."
"Waaah! Master!"
Soon, we were fully submerged.
"Mmph!"
Tteoksoon-i's whines quieted around then. Breathing was fine. Felt weird—like sinking into jelly. We descended slowly through transparent gel.
First thing I saw underground: roaring lava.
A vast cavern. Amid ancient palace-like grandeur, crimson lava flowed instead of water. Flames licked everywhere.
"Mmph-mmph—"
Tteoksoon-i, dragged by Geum Taeyang, gawked wide-eyed, mumbling excitedly. Couldn't make it out clearly.
The jelly elevator ended; we hit solid ground. Muggy air hit us—scorching hell, unlike the frigid surface.
"Hah… hot."
I flung off my fur coat. Molrangkau yelped.
"Hey! You can't just strip anywhere!"
"What's the big deal? Got clothes underneath."
"…Tch. Come on. They're waiting."
She strode ahead. I followed, asking,
"Who's waiting?"
"You'll see."
Molrangkau opened a huge door. Inside: a vast chamber fit for a king. Lava bubbled like courtiers. Shallow steps led to a red throne.
As we neared, its occupant came into view. Not quite human—a pale ghostly figure.
"That's…"
"Brought 'em."
Molrangkau said primly, stepping aside.
"Good work."
The throne ghost crossed her legs, staring me down.
"Come closer."
I did.
"Closer still."
A bit more.
"Hmm~ Let's see~?"
Sultry hum. She eyed me; I eyed her back. Huge wizard hat. Curly hair beneath. Spitting image of Molrangkau.
"Hmm~ So you're the new Demonic Chef?"
Flames danced jauntily to her voice—like a lord of fire.
I realized what the ice devil meant by extreme flame.
"Yes. That's me."
I bowed politely. Not your average ghost, after all. First meeting, too.
"What's your name?"
"Hura."
"Hura… Lovely name."
"Thank you."
"Not curious about mine?"
"I am."
"Then ask."
"Yes."
"Politely."
"Got it."
Politely, huh. I gazed up reverently.
"Ruler of all flames."
"Quick on the uptake."
"Eternal blaze that commands Hellfire."
"Oho… Slick tongue. Keep going."
"Purest flame that leaves no ash!"
"Hahaha! I like it. I like it!"
"Fire incarnate that burns even ice!"
"Perfect! Yes!"
"Greatest radiant blaze to lead this world to ruin!"
Her face soured slightly.
"…What?"
"Pardon?"
"Lead the world to ruin?"
"Who?"
"Me?"
"Of course not. You're the greatest flame that purifies evil."
"You just said ruin."
"Haha… Would I?"
"Hmm…"
Her eyes narrowed. Sweat poured off me.
"Eh, whatever. I'm in a good mood."
She recrossed her legs.
"Now ask my name."
"May I inquire after your esteemed name, great one?"
"Hohoho! Yes! If you ask…"
She thrust up one hand.
"I'll tell you—it's only right!"
Whoosh!
"Flame sorceress beloved by all!"
Flames shot up with her arm.
"Estonia's eternal blaze!"
Another burst from her other arm.
"Seductive red witch who steals men's hearts and runs!"
Snap—head toss, massive flames roared behind her.
Roooar—
"Sigh…"
Molrangkau sighed beside me, facepalming and shaking her head.
"My name is!"
Finally, she looked down, uttering the finale.
"—————!"
Roooar!!
A colossal, ornate phoenix of fire exploded behind her.
"Ugh…!"
The heat forced me to shield my face and step back.
She laughed like crackling flames.
"Hahaha! Got it now? What's my name?"
"…Pardon?"
"You heard. Say it, Demonic Chef Hura."
"Um… sorry, but…"
"Nothing to be sorry for. Shout it out!"
"It's just… the flames were too loud. Couldn't hear."
"…What?"
"Er… the roar drowned out your great name."
"……."
"Could you say it once more…?"
Her flailing arm stilled. Legs uncurled. Shoulders slumped. Face fell; head drooped.
"S-Sorry. I wanted to hear it, but the flames…"
"…Da."
"Pardon?"
"…Vesta. My name's Vesta."
"Ah, I see."
"……."
The original red witch hugged her knees, burying her face.
"Um… Vesta-nim."
"……."
"That was so cool!"
"……."
"Super sexy too! Had me almost enchanted, haha."
"……."
"Y-Yeah, only the original red witch Vesta could own the stage like that!"
"……."
Silence.
Tug—Molrangkau yanked my sleeve.
"Come here."
"But…"
"Just come."
No choice. Left dejected Vesta and followed Molrangkau out. We passed lava streams to another room. She sighed deeply.
"Phew…"
"Did… I mess up?"
"No. You did fine."
Another sigh.
"She got all hyped when you were coming, prepping nonstop. It didn't go well, so she's bummed. Ignore it."
"…Huh?"
"Leave her be. She'll bounce back soon."
"……."
I pictured Vesta, curled on the throne, all mopey.
"So the no-reply was…"
Molrangkau nodded.
"Yeah. She went nuts prepping that. I helped, got sidetracked, forgot to reply. Made it in time to greet you, though."
"……."
"First impressions matter, she says. That phoenix is tough—know how many magic circles she crammed in? Mana drain's insane. Took real effort."
"……."