Adrian summoned his Weapon System once more, this time swiping through the inventory to the Food & Cooking category. His eyes scanned the options before selecting a few ingredients.

  A moment ter, various Earth ingredients appeared before them. Adrian crouched down, inspecting the items as they materialized: a bundle of fresh carrots, a bunch of potatoes, a loaf of bread, a cut of beef, and a jar of salt.

  Lirien watched with curiosity as the ingredients appeared, clearly unfamiliar with most of them.

  “What are these?” she asked, kneeling beside Adrian and inspecting the items. “They look strange to me.”

  Adrian gnced up, smirking slightly. “These are some basic ingredients from Earth. They’re simple, but versatile. Let me expin.”

  He picked up the carrots first. “These are called carrots—a root vegetable from Earth. They have a sweet, earthy fvor and are rich in nutrients. In many pces, they’re used in stews, soups, or roasted for a simple side dish. You can eat them raw too, and they’re quite crunchy.”

  Lirien raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "They don't look that special."

  "They don’t have to be fshy to be useful,” Adrian replied. He then held up a potato. “This is a potato. It’s another root vegetable. In Earth’s world, it’s one of the most important crops. You can boil, bake, mash, or fry them. They’re hearty and filling, and you’ll find them in almost every meal. They’re quite versatile."

  Lirien leaned closer. “Interesting. What’s this one?" She pointed to the loaf of bread.

  “This,” Adrian said, “is bread. Made from wheat, it's one of the oldest and most common foods on Earth. You can eat it with just about anything, and it fills you up. It’s a base food—everyone eats bread in one form or another."

  “Bread, huh?” Lirien mused, touching it lightly. “Seems simple.”

  “Exactly," Adrian nodded. "It's a staple for a reason. And here..." He picked up the beef. "This is beef—meat from cattle. You can cook it in all kinds of ways, from steaks to stews. It's rich in protein and fvor, though I’ll be slow-cooking it for a softer texture."

  Lirien stared at the beef, her mouth watering slightly. “Sounds like it’ll be good. But... what’s in the jar?”

  Adrian grinned. “Ah, this is salt. It’s one of Earth’s oldest seasoning ingredients. It’s used to enhance fvors, preserve food, and bance other tastes. Without it, food would taste bnd.”

  She nodded, taking in the information. “I see. So, these are all ingredients from your world?”

  “Yeah,” Adrian replied. “In my world, we use these ingredients to make everything from soups and stews to full meals. They’re simple, but they get the job done. I figured they’d be good to use out here in the wild to make a hearty meal.”

  Lirien was quiet for a moment, clearly processing what she’d learned. “I’m impressed... you seem to know a lot about food.”

  Adrian chuckled. “Survival’s not just about fighting, you know. You need to eat well to keep your energy up. And sometimes, it’s nice to have a taste of home, even if it's just for a moment.”

  With a satisfied nod, Adrian began preparing the food, chopping the potatoes and carrots, and cutting the beef into smaller chunks.

  “It’s simple,” he continued, “but the fvors will come together. I’ll cook the beef first, then add the potatoes and carrots, let them simmer with a bit of salt.”

  Lirien observed as he worked, her curiosity piqued by the foreign ingredients. “How long will it take to cook everything?”

  “Not long,” Adrian said. “These ingredients are quick to prepare. I’ll have a meal ready in no time.”

  As he worked, he continued expining. “These potatoes and carrots are very filling, and the beef will add some depth to the fvor. The salt will bance out the sweetness of the vegetables and enhance the overall taste.”

  Lirien seemed impressed. “It’s strange, but it sounds delicious.”

  Adrian grinned, his confidence growing as the smell of the cooking meal filled the air. “I’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.”

  As Adrian cooked, he decided to switch things up. The sizzling of the beef in the pan filled the air with a savory aroma. He carefully fried the beef until it was golden and crisp on the outside, then set it aside to keep warm.

  "Now for something to complement the meat," Adrian muttered to himself as he swiped through his Weapon System once again. His fingers danced over the menu until he selected rice and water.

  A moment ter, two bowls of steaming white rice and a fsk of fresh water appeared before them. Adrian poured the water into two cups, handing one to Lirien.

  "Here you go," he said, offering her a cup. "No meal is complete without something to drink. Hydration's important."

  Lirien took the cup, smiling gratefully. "Thank you," she said, taking a sip. The cool water was refreshing after their earlier battle.

  Adrian returned to his cooking, pting the fried beef alongside the fresh rice. He carefully arranged it, making sure everything looked neat before serving. "There," he said, sitting down beside her. "The beef is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Paired with some fluffy rice, it'll be a good meal."

  Lirien looked at the pte before her, her stomach growling a little in anticipation. "It smells amazing," she commented.

  Adrian shrugged, his usual nonchant attitude returning. "Just simple cooking. A little heat, a little seasoning, and you're good to go."

  They dug into the meal, savoring the tender beef, the soft rice, and the satisfying crunch of the fried bits. The combination was delicious, and even in the wilderness, the meal felt like a small piece of home.

  "Not bad for an impromptu chef," Lirien said, impressed.

  Adrian smirked. "It's all about knowing what to use and how to cook it. Besides, it’s nice to be able to share a decent meal after a long day."

  They sat in comfortable silence, eating, the warmth of the fire flickering nearby and the cool night air settling around them.

  Adrian leaned back slightly, satisfied with the meal. "Tomorrow’s another day," he said, looking out into the distance. "But tonight, we eat well."

  After the meal, Adrian leaned back, his gaze drifting toward the north, where the dense forest began to give way to the jagged silhouette of distant mountains. The darkening sky painted a foreboding picture of the nd beyond.

  Lirien noticed his distant stare and, following his gaze, she spoke quietly. "North of here, beyond these woods, is a region known as the Shattered Peaks."

  Adrian turned slightly, his interest piqued. "What’s so dangerous about it?"

  Lirien’s expression shifted to one of caution as she looked north. "The nd there is inhospitable, filled with rocky terrain and treacherous cliffs. The creatures that live there are far more aggressive than what we’ve encountered here." She paused, as though recalling some painful memory. "It’s not a pce many survive without the right preparation."

  Adrian leaned in a bit, intrigued. "What kind of creatures are we talking about?"

  Lirien hesitated for a moment, then continued. "They’re... powerful. Some are beasts that have evolved to withstand the harsh conditions, like the ones that can survive the thin air of the peaks. Others are said to have a connection to the earth itself—creatures that can manipute the rocks and stone, making the ground itself their weapon."

  Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Elemental creatures?"

  "Something like that," Lirien confirmed. "But there’s more. The northern region has a strange aura. Some say the creatures there have been corrupted by the remnants of an ancient power—perhaps from a time before the kingdoms we know. Their strength is said to be unimaginable, and their behavior... unpredictable."

  She paused again, taking a deep breath. "And the worst part? They’re not only dangerous because of their physical strength. Some can use shadow-based magic, creating illusions or maniputing darkness itself."

  Adrian frowned, processing the information. "Sounds like a nightmare."

  Lirien nodded solemnly. "It is. That’s why the kingdom has always warned travelers to steer clear of it. Some say it’s best to just leave that pce alone... but then again, that’s never stopped anyone from trying to conquer it."

  Adrian’s lips curled into a grin. "Sounds like the kind of challenge I can’t ignore."

  Lirien looked at him, her eyes narrowing with a hint of amusement. "You might change your mind when you see it with your own eyes. It’s not a pce to take lightly."

  Adrian chuckled, but his gaze lingered on the dark silhouette of the peaks, the distant mountains standing like silent sentinels against the night sky. "We’ll see about that," he muttered under his breath.

  After finishing the meal, Adrian leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he gnced at the sky, the first stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening night. The cool night air washed over him as he stretched, the weight of the day still lingering in his bones.

  Lirien yawned, her movements slow and tired as she wiped her mouth. “I guess it’s time to rest,” she murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion from the day's events.

  Adrian nodded, but his expression was serious. “Sleep. Tomorrow, we’re going after those perverted thugs who took your kin.” His voice was firm, carrying a quiet intensity as he scanned the surroundings.

  Lirien’s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing a soft pink at the mention of the pn. “O-ok...” she stammered, feeling a bit overwhelmed by his directness. “And how about you?” she added, her voice a little uncertain but curious.

  Adrian’s lips curved into a cold, almost imperceptible smile. His eyes were sharp, calcuting. “Don’t worry. I’m just going to prepare a little. Nothing to worry about,” he said smoothly, though his tone held an edge, as if he were already formuting strategies in his mind.

  Lirien felt a faint blush creep up her neck but quickly turned away to hide it. “Right. Well, I’m going to get some rest.” She hesitated for a moment, then stood and walked toward the tent, trying to shake off the odd tension that had settled between them.

  Adrian remained sitting by the fire, his gaze focused far ahead, still fully alert despite his words. He didn’t sleep—his mind was too busy, analyzing and preparing for what was to come. The battle tomorrow wouldn’t be easy, and he knew better than to let his guard down.

  As Lirien entered the tent, she id down on her bedroll, trying to rex, though sleep wouldn’t come easily. Her thoughts were still on Adrian and the mission ahead, but she eventually drifted into a restless slumber, knowing they had to be ready for whatever came next.

  Adrian stood still, his mind already pnning ahead. He summoned the Weapon System with a simple motion of his hand, the familiar holographic interface flickering to life before him. Without hesitation, he began to scroll through the categories, his fingers moving swiftly to select a drone.

  “Let’s go with an Autonomous Recon Drone,” Adrian murmured as the drone materialized beside him. He examined it for a moment—a compact, lightweight design with a sleek, matte bck finish. “This will help us scout the area."

  He didn’t waste time. With another motion, he sent a command: "Drone, scan for dark elves. Focus on their skin tone and distinct ears."

  The drone whirred and took off into the night sky, its infrared sensors coming online as it began its search, sending feedback to Adrian. Adrian then turned his attention to another matter—the creation of his weapon.

  "Time to craft a beast," Adrian muttered to himself as his fingers swiped through the Firearm Categories. He knew exactly what he needed—one shot, one kill, and enough power to tear through anything in its path.

  He scrolled to the Pistol Section and selected "Heavy Impact Pistol" as the base. He could feel the interface whir, ready to build the weapon piece by piece.

  Frame: The first thing he added was the frame. "This needs to be a solid, sturdy base," Adrian muttered as the metal frame appeared. "It has to handle immense pressure without cracking. Reinforced titanium alloy, lightweight but unyielding."

  The frame was compact, yet heavy enough to give the pistol a sturdy feel, designed for a one-shot, high-powered round. The weight felt right in his hand.

  Barrel: Adrian then focused on the barrel. This would be the heart of the weapon, where the magic happened. “I’m going to need a short barrel but with the ability to focus the explosive force of the round into a concentrated impact."

  He selected a customized barrel made of high-grade carbon steel that could withstand extreme heat and pressure. The rifling inside was minimal, designed only to stabilize the bullet long enough for it to hit with maximum force before the real devastation happened.

  “Not for precision," Adrian expined as he crafted the next part. "This barrel is meant for sheer impact. A giant hole in the target’s body from a single shot.”

  Chamber and Firing Mechanism: He moved on to the chamber. “A reinforced chamber, built to handle the explosive pressure. This thing is gonna make the gun kick, but the chamber will take it without fail.” Adrian watched as the chamber materialized, designed to safely contain the catastrophic force of a round that was destined to cause chaos.

  Next came the firing mechanism. “I need a simple but extremely responsive trigger. No hesitation.” Adrian chose a single-stage trigger with a hair trigger mechanism, ensuring that the moment he pulled the trigger, the bullet would be on its way. This was a gun built for speed.

  Recoil Absorption: "And then we need recoil compensation," Adrian muttered as he added the recoil dampening system. "It’s going to kick like a beast, but this system uses a hybrid of gas piston and shock-absorbing polymers to manage it. That way, I can keep my hands steady after the shot."

  The system would allow Adrian to keep the gun steady even after the devastating recoil, crucial for a weapon this powerful.

  Grip: Adrian focused on the grip, ensuring comfort and control. "Ergonomic, textured grip—so it doesn’t slip when the recoil hits. I need to keep a tight hold on this monster."

  The grip formed, designed to mold perfectly to Adrian’s hand, offering maximum control.

  The Bullet: Now for the most crucial part—the bullet. "I’m designing a one-shot round, with an explosive core. This round needs to tear through armor, flesh, and bone with ease, creating a hole big enough to make an exit wound that could swallow a man whole."

  He selected an explosive core round, made of dense tungsten and packed with micro-explosives. "Upon impact, this round will explode, sending shrapnel through everything in the path and creating a massive wound cavity."

  Sight and Finish: Adrian then added the sight—a simple ser sight, ensuring perfect aim in the heat of battle. "A small, unobtrusive red dot sight, for precise target acquisition."

  Finally, he turned his attention to the finish. He made sure the pistol had a bck matte coating, resistant to scratches and wear. It was sleek, almost intimidating in its simplicity.

  Adrian held the finished pistol in his hands, feeling its weight, and smirked. "This is a one-shot wonder. Nothing survives a hit from this."

  He called it "The Punisher", a fitting name for a weapon that could create a hole in a target big enough to tear it apart with a single shot.

  "Time to put you to work," Adrian said, admiring the custom-made pistol. He loaded the explosive round into the chamber with a satisfying click.

  Adrian raised the pistol, holding it at arm’s length, testing its weight in his hand. His fingers flexed, ensuring a perfect grip as he aimed the weapon with a calm, precise focus. The ser sight glowed faintly in the dim light, zeroing in on an invisible target in the air. His stance was fwless, knees slightly bent for bance, body rexed but ready to strike in an instant.

  The weight of "The Punisher" was substantial, but it felt perfectly natural in his hands. He shifted slightly, adjusting his grip as his eyes narrowed, looking down the sights with deadly precision. Every muscle in his body was attuned to the weapon’s power. A smirk tugged at his lips as he pulled the trigger gently, feeling the force of the explosive round coursing through the weapon, imagining the devastation it would cause.

  Satisfied, he clicked the safety back on and holstered the gun, letting it rest against his side. It was ready.

  With his mind focused, Adrian turned toward the tent, his thoughts drifting to the pn for tomorrow. But when he stepped inside, he froze.

  Lirien was lying on the bed, her body exposed, the bnket twisted around her waist, her form illuminated faintly by the soft glow of the campfire outside. She had evidently discarded her outer yers, perhaps in a state of exhaustion.

  Adrian's brows lifted in surprise. It was unexpected, but he quickly looked away, a sense of respect crossing his mind. “Does a dark elf always sleep like this?” he muttered under his breath, though he wasn’t sure if he expected an answer.

  He approached the bed slowly, crouching down beside her. Lirien was completely still, her chest rising and falling in deep, even breaths. With a quiet sigh, Adrian carefully draped a bnket over her, covering her body. His fingers brushed against her skin for a moment, but he quickly withdrew, trying not to dwell on the soft warmth of her presence.

  Adrian straightened, stepping back to give her space. He moved to the other side of the tent, away from her, and leaned his back against the canvas. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the sound of the night—distant rustling leaves, the crackling of the fire outside. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but one thing was clear: it would be dangerous.

  His thoughts lingered on the events to come, and the growing bond between him and Lirien, but he pushed those feelings down. Now was not the time for distractions. Tomorrow, they would confront the thugs, and he needed to be sharp.

  With that, Adrian settled in for the night, his mind sharpening, the weight of his new weapon at his side. Tomorrow would be a new battle.

  But..

  Adrian felt the air shift as a presence drew closer, but when he turned, Lirien was already inches away, her soft breathing barely audible in the tense silence.