Taming the Beast World with a Frying Pan-Chapter 263: A Very Bad Time for More Stress

The sweltering sun was already beginning its rapid descent, painting the sky in vibrant, bruised shades of purple and burnt orange. Dusk was fast approaching.

Ren knew she was completely out of time. Viper would be slithering into the clearing at any moment to escort her back to the freezing swamp. Before she left, she desperately needed to establish a functional kitchen hierarchy, or these beastmen would revert to eating raw, bloody meat straight off the bone by tomorrow morning.

Standing by the roaring fire pit, Ren gathered three of the most attentive stray females.

"Alright, my new sous-chefs, listen up," Ren announced, clapping her hands together. "I do not have the time today to teach you the intricate nuances of a proper demi-glace or how to fold a dumpling. So, we are sticking to the absolute basics. You are going to learn how to properly roast meat."

Ren opened her System inventory and purchased three small, tightly woven wool sacks. She handed one to each of the bewildered females.

"Inside these sacks are salt and spices," Ren instructed, demonstrating by taking a raw hunk of leftover wild boar. "You do not just throw the meat into the fire. You massage the spices into the flesh. A pinch of salt means a pinch, not a handful. And you must constantly rotate the meat over the flames so it cooks evenly. Understand?"

The three females nodded vigorously, their eyes wide with diligent determination. They were slow learners, fumbling with the unfamiliar concept of ’seasoning’, but they weren’t impossible to teach. They were desperate to prove their worth to the clan, and they followed her every move with terrifyingly intense focus.

Ren stepped back and let them take the reins for dinner prep.

Thirty minutes later, the final exams were ready.

Three massive, broad green leaves were laid out on a flat rock in front of her, each acting as a primitive plate for a different cut of roasted meat. Ren stepped up to the rock, picking up her wooden spoon to use as a tasting utensil.

She approached the first leaf. The meat was charred completely black on one side. Ren sliced a small piece off and popped it into her mouth. First came the distinct, ashy crunch of pure charcoal, immediately followed by the wet, squishy texture of medium-rare, completely undercooked boar center.

"Mmm," Ren hummed, forcing herself to swallow. "A wonderful contrast in textures. Just remember to rotate the spit next time, okay? Good effort."

She moved to the second leaf. The female had clearly gotten overly enthusiastic with the wool sack. The meat was entirely caked in a thick, white crust. Ren took a tiny nibble. Her kidneys immediately screamed in absolute terror. Her sinuses cleared instantly from the overwhelming sodium bomb.

"Very... flavorful," Ren coughed, desperately reaching for her water skin. "Just a little less salt next time."

Finally, she tried the third leaf. The meat was perfectly golden-brown on the outside. Ren smiled, feeling a surge of hope. She took a bite and began to chew. And chew. And chew. It was so incredibly dry it felt like she was gnawing on a piece of heavily spiced boot leather.

"My jaw hurts," Ren critiqued honestly, "but the spice ratio is actually spot on. Well done."

She didn’t critique them too harshly. It was their very first time cooking civilized food. The meats weren’t necessarily good, and each possessed major, terrifying flaws that she severely feared might hurt her tummy later, but they weren’t entirely inedible. It was a solid starting point.

Ren took a step back from the kitchen area. The sun had finally dipped below the horizon, casting long, dark shadows across the forest floor. Viper must surely be arriving by now.

Ren looked up at the dense canopy of the towering trees. She hadn’t seen Altair at all today. She had desperately been hoping to catch a glimpse of the Golden Eagle Prince before she left for the swamp. She knew it must be because of the massive, rowdy group of rogue beastmen currently occupying the clearing; Altair couldn’t come out and reveal himself for his own safety. But it was still incredibly frustrating not to say goodbye.

Letting out a soft sigh, Ren looked around her newly established village.

It was a beautiful sight. Most of the primitive mud-and-stick huts were already standing tall and sturdy. The beastmen were happily carrying thick animal furs inside, setting up their new homes. The Caretakers were successfully wrangling the hyperactive cubs, who were playfully tumbling and fighting in the soft grass.

In the center of the clearing, Kael was sitting on a massive tree stump. He was currently arm-wrestling Barnaby the badger beastman. With a booming, boisterous laugh, he effortlessly slammed Barnaby’s arm down against the stone. The surrounding beastmen erupted into loud, joyous cheers.

The entire clearing was alive with happy chatter, laughter, and the crackling warmth of the fire.

Ren couldn’t help the massive, proud smile that spread across her face. Despite the chaos, she had actually done it. She had built a home.

Ding!

[System Alert: Quest Completed!] [Title: The Matriarch] [Objective Cleared: Restore the White Tiger Clan. Secure a safe territory and establish a base.] [Rewards Dispensed: 5000 Survival Points, The Indestructible Silk Dress (Self-Cleaning, Temperature Regulating), Crate of Fresh Vegetables.]

Ren’s green eyes lit up like fireworks. She wanted to jump for joy right there! Five thousand points! And more importantly, she had finally secured the magical, indestructible dress!

The System chimed again, letting out a strange, slightly delayed notification sound.

Ding! Late Update Processing...

[System Alert: Urgent Quest Completed!] [Title: The Red Tide] [Objective Cleared: Remove the expired contraceptive implant from your arm and prepare for the return of your menstrual cycle.] [Rewards Dispensed: Medical Kit (Painkillers, Antiseptics), 3-Month Supply of Sanitary Products.]

Ren’s right hand flew up at lightning speed, slapping frantically against the inside of her left bicep. She rubbed her fingers over the skin where the tiny, matchstick-sized piece of plastic had resided.

It was flat. The little bump was entirely gone.

A tiny, pinpoint drop of dried blood sat exactly over the spot where it used to be.