Now that the leg was back, Finn knew when he was most useful: Cooking.
By this time, not only were the three fortified-level monsters there, but there were also dozens of other monsters— many of which were toughened levels— along with them. Finn had only been fighting recently. It was better to amplify the killing abilities of everyone else.
Like this, while the rest dealt with the monsters, he whiffed up some easy-to-make D-Class cuisines he was familiar with, mostly with pre-marinated meat and pre-made sauces.
He made the [Braised Brindlejaw with Purplestep Glaze and Sunberry Leaf Dust (D)], which increased HP and stamina recovery by 15% for 15 minutes, partnered with bindergrain rice.
Next was the [Hearty Matis-stew with Thornroot and Basilume (D)], which could increase stamina recovery by 15% for 15 minutes. Finally, there was the [Thornroot flat bread with Shredded and pulled Brindlejaw meat (D)], which increased agility by 10% for 10 minutes.
These were three dishes he had been making for a long time, and were quite popular and often served, so the ingredients were usually pre-prepared.
The difference was that they were served in easy-to-eat modes like rice ball form, so it didn’t need utensils. The goblins just ran around with large plates with these rice balls on top, and any of the fighters could take at least one of each every fifteen minutes or so. Finn wouldn’t stop making this stuff until the mob was cleared, so they could take what they wanted.
The change was palpable, and even when people were tired, the momentum quickly turned to their favor.
They were already very angry at these damned monsters for hurting their friend. Now that they had delicious and consistent buff...what were they afraid of!?
Victor led one team with the Lians, while Marcus and Durgan led the other with a few more members. The last team against the fortified was the halfkins, who worked best together rather than with other humans. The rest, after resting in the inn, contributed by dealing with the rest of the ’weaker’ mobs.
The first one to die was killed by the halfkin trio, though they did gain quite a number of wounds and had to head back to the inn to recover as well. Amusingly, they did not forget to drag the monster’s carcass back inside.
Finn looked out and saw it. Should they eat them? But they were bipedal monsters. As an earthling, it felt too weird to eat. Finn didn’t even bother to know if they were edible. His stomach wasn’t that strong, or his mind open enough to eat everything just yet.
The others didn’t have a problem though, so he decided to get a closer look after finishing a batch of rice balls. It was only now did he saw the monsters’ fur because it was soft.
Really soft.
Finn blinked. This... could be used as a cotton alternative! He should get Ranran to make premium sleeping beds with it!
...
When the monsters were taken down, people cheered, and Finn asked the nearest people if he could buy the furs.
"Gorenthack’s fur is really sturdy. No tanning involved. You can have it."
"Oh?! I won’t be polite then~" Finn smiled.
He and Ranran’s eyes met, and their eyes sparkled. She would have a practice cloth after all!
If people knew they’d use Gorenthack fur for practice cloth, how many would want to strangle them?
Marcus and the others didn’t mind at all. "We killed three fortified level monsters with our numbers... this barrier is really amazing," Marcus sighed as he fell down on the grass, finally resting. Nona sat next to him, and he was followed by the others.
"It feels amazing."
"Your barrier is the best Finn, don’t let it go."
Finn laughed. "I’m doing my best."
Soon, one core appeared among them. Because it was his barrier that did most of the work, it was given to him.
A fortified level core, which was many times more valuable than a toughened one.
He then handed it over to Durgan.
"This..."
"It’s yours. It’s more useful to you, anyway." He was already at the peak of toughened level. At that phase, some would be able to absorb stronger cores, but with some risk. Durgan should know how to handle it. Besides, Finn could wait until his upgrade, anyway.
"Thanks, Boss. I—" Durgan paused, touched.
"Just guard the inn well."
Durgan chuckled, smiling. "Of course."
Finn smiled. Now he only hoped monsters like that wouldn’t frequent his place!
...
They headed back inside for a proper rest. Although the rooms were occupied, being inside the inn already had some perks. Their food was also there. Finn was too tired to make new meals, and people shouldn’t be too hungry yet, considering they shoved dozens of rice balls down their throats.
So they chose light food for dinner. It was Ranran who prepared the simple gruel with meat for them, and while it wasn’t essence food, it was still decent thanks to his spice collection.
Soon, considering the kitchen buff, Ranran might be able to make some low-level essence food in the future. He wondered if she’d be able to awaken another profession?
"The inn will only give staff skills once to one person, la," Pang said. "And it will also only work within the scope of the inn."
"..." wow. How much would he pay for the activations, again? That was a free trial? Stingy...
Their jovial atmosphere was soon dampened when they checked on the others, however. There were nearly 20 people who went out to the West, and only 15 had returned, and all of them were in horrid states.
After defeating the monsters, Leiah went straight in to help out the teams to help Reese. They had managed to rescue most, though some were still in serious condition. According to the healer, at least a handful would’ve died without the inn.
Reesa went out of Micc’s room with a neutral expression on her face. "How’s Micc?"
"We have reattached it," she said. "Hopefully, it can do basic movements and wouldn’t die later on, but..."
"But..."
"That is the best case scenario already," she said. "Having the same amount of activity in the danger zone will be...impossible."
Silence
In this world where strength was everything, an adventurer with one leg not in perfect condition was risking their life. Even peasant work might not be available due to his condition. Everyone was sad. What could they do for him?
Pang shook his head. "Sigh, if you were level 3 inn, you’d have a clinic."
"A clinic?" Was there even a clinic?
The panda didn’t answer, and then Finn remembered he had to pay to get spoilers. He handed one of his toughened cores to him, and the spirit consumed it well, even burning in the end.
Finn looked at him with a solemn expression. "What do we need to upgrade?"
"First of all, calm down. Level 3 is the final level and is too far for you, but it’s okay to know the requirements for level 2.
Conditions for Level 2 Inn Upgrade were the following:
[/] 5 Bedrooms, 3 Upgraded Bedrooms, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, 1 Toilet, 5 Garden
[x] 100 Unique Transactions Completed
[/] 70% Satisfaction Rating
[x] 300 Reputation
[x] 60 Points Comfort, Ambiance, and Cleanliness
[/] 1000 Gold Invested in the Inn
[/] 20,000 Accumulated Hearth Points Spent
[Cost: 10000 Gold, 10000 Hearth Points, 100 Rank 2 Essence Cores]