**Sylvara’s Rebirth: A New Dawn for Abel**
**Chapter 100: The Art of Acquisition**
“Listen closely, young lady,” the elderly figure said, his voice steady and commanding. “Words are merely whispers in the wind; it is your actions that resonate with power.” He leaned forward, eyes piercing through the haze of uncertainty. “Only by taking decisive action will you discover whether five meals are enough to carry you across the threshold of graduation.”
Sylvara felt a weight settle upon her shoulders as she absorbed his words. The gravity of her situation loomed large; she had to guard her secret identity with utmost vigilance. No one could know that she possessed the rare and potent mental energy of a plant healer. It was a gift that could easily become a curse if it fell into the wrong hands.
The old man before her was a reflection of her own hidden depths. He had managed to conceal his own abilities so expertly that not a soul at the Fifth Military Academy, nor anyone within the vast expanse of the Troya Empire, had even the faintest inkling of his true nature. The experience he must have garnered over the years was nothing short of extraordinary.
“Very well, officer. Just watch and learn,” she replied, her voice steady yet laced with determination.
Sylvara’s heart raced with the prospect of proving herself; if she navigated this challenge successfully, she could potentially gain a powerful ally. After all, who in their right mind would turn down the opportunity to have someone like him on their side?
With a renewed sense of purpose, she rolled up her sleeves, the fabric brushing against her skin like a promise of what was to come. She reached for an apron resting on the table, tying it around her waist with a swift motion, before turning her attention to the array of ingredients laid out before her.
Each item on the table bore a label, clearly marking its identity, as if they were eager to divulge their secrets. The seasonings, in particular, were far more varied and complete than anything one might find in the bustling Starnet mall. Here, the spices were not just tools; they were companions that would elevate her culinary creations to new heights.
In this Interstellar Era, the world had changed dramatically. Animals had mutated, growing larger and more formidable, and with that transformation came an intensified gamey aroma that could overpower even the most skilled of chefs. To combat that, having a well-stocked array of seasonings was essential; they would serve as her allies in the battle against unwelcome odors.
Her first creation was a beautifully braised brisket, and she approached it with the reverence it deserved. The mutated beef was a sight to behold, boasting a tighter texture and a vibrant red hue, though its scent was undeniably robust. She selected two pieces of beef shank, rich in tendons, and deftly cut them into six small chunks. With care, she submerged them in cold water, adding a splash of red wine and a fragrant onion, allowing them to soak and embrace the flavors.
The old man, who had been observing her from a distance, straightened in his chair, his interest piqued by her dexterity and focus.
Sylvara then found a piece of unused cheesecloth, draping it over a bowl like a delicate veil. She selected fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and peppercorns from the array of seasonings, each herb bursting with potential. From her spatial button, she retrieved some homemade candy, a few cloves of garlic, and gently crushed them, placing everything within the cheesecloth.
With a practiced hand, she wrapped the concoction into a neat bundle, tying it securely. She filled a pot with cold water, gently placing the seasoning bundle inside before retrieving the beef shank that had been soaking.
With precision, she transferred the soaked pieces into a smaller pot, introduced more cold water, added red wine, and sprinkled in some onions. As the mixture came to a rolling boil, she took it to the sink for a thorough wash before returning it to the pot with the seasoning bundle. She chopped fresh onions, poured in more wine, and added thick sections of scallion, covering the pot and cranking the heat up high to let it stew.


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