Chef in the Apocalypse

Jayce led each team himself, navigating the surroundings with a deftness born of both experience and preparation. The streets and alleys were not as treacherous as before due to their increased strength, though caution remained their constant companion. Fortunately, there had been no encounters with any enemies as formidable as the Goblin Shaman. Instead, they mostly encountered small groups of Goblins, easily dispatched by the now battle-hardened teams.

The fruits of their labor were evident. All three teams had not only reached level 10, but they had surpassed it. The core members, including Jayce, Colin, Jackie, and Lianna, had grown even more formidable, each reaching level 15 and unlocking new skills.

Lianna\'s new skill, Blessing of Attack, was a boon to the team\'s offensive capabilities. With a gesture and a whispered incantation, she could bestow a 20% increase in attack power upon her comrades for a brief yet crucial 10-minute window. Her support skills had taken on a more decisive role, turning the tide of battles in their favor.

Jackie had flourished remarkably with the Goblin Staff in her hands. The staff, pulsating with energy and a faint aura of fear, enhanced her already potent magical abilities. The Elemental Affinity of the staff allowed her to wield her ice element with greater proficiency, adding a layer of versatility to her arsenal. The acquisition of the Hailstorm skill had taken her destructive potential to new heights, allowing her to wreak havoc among the enemy ranks.

Colin, their Divine Shield, had received the Fortification skill. With a determined stance and the activation of the skill, he could bolster his defenses by 20%, turning himself into an impenetrable wall that the enemy struggled to breach. His steadfast demeanor and unparalleled dedication provided a sense of security to the entire party.

As for Jayce, he acquired the skill, Nimble Fingers, which had proven more valuable than he initially thought. Originally, he was rather upset at the skill, once again being left without a combat ability, he would be relegated to the kitchen as well as tactician.

However, the control and dexterity he could now demonstrate with his fingers had not only benefited him in the kitchen, but also while wielding his in combat. This skill allowed him to control the Sashimi knife with precision, deftly maneuvering the blade unlike he had ever done before.

During one of their excursions above ground, the party had stumbled upon an unexpected encounter. Calls for help echoed from a higher floor, catching their attention. Drawn in by the cries for help, they found themselves facing a large group of relentless goblins, their hunger for blood undeterred. The battle was fierce, but the party\'s increased strength and coordination prevailed, allowing them to overcome the threat.

Following the skirmish, Jayce approached the distressed family cautiously. Their faces were etched with exhaustion and malnutrition, proof of the hardships they had endured. The father, who donned a kite shield, spoke of their week-long ordeal of confinement, trapped within the walls of their apartment by the ever-present menace of monsters. Their relief at being discovered was palpable, and Jayce made the decision to extend a helping hand.

The family consisted of the mother, a Fire Mage, the father a Guardian, and their 12-year-old daughter, who was an Ice Mage. The warmth of their gratitude was only matched by the compassion of the shelter\'s inhabitants, who welcomed them with open arms. As they settled into their newfound home, the family\'s integration was swift, guided by the common bonds of survival and shared purpose.

The young swordsman Daniel was the most surprised, as he recognized the young girl Allie. They had been classmates before the world turned upside down, and their reunion added a sense of familiarity to the shelter\'s growing community. Their group expanded with this newfound kinship, as the three newcomers seamlessly blended into the fabric of their faction.

With the addition of these new members, Jayce had to reorganize the teams once more. The balance of power had shifted, as another skilled Guardian joined their ranks. Each team now had its own Guardian, a solid front line to bear the brunt of enemy attacks. Their composition had become more versatile and well-rounded, making them even better equipped to face the challenges that lay ahead.

In the midst of their training and growth, Jayce couldn\'t help but notice the camaraderie that had blossomed among the inhabitants of the shelter. Friendships had formed, bonds had been forged, and their shared experiences in the face of danger had solidified their unity. They were no longer just individuals fighting for survival. They were… Hell\'s Kitchen.

Jayce stood in the kitchen, waiting for his potatoes to boil. He grabbed a tea towel from the bench and wiped the sweat on his brow, a small smile forming on his face. His clear blue eyes were like deep shimmering lakes, reflecting the world around him with a light of intelligence and wisdom beyond his years.

His scrawny and almost malnourished frame had disappeared, replaced by a wiry frame, with coiling muscles hidden beneath his skin. He reached up to his chest, unbuttoning his chef jacket slightly to cool down before hearing a muffled squeal in the direction of the door.

He was startled for a moment, before rolling his eyes with a tinge of exasperation. With practiced movements, he retrieved some snacks from his inventory and made his way to the door, spotting a few women hiding on the other side.

They were the usual suspects that seemed to always be hanging around the kitchen waiting for a snack.

Jayce poked his head out, seeing the trio of Lianna, Kylie and Shae once again. He held out his hand which held a few pieces of perfectly rolled sushi and smiled, "Here you all go, dinner isn\'t far off now."

After taking their food dejectedly, the trio retreated. They were forced to hide after someone had given away their position once again. Shae and Kylie drew their eyes to Lianna, annoyance burning in their gaze. Everytime they would try to sneak looks at the Leader, she would always squeak or make a noise subconsciously, alerting him to their presence.

Lianna shrunk her head into her shoulders in embarrassment, screaming internally that it wasn\'t her fault. However, she inwardly smiled, remembering the soft and friendly smile Jayce threw her way.

Thanks for reading!

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