CHAPTER 66: EACH THEIR DUTY

Nero approached the river with Khione not far behind, both ready to catch tonight’s dinner.

Then something unexpected happened, prompting Nero to raise an eyebrow. Khione walked on the surface of the water, and she was genuinely walking on it.

"It must be because of her connection to the Law of Water. Truly exceptional," Nero thought, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he withdrew. Deciding to venture ahead in search of herbs to enhance the rice he planned to cook, he felt relieved that he didn’t need to worry about catching fish anymore, given Khione’s unique ability.

As she watched Nero’s back retreat, Khione understood that he must be going somewhere to gather supplies, allowing her to focus on catching fish. Her expression remained emotionless, but her skills were remarkable. The way she walked effortlessly on the water was a testament to her mastery of combining Prana with her connection to the Law of Water.

By channeling her Prana, Khione could manipulate the water’s surface tension, allowing her to walk across it as if it were solid ground. This ability stemmed from her strong affinity to the Law of Water, which she had awakened as a Sub Law of Water-Ice. Despite her primary focus being on ice, her connection to water itself remained exceptionally potent. She could utilize this connection to a significant extent, enabling her to perform feats like walking on water. However, her true potential lay within her mastery of ice, making it her main Law.

With this understanding of her abilities, she focused on gathering fish, confident in her unique skills.

Because she was standing on the water, Khione felt a profound connection with it. With her body at the center, she sent her Prana rippling outward like sonar. This ability allowed her to sense every living thing beneath the water’s surface, creating a vivid 3D map in her mind. She could perceive the movements of fish, the shapes of rocks, and the flow of the current, giving her an unparalleled awareness of her surroundings.

Focusing on the most delicious fish—such as the shimmering silver-scaled trout, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and the vibrant, colorful sunfish, known for its sweet, tender flesh—she pinpointed their locations with precision. After locating her targets, she walked toward them, lifting her hand as she did so. With a graceful motion, she summoned a water snake, its form coiling and weaving through the water. The snake wrapped around the fish she wanted, effortlessly bringing them upward. As the river parted to reveal her catch, it was a breathtaking sight, the shimmering water cascading in beautiful arcs and glistening in the fading light.

She walked back to the riverbank and patiently awaited Nero’s return, sitting around the bonfire. The fish she had caught hovered in the air, secured by the water snake that coiled around them.

Meanwhile, Nero didn’t venture too far from the camp. Drawing from past experiences, he knew where to find the herbs he needed without much trouble. He quickly gathered a selection of fresh herbs, opting for fragrant basil, known for its aromatic leaves that would add depth to the rice and fish; thyme, with its earthy flavor that would enhance the overall dish; and a handful of wild garlic, whose pungent bite would bring a lively kick to the meal. Fresh herbs always made for a better culinary experience, and he was determined to make the most of their provisions.

After picking what he needed, he returned to the camp, where he glanced at Khione. She understood his intention and guided the fish toward the small basin he had pulled out. He then retrieved the necessary items from his backpack: a small pot for the rice, a grilling rack for the fish, and a knife for preparation.

Nero began his cooking with the rice. He measured out a portion and rinsed it thoroughly in the basin, the water turning cloudy as he washed away the excess starch. Once the rice was clean, he poured it into the pot and added an appropriate amount of water, a pinch of salt for flavor, and a few sprigs of the fresh basil he had gathered. Setting the pot over the crackling fire, he placed a lid on top to allow the rice to simmer and absorb the flavors.

Next, he turned his attention to the fish. With a steady hand, he carefully unwrapped the water snake, releasing the fish into the basin. He filleted the fish with precision, removing the bones and preparing them for grilling. After seasoning the fillets with a sprinkle of wild garlic and thyme, he placed them on the grilling rack, laying them carefully over the flames. The fish sizzled as the heat kissed the flesh, the aroma of garlic and herbs mingling with the smoky scent of the fire.

As the rice cooked and the fish grilled, Nero kept a close eye on both. He stirred the rice occasionally, ensuring it cooked evenly, while also flipping the fish to achieve a perfect golden sear on both sides. The flames flickered, illuminating his focused expression as he worked, the heat of the fire contrasting with the cool evening air.

Khione observed him with interest, noting the way he moved with confidence and ease in the kitchen. She wasn’t a good cook herself, but watching him sparked a desire within her to learn. "One day, I’ll master this," she vowed silently, her expression unwavering as she took in the process.

As the fish finished grilling, Nero drizzled a bit of olive oil over them, allowing it to soak into the warm flesh, enhancing the flavor even further. The rice was now fluffy and fragrant, the basil infusing each grain with a fresh, aromatic quality. He carefully plated the fish alongside the rice, garnishing the dish with a few extra herbs for a pop of color.

The result was perfect; a delicious meal that filled the air with an enticing aroma. The combination of flavors danced together, a testament to Nero’s preparation and