Leviathans control time.

They are invincible beings regarded as deities by the rest of the world.

With power beyond the comprehension of normal people, they orchestrate events and manipulate the world to do their bidding.

They are the absolute beings that exist—the ones who move the world!

At first, I thought some of these were exaggerations, overstatements bolstered by myths and countless superstitious accounts with overblown proportions. However, ever since I awakened as a Leviathan, I have been able to see some merit in this line of reasoning.

Leviathans truly are divine creatures.

We perceive the world in a completely different way compared to normal people.

We view events and everything that exists within them as ripples, all confined to the Temporal Layers of Existence. We view the existence of people as mere faint mirages, and our existence is better defined compared to theirs. We can easily distinguish Potions, Armaments, Special Resources, and all manner of unique existences with a single glance, and we possess a keen insight into the true machinations of the world.

Most importantly, we possess a power no other human can wield—Conceptions.

As a Leviathan from the Harbinger Pathway, I have three Fragmented Conceptions: Tracing, Frontflow, and Clairvoyance.

Even though I am a Witness Harbinger, at the bottom of the world of Leviathans, my power is considered unfathomable to the rest of the world. It isn't something one can obtain by taking Potions or wielding Armaments.

No…

It is true, unrivaled power!

However, rather unfortunately, this power has its associated problems. As such, despite being a Leviathan with immense power, there is a fatal flaw I have to wrestle with.

—Malnutrition.

Yes, as silly as it sounds, this is my most severe problem at the moment.

It is too dangerous.

The problem with seeing the world the way I see it and using the powers I possess is that it requires a lot of energy. It took me a while to turn off my Aego Sight at will, but even without that consuming my energy, the use of Conceptions will.

No, even without using Conceptions… merely existing also consumes energy.

Too much energy!

I have to eat at least three times more than usual on a regular basis, and if I factor in using Aego Sight and Conceptions, I have to eat ten times more!

It is an absurd number, but this is only the minimum amount. Sometimes, I eat fifteen to twenty times more, just so I can use my Conception multiple times without feeling faint or severely weakened. If I don't gain the proper nutrition, I suffer immense exhaustion, and if this persists for longer than necessary, I could actually die.

Yes… It's that serious.

But why? Why is being a Leviathan so energy draining?

The thing is, I'm not entirely sure myself.

I don't even have the kind of absurd strength that Zarius possesses, and even though I can feel some vague differences in my anatomy, I can't see any reason that justifies such an increase in diet to maintain my health.

However, just because I haven't arrived at a definite answer doesn't mean I don't have a few theories in mind.

My most coherent suspicion is that I have somewhat become like a Magivore, which requires special living conditions and a diet to maintain itself. Leviathans, just like Magivores, are special existences. As such, it shouldn't be ridiculous to assume that we require specific kinds of food to survive. In the absence of such meals, nutrient-dense foods of high quantity can only help in compensating for that need.

'Looking at Zarius, he seemed relatively healthy. I can only assume he found a way to resolve this nutrition problem, but how…?' I sigh, thinking about it several times without arriving at a proper conclusion.

Throughout our fight, Zarius didn't eat anything at all.

And, I'm certain he used over a day's worth of time during our confrontation, despite it only being a couple of hours for me.

That meant he had a way to resolve his feeding without having to eat several times like me.

'He also used his Conception multiple times during our confrontation and even decimated an entire army by himself. If I calculate that amount of energy expenditure and apply it to myself, it should be worth eating almost thirty times worth of meals. That is simply too ridiculous…'

There's no way Zarius ate that much.

Thus, he must have found an alternative—a solution different from overconsumption.

'As a Leviathan, my Conceptions are a biological process… similar to how Magivores have special abilities as natural features as well. They exist in special environments and eat special foods, usually in the form of Special Resources, which sustain their existence. If I think about it, my existence is more defined than other people, and I have special abilities like a Magivore, no, perhaps even more potent. After considering all of that, I can only conjecture that I need special diets made from Special Resources to properly thrive…' A sharp glint appears in my eyes as I feel a little overwhelmed by the situation.

I am completely out of my depth here. I'm not a novice by any means when it comes to nutrition and meal preparation, but this is reaching advanced territory that is far beyond my area of expertise.

But, if I don't solve this problem, I could end up with a severe case of malnutrition.

I could even die of it one day.

That means I'll have to learn more about nutrition and also improve my culinary skills…

Thankfully, I know just the right person to help me with this.

**************

"Javier, you're finally here!" A beautiful smile welcomes me the moment I knock on her door, and a beautiful woman stands in front of me with an excited attitude.

Her honey-brown hair is tied into a bun, and her yellow eyes shine with youthful brilliance. She wears a pink shawl around her, her modest white blouse and long black skirt offering a sensational sight that far surpasses what a provocative outfit would have accomplished.

With a fair skin that oozes nobility, as well as a dark spot right below her glistening lips, this lovely woman draws me inside with her joyful countenance.

I can't help but smile the moment I see her.

This was one of my favorite lecturers back in my Student Academy days; Junior turned Senior Professor… Seraphina Lindester.

She teaches in the Department of Rhetoric and Political Philosophy, and while she was once my well-respected teacher in the past, our relationship has deepened into that of colleagues.

I'd like to believe we are becoming friends.

"I was surprised when you told me you were interested in cooking. Come in, come in…" She excitedly retreats into her residence, beckoning me to advance, which I do with solemn grace.

Although this isn't the first time I'm entering a woman's private residence, as the likes of Dahlia and even Serena have invited me to their rooms before, the professional barrier that exists between me and this woman makes it a little awkward for me.

Of course, this isn't anything romantic by any means. No, I simply hold her in high regard and would like to express utmost courtesy in her presence.

"May I?" I slowly take off my coat and motion for the jacket stand.

"Oh, don't be so stiff." She giggles softly before nodding. "Just make yourself comfortable. I'll be out in a moment."

I nod slowly, placing my coat on the stand and taking off my shoes.

I then advance and sit on one of her couches, feeling an even greater kind of comfort than I would feel in my residence. The truth is, even though the staff residences have identical structures based on rank in the University, which means Professor Seraphina's home is quite similar to mine, we hold the right to customize it according to our wishes.

And, from the couch's texture alone, I can see the extent to which this woman went in her alterations. However, just taking a glance around, it becomes blatantly obvious what kind of woman this is and how passionate she is about her abode.

Nothing about the living room is loud; nothing tries to impress. Instead, the room glows with a serene femininity, crafted from soft colors and carefully chosen textures.

The air is lightly perfumed with a blend of chamomile and faint rosewater, creating a peaceful, nurturing environment. Afternoon sunlight filters through sheer curtains of pale cream, casting a warm, honey-colored radiance across the room.

The dominant colors are a blend of soft blush pinks, muted lilacs. ivory and warm beige, as well as mild touches of rose-gold metallic accents.

Light is gentle everywhere—no harsh lamps, only warm lanterns and a few enchanted sconces that mimic candlelight.

I reckon they are miscellaneous-type Armaments of Grade E, to be precise.

Then don't get me started on the furnishings.

Everything in the room is comfortable, modest, and tastefully crafted. A plush, creamy-white sofa with embroidered pastel cushions; Two delicate armchairs upholstered in soft lavender velvet; A round elm-wood table for tea, polished yet unpretentious; A patterned woolen rug woven in floral motifs, warm underfoot.

This perfectly complements the warm, gentle atmosphere of the room.

I can also see books neatly stacked on small side tables, not as decoration but because she genuinely reads them. A knit throw—one she made herself during her first year as a professor—rests on the arm of the sofa.

Nothing is extravagant, but everything is beautiful in a soft, lived-in way.

I quite like it here.

'I hadn't even considered customizing my residence before, but after coming here, I'm getting some inspiration…' A light smile dots my face, but I am unable to dwell on my thoughts for too long, as Professor Seraphina returns right at this moment.

She is dressed elegantly in a classic chef's attire, her arms folded like she means business.

"Come with me, Javier! Let me show you where we'll be working today!"

"Yes, ma'am."

I rise to my feet and obediently trail after her until we reach the end of the hallway. Then we move to the door to my right, finally reaching her kitchen.

Her glorious kitchen!

It is vast, exquisite, and impeccably organized—a true work of art.

I have no doubt that this is the single most luxurious room in her residence—not because she indulges in excess, but because cooking is one of her deepest joys and greatest talents.

Indeed… Senior Professor Seraphina is actually a certified chef.

Other than being an Erudite Scholar with deep foundations in Rhetoric and Political Philosophy, she is also a First Class Chef, only lower than a Special Class Chef, of which there is only one in the entire Randalorion Kingdom.

As such, if there is anyone I could have possibly met for help, it would be her.

The kitchen space is expansive, radiant, and meticulously arranged, showing both the heart of a homemaker and the discipline of a scholar.

Unlike the gentle hush of the living room, the kitchen hums with subtle energy—I can actually feel aromas bloom and warmth gathering all around us. The faint fragrances of spices, herbs, and baked pastries linger in the air, creating a comforting, homely atmosphere.

A soft breeze flows through windows framed with climbing ivy and little pots of basil and rosemary. Even without being an expert chef, I can appreciate its decor and overall ambiance.

The kitchen is arranged with the precision of an alchemist's laboratory, but with feminine grace.

Stone countertops in soft rose-gray, light wooden cabinetry—each carved with delicate floral motifs—copper pots and pans hanging above a wide preparation island, rows and rows of labeled jars containing spices, herbs, powders, and roots.

And so on…

Every tool has its place.

Every ingredient is easy to reach.

Everything is spotless yet warmly used—is this paradise?

I look around and see that she has two large ovens—one traditional, one rare miscellaneous-type Armament specifically used for precise temperature control and to make special kinds of dishes.

"Come, Javier… this is where you'll be staying." She leads me to a spot right near her workspace, her eyes barely containing the excitement she feels.

The centerpiece is a large birchwood island table where I'm sure she kneads dough, chops fresh vegetables, and arranges all sorts of intricate dishes.

I quickly notice the soft pastel cloths drape over the corners; practical but lovely.

'It truly was the best decision to involve her…' I sigh deeply, my smile increasing. 'In the end, meals are made up of nutrients, which are precisely what I need. If I can make the right kinds of foods, I won't have to eat so much every day.'

I also need to learn if it is possible, just like with Alchemy, to make certain foods with the aid of Special Resources.

If that's the case, I believe this fatal flaw will drastically reduce.

"You ready?" Professor Seraphina casts an inquisitive glance at me, and I nod with deep interest and a vigor that even surprises me.

"Good!" She seems pleased by this and nods emphatically. "Then… let us begin!"

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