The Phantom Ingredients

*sigh*...

Is something wrong?

It's the monsters round these parts. Been more aggressive than usual as of late. A lotta folks're getting worried.

With all the travelers and merchants passing through Lake Tiilen, that must be a pretty big problem.

Right. Nobody wants more monster attacks and that's just what's been happening.

Ho hum. Are these rampaging monsters coelus, perchance?

How'd you know? I mean, you're certainly right.

Just as I thought! Then pursuing these monsters should be a rather appetizing affair.

Is your head quite all right? Are you saying you want to go toe to toe with a rage-crazy coelus for FUN?

What say you, Aldo? Let us assess the situation for ourselves.

Sure. If it'll help out the people around here, let's go hunt those angry monsters!

Huh?

Hm? You find something, Samora?

Over there, Aldo.

That creature seems unusually mature, wouldn't you say? By eight, no, maybe even 10 years, perhaps?

Maybe. What's so special about that even if it is?

The lifespan of a coelus is generally between three and five years. But occasionally one will live longer by way of hibernation. We call that "Out of Time."

That would mean it's just woken up?

I would say so. These sorts of coelus tend to be especially belligerent.

Then we just gotta take it down, right? I'm on it!

No, not yet!

Only a fool would rush to engage a monster fresh out of hibernation!

O-Oh. Are they really that strong?

You'll rarely face anything so violent. Even I have never fought one before.

Okay, I get it. We'll cook up a plan first. Any ideas?

We should start with a trip to the Zol Plains. We'll find the ingredients we need there.

Harrumph. This spot should do.

Oh, when you said "ingredients" you meant that literally?

Yes, and only the finest too. I'll do the gathering. You wait here.

...Now, with these in hand we are perfectly prepared.

What's with all the wild grass? And so many different types of it. Mushrooms too? Rock salt? And... Antidote Grass?

Indeed. Their flesh is extremely poisonous. I'm still too young to die yet, you know.

Samora... You're not planning to eat that coelus, are you?!

Of course I am. I did say this would be an "appetizing" affair, after all.

Come on, you can't be... You're serious, aren't you?

Damn right I am. No need to fret, Aldo. I'll make sure you get to have some too.

We've delayed long enough. Come! Back to Lake Tiilen! Our lunch awaits.

......

There it is. "The Coelus Outside Time."

......

We're no more prepared to fight it than last time! Look at that thing, it's like someone couldn't understand the basic difference between humans and fish!

Pah, think of all those appendages as merely extra front and back flippers.

And I'd bet all the gold in the world that's it's as tasty as it is ugly. Now, to the task at hand!

That wasn't the reassurance I needed...

Prepare yourself, coelus, to become the finest dish history has ever seen!

They call the meat of a coelus like this the "Steak of the Heavens," you know. This is the first opportunity I've had to prepare it. I've waited my whole life for such a challenge...

H, hold on, now! Are you really set on doing this?

Darn right, I am! Watch!

Oh, geez...

Don't just stand there gawking, boy! Give me a hand!

Do I have to?

Of course you do! Now, hold this a moment.

Woah! Urghhh...

*cough* What the heck is...this awful smell...?

Patience, boy. I only need a moment more.... Now just a little more of this...

And there we have it! Go on, Aldo. Try it.

*gulp* O-Okay...

......

......

...Mmmmmm! It's actually really good!

Indeed? Hah, I knew that particular variant of mushroom would really make the dish! Don't be shy, boy. Go on, eat up.

Harrumph! I'm full. Seafood always takes well to stock. I was right to make a stew from it.

Agreed. It wasn't just the stew, though. The sashimi and grilled steaks were good too.

Just as you'd expect of a prime cut like this. Both taste and texture are entirely different from that of a normal coelus. Though I must say, the subtle flavors of the regular coelus have its charms, too.

Now, Aldo. While I understand this was the best meal of your life, you must not under any circumstances speak of it to others.

I see what you mean. I guess most people would be freaked out if they knew we ate a...

No, no, that's not the issue at all! No, a true lover of food never divulges his meals.

If word got out that coelus steak makes for such a tasty treat...

They'd all get eaten up! And then there'd be no more for us!

......

Indeed. Now let us press on. I'm already full of anticipation for the next amazing dish we'll make!