No Chance to Cut Corners

Aaron skillfully placed his palm on it, summoning the memories of the third ancestor.

All the instruments in the Secret Chamber began to play, and the various different notes combined to form a magnificent and stirring symphony.

Amidst this heavenly music, a middle-aged figure slowly appeared.

"Greetings, Ancestor." Aaron bowed before Jeans, behaving with exceptional politeness.

He was forced into the first two Secret Chamber, and he was somewhat resentful, but he was genuinely interested in this Secret Chamber, so it was only natural for him to be respectful to the teacher.

"No need for formalities!" the middle-aged man smiled. "Also, please don't call me ancestor anymore. Most of the people in the Secret Chamber are of a higher generation than me, and it would put a lot of pressure on me to address them the same way."

Actually, I'm only a few hundred years older than you, and Warlock generally have long lifespans, so I'm roughly from your great-grandfather's generation.

"That's our ancestor too," Aaron said seriously.

"Fine, call me whatever you want!"

"Lord Vaughn, the young master would like to study music with you," Jeans said. "Two hours a day, what do you think?"

"No problem, it's my duty."

"We'll all turn to dust eventually, so if we can do something for the next generation, that's a reasonable use of our resources." Vaughn smiled at Aaron, but his expression quickly changed. "You... how old are you?"

"Twelve years old."

Young Master Aaron was twelve years old when he reached that threshold.

Vaughn paused for a moment, then a playful smile appeared on his face. "This little guy has been hiding his true intentions quite well!"

Aaron couldn't help but shudder. For some reason, upon hearing these words, an the Grim premonition surged from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

Could it be that this ancestor also saw through his true level? That would be truly devastating news!

But then Aaron calmed down.

The problem might not be too big. The first two ancestors recognized his talent and forced him to learn skills regardless of his willingness. But this time he was willing, so the situation is quite different.

I'm being so pragmatic, you can't possibly bring yourself to report me!

"You have nothing to worry about, you are an excellent junior."

It was confirmed. As soon as Vaughn opened his mouth, Aaron knew that the other party had seen through his strength, but the second half of his sentence made him breathe a sigh of relief, which meant that he would not report him.

"It's an honor that you chose this course, but I'm afraid I have to apologize."

What?

Aaron was a little confused; this wasn't right!

I'm a genius, after all. The first two people coerced and bribed me to inherit their skills, but why are you pushing me away from me?

"Don't be surprised, it's not that I don't intend to teach you, but we need to discuss the specific timing carefully." Vaughn waved his hand and said with some regret, "The charm of music is endless, but your talent shouldn't be wasted on music too much."

One class every three days, one hour per class.

"But isn't this timeframe a bit too tight?" Jeans asked.

If it's one hour every three days, then Aaron only studied for about a day before school started, so his efficiency probably wasn't very high.

"I believe in his talent." Vaughn gave Aaron a meaningful look, then waved his Wand, and a piano and a harmonica flew to the three of them. "Time is limited, so I've chosen two for you. With my expertise, teaching you two instruments within two months shouldn't be a problem."

"Thank you, teacher."

Vaughn nodded, then tapped his Wand slightly backward, and the fourth door opened.

Aaron and Jeans exchanged a glance and then went inside.

The fourth Secret Chamber is filled with a dazzling array of ingredients, as well as various cooking tools.

"Is this... a chef?" Aaron's lips twitched. "I'm really surprised. With that mountain of gold supporting them, even if the Gaius family really falls on hard times, they wouldn't have to go out and work for others!"

"Not at all. In fact, this..." Jeans paused for a moment, then continued, "This kitchen is really just an ordinary kitchen."

That generation's patriarch was relatively less talented; when his time came, he was only at the Archmage Peak. However, in certain aspects, his skill was truly awe-inspiring.

"There's a story behind it?" Aaron became interested.

Jeans shook his head, but decided to satisfy Aaron's curiosity anyway. "His wife often can't eat. Even Warlock can't last long without food."

"So, for the sake of his woman, he personally cooked and honed his culinary skills to perfection?" Aaron imagined the scenario, but couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed.

"This story sounds touching, but it's not particularly original, and it's even a bit... overused."

"If it were just about cooking skills, his Secret Chamber wouldn't be here," Jeans said patiently. "The clan leaders who are chosen by their families and whose memories are preserved in the secret Secret Chamber are all truly outstanding individuals."

Although his combat strength was somewhat lacking, he could stew anything from Fantastic Beasts to insects and ants, even dark races and inanimate objects, all with just a pot.

Even during his culinary career spanning over a century, he thoroughly studied the dietary principles of various races.

Some foods are harmless to this race but highly poisonous to others; some food combinations can have effects comparable to Potions.

Gollum!

Aaron couldn't help but swallow.

I thought it was just a run-of-the-mill story, but who would have thought it would become a legend?

To be a chef to this level is truly unparalleled. If we go back a few thousand years, this is practically a different kind of Shennong!

"Ahem!" Jeans coughed, drawing Aaron's attention. "Young Master, are you interested in this course?"

Aaron hesitated for a moment, then silently shook his head.

"This ancestor's achievements are considerable, but his path is not suitable for me, so I'd better give up!"

"It's clear."

Jeans gestured for Aaron to proceed to the next Secret Chamber, and just as Aaron thought they were going to the next secret room, a very familiar black stone pillar rose up in the center of the kitchen.

"Surely not!" Aaron chuckled sheepishly. "I didn't plan to take this course, so there's no need to disturb the ancestor's eternal rest!"

"This is a family rule. No matter what choice each generation's heir makes, they must meet with their ancestors," Jeans explained. "Young master, you know that meeting these ancestors can only bring benefits, not harm."

A single piece of advice from them could save you decades of wasted time and effort.

Aaron gave an awkward yet polite smile. If he had any talent, he probably would have thought the same thing, but now he had already exposed himself three times.

Although the three ancestors all promised to keep his secret, who knows if every ancestor thought the same way?

"Can't I just go straight to the next Secret Chamber?" Aaron asked hesitantly.

"Cannot!

Forgive my bluntness, but you must meet with your ancestors.

When this clan rule was established, a magic spell was specially cast to prevent future generations from cheating. Anyone entering for the first time must summon the memories of their ancestors, otherwise the next gate cannot be opened.

Therefore, if you are unwilling, young master, I'm afraid we won't be able to leave this Secret Chamber.

"Brilliant! That's a really thoughtful plan." Aaron gritted his teeth. What kind of bastard came up with such a wicked idea, leaving no chance at all!

Even though he was reluctant, Aaron still placed his hand on it.

This time, there were no strange occurrences. A young man's figure appeared directly on the black pillar. He was approachable yet exuded an aura that kept people at a distance, a contradiction that was not at all out of place.

"Lord Salks." Jeans bowed respectfully, but the young ancestor ignored him, instead looking at Aaron with great interest, as if he had discovered some rare ingredient.

"Ancestor," Aaron stammered, his heart filled with unease.

That look again, why is it always that look?

He knew he couldn't hide it any longer; these ancestors were all shrewd and experienced people, and his little schemes were a joke in front of them.

"Lord Salks, this is Aaron Gaius, ten years old."

Aaron:...

Please stop talking, I beg you, please stop talking.

"No need to say more." Salks interrupted Jeans, then gave Aaron a meaningful smile. "You've already met your three ancestors, so I think you should be able to understand some things by now!"

"I understand, Ming, I probably can't escape it." Aaron said, on the verge of tears. "Ancestor, what do you plan to do with me?"

"A smart person," Salks chuckled. "I've never had many friends in my life, and I only like to talk to smart people, to be straightforward."

This course of mine is neither particularly important nor particularly unimportant, but it can play an unexpected role at crucial moments.

How about this? One lesson every two days, half an hour each time.

"Yes!" Aaron nodded dejectedly. The next moment, a warm, large hand patted his shoulder.

Salks looked at Aaron, his voice carrying a heartwarming strength, "I don't know how to comfort you, but I can tell you something for sure, something you also need to know."

You might feel a lot of pressure, but we old folks would never harm our descendants.

"Thank you!" Aaron felt relieved. "After hearing what you said, I feel much better."

"Then go!" Salks snapped his fingers, and a large door opened in response. "Go on, and if nothing unexpected happens, you'll have to meet about ten more people."

I have limited talent and a certain degree of autonomy, but you... I'm afraid you only have the right to accept, not the opportunity to refuse.

Aaron:...

Generous crab gift!

Give me back the emotion I felt.