"Ninety-nine percent of you are merely stepping stones, destined to be refined for the benefit of the top 1%. Last year, out of 812 freshmen, only 76 were able to advance to the second year.
The incompetent and the mediocre will be mercilessly cast aside and discarded. Even among those who start high school, by the time they reach second year, only about a hundred remain. The number of people who can graduate can probably be counted on one hand.
To become that one chef out of a thousand, that's you! You must achieve it!"
The next day, as the morning sun first rose, in a lush green sports field, over a hundred students, dressed in Totsuki Academy uniforms, stood below, looking with fervent excitement at Senzaemon Nakiri, who was giving an impassioned speech from above.
"Devote yourselves to your research."
Though in the very center of the crowd, Senzaemon Nakiri's voice suddenly grew impassioned, his expression remarkably rich, and his words even more inspiring.
This made the assembled crowd below exchange glances, seeing recognition on each other's faces, clearly moved by his speech.
This was Totsuki's Headmaster, a legendary figure, even rumored to be a mafia boss. For him to personally address them on stage now, how could it not make them excited and their blood boil?
"The old man certainly knows how to talk," Dylan chuckled from the lounge beneath the podium, watching Senzaemon Nakiri deliver his opening ceremony speech.
"After all, he's been the academy's Headmaster for decades. It's almost the same speech every year, he might have gotten sick of it long ago. But this year, things might be different. The elimination rate for first-year high school students will definitely decrease..."
Looking at the more than one hundred people standing rigidly on the sports field, their muscles taut, they were all absolute elites of Totsuki Academy.
And this batch of first-year students, on average, even surpassed the second-year students in skill.
Having gone through that rigorous mid-term assessment personally designed by Teacher Dylan, these guys had made astonishing progress in the days that followed.
Moreover, under Dylan's strict tutelage, their fundamentals had significantly improved. Almost all of them had the potential to reach the rank of a First-Grade Head Chef before graduation, even before graduation.
In other words, by the time these students reach their third year, essentially every one of them will have the skill level of an Elite Ten member. It wouldn't be impossible for the third-year students to completely occupy all the Elite Ten seats. How could this not be a joyous occasion?
Of course, all of this depends on Dylan. It depends on whether he is willing to cultivate new talent or not. If he is willing, the Elite Ten seats could still shift.
Stealthily glancing at Dylan, who stood beside her, Erina Nakiri thought to herself.
The strength of this class was entirely due to Dylan's support. In other words, as long as he was willing, Totsuki would only grow stronger with each successive generation.
For one person to influence Totsuki Academy, and even the destiny of several generations to come—what a terrifying thing this was!
"Finally, I'd like to introduce a few students who have enrolled today, having passed the transfer assessment from other schools."
"The transfer students are coming up to speak!"
Tilting his head, he glanced at Urara Kawashima on the podium, a cute girl with a pink bow in her hair, Totsuki Academy's official host.
He hadn't expected her to survive the hellish mid-term assessment and stand here. As expected, she was a character heavily featured in the original work.
Many thoughts flashed through his mind as footsteps sounded nearby. Watching the few young men successively step onto the stage, Dylan showed little change in expression.
On stage, the faces of the young men and women displayed absolute confidence. Looking at the students below, they quickly and simply introduced themselves.
The newcomers were relatively reserved. Although their strength would crush most of the people below, they preferred to keep it hidden, not flaunting it.
Thus, after their introductions, it was effectively no different than not having introduced themselves at all, as people didn't form strong impressions of them.
At most, when they met, someone might say: "Oh? You're that transfer student, right? What was your name again? Ah, right, I remember now..."
Deliberately dragging out the syllables at such moments, until they themselves stated their name.
That kind of situation, presumably.
Dylan shook his head inwardly. After all, they had only been part of the Dark Cooking Society for a year, and combined with his own hands-off approach for a period, it was no wonder their conduct was so reserved.
He had thought that those who wore such outlandish clothes to the transfer student assessment would have very flamboyant personalities.
Dylan let out a long sigh, clearly realizing he had made a wrong judgment.
But it didn't matter. There was still plenty of time ahead to slowly change them!
Just as he was feeling bored, raising a hand to yawn, and preparing to go back for a nap...
A red-haired young man stepped forward.
"Then I'll keep it simple, just two or three sentences. Uh, my name is Soma Yukihira."
"To be honest, I think this school is nothing more than a stepping stone. Although I didn't expect to get in, I'm certainly not going to lose to some guys who've never even faced customers before."
"As for what I want to express... well, in short, since I've gotten in, I'm going to reach the very top."
"For the next three years, please take good care of me."
Such arrogant remarks, just like in the original work. It seems Soma is Soma after all; even encountering himself in between hadn't changed him in the slightest.
He still launched a 'map cannon' at the Totsuki students.
However, unlike in the original work...
Most of the students below watched calmly from the stage. Only a small fraction clenched their fists, but no one made any extreme gestures.
Clearly, the words of a mere transfer student could not affect their composure.
Chefs should let their skills do the talking.
"Whew, I said it without my tongue getting tied."
Patting his chest and steadying his breath, Soma Yukihira saw the few people who had arrived in the lounge before him. He raised a hand in greeting, and the others nodded in response. Then he saw Dylan, surrounded by everyone: "Teacher Dylan, and that examiner from the transfer student assessment, you're all here!"
"You really gave me a fright, daring to say something so rebellious!"
Ning Feng stepped forward, his expression somewhat complex as he patted Soma Yukihira's shoulder. "Does this guy even realize that those in his same year are all students of Leader Dylan, having received the most advanced training?
Saying these students are no good, in a sense, is actually slapping Leader Dylan's face."
"It's only natural for youth to be impetuous. Not everyone is as timid as you," Liu Yu said beside Ning Feng, playfully rolling her eyes. As she spoke, she reached out and patted Soma Yukihira's shoulder. When he looked, she immediately gave him a thumbs up, looking highly impressed.
"Arrogance has to be backed by strength. At best, this kid is a Second-Grade Chef. I wouldn't even dare say something that arrogant, so how dare he?"
Zhang Chen mercilessly ribbed him, then abruptly stopped, turning his gaze to Leader Dylan, who had remained silent since the beginning.
"Everyone who advanced from the junior high division has received the most cutting-edge gourmet elite education," Erina Nakiri finally spoke as the surroundings quieted, and everyone's attention turned to her and Dylan. "For you, a chef from a small diner, to boldly declare you'll reach the top—your audacity is truly astounding!"
She then looked at Soma Yukihira with some displeasure, angered because she knew the path everyone had taken to advance.
Angered that Soma Yukihira treated them with such a dismissive attitude.
"Three years of junior high, huh?"
The scene fell silent. No one dared to speak further. Soma Yukihira's gaze fell upon Erina Nakiri, who stood beside Dylan, and he straightened his back.
Erina Nakiri looked puzzled.
"The first time I picked up a kitchen knife was when I was three years old. For twelve years since then, I've lived and breathed in the kitchen."
Soma Yukihira didn't continue, but his meaning was clear: this single sentence encapsulated twelve years of skill. "Can you handle it?"
"Twelve years, huh? That's quite impressive, but for me, the time spent learning to cook doesn't mean much. The skill in your hands is everything."
Just as Erina Nakiri didn't know what to say, Dylan's voice suddenly rang out.
When it comes to cooking, the shorter the time spent in it while achieving higher accomplishments, the greater the display of exceptional talent. It's not something that can be achieved simply by accumulating time.
Of course, he didn't doubt the potential of the young man before him.
After all, he was chosen as the protagonist of the original world.
The morning's entrance ceremony concluded.
8:00 AM.
The class bell rang, and students orderly entered their classrooms. Although it was just the start of the semester, it didn't mean they could neglect their lessons.
However, due to the significant reduction in student numbers, each class now had only seven students. This ensured all teachers had work.
Transitioning from large classes to small ones, teachers could focus their energy on fewer students. This shift was undoubtedly better suited for elite education, and quite good.
Now.
"To get straight to the point, starting today, classes will be held in separate classrooms. Today, you will cook according to the groups on the list I have. Understood?"
Various ingredients were laid out on the dining tables. The staff member in charge of this classroom said this, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"Understood!"
The few people present responded in unison. Megumi Tadokoro looked at Soma Yukihira, who was in her group, and a hint of curiosity appeared in her eyes.
She remembered this kid; he had made a big scene at the opening ceremony that morning, a guy who infuriated the newly promoted first-year high school students.
They had crossed through hell, stepping over countless corpses just to advance to the high school division. How could they be so utterly underestimated by an outsider who had just arrived at Totsuki?!
This was truly intolerable! Utterly infuriating!
"Cooking in class, this is my first time doing something like this since home economics cooking classes."
Tossing and catching an onion in the air, Soma Yukihira's face showed a playful grin. Cooking in a classroom was novel to him in many ways.
"You're that young man who made a big scene at the opening ceremony, right? Let me introduce myself, I'm Ueno Sugi, a first-year student at Totsuki Academy."
Because there were only six students in the class, Soma Yukihira's red hair was particularly conspicuous. Coupled with what he had said at the opening ceremony, Ueno Sugi took two steps forward and extended his hand to him.
Their two hands clasped. Ueno Sugi suddenly exerted force, and Soma Yukihira took a deep breath, returning with his own maximum strength. Both their muscles bulged, and for a moment, they were evenly matched.
"I'm really looking forward to the dish you make."
Releasing his hand, Ueno Sugi chuckled lightly, then waved at Soma Yukihira and turned to go to his own spot.
"What a weirdo."
Soma Yukihira pouted, uttering this remark, then looked at the blue-haired girl beside him, realizing she was also observing him. The previous grouping list flashed in his mind.
"Um, you're Megumi Tadokoro, right? My name is Soma Yukihira, just call me Soma."
Scratching his head, thinking the other person was his cooking partner later, Soma Yukihira greeted her, preparing to say something to at least get acquainted.
"Soma-kun, please take good care of me."
Hearing Soma Yukihira's voice, Megumi Tadokoro revealed a broad smile, but didn't move closer, maintaining a meter's distance.
"Please teach me a lot too."
Soma Yukihira nodded. Since her attitude towards him was good, he also behaved very politely. At the same time, Roland Chapelle's voice rang out.
"Good morning, young apprentices!"
Looking at the young students before him, Roland Chapelle walked expressionlessly to the podium, then offered his greeting.
"Good morning, Teacher Chapelle!"
"Oil... oil tea?!"
Five students nodded, responding to him in French, while Soma Yukihira looked puzzled, repeating Roland Chapelle's words in Japanese.
"From the moment you stand in the kitchen, you bear the responsibility of creating delicious food. This has nothing to do with experience or standing. In my class, any dish that doesn't earn an A will receive an E. Please remember this," Roland Chapelle said with a stern expression, his gaze fixed on Soma Yukihira, clearly speaking to him specifically.
After all, among the six students present, he only didn't know him.
"Teacher Roland Chapelle, the head of the French Cuisine department. He's an incredibly skilled and experienced Special Grade Chef. Even within Totsuki, his teaching can be described as exceptionally strict."
Glancing at Soma Yukihira's expression, Megumi Tadokoro briefly introduced him, but her eyes held no fear, only eagerness.
She was no longer the frail and incompetent Megumi Tadokoro from the original work. Having undergone a transformation, she didn't panic even when facing Teacher Roland Chapelle.
Through Teacher Dylan's guidance, the number of A-grade evaluations she received had greatly increased. Currently, her probability reached 95%, with the remaining 5% also being B+.
"Today's menu is Bouillabaisse."
"Although it's a very basic French dish, I will still write the recipe on the whiteboard."
No sooner had Roland Chapelle's words fallen than his assistant had already written down the Bouillabaisse recipe and stood upright behind him.
"The time limit is two hours. Groups that complete their dish should bring it directly to me."
"By the way, after faculty research and meetings, it has been decided to add an S-rank evaluation above the A-rank. Only one group per classroom will receive it. It is an honor reserved for the strongest, and accumulating ten S-rank evaluations can be exchanged for one opportunity to attend Teacher Dylan's class."
Speaking of Dylan, a flash of awe and admiration flickered in Roland Chapelle's eyes. That person was undoubtedly the most supremely talented genius he had ever seen.
No, he had already matured; he should be called the most formidable chef.
An opportunity for his guidance—if put out into the world, even for hundreds of millions, people would probably fight tooth and nail for it. This was the true worth of a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef!
"Gulp."
Recalling the scene a while ago when Dylan invited them to dinner and personally cooked for them, Roland Chapelle couldn't help but swallow.
That meal was absolutely the most delicious he had ever eaten in his life. If he could eat it just one more time, he would even be willing to die right then!
"Guidance from Teacher Dylan?!"
"Such a generous reward? It seems I absolutely must get this S-rank evaluation!"
"A joke! With me here, you think I'd let you have the S-rank evaluation?"
As Roland Chapelle's words fell, the scene instantly became charged with tension. Everyone except Megumi Tadokoro began challenging each other.
The newly added S-rank evaluation for the first-year high school students, as soon as it appeared, gained the fervent ambition of everyone!
And this would be the most potent catalyst!
"Alright, let's begin."
As the words fell, the kitchen immediately became a hive of activity. People moved back and forth, heading to the ingredient section to retrieve what they needed.
"Let's begin too. Bouillabaisse requires many types of fish. Because it's a popular French dish, many versions have emerged. The one Teacher Chapelle wrote on the board is one of them." Because processing a large amount of fish takes a lot of time, it required teamwork. After understanding Soma Yukihira's role, Megumi Tadokoro felt a bit more relaxed.
She didn't trust the kid from the outside; she only trusted the culinary skills she had gained under Teacher Dylan's tutelage. Therefore, she decided to personally take charge of the main part of this dish.
"Ten S-rank evaluations, huh?"
Hearing Roland Chapelle's words, Soma Yukihira muttered to himself. He had accumulated many questions, and this opportunity now was just perfect!
As long as he obtained ten S-rank evaluations, he could attend Dylan's class. Then, all those questions accumulated in his mind could be answered!
"You wait here for a moment. I'll go look at the recipe first. I haven't seriously cooked French cuisine before."
Since he didn't know this dish, and fearing he would delay Megumi Tadokoro's progress, Soma Yukihira stepped towards the whiteboard and began to read the recipe above.
"Huh? You don't know how to make it...?"
Megumi Tadokoro was a bit surprised. Seeing him make such bold claims that morning, she had thought he would be incredibly skilled. She hadn't expected him not to know such a basic dish.
"Soma Yukihira, let's have a contest! Let's see who can get Teacher Chapelle's S-rank evaluation, and let us witness your true skill—whether it's as impressive as your mouth!"
Watching Soma Yukihira walk towards him, Ueno Sugi assumed he was coming to challenge him, so he spoke first, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
"Alright, but you'll have to wait a moment."
Soma Yukihira said, then walked past Ueno Sugi, reaching the whiteboard. He then crossed his arms and began reading the recipe on it.
"So it's your first time making this dish, huh? I've made it at least ten times, the process is already ingrained in my mind. I'm definitely winning this contest!"
Ueno Sugi couldn't help but laugh at this scene, then focused his attention on the cooking station in front of him.
He proposed the contest with Soma Yukihira for no other reason than to rectify the name of Totsuki's students; they were not stepping stones!
It was one thing for the Totsuki Headmaster to say it, but for you, a chef from outside, to actually take it seriously.
Even if we Totsuki students truly became stepping stones, it would never be for an outsider like you to step on. You rude fellow!
-
🔥 40% OFF! THE TIME TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY IS NOW! 🔥
That's right: a special 40% OFF offer for you to become a member! We're celebrating the arrival of new stories and we want you to join us.
Besides securing your access at an incredible price, your support helps us unlock much more content for the entire community. Our goals are still active:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone! 🎯 5 Reviews = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone!
🚀 And our main goal: 55 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters of ALL STORIES!
Take advantage of the discount, support our work, and get access to everything! Secure your spot with 40% OFF now: 👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan