"You are excellent. This S-rank evaluation is yours. Speaking of which, this is my first time seeing you, what's your name?"
The teacher in charge of the classroom asked, looking at the cool-looking girl with her hands in her pockets.
He was truly sweating profusely. When did Totsuki recruit such a little monster?
"Huang Mei, a transfer student who just arrived today."
Looking at the secret recipe braised pork placed in front of the teacher, Huang Mei revealed a radiant smile, then generously introduced herself.
Similar scenes were occurring throughout Totsuki. The astonishing strength displayed by the transfer students shocked the teachers and students of the school.
With Totsuki's students not yet fully matured, these newcomers were the absolute ceiling of Totsuki's first-years, invincible powerhouses.
"Special Grade—This is Special Grade cuisine!"
A slightly disbelieving voice came from the Eighth Cuisine Lab. Equally shocked were a few people in the same classroom as Alice Nakiri.
They astonishedly looked at the dish emanating an enticing aroma in front of the teacher. Some even rubbed their ears, wondering if they had misheard. How could such a thing happen?
After not seeing her for a winter break, how could Alice Nakiri suddenly be able to make Special Grade cuisine?!
"Well, because my skill level was roughly there, I took some time during the winter break to test for Special Grade Chef, and now I can consistently prepare Special Grade cuisine."
Seeing the shocked expressions of those around her, Alice Nakiri's vanity was greatly satisfied. She then said casually, as if downplaying it.
"Consistently preparing—"
"Special Grade cuisine?!"
The few people present exchanged glances. The shock in their eyes turned into disbelief, and finally into numbness, as everyone froze in place.
If it were only occasionally making Special Grade cuisine,
that would only mean she was among the cream of the crop of First-Grade Head Chefs, roughly equivalent to the strength of Totsuki's top three seats.
But consistently preparing Special Grade cuisine—even Totsuki's First Seat wouldn't dare to say such a thing, huh.
Regardless, after today, the news of Alice Nakiri being a Special Grade Chef would spread throughout Totsuki at an astonishing speed.
It's just that they didn't know why she, who usually hid her abilities so well, suddenly exposed her true strength. What exactly happened here? Or did she simply not want to pretend anymore?
"If there's nothing else, then I'll be going."
Having prepared Special Grade cuisine, the S-rank evaluation undoubtedly belonged to her, and no one else had any intention of competing. So Alice Nakiri chuckled lightly, and turned to leave the classroom without lingering.
There was no special reason for her sudden display of strength. She simply wanted to show her fangs, not wanting those new transfer students to look down on Totsuki.
With six powerhouses, each at the level of a First-Grade Head Chef, enrolling at once, for the current Totsuki, they were undoubtedly 'fierce dragons crossing the river'.
Because they didn't know Totsuki's actual capabilities, and out of respect for Master Bai Yuan, they currently maintained a gentle and refined demeanor.
Once they learned Totsuki's true situation, even if they didn't say it openly, who knew what they would think inwardly? They would certainly look down on it.
As a member of the Nakiri family, one of the nominal heirs of this academy, she felt she should do something to uphold Totsuki's dignity.
Therefore, she displayed her strength today.
"Darn it, what's with this school? Does it really need to be this big!"
Soma Yukihira walked on the road leading to the dorm, muttering with a dried fish jerky in his mouth and carrying a bucket, his eyes gradually turning into dead fish eyes.
He had been walking for an entire afternoon. Now the sky had already darkened, but he still hadn't found where his dorm was located.
"Why haven't I reached Polar Star Dormitory yet? The sun's almost setting."
Looking at the simple map in his hand and the introduction to Polar Star Dormitory, Soma Yukihira couldn't help but complain, muttering to himself as he quickly walked forward.
"I'm starving to death! And it's so cold! My stomach has been empty for ages; these dried fish jerky aren't enough anymore. Speaking of which, there are exaggerated buildings everywhere, and some I completely can't figure out what they're for. It actually really suits this luxurious school, I guess every facility must be amazing."
So, maybe my dorm will also be especially luxurious? I'm starting to look forward to it.
His gaze wandered around, looking at the exaggeratedly designed buildings. Soma Yukihira suddenly felt that being big had its own advantages. At the same time, the flyer in his hand accidentally slipped out and was then carried by the wind towards the back.
"Is that... Soma-kun in front?"
However, just then, a voice, unfamiliar yet with a hint of familiarity, rang out. Soma Yukihira heard the voice, "You're Megumi Tadokoro, what a coincidence, to meet you here..."
Seeing the girl with blue braided hair, Soma Yukihira turned his body around and raised his hand in greeting. He then noticed the flyer in his hand was missing, and was being held by an orange-haired girl with a bun hairstyle standing next to her.
"It might not be a coincidence, you know. Are you going to Polar Star Dormitory too?"
Looking at the contents of the flyer, Yuuki Yoshino's face showed a hint of surprise, then she smiled and said to Soma Yukihira.
"Yes, do you know where Polar Star Dormitory is? You said "too," don't tell me you're also going to..."
Hearing Yuuki Yoshino's words, Soma Yukihira froze for a moment, but quickly reacted, and an expression of pleasant surprise appeared on his face.
He had walked so far, much of it wasted effort. But since he could meet them here, it meant the destination wasn't far.
"You're quite smart. Polar Star Dormitory is just ahead, and we're also residents of Polar Star Dormitory. Please take care of us in the future."Ryoko Sakaki looked sideways at the boy in front of her, revealing their identities.
As members of Polar Star Dormitory, if nothing unexpected happened, they would likely spend the next three years together. It was quite necessary to establish good relations beforehand.
"Hello everyone, I'm Soma Yukihira."
Thinking the same thing, Soma Yukihira showed a friendly smile to the few people in front of him and stated his name.
"Since our destination is the same, let's go together."
Megumi Tadokoro's gentle voice rang out, then she walked two steps forward, taking on the role of guide.
"I was thinking the same thing."
Soma Yukihira rubbed his head and candidly accepted her kindness.
"Speaking of which, didn't classes end a while ago? Why are you only returning to the dorm now? Oh, I get it, you probably went down the mountain to play for a while, right? Sing karaoke? Girls seem to like that."
As if realizing something, Soma Yukihira voiced the doubt in his mind. Megumi Tadokoro and Yuuki Yoshino exchanged glances and smiled mysteriously.
"We didn't go down the mountain; instead, we went to our master to learn cooking."
Megumi Tadokoro gave the answer. Thinking of Bai Yuan's handsome and dashing face, her heart couldn't help but beat a little faster, and a smile appeared on her face.
"Does Totsuki also have a trend of private apprenticeship?"
Soma Yukihira was puzzled. He suddenly realized this school was somewhat different from what he had imagined.
They have teachers giving lessons, and also the Chinese style of apprenticeship, huh...
"No, it's just that we've received too much guidance from him, so we consider ourselves his unofficial disciples. He has only ever had one formal disciple."
As if remembering something, Megumi Tadokoro's smile faded from her face, replaced by a faint trace of disappointment. Fortunately, everyone else felt the same way.
"It's already very fortunate to be able to stay by his side, how could we dare to hope to become his formal disciples?"
Ryoko Sakaki said, feigning nonchalance, but inwardly, she also felt a little disappointed. After all, they had been with Bai Yuan for half a year already. During these six months, they had expressed their desire to become his formal disciples more than once, but had always been rejected.
The reason was that 'training one was already tiring enough, and he didn't want to add any more burden to himself.'
Yet he clearly took care of them every day...
"Without the name of a master, yet performing the duties of a master. Whether he's willing or not, in our hearts, he is our master."
Yuuki Yoshino voiced the thoughts of Megumi Tadokoro and Ryoko Sakaki. Thinking of that towering figure, a feeling of reverence involuntarily emerged in her heart.
Apparently feeling she had said too much, Yuuki Yoshino shrugged, then raised her hand to point at the detached, yet old-fashioned and dilapidated building in front of them, her expression still joyful.
After hearing her words, Soma Yukihira also looked up at the building in front of him.
Ancient vines, old trees, evening crows.
The setting sun descended, crows cawed, and vines twined around the tall villa, creating a unique scene of dilapidation. The entire villa exuded an eerie and terrifying aura, completely unlike a place where people lived.
"What are you standing there stunned for? Hurry up and follow!"
As Megumi Tadokoro pushed open the creaking iron gate, Soma Yukihira took a deep breath and stepped inside, as if entering another world.
"Don't think too much. Although our place looks quite run-down, the inside is actually very nice. And everyone is very friendly. You'll be very happy living here."
Apparently sensing Soma Yukihira's apprehension, Yuuki Yoshino smiled and patted his shoulder, then strode quickly forward to open the door.
"Whoa! What a lot of smoke! It must be that Shun Ibusaki again! Only he would smoke-roast in an empty room!"
As soon as she opened the door, the dense smoke made Yuuki Yoshino frown. She vigorously waved her hand, and after dissipating some of the smoke, she spoke.
"Kid in 208, stop using empty rooms for smoke-roasting! Be careful, or I'll slice you up and smoke-roast you bit by bit!"
As if responding to Yuuki Yoshino's guess, an old, yet vigorous voice came from the loudspeaker on the ceiling.
"You're the transfer student who wants to move into the dorm, Soma Yukihira, aren't you? I'm the dorm supervisor here, Fumio Daimido. People call me Polar Star's Maria, Mrs. Fumio. Please call me that."
An old woman exuding a terrifying aura walked out from the hallway. Looking at the red-haired boy in front of her, she introduced herself with a slightly cheerful expression.
"I've entered another circle of weirdos! No, wait, at least the few people next to me seem pretty normal."
Looking at the old woman in front of him, Soma Yukihira swallowed hard, then looked back at the few people behind him. "Is this what they meant by harmonious and friendly?!"
"Speaking of which, what ingredients did you prepare?"
Looking at Soma Yukihira, who was only holding a bucket in his hand, Fumio Daimido asked somewhat curiously, licking her lips as she spoke, looking very expectant.
"Ingredients? For what?"
Hearing her words, Soma Yukihira showed a surprised and puzzled expression.
"Polar Star's tradition: the dorm entry test. Yukihira, you don't mean you came unprepared, do you? Alright, it really doesn't look like you're prepared..."
Yuuki Yoshino looked at Soma Yukihira with confusion. She had thought that since he was reporting so late, he must have gone down the mountain first to prepare ingredients.
He really didn't?
"Simply put, anyone moving into the dorm must make a dish. Only if the taste is approved can they move in. Mrs. Fumio is in charge of judging, and you're allowed to bring your own ingredients."
Ryoko Sakaki's voice rang out from the side, briefly explaining the procedure for moving into Polar Star Dormitory to Soma Yukihira. These things should all have been written on the flyer.
He's clearly a careless fellow.
"I've never heard of that, and I haven't prepared any ingredients at all."
Soma Yukihira frowned and shrugged his hands, to indicate that he hadn't brought anything. He was truly completely unaware of this.
"Then that's a defeat without even fighting. Unless you show us what you've got, you won't step foot in Polar Star Dormitory."
Fumio Daimido crossed her arms, a triumphant expression on her face. Even though this person was brought back by Megumi and the others, she wasn't going to compromise even a little.
"Wait, I thought there were seven transfer students in total? Besides me, there should be six more. Have they all passed the assessment? I can ask them to lend me some ingredients."
As if thinking of something, Soma Yukihira's previous dejectedness vanished. He looked up at Fumio Daimido, his voice tinged with a hint of hope. No matter what dish they made, there must always be some leftover ingredients, right? Perhaps, this was his only chance for tonight.
Fumio Daimido's words were clear: if he couldn't pass the assessment, he'd have to sleep outside.
Are you kidding? It's April, and you could easily freeze to death!
"What seven people, six people? The academy only informed me of one new resident: you. And unfortunately, there are only leftover scraps in the kitchen."
Fumio Daimido frowned slightly. If her memory served her right, only one newcomer was supposed to arrive here. Could there really be so many transfer students?
"Those leftovers, I can use them, right?"
As if grasping the key point of her words, Soma Yukihira looked eagerly at Fumio Daimido.
"What did you say?!"
Soma Yukihira's words shocked Fumio Daimido. Her expression then darkened. Was this fellow treating the cooking assessment as a child's game?
Just using some scraps, and he thinks he can make a dish that satisfies her, Fumio Daimido? Daydreaming!
"Alright, I'll show you what I've got!"
His expression turned serious. Soma Yukihira said to Fumio Daimido earnestly, word by word. This meant he was about to enter his serious mode.
"Let us be judges too! We also want to see what kind of dish this guy, who spoke so brashly at the opening ceremony, can truly serve up."
Hearing Soma Yukihira's words, Yuuki Yoshino, Megumi Tadokoro, and Ryoko Sakaki exchanged glances, then stepped forward and said.
"This detached villa is really nice! Everyone gets their own room. I thought it would be one of those dorms where four people are crammed together..."
"Me too! This is too amazing! It's practically my dream residence!"
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Compared to Soma Yukihira, who still had to participate in the dorm entry assessment, the treatment of the other six transfer students could be said to be incredibly good.
Not only did they have detached villas, but they also didn't have dorm mothers. Their freedom was highly guaranteed.
This was Totsuki's preferential treatment for those with outstanding talent, and even more so, a sign of respect for Bai Yuan, after all, these people were brought by him.
"We're probably benefiting from Master Bai Yuan's prestige. I've never heard of students getting to stay in villas for lodging!"
Zhang Chen's voice was filled with exclamation, but even more so, excitement. After all, this would be their home from now on.
"I'm going to pick a room first! Wang Jing, you stay next to me."
Liu Yu said with immense excitement, then grabbed Wang Jing, who was blankly staring, and pulled her to the second floor to choose rooms together.
"Go pick your rooms first. Then come back down to gather later. We'll set some rules for living here; after all, without rules, nothing can be accomplished, to avoid chaos."
Looking at the two who had vanished in a flash, Ning Feng's expression was a little helpless. He then turned to look at the remaining four people, his tone becoming a little lighter.
Coming to a foreign land, it was impossible not to feel a bit nervous. Now that they were all assigned together and living in detached villas, it could be said to be an excellent start.
"Next is the struggle for the Elite Ten seats. As long as one can become a Totsuki Elite Ten member, they can become a formal member of the Dark Cooking Society."
"This is a privilege many Special Grade Chefs don't even get!"
Huang Mei's eyes were full of excitement. She came specifically for this.
Master Bai Yuan once sent word that as long as she could become a Totsuki Elite Ten member, she could directly become a formal member of the Dark Cooking Society.
Of course, with her talent, she could join eventually anyway. What she truly wanted was for Bai Yuan to look at her in a new light. That was what would truly make her happy.
"Indeed, the Dark Cooking Society's admission assessment must pass the difficult challenges personally set by the President. The difficulty is even higher than..."
As if remembering something, a hint of terror flashed across Zhang Chen's face. He then vigorously shook his head to make himself forget that matter.
As a First-Grade Head Chef, he had also participated in a similar assessment, and, as expected, returned in utter defeat.
"It mainly depends on the chef's rank. First-Grade Head Chefs have their own assessment methods. As long as one's talent is sufficient, success is still possible."
Ning Feng added from the side.
"Only by passing the Dark Cooking Society's assessment can one truly claim to be a member of the Dark Cooking Society when outside; otherwise, one cannot...."
Li Wanwan muttered to herself. She was one of the earliest to follow Bai Yuan, witnessing him establish the Dark Cooking Society with her own eyes.
Although she had gained the title of a formal member through seniority, she knew in her heart that she didn't truly possess that skill. That's why she wanted to come here and prove herself.
She, Li Wanwan, was second to none!
Among the Dark Cooking Society members who came here, there were a total of three formal members: herself, Liu Shi, and Wang Jing, among whom Liu Shi and Wang Jing were truly worthy of the title.
Though they seemed to be slacking off and lazy, they possessed extremely high talent and were genuine geniuses.
Glancing at Liu Shi and Wang Jing fooling around upstairs, Li Wanwan's eyes showed undisguised envy. If only she had such incredible talent.
"Alright, enough talk about that. I didn't bring much luggage this time. Tomorrow, I'll have to procure some things locally. Tonight, I'll have to rest early."
-
🔥 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