The modern world didn't have many ingredients worth noting.
After collecting most of the biological samples and storing them in his Gourmet World, Bai Mo decided it was time to leave.
Seeing Thor happily building a snowman in the distance, he called out, "Thor, we're heading home!"
"Huh? Already?" Thor turned, brushing snow off her hands. "Want me to open a portal?"
As a dragon, Thor naturally possessed magic capable of crossing worlds. Bai Mo had initially planned to use his Gourmet World to slip back unnoticed, but since Thor could already pinpoint their original world, he dismissed the idea.
Still, her ability to freely traverse dimensions made him slightly uneasy. If someone with ill intentions had this power, wouldn't my world be in danger?
But he wasn't too worried. If things ever went south, he could always escape.
Besides, why waste Thor's magic when he could exploit the system instead?
After sending Thor into his Gourmet World, Bai Mo initiated the return sequence.
Back in his familiar bedroom, he didn't immediately summon Thor.
His sister, Sora, was still at home—bringing a stranger in out of nowhere would be hard to explain.
So after dropping Sora off at school, Bai Mo found a secluded spot to summon Thor.
"So, this is your world?" Thor looked around curiously. "Seems pretty similar to the last one."
"More or less," Bai Mo shrugged. "Though there are some differences."
"Come on, I'll take you to a show. Might as well grab some good food while we're at it."
"Is it as good as your cooking?"
"Not yet. But soon it might be. After all, she's the chef I've chosen."
"Hmph." Thor snorted, snatching the keys to his motorcycle. "I want to try riding this thing."
Assuming she was just curious about modern vehicles, Bai Mo didn't object.
And honestly, seeing Thor in her maid outfit straddling the bike was quite the sight.
After a quick rundown of the controls, Thor—with her dragon-level intellect—mastered it instantly.
Soon, they were speeding down the streets at a reckless 200 km/h on a road with a 60 km/h limit.
While Bai Mo could handle the speed, the traffic cameras and pedestrians were another issue.
"Relax," Thor said casually. "I've cast a confusion spell. They won't notice us."
Magic really is convenient.
No police stopped them, and the speed cameras only recorded blurry glitches—probably dismissed as malfunctions.
Once they arrived near Totsuki Academy, Thor lifted the spell.
Today was a special lecture at Totsuki, and under Director Senzaemon Nakiri's orders, the entire student body—over 20,000 people—had gathered in the Moon Banquet Hall, waiting.
Backstage, Teruteru Hanazawa clutched her lucky charm, whispering prayers under her breath.
Beside her, Ryoko Sakaki and Yuki Yoshino exchanged glances, understanding their friend's nerves.
Cooking in front of the entire academy? Even the middle school division had been called in. The pressure was immense.
"Has Bai Mo arrived yet?" Yuki asked.
"Not yet," Teruteru murmured.
"At least the ingredients were delivered yesterday," Ryoko said. "You've already prepped everything, right?"
"Yeah, but… cooking for 20,000 people…" Yuki sighed. "Still, Teru's come a long way."
It was true. Whether it was Yuki's spiced roast chicken or Teruteru's dish today, both had clearly evolved beyond their usual skills.
Ryoko, however, felt a pang of frustration. Was I just not good enough to catch his attention?
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
The door opened, revealing Erina Nakiri and her assistant, Hisako Arato.
"The venue is ready," Erina announced coolly. "You can step out whenever."
Her gaze lingered on Teruteru's trembling hands, a flicker of disdain in her eyes.
He chose this nobody over me?
She was determined to see just how far Teruteru's cooking could go.
Teruteru noticed Erina's look—one she'd seen countless times as Totsuki's former bottom-dweller.
Her shaking worsened.
Then, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Hey, everyone still here? Perfect timing."
"Bai Mo!" Teruteru's eyes shimmered with relief.
Seeing her teary-eyed, Bai Mo frowned. "Giving up?"
"N-No! I'm just… scared."
"Of what?" He crossed his arms. "You think your dish is bad?"
"N-No, it should be good…"
"Then what's there to fear?" His tone turned sharp. "If anyone dares look down on you, just blacklist them. Let them watch while we eat. Sounds fun, right?"
"W-Well, maybe not that fun…" But despite her words, a small smile tugged at her lips.
"Good. Then get out there and show me what you've got." He locked eyes with her. "Remember—this is your test. Whether you're worthy to keep following me."
Teruteru inhaled deeply, then glanced at Erina.
A spark of determination ignited in her eyes.
After exchanging nods with Ryoko and Yuki, she straightened her chef's uniform and strode toward the stage.
Bai Mo smirked. "Not bad. She's changed."
Erina opened her mouth to retort but stopped herself. "Since the chef is ready, let's go. I'm curious what kind of dish she'll present."
"Same here."
As they left the waiting room, Bai Mo called Thor over.
The girls briefly eyed the maid-clad dragon but said nothing—servants weren't exactly unusual in their world.
And Thor? She barely spared them a glance.
Once seated, Bai Mo watched as Teruteru stood center stage, surrounded by cooking equipment.
A grin spread across his face.
Looks like she might actually surprise me.
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T/N:
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