"Don't be discouraged, you've done very well, much better than I expected. But the cooking tasks I gave you must continue. Strive to shine brightly in the next event!"
Hoshino Sora comforted her gently. To be honest, she had worked very hard, learning to cook with him every night. That night when she initiative came to him, it even startled him.
Her determined eyes and serious attitude were truly moving.
"Yes, I will. I definitely won't disappoint you."
"It's not for me, it's for yourself."
Looking at Shiina Mahiru's incredibly lively eyes, Hoshino Sora corrected her.
"For myself…"
"That's right, we are all fighting for ourselves."
Hoshino Sora said with a smile. He was a selfish person, always fighting for himself, and he had come this far thanks to that.
"No, I want to fight for you.
Ah, that is, how to put it, don't misunderstand, what I mean is that you have guided me so much, so I should achieve something for you to see. This is my current motivation to strive."
Seemingly realizing that what she said was a bit off, Shiina Mahiru quickly began to explain, her face slightly flushed, her eyes darting around, looking somewhat flustered.
"No need to explain. Well, this is also a way. Everyone has their own way of living. I won't impose my ideas on you. Just follow your own thoughts."
"Okay."
Hearing this, Shiina Mahiru responded very softly, then nodded, her eyes showing a hint of shyness. The true meaning of "fighting for you" was probably known only to her.
"Let's eat. Speaking of which, I still have to thank Senior Kobayashi for getting me such fresh lobsters, otherwise it would have been a bit troublesome."
"You're welcome. I'm happy to help my adorable junior. Hmm… next time, make that Kung Pao Shrimp that all the judges raved about for me to try."
"There will be a chance."
[Complete Autumn Elections Stage Task ①]: Achieve a top three finish in the Autumn Elections preliminary round.
[Task Requirement]: Achieve a top three finish in the preliminary round.
[Task Reward]: 3000 Reputation Points.
[Current Reputation]: 9300.
[Triggered Task]: Autumn Elections.
[Triggered Stage Task ②]: Battle! Win the First Battle!
[Task Description]: The task is already very clear. Only by winning the first battle will the subsequent tasks be unlocked. The final task reward is very generous!
Task Reward: ① 1000 Reputation Points.
At the end of the party, Hoshino Sora's mind echoed with the system's notification sound, which also made him shiver with excitement, a thrilled expression on his face.
With the reputation from this task, Chef's Heart was within reach!
——————
China, Oriental Academy.
"Long time no see, Tani Ren, how have you been recently?"
A chubby man with a walrus mustache, wearing a white chef's uniform, patted Hoshino Tani Ren's shoulder and said with a smile. It was evident that their relationship was very good.
"Thanks for your concern, I'm very healthy."
Hoshino Tani Ren's voice was full of vigor, and his steps were steady, looking nothing like a Parkinson's patient.
"Then come with me. Before entering, cleanse and change, and together we will prepare dinner for that esteemed person. You are responsible for the fourth dish, to be served around 6:55 PM."
"Understood."
Taking off his white gloves, Hoshino Tani Ren followed behind the chubby man in white, slowly moving forward.
"Yo, long time no see, Joichiro, you're here too."
"You too, long time no see, Senior Tani Ren."
——————
Contestants entering the preliminary round:
Group A: Hoshino Sora, Kurokiba Ryo, Yukihira Soma, Hayama Akira, Yumeko Jabami, Yoshino Yuki.
Group B: Alice Nakiri, Hisako Arato, Takumi, Tadokoro Megumi, Mimasaka Subaru, Mito Ikumi.
The morning before the competition.
Hoshino Sora's room door opened.
"Wake up, wake up! Hoshino-kun~ You didn't forget that we have to go listen to the main competition briefing today, did you?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was still lying in bed, Yumeko Jabami couldn't help but shake his body and shout.
"Huh? Was there such a thing…?"
Hoshino Sora woke up, shaken, and his expression turned subtle after hearing what was said; he really didn't know about this matter. What kind of setting is this main competition explanation?
"Hurry up and change your clothes. The car picking us up is already waiting downstairs. By the way, you have a really good physique."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, whose quilt had slipped off after he got up, revealing his strong muscles, Yumeko Jabami's face flushed slightly. Does this guy not wear clothes when he sleeps? Such a body is too attractive to women!
"Want to touch it?"
Looking at Yumeko Jabami's slightly burning gaze, Hoshino Sora asked playfully.
"Can I?"
"Of course, if it's Yumeko, then there's no problem."
Gulp.
Hearing Hoshino Sora say that, Yumeko Jabami's heart fluttered. She reached out and gently stroked his pectoral muscles, then his shark muscles, and his abs. So firm, and what a great feel!
Being touched like this, Hoshino Sora's face also flushed a little, and his heart rate sped up considerably. He now only wanted to reach out and hug Yumeko Jabami, then do something intense.
But he couldn't. If he did, he'd be finished...
Endurance and rationality were barely holding on. Hoshino Sora's hand slowly moved forward. Their current position was perfect for an embrace.
"What are you two dawdling about? The car has been waiting for a long time."
Mito Ikumi's voice from the doorway made both of them tremble, then they immediately separated, their faces deeply flushed.
Especially Hoshino Sora, his hand was still suspended in mid-air, for a moment he didn't know whether to extend it or retract it. He was about to hug her, but Yumeko Jabami pulled away.
"Hurry up and get dressed and come downstairs. I'll wait for you outside."
Startled, Yumeko Jabami's body trembled subtly, but she didn't avert her gaze.
"Understood!"
After that, Yumeko Jabami retreated, and Hoshino Sora also threw off the covers and got out of bed to change his clothes.
After finishing, he arrived downstairs at Yōbi Dormitory. Alice Nakiri was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Hoshino Sora, she immediately stepped forward and grabbed his arm with both hands.
"So slow!"
Looking at the young man's handsome face, Alice Nakiri pouted and said coquettishly. She had been waiting downstairs for about ten minutes, and the sun was almost tanning her!
"Sorry, sorry, I was delayed by something for a bit."
"I want to ride in the same car as you."
"Alright, alright, we'll ride in the same car."
Listening to Alice Nakiri's eager face, Hoshino Sora said dotingly, then, led by her, he got into the same car with her. When he got in, he could clearly see a smile on her face, looking very happy.
"Those two have such a good relationship."
Watching Hoshino Sora and Alice Nakiri leave in the same car, Mito Ikumi couldn't help but sigh. She wondered what had happened for Hoshino Sora to be so familiar with that young lady.
Alice Nakiri, a legendary figure on par with Erina Nakiri, known as the best below the Elite Ten, ranked first in Preliminary Block B with a score of 95, and second overall.
"Mmm, let's get in the car too."
Nodding, Yumeko Jabami didn't speak, but silently got into another car. Mito Ikumi followed closely behind. The two cars, with six people including the drivers, headed towards the independent building used for the Totsuki Ten Elite meeting.
In the car carrying Hoshino Sora and Alice Nakiri.
"Just wait, I'll win all the matches until I challenge you again."
In the car, the two sat side by side. Alice Nakiri put her hand to her chest, striking a pose, her words full of confidence, her eyes showing fighting spirit, full of determination.
"Then, before you compete with me, you're not allowed to lose to anyone else, okay?"
"Never! Even if I meet you, I won't lose. Just clean your neck and wait."
"Then, shall we make a bet?"
Looking at Alice Nakiri's confident demeanor, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but laugh.
"Huh? What kind of bet... I won't call you master in public, but perhaps in private, Master~ Master~"
As she spoke, Alice Nakiri leaned closer and whispered into Hoshino Sora's ear. That voice immediately made Hoshino Sora feel numb. This little girl really knows how to do it!
"Ahem, I haven't decided on the terms of the bet yet. How about this: the loser must grant the winner one reasonable request."
Looking at Alice Nakiri, who had leaned back slightly and was smiling at him after speaking, Hoshino Sora coughed twice lightly before saying that he didn't think he would lose in cooking.
"What if you lose without even meeting me?"
Blinking her eyes, Alice Nakiri asked this question.
"In that case, I lose. Similarly, if you lose without meeting me, then you lose."
"Alright, this time I definitely won't lose to you. I've grown a lot in these two months! Just open your eyes and watch carefully!"
'Anyway, if I lose, you'll only ask for my stockings, right?' Alice Nakiri thought to herself. This complete foot fetish pervert, she could tell his purpose for proposing the bet with her toes.
If it was just stockings, since she had given them many times before, even if she felt a little embarrassed, it was still acceptable, especially if the person was Hoshino Sora.
No, no, why am I already thinking about losing? This isn't right, she has to win!
"Then let's wait and see."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's reply, Hoshino Sora nodded seriously. He also didn't think he would lose after a month of special training. He could now consistently produce Silver (Intermediate) level dishes.
In extremely serious and good conditions, it wasn't impossible to make Silver (High-grade) dishes. His strength had truly reached the Elite Ten level.
Silver (High-grade) was the dividing line among them.
Erina Nakiri.
I've caught up to you.
Looking out the window, Hoshino Sora thought smugly. It was a pity that she wouldn't participate in the Autumn Elections, otherwise they could compete on the cooking stage.
And Yumeko Jabami, that girl has been very vocal recently. He could also use this opportunity to compete with her and teach her a lesson. He was looking forward to seeing her expression after she lost.
However...
Who will be his opponent in the first match?
It's truly exciting!
——————
Eizan sat in the chair behind the Board of Directors, and Isshiki Satoshi sat at the Board of Directors. Both of them held papers and documents, but the colors were slightly different.
Erina Nakiri stood beside them, her arms crossed, holding her chest with a calm expression, wearing the standard student uniform, and a three-colored plaid pleated skirt on her lower body.
However, her standing there seemed like an accessory.
"It's an honor to meet you. You must be Hoshino Sora, who came in first in the Autumn Elections. I often hear the juniors in our dormitory mention you. Now that I've met you, you are indeed an outstanding talent."
"Senior Isshiki, I've also often heard about your deeds. And Senior Ruisan, we should have met before. I received a lot of care from you before I enrolled."
He greeted them politely. Facing three Elite Ten members at once, Hoshino Sora did not show any fear, after all, Elite Ten members of higher seats were living in their dormitory.
"Work hard. Don't lose in the first match, that would be a letdown."
Looking at Hoshino Sora's face, Eizan said with a straight face. From his expression, it was impossible to tell if he was happy or angry; he was very reserved.
"According to the draw results, Hoshino, you will appear in the first match, and the theme of the duel is 'Hamburger'. The time is in the morning, which means it's a breakfast dish."
"Prepare the necessary ingredients today and get ready for tomorrow's match."
With a smile on his face, Isshiki Satoshi's voice was gentle as he looked at the information in his hand.
"Hamburger? Who eats a hamburger in the morning?"
Hoshino Sora couldn't help but complain.
"That's why it's chosen as an exam topic. How to solve it is up to you, the contestants."
"Then, who is my opponent?"
——————
The next day.
Tsukiten Space.
"Thank you all for waiting!"
Kawashima Rei's voice echoed in the center of Tsukiten Space. At this moment, Tsukiten Space was full of people, not only students from Far Moon Academy, but also people from all over the world. Those who could come here were more or less accomplished in the culinary field.
"The Autumn Elections main competition, first match, first round, first to appear is contestant Hoshino Sora, who advanced strongly from Preliminary Block A with the first-place score."
Hearing Kawashima Rei's voice, Hoshino Sora slowly walked forward, carrying a knife bag over his shoulder, his eyes sharp.
"Go, Hoshino-kun!"
"Go for it! Don't lose here!"
Shiina Mahiru and Tadokoro Megumi sat together, cheering for him from below. Yumeko Jabami watched silently, while Alice Nakiri cheered enthusiastically.
"And, his opponent is? Mito Ikumi, who advanced from Block B with the sixth-place score!"
"Mito, you can do it too! Crush him!"
"So, who exactly are you guys cheering for?"
Hearing Shiina Mahiru's voice, Alice Nakiri turned her head and said somewhat speechlessly. How could this person be cheering for both contestants in the arena?
"After all, they are both important companions, so we can't show favoritism."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's question, Shiina Mahiru answered cautiously. After all, they were all companions from Yōbi Dormitory. It would be too much to only cheer for one of them.
"What's too much? Cheering for the strong, that's what's normal."
Alice Nakiri said it as a matter of course. Mito Ikumi, she remembered her as that little follower beside Erina Nakiri, but recently she hadn't seen them together much.
Did they have a falling out?
"Heh heh, it's really lively. Are there a thousand people here? Five thousand? Or ten thousand? There are too many people to count. Meat-chan, are you nervous?"
Looking at Mito Ikumi, whose expression was clearly off after getting on stage, Hoshino Sora spoke in a half-joking tone.
"It's a small scene. I'm not nervous at all. Let me tell you beforehand, even if my opponent is from the same dormitory, I won't go easy."
Mito Ikumi took a deep breath, trying her best not to appear nervous. Looking at Hoshino Sora, who had a relaxed smile on his face, she stubbornly retorted.
"That's good. I'm nervous, though. My body is trembling non-stop, and I can even feel a slight tingling on my skin. Presenting a dish in front of so many people is truly a big test."
"Hearing you say that, I'm also a little bit..."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Mito Ikumi also admitted it. Competing in cooking in front of so many people, people with average mental fortitude simply couldn't handle it.
"No matter what, let's compete with all our might. To avoid leaving any regrets for each other, a proper sense of tension can also enhance the dish, you know."
"Of course I know! I'll give it my all!"
Mito Ikumi could say she understood Hoshino Sora's strength very well. After all, they were dormitory mates and often ate each other's cooking.
Her first opponent was him. Although she didn't want to admit it, Mito Ikumi still felt that her chances of winning were very small.
But what did that matter? Facing challenges head-on was what an excellent chef should do.
Let's have a hearty battle!
When it comes to hamburgers, beef burgers are undoubtedly the most popular and delicious type of hamburger. Coincidentally, her family is the leader in Japan's beef industry, possessing the highest quality meat.
Heh heh heh, Hoshino-kun, just watch, this is the power of connections!
Watching Hoshino Sora slowly walk towards his cooking station to prepare, Mito Ikumi couldn't help but mutter to herself. Her research in meat, without a doubt, was at an expert level!
Then, looking at Hoshino Sora.
After learning that his opponent was Mito Ikumi, he did not relax his guard; instead, an alarm bell rang in his heart.
Although she had lost to Yukihira Soma before, this didn't mean she was weak. In fact, in certain specific themes, she could be said to be incredibly powerful.
Hamburgers were one of them.
So, for the victory of the match, he did not intend to compete with Mito Ikumi on meat. Attacking her strength with his weakness was not a smart choice.
So...
"The first match, the theme is 'Hamburger', with a time limit of 2 hours!"
As Kawashima Rei's voice fell, the atmosphere group in Tsukiten Space began to play music, with horns blowing and bells ringing, instantly bringing the atmosphere to its peak.
The Far Moon Academy's Director, Nakitiri Senzaemon, also stood up at this moment, pointing at the two people standing at the cooking stations: "Cooking, begin!"
As the voice faded, Hoshino Sora began making the dough. The first step was to prepare a Tangzhong, a cooking method commonly used in Japanese toast to make the bread soft and delicious.
The water content reached an astonishing sixty-eight percent. Of course, making hamburger buns doesn't require such a high water content.
Flour, water, and milk were placed in a pot and heated over medium heat. At around sixty-five degrees Celsius, the dough in the pot quickly expanded, looking somewhat similar to a puff pastry.
Hoshino Sora worked skillfully, quickly finishing the dough and setting it aside to ferment.
Next, he began working on the most crucial part of this hamburger.
A large pile of mushrooms was poured onto the table. Hoshino Sora, holding a chef's knife, focused intently on preparing them. His knife work was sharp, and in no time, he had chopped the mushrooms into fine pieces.
Time passed minute by minute. Everyone's attention was focused on the two individuals on stage, but both were in their zone, completely oblivious to the many gazes upon them.
"Alright, both sides are nearing completion. The first to finish is... Mito Ikumi!"
"Super Deluxe Invincible Double-Layer Beef Burger! Please enjoy."
Stepping up to the judges' table, Mito Ikumi faced the five old men and unveiled her dish: a super deluxe double-layer beef burger emitting an incredibly rich umami aroma!
Standing about ten centimeters tall, its mere presence conveyed a sense of majesty.
"It's here! Mito's specialty meat dish!"
"It smells so good! Just smelling it makes my stomach rumble!"
"Ahhh! I should have eaten breakfast! Why do they make me watch this?!"
"The one who didn't eat breakfast is truly brave. You'll probably be starving this morning!"
"What a magnificent sight."
The bald old man with white hair on both sides couldn't help but exclaim. Although eating so much meat for breakfast might be excessive, looking at the dish before him, he was willing to make room for it.
Picking up the double-layer beef burger, Nakitiri Senzaemon exhaled a long breath, then opened his mouth wide and took a big bite.
A rich, substantial texture spread through his mouth. The man with glasses on the right, dressed in scholarly attire, immediately widened his eyes.
"White radish and onions were added to this patty, weren't they? The white radish and onions were first simmered in beef broth, soaking up the beef's flavor.
This also mellowed the beef, making it a beef patty suitable for breakfast."
"Not only that, the burger bun also uses rye bread, which has a heavy texture, unique aroma, and a good chewiness. Its slight sourness creates a wonderful harmony with the burger itself."
"The texture of top-grade beef is truly excellent. It's been a long time since I've had A5 grade beef. It's tender and smooth on the palate, with a perfect fat-to-lean ratio, and cooked to perfection, as if it's galloping through nature."
Hearing the judges' comments on stage, Mito Ikumi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although they didn't say it was excellent, at least it wasn't bad. There was so little room for innovation on a burger. Now, it was up to Hoshino Sora.
If the opponent also presented a beef burger, then she would win this match. However... the possibility of him directly competing with her was extremely small. Chicken patty? Pork patty? Fish patty? Or perhaps some wild beast's meat patty?
If he wanted to win, he would likely have to achieve a surprise victory in that aspect.
However, turning her head, a distinctly different aroma from a meat patty drifted from not far away, forming faint threads that wafted through the venue. Glancing at Mito Ikumi standing nearby, Hoshino Sora carried his covered dish forward.
"Please enjoy!"
-----------------------------
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