The moment he won, a familiar chime rang in Shun's mind.
"Ding. Congratulations to the host on completing the quest [Apex of the New Gourmet Star].
Overall culinary rating greatly increased.
Energy Points +800.
Special reward obtained: [Setsuno's Kitchen Notes] (Fragment) x1."
Barely containing his excitement, Shun opened the special item.
[Setsuno's Kitchen Notes] (Fragment 5)
Description: A page from Setsuno-baasan's personal kitchen notes detailing insights on "energy harmonization" and "fire control." Though not a complete lineage, every line brims with the national treasure chef's profound grasp of a food's energetic essence and peerless handling techniques.
Effect: Upon use, slightly and permanently increases sensitivity to ingredient energy and precision of control. Very small chance to enter a "satori" state while reading, instantly comprehending an advanced technique for energy processing.
Remark: This is page 5 of 10. Collecting more fragments may reveal the full essence of the Setsuno school.
…As expected of special-reward items—this was the good stuff.
Without hesitation, Shun used it—of course, no one else could see this process.
"Ding. Use [Setsuno's Kitchen Notes] (Fragment)?"
"Yes."
The fragment vanished, transforming into a warm, gentle golden stream that sank between Shun's brows.
A light "hum" resonated in his head.
Then a cool, countless-filament flow of information-tinged energy poured into the depths of his awareness.
His eyes closed of their own accord; with them, the noise of the room fell away.
Vague yet profound images and lines of text surfaced in his mind—fleeting moments in which Setsuno-baasan, after years in the kitchen handling top-class ingredients, grasped the feel of their inner nature and the hair-fine timing of fire.
A true epiphany.
Things in cooking and Shigi he couldn't quite parse before grew crystal clear.
At the same time, his senses sharpened.
Even with eyes shut, he could more distinctly feel the faint currents of gourmet energy in the air—and could almost "hear" the lingering auras of ingredients on the nearby stations.
So this is the "Setsuno Notes"—and this is just a single fragment's boost!
He hardly dared imagine what gathering the remaining nine would do.
"Ding! Use successful. Host's energy perception acuity increased. Energy control precision increased. Understanding of Shigi deepened."
The system's confirmation matched his feelings.
He hadn't triggered the ultra-low-probability "satori" to learn a specific high-level technique on the spot, but this across-the-board strengthening of fundamentals made him more than satisfied.
This was far more valuable than memorizing a recipe or two.
Not bad—this trip to Gourmet City had been worth every second. He'd gained a lot.
After spending another full week in the Gourmet City, Shun immersed himself in its food-centric splendor and diversity.
He sampled every kind of street snack tucked in alleys and visited several famed star restaurants, broadening his horizons and deepening his feel for this world.
A week later, both Shun and Miyoko felt content.
Shun also sensed his accumulation reaching a new threshold. It was time to return to Shokurin Temple—and begin the final training in Shigi. (Gourmet Etiquette)
A few days later, Shun and Miyoko arrived back at Shokurin Temple.
This time, the two of them found the temple gate with ease.
They passed through and into the courtyard. The man carefully trimming a strange bonsai paused and turned.
His gaze fell on Shun. For a heartbeat, the world-weary clarity in his eyes flashed with undisguised surprise.
The Shun before him was markedly different from the youth who had left.
Not more oppressive, but more contained—deeper. The surface was calm, yet something immeasurable roiled beneath.
That hadn't been there before.
Shun's control over his energy and presence had nearly reached a state of seamless, effortless harmony.
Before, Shuu-sensei could read Shun's strength at a glance; now, it was hazy at best.
Such change wasn't something a single tournament victory could bring. It felt like a fundamental molt—his understanding of Shigi had leapt to a new plane.
Setting down the shears, Shuu-sensei's stern features softened into a relieved, knowing smile. "You're back? It seems you gained even more than I expected on this journey… Looks like someone stronger than me gave you guidance."
Shun wasn't surprised he could see that—and he wasn't wrong.
Setsuno-baasan was, after all, a reclusive master; there were precious few in this world who surpassed her.
Shun bowed. "Yes. I benefited a lot."
"It appears there's no need for further preparations," Shuu-sensei said, tinged with emotion and expectation—he had watched Shun grow step by step. "Shun, you now have the qualifications to challenge the Final Secret of Shigi. It's time to attempt the capture of the Soap Bubble Fruit. I'll inform Chin Chinchin-shihan. Be ready."
The Soap Bubble Fruit—Shokurin Temple's final trial.
True to its name, the fruit is as fragile as a soap bubble. If one's Shigi isn't pure enough, if one's heart is unsettled, if one's motion is even slightly off, the fruit instantly bursts and vanishes—utterly untouchable.
To capture it, one must fuse Shigi into every movement—mind, skill, and body in complete unity. It demands an extremity of control over strength, breath, and even intent.
Confidence lit Shun's eyes. He had waited for this moment a long time.
"Mm. I'm ready."
Shuu-sensei nodded. "You just returned—no need to rush. Rest a few days, let what you gained settle, and bring your body and mind to their peak. When the time comes, Chin Chinchin-shihan will personally instruct you in the final secret of the Soap Bubble Fruit."
In the days that followed, Shun and Miyoko secluded themselves for quiet practice in Shokurin Temple.
Shun did not slacken. He kept to his fundamentals day by day, making thorough preparations for the final trial.
…
(End of Chapter)
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