First, a multifunctional mobile cooking station was wheeled in.
Then came a large bundle of ingredients—potatoes, tomatoes, and chicken that all looked noticeably superior to ordinary produce.
These ingredients, of course, were sourced from Teyvat.
For today's showcase, Bai Mo had prepared everything meticulously:
Spices from Sumeru, rich butter, freshly purchased poultry, and tomatoes and potatoes from Qingce Village.
Under Bai Mo's hands, the ingredients were processed with steady precision.
Yet, many in the audience couldn't help but frown as they watched.
His cooking skills seemed… average at best. Barely passable, really.
Sure, his knife work was impressive, but the rest of his technique appeared rudimentary—almost like a beginner's.
Yet, as each ingredient transformed under his touch, an intoxicating aroma began filling the air.
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.
They had watched every step of Bai Mo's cooking process.
The potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, butter—nothing seemed extraordinary on its own.
But then, with just a sprinkle of powdered fruit pulp, the entire dish erupted with an indescribable fragrance—a harmonious blend of dozens of layered scents!
"Done! Sumeru Butter Chicken~"
As Bai Mo plated the dish, the aroma intensified, flooding the entire venue.
That smell—!
Even Sōma Yukihira, who had been idly twirling a cinnamon stick, snapped to attention.
This scent… Even with his encyclopedic knowledge of spices, he couldn't identify anything like it.
And the way the flavors melded together—it felt more natural than any artificially blended spice mix!
Bai Mo smirked at the stunned reactions.
Worth every penny spent on the Sumeru Spice Fruit and its unique preparation.
Directly stimulating the senses—now that left an impression.
"Made plenty, so though the portions are small, everyone should get a taste!"
As he stepped aside, a team of assistants moved in with measuring cups.
Each person received a tiny plastic cup—barely 10 milliliters—just enough for a single bite.
But no one complained.
Every student at Totsuki was too eager to experience that mysterious flavor for themselves.
Bai Mo had cooked an entire potful, so the distribution was handled without his involvement.
Leaning back in his chair, he casually enjoyed his own portion.
After a bite, he had to admit—his cooking skills were still rough.
What should've been a three-star dish barely scraped two stars, thanks to his technique.
Still, the quality of the ingredients carried it, making it a uniquely flavorful experience.
Beside him, Gin Dōjima settled down with his own plate of butter chicken—and a generous bowl of rice.
"Want some? Had this cooked specially while you were preparing the dish."
"Now that's service." Bai Mo accepted without hesitation, digging into the meal.
"Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish," Gin mused. "Traditionally, the chicken is marinated overnight with cheese, ginger, garlic, and red chili powder. But yours used fresh poultry straight away."
Bai Mo waved him off. "Old man, I'm not here to teach cooking. Totsuki's got that covered."
"But tell me—did this dish give you a different sensation?"
Gin paused, then nodded. "Flaws aside, the depth of flavor is unforgettable."
"Traditional butter chicken uses garam masala—coriander, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger. Yet you achieved this complexity with just one fruit's pulp. Incredible."
Bai Mo glanced at the Sumeru Spice Fruit resting on the counter, now the center of everyone's attention.
"I only used half. The rest is a gift to Totsuki. And for Erina—"
At some point, Erina Nakiri had appeared beside them, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Bai Mo grinned. "I'll give you two extra. Can't wait to see what you'll create with them."
"R-Really?!" Erina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Don't worry—I'll develop something far superior!"
(Your dish had way too many flaws.)
Bai Mo just chuckled. "First time making it. I've got plenty to learn."
"But if you serve me a dish I truly enjoy, I'll bring you another rare ingredient next time."
"Deal!"
Watching his granddaughter and Bai Mo's exchange, Gin Dōjima silently continued eating his butter chicken rice, choosing not to interrupt.
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T/N:
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