"Thump..."
"Thump."
"Thump!"
As the umami emerged, Kiyohime Koi's heart rate suddenly accelerated. Her eyes widened slightly as the umami burst like a bomb from deep within her mouth, releasing an extremely rich fish and lamb flavor.
"This is...? The aftershock of the umami!"
Her eyes filled with disbelief, a strong tide of aroma began to invade her body from within, as if retaliating for her gulping down the soup haphazardly.
"Lard? No, did you add lamb fat to this!?"
"That's right, I added lamb fat when frying the crucian carp. It helps whiten the soup."
Hoshino Sora explained softly. The main reason he didn't use lard was to avoid it overpowering the flavor. Fish and Lamb Freshness, as the name suggests, combines the flavors of fish and lamb to form the character for 'fresh.'
All the flavors were concentrated in this one bowl.
Looking at Kiyohime Koi, who was gripping the table tightly with an expression of extreme shock, Hoshino Sora's lips curled into a slight smile. Her reaction was exactly as he had expected.
Below the stage, Alice Nakiri, though she hadn't tasted the soup, still rubbed her thighs. Memories of last night flooded her mind, and her face flushed.
The power of that soup was far greater than what the female judge on stage was showing.
This was only the first movement!
"This feeling, this feeling is like being attacked from both above and below simultaneously by two people. A strong sense of impropriety swept through my body. It's a bit too stimulating! Ah!"
Her toes slightly curled, her thighs tensed, and her breathing quickened from slow. The powerful impact was too much for Kiyohime Koi to bear, and her loud voice made all the male spectators in the audience blush.
Seeing this, Nobuyuki Yamashita immediately distanced himself from her. He lowered his head to look at the soup in front of him, the desire in his eyes breaking through its placid appearance. He picked up the soup, first taking a tentative sip, then one gulp, then two...
"So fast."
When he came to his senses, the soup was already gone. Nishikigami Takashi's voice was filled with disbelief. He turned to look at Nobuyuki Yamashita, only to find the other man looking back at him.
Both of them had one thing in common: their bowls were completely empty, yet their bodies showed no changes, as if they had just drunk a glass of plain water.
Nonsense!
As soon as this thought emerged, the trembling on his tongue made him realize that things were not that simple. The rich umami began to work its way from the tip of his tongue, then spread throughout his body, reaching every limb and bone...
"This feeling is like a century-long blocked nose instantly clearing, the fresh aroma shooting straight to the crown of my head, and my consciousness becoming exceptionally clear at this moment."
Nobuyuki Yamashita spoke effusively, his eyes filled with intense excitement. If he had a bowl of such fresh soup every day during his high school years, he wouldn't have failed to get into university and been forced to inherit his family's seafood market.
"The texture of this lamb is amazing! It's incredibly tender, I feel like it melts away with just a slight press of the tongue."
After finishing the soup, three or two pieces of lamb remained in the bowl, also emitting a rich aroma. Kiyohime Koi, who had recovered slightly after drinking the soup, was the first to taste them.
The incredibly tender texture made one doubt it was lamb at all, but the taste was indeed lamb. It was fatty but not greasy, rich in flavor, without any gamey smell, and instead carried a faint freshness of crucian carp.
"It seems both contestants' dishes have received high praise from the judges."
"So, who will win this match?!"
As Kawashima Rei spoke, the microphone pointed to the three judges at the judging table. Their faces were projected onto the largest screen, and everyone in the venue focused their attention on them.
At this moment, they were engaged in an intense discussion.
"Bang! Is it really that difficult to decide whose dish is better or worse?!"
After about five minutes, Kurokiba Ryo, who couldn't wait any longer, strode to the judges, slamming his hands on the table and glaring at the three of them, his presence strong.
"We are very sorry, our level is limited, and both dishes are completely different styles, so..."
"Don't make excuses for your incompetence!"
Hearing Nishikigami Takashi's evasive words, Kurokiba Ryo became angry, glaring at the three judges in front of him. The atmosphere instantly became extremely tense.
"Let me taste your soup."
"I'll try yours too!"
Hoshino Sora immediately stepped forward to mediate. Kurokiba Ryo quickly turned his gaze to the pot of soup emitting a faint golden glow, picked up the pot, and drank it heroically.
Hoshino Sora also came to Kurokiba's dish at this time, but he didn't drink directly from the pot; instead, he scooped out a small bowl, because it looked quite greasy... It would probably be good with noodles, but drinking it directly felt like something was missing. The initial taste was extreme umami, with a large amount of mantis shrimp and sweet shrimp shells added, and the aftertaste was the umami of various fish, with a strong impact.
Looking at the soup in his hand, which had only one sip left, Hoshino Sora looked at Kurokiba Ryo. At this moment, he slowly untied his bandana and also noticed the soup left in Hoshino Sora's bowl.
"Let's call this a draw."
Hoshino Sora's voice was calm. In terms of pure impact, this soup was stronger than his, but in terms of umami, his was superior. Both could be said to have their own advantages, and their skill in handling ingredients was also comparable.
[Analyze Dish]: Crimson French Fish Soup
[Quality]: Silver (Medium)
[Analysis 41%]: Dish ingredients: shrimp brains, fish offal, mantis shrimp shells, sweet shrimp shells...
Silver (Medium) quality, so in terms of rank, he was evenly matched. Although Hoshino Sora believed his dish was superior, it was clearly not appropriate for him to say so.
"Losing is losing, winning is winning. Culinary duels never end in a draw. I lost this match. When is the next match scheduled?!"
As a chef, having one's dish not fully eaten by a diner was undoubtedly a great humiliation. Regardless of the outcome, Kurokiba Ryo felt a deep sense of defeat at that moment.
However, he didn't remain dejected for long. A few minutes later, his eyes were once again filled with fighting spirit as he looked at Hoshino Sora. The lingering taste of the Fish and Lamb Freshness ravaged his mouth. It looked like a very gentle and ordinary soup, but it concealed such profound depths within.
Clutching the bandana he had taken off earlier, his transformed state remained. His body was still full of vigor, and his fists were full of strength. In his current state, he could immediately have another match without any problem!
"Then, since Kurokiba-kun has conceded, the winner of this Shokugeki is? Hoshino Sora!"
Quest Complete: Rising Reputation
Quest Description: You accepted Kurokiba Ryo's challenge at the Dessert Research Society. One month later, you will compete at Starry Sky. At that time, many people will come to see you fail.
Quest Requirements: Win this match and make arrogant remarks at the competition venue.
Quest Reward: 2000 Reputation (Remaining 1000 Reputation will be granted upon completion of the declaration)
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future, no rush for now. This also applies to those sitting below. I believe many people came here to see me make a fool of myself. I'm sorry to disappoint you.
I'm saying this to everyone here. I accept any Shokugeki challenge, but before challenging, please bring a respectable track record. As I said at the entrance ceremony, most of you don't even qualify to be my stepping stones!"
As Kurokiba Ryo conceded, the system prompt sounded in Hoshino Sora's mind. His quest was complete, but only halfway. Faced with the temptation of 1000 reputation, Hoshino Sora decisively raised his voice.
"Go to hell, you bastard!"
"Who did you say doesn't even deserve to be a stepping stone?"
"You just got lucky and won. Don't get too arrogant!"
As expected, after he finished speaking, the audience immediately showed angry expressions. Instantly, all sorts of things were thrown from the stands. He even saw lace panties floating in the air.
What a heroine!
Dodging all the attacks, Hoshino Sora thought with a twitch of his lips. Immediately after, the system prompt for the remaining reward and a new quest sounded in his mind.
Quest Triggered: Trial of the Brave
Quest Description: You defeated Kurokiba Ryo at Starry Sky and made an arrogant declaration. Next, you must accept everyone's challenges. The rewards for each battle will vary depending on its influence.
Quest Requirements: Defeat opponents. The Trial of the Brave will completely disappear if you lose a Shokugeki.
Quest Reward: Not yet determined
Isn't this a divine artifact for grinding quests? As long as he doesn't lose, he can infinitely farm reputation. Plus, he just stirred up some hatred, so there will definitely be more challengers, not fewer, in the future.
"Hoshino-kun..."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was being glared at and cursed by everyone on the stage, Tadokoro Megumi nervously ate her words. Although the other party hadn't interacted much with her, he was, after all, her benefactor who saved her from expulsion.
"What an arrogant newcomer. He says even more outrageous things than Soma Yukihira. No wonder so many people are paying attention to him."
Sakaki Ryoko said, looking at Yukihira Soma sitting next to her. At this moment, his face was full of eagerness, and his lips were slightly upturned, clearly wanting to compete against the guy on stage.
"How passionate."
Her words carried a hint of emotion. Young people should be ambitious. However, Sakaki Ryoko, who said this, clearly forgot that she was the same age as them.
"He won? After being here for only a month, he still dares to say such arrogant things. He really doesn't know his place!"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's declaration, Eri Nai Nakiri clenched her fists. Far Moon was her pride. Although most people didn't impress her, that didn't stop her from considering Far Moon her pride.
However, to grow to such an extent in just one month? What a formidable man!
Eri Nai Nakiri would never forget the first dish he served her: a braised pig's trotters. Neither the cooking time, the taste, nor the appearance was an ideal dish.
It was even cold...
But in just two months, Hoshino Sora presented an egg dish that her tongue accepted, and now he had even defeated a strong opponent she acknowledged.
However, no matter how much Hoshino Sora improved, he could never surpass her! She would only progress at a faster rate and then crush him with absolute strength!
"A splendid match. Sora really dares to speak his mind, treating all of us as stepping stones?"
Glancing at Eri Nai Nakiri, who had bowed to her and gracefully departed, Kobayashi Rindo smiled widely at Hoshino Sora. Then she turned to look at Akikubo Momo, who also looked back at her. The two then rose together and left the special viewing area.
"You really do say things that offend people."
Looking at Hoshino Sora slowly walking off the stage, Alice Nakiri complained somewhat speechlessly. This guy really hadn't changed his ways. The entrance ceremony was one thing, but now he dared to say such things in front of three Elite Ten members.
"Only by bravely accepting all challenges can I become stronger. Being timid is not my style. And please take care of me for the coming year, Maid Alice-chan~"
Hoshino Sora said with a smile, then pinched her soft cheek, and walked away dashingly through the contestant's passage amidst a chorus of jeers.
Alice Nakiri took a deep look at Kurokiba Ryo on the stage, but found that his attention was not on her at all. She could only sigh softly and scurried to catch up.
"I must win the next match!"
Clenching his fists, Kurokiba Ryo looked up at the two people who had left, especially Alice Nakiri's back, and made a silent vow. He had originally thought he could rescue his lady after this match, but he didn't expect to lose himself.
Although he lost by a very small margin, losing was losing. There was nothing to explain.
Now, what he needed to consider was how to fight again? Become an Elite Ten? Then use his Elite Ten status to challenge him.
This seemed to be the best way to satisfy Hoshino Sora's statement.
Become an Elite Ten, and then use that most respectable achievement to challenge Hoshino Sora!
Thinking this, Kurokiba Ryo's fighting spirit reignited. He then turned around and slowly walked away towards the contestant passage he came from, his breathing slightly heavy. He was going into seclusion to train!
As the two main contestants left, the audience also gradually dispersed. What was lively upon arrival became desolate upon departure. The venue returned to silence within twenty minutes.
Until the last person leaving turned off the lights.
On the way to Alice Nakiri's house, she remained silent, looking preoccupied. Hoshino Sora also didn't speak, merely silently guarding her side.
"I can't believe Ryo actually lost."
After a long pause, Alice Nakiri finally spoke, her voice filled with disbelief.
Although she knew Hoshino Sora was very strong, she had spent more time with Kurokiba Ryo and understood him better, so subconsciously, she believed he would win.
"It was a lucky victory. To be honest, I think this dish should have ended in a draw."
The image of Kurokiba Ryo conceding flashed through his mind. Although he subjectively believed his dish was superior, if professional evaluators were to judge, it was truly uncertain who would win or lose.
"Don't act all humble after getting a good deal. Being able to serve a soup like that undoubtedly proves your skill. Why do you have such good cooking skills? It's annoying."
Alice Nakiri patted Hoshino Sora's shoulder rapidly, her cheeks puffed out as she spoke. This guy really was acting humble after getting the advantage. A win was a win; there was nothing more to say.
"Then, please take care of me from now on."
"Got it, I won't go back on my word!"
She sighed softly. She was willing to accept her loss. She didn't dislike being Hoshino Sora's maid. Although he sometimes forced her to do things she didn't like, overall, it was still good.
It's just that, having him as a butler would clearly be more effective...
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