"You two, you've passed."
"Yay!"
Hearing Sakurai Yuri's words, Hoshino Sora and Hisako Arato showed incredibly excited expressions, then instinctively high-fived, a crisp sound echoing in the assessment room.
"Teacher, what about us...?"
Watching Hoshino Sora and Hisako Arato, who had successfully completed their task and left gracefully, the two students who had presented their dishes before them but failed to capture Sakurai Yuri's attention cautiously spoke up. Seeing her previous performance, they didn't dare to speak, only waiting patiently on the side.
"You two, I guess you passed."
Thinking that it was indeed her negligence earlier, allowing the dishes presented by the first two students to cool, Sakurai Yuri ultimately allowed them to pass. The reason was simple: if they lacked skill, even if they passed the first stage, they would eventually be eliminated in the subsequent selections.
"That's great!"
"Yes!"
----------
"Congratulations, you've passed the assessment."
"How is that possible? Such an unremarkable dish can pass the assessment? Was the chief examiner bribed?"
"Exactly! Why can't our luxurious lobster dish pass, but this guy's clam omelet passed so easily?!"
Looking at the dish that was judged as passed after only one bite, the two recently eliminated students spoke up, feeling very unwilling. Then they felt as if they were being stared at by a tiger.
"Because you are simply not on the same level of contestants. Food like this, once tasted, you'll know. Or are you dissatisfied with my judgment?"
"We are very sorry!"
This was Yumeko Jabami and Mito Ikumi's examination room.
On the other side, as the teacher tasted and gave a passing evaluation, Tadokoro Megumi and Shiina Mahiru collapsed onto the ground with their hands clasped together, their faces filled with expressions of having survived a disaster. The sweat on their backs had already soaked through their clothes.
For them, passing this assessment was a very difficult feat.
People in other examination rooms also gradually passed the assessment. Everyone was fortunate not to encounter Kojiro Shinomiya. It was said that only two people passed the assessment in his examination room; all other students were eliminated.
Passing by Kojiro Shinomiya's assessment area, Hoshino Sora heard waves of wailing. Students passing by were complaining about the strictness of the exam, their faces revealing expressions of utter despair.
"Senior Shinomiya's place is really strict."
Looking indifferently at Shinomiya's assessment area right next door, Hoshino Sora stood in the gathering area full of students, following the crowd onto the bus that had been waiting for them for a long time.
After all, this dreadful place was still a long distance from the hotel.
"Finally, we've successfully passed the assessment. But your knife skills have improved greatly. Have you learned the technique for slicing duck before?"
Lazily stretching, Hisako Arato couldn't help but ask curiously, looking at Hoshino Sora beside her, who was wearing headphones and playing with his fingers. How long has it been? This guy's progress is truly astonishing!
"I haven't learned it. This isn't a genuine duck-slicing technique either; I just dismembered it along the muscle structure."
Shrugging his shoulders and looking out the window, Hoshino Sora said casually. This was indeed not a rigorous technique; he merely performed simple slicing based on his cooking experience.
"I see. That's still very impressive then."
Nodding, to be able to achieve that level without having learned a specialized processing technique was indeed very impressive.
"But it's already past two in the afternoon. We'll probably reach the hotel around four or five. Thankfully, I had something to tide me over in between, otherwise I'd really starve to death."
Looking down at the time on his phone, Hoshino Sora let out a soft sigh, regretting that if he had known he would be hungry in the afternoon, he would have found more ingredients to make a proper lunch.
"Indeed, this arrangement is a bit too inhumane."
"Isn't it? No wonder it's called hell training, or rather, hungry ghost hell. Don't you believe that when we go back, they'll still make us entertain guests from outside schools?"
"Ah? No way, logically shouldn't we be resting? I haven't heard anything like that…"
"That's why it's called hell training. It's just a rumor, but it's highly accurate."
"Emmm, that's really too tiring…"
The two chatted back and forth, and when they ran out of things to say, they leaned back in their chairs, closed their eyes, and rested. During this, Hisako, being too sleepy, leaned against Hoshino Sora.
Her head rested gently on his shoulder, a clear, crystal-like drool escaping from the corner of her mouth. Her hair fell slightly over her face, partially revealing half of it in a hazy manner.
Feeling the weight on his shoulder, Hoshino Sora silently looked out the window, contemplating whether or not to take out Kojiro Shinomiya under the cover of night.
In the end, Hoshino Sora gave up, because he didn't know where the other party lived, and Yuanyue Resort was full of surveillance cameras. If he made a move, he probably wouldn't be able to stay at Far Moon.
Although he didn't care whether he stayed at Far Moon or not, with his current development trend, staying at Far Moon was definitely better than developing outside. His strength would improve faster. So, if it wasn't a matter of principle, he still wanted to stay there for a while longer.
As for Tadokoro Megumi, he could only let her fend for herself, after all, he had already done everything he could.
Although Kojiro Shinomiya in the parallel world was a bit of an asshole, the one in this world hadn't done anything to Tadokoro Megumi yet. Plus, the other party also changed later on. As for future developments, it depends on Xiao Hui's fate.
Thinking of this, Hoshino Sora's urgent mood calmed down a lot. With a big bump from the vehicle, Hisako also changed from leaning on his shoulder to lying in his arms, head down. The crucial thing was that she didn't wake up immediately.
Noticing the change in the girl's position, Hoshino Sora lowered his head, his brow twitching almost imperceptibly. The position where she lay was truly a bit delicate.
"Damn it."
Turning his head away, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but curse. What was he supposed to do? Should he wake Hisako up? What would she think if she saw such a scene?
Even if she didn't want to misunderstand, she probably would.
In this situation.
I'd better secretly help her up...
Thinking this, Hoshino Sora was about to act when Hisako, as if sensing his thoughts, reacted. She opened her eyes to find herself lying on his lap, head down. Her face immediately flushed crimson as she sat up and glared at the young man beside her.
"Couldn't you have helped me up when you saw me fall? You were sitting so close, it would have just been a matter of reaching out. If someone saw this, they would definitely misunderstand. Or is this the effect you wanted, pervert?"
She wasn't being unreasonable, just lowering her voice and muttering in his ear with a flushed face. After she finished, she gave Hoshino Sora a glare. It would have been easy for him to help her when she was about to fall, but he didn't, just watched her make a fool of herself.
If she hadn't felt a little short of breath, she wouldn't have known how long she would have maintained that posture.
"Cough, cough, mainly I don't have experience dealing with this kind of situation. By the time I reacted, you had already fallen. I was wondering whether to help you up. I'll pay attention next time."
"You still want a next time?!"
Hisako Arato couldn't help but raise her hand as if to strike, her mouth slightly pouting. Hoshino Sora, seeing this, very tactfully showed a scared expression and quickly raised his hand, begging for mercy: "No next time."
"That's more like it. We're almost there."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's 'cowardly' appearance, Hisako Arato forgave him with satisfaction, then turned her gaze to the window. The surrounding scenery gradually became familiar. As expected, two minutes later, the two saw the hotel they had arrived at.
"Oh, then I'll go find Erina-sama."
"Hmm, bye-bye."
Hoshino Sora said, waving goodbye to her, his gaze scanning the surroundings. He finally found Shiina Mahiru and Tadokoro Megumi in the crowd, both of whom still had relieved smiles on their faces.
Sensing his gaze, the two excitedly waved in Hoshino Sora's direction, then exchanged glances and quickened their pace, running towards him.
"We passed successfully!"
"I can tell from your expressions. How are the others? There shouldn't be any big problems, right?"
Hoshino Sora asked with a smile.
"Definitely no problem! Let's go in first, I'm so tired, I want to take a hot bath!"
"I'm so hungry."
Shiina Mahiru said, stretching vigorously. After a day of exhaustion, she really couldn't take it anymore. At this moment, images of the hotel's high-class cuisine, prepared to entertain them, were already appearing in her mind. After a hard day, they should be rewarded with delicious food, right?
They would, right?
However, reality was cruel. As the three entered the hotel, they were not greeted by various high-class delicacies, but by a squinty-eyed man in a yukata, accompanied by dozens of strong, muscular men.
"They are members of the Arm University Bodybuilding Club, who are training nearby. Once you finish their dinner, you can move freely. Later, members of the Rugby Club and Wrestling Club will also come. Today's dinner…"
As expected, Hoshino Sora pushed through the crowd and chose a spot where he could rush into the kitchen the fastest. He wanted to be the first to complete fifty sets of meals, and then be the first to enjoy the hot springs!
Half an hour should be enough.
Task triggered: Show Your Style
Task Description: After a day of themed assessment, the students who passed the assessment are exhausted, but Far Moon does not care about this. They vow to make these students taste the flavor of hell, so this topic came about.
Task Requirement: Be the first to complete 50 steak sets in Accommodation Training D Venue.
Task Reward: 500 Reputation Points
"By the way, anyone who fails to complete fifty dishes within an hour will be expelled."
"Ah? How can this be?!"
"We've been tired all day, how can we possibly have the energy to cook?"
As the squinty-eyed senior finished his speech, Hoshino Sora was the first to rush into the kitchen, grabbing four pans and plates to prepare. When the assessment began, he simultaneously fried three steaks and their side dishes, his movements so skilled that the surrounding people were dumbfounded.
"This guy must be crazy, frying three steaks and preparing side dishes at the same time…"
"Never mind him, let's get started, we're running out of time!"
Ignoring the surrounding chaos, Hoshino Sora began serving meals with extremely high efficiency. He quickly completed the first steak dish and then pressed the serving bell.
The next moment, a burly man appeared by his cooking station, took the dish to taste, and at the same time, dropped a small ball into the box at his cooking station.
So that's how it is.
When Hoshino Sora watched this scene in Food Wars!, he wondered how they kept track, but seeing this, he finally had his answer.
"Ding ding—"
The sound of bells kept coming. During this time, Hoshino Sora discovered another thing: steak sets that were insufficient in quantity or poor in taste would not be given a small ball, which meant the meal was made for nothing.
"Done, please review."
26 minutes later, Hoshino Sora brought a large box full of small balls to Sekimori-senpai, the squinty-eyed senior.
"You're already done? That's amazing, you're the fastest I've seen in all these years!"
His squinted eyes slightly opened. Looking at the full box of small balls, Sekimori quickly counted them, then looked at Hoshino Sora in disbelief.
"Hoshino Sora, 50 portions completed, passed!"
"What kind of speed is that?"
Yukihira Soma, 38 portions.
"Hoshino-kun is so strong!"
Tadokoro Megumi, 35 portions.
"Time to work harder!"
Shiina Mahiru, 34 portions.
Almost everyone turned their heads the moment Sekimori announced Hoshino Sora's completion, their eyes filled with shock. Is it real or fake? Completing fifty steak dishes in less than half an hour? Is this guy even human!?
"Well everyone, I'll go enjoy the hot spring for you all."
Looking at everyone still busy, Hoshino Sora smiled broadly and waved, then turned and left the main kitchen, stretching his back with his hands behind his head, looking exceptionally carefree.
Seeing this, the people in the kitchen couldn't help but speed up, leading to frequent accidents, but some also adapted to the rhythm.
At the same time, a system sound rang in Hoshino Sora's mind.
Task completed: Show Your Style
Task Reward: 500 Reputation Points
What a simple yet powerful notification! Including this reputation value, he currently has 4500 reputation points. The goal of 10000 points still seems like a long and arduous journey, but this accommodation training should not lack opportunities to show off in front of everyone.
There will be another one in two days...
"First bath, here I come!"
"Oh, Erina, what a coincidence, are you also going for a bath?"
Looking at the graceful figure in front of him, Hoshino Sora quickly stepped forward and patted her back, then received her startled expression.
"Hoshino… Hoshino-kun, why are you here?"
"Does that even need to be said? Of course, I finished 50 steak dishes and came over. But you're pretty fast too, you actually got ahead of me."
Hoshino Sora said, hinting at something. At this moment, Eri Nai Nakiri was still wearing her student uniform, clearly still on her way to the bathhouse.
"Isn't that a given? If I can't even beat you, wouldn't my Elite Ten title be for nothing?"
Her cheeks puffed out in a tsundere manner, humming softly. Looking at the man in front of her, Eri Nai Nakiri didn't give him much of a good look, simply because of what he had said at the freshman ceremony, which subtly annoyed her.
"That's true. I should have gone all out. If I had gotten ahead of Erina, I wonder what kind of expression she would have shown?"
Hoshino Sora said, hinting at something. In fact, for the quality of the dishes and to make things easier for himself, he didn't use five woks at the same time, otherwise he could have improved efficiency.
"Hmph!"
"Come to my room after your bath, bring Hisako."
Looking at Eri Nai Nakiri's tsundere expression, Hoshino Sora suddenly spoke.
"Eh?"
"I brought playing cards, let's play together. Anyway, it's free time now, so it's decided."
"I haven't agreed yet…"
Watching Hoshino Sora, who had just finished speaking, turn into the men's bath, Eri Nai Nakiri sighed helplessly. This guy really knows how to make decisions for others. Make them come over? How arrogant! Why doesn't he come over instead?
Pouting with anger.
Dissatisfied!
"It really is the first bath, how luxurious! Such a big hot spring, and I'm the only one here!"
Leaping into the bath, feeling the water embrace his body, Hoshino Sora surfaced, a look of enjoyment on his face.
"La la—la la la—"
In a private bath, one can sing loudly. Listening to the echoes from all directions, Hoshino Sora sang with increasing excitement, even showcasing his tenor voice, until the curtain of the hot spring opened and a muscular, short-haired man appeared before him.
"Eh…"
Memories quickly surfaced in Hoshino Sora's mind, and he soon understood the situation and the identity of the person: Dojima Gin, the Executive Master Chef and Board Member of Yuanyue Resort.
"Hmm? The first person is already here? It's getting more and more outrageous. Last year, they only came in when I was bathing, but now they're even earlier than me."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was already in the hot spring, Dojima Gin's expression was slightly surprised. He had arrived half an hour early, yet the other party had appeared there before him. So, how quickly did this guy complete 50 servings of dishes?
"I came over as soon as I finished cooking. I was lucky to get the first bath."
Wow, such a strong aura.
Looking at the man walking towards him, this thought crossed Hoshino Sora's mind. One could only say he was truly worthy of managing the entire resort, possessing an aura of a superior.
"You're the fastest among the students, but whether it's this year or last year, Far Moon has produced excellent students."
"Hmmph?"
"The trial of making 50 dinners is conducted simultaneously in several kitchens at the same time. It's clear who finishes the fastest. Every year, I'm supposed to finish bathing before the students come, but I never expected a student to be even faster than me! I'm truly surprised!"
Flexing his firm, massive muscles, Dojima Gin couldn't help but complain as he looked at Hoshino Sora soaking in the bath. He had never seen such a formidable character as Hoshino Sora in all his years working here.
"Last year, there was also a boy who finished the trial very early and came to bathe. He is now the seventh seat of the Totsuki Ten Elite. Hmph, he's also a very interesting man. I'm coming in."
"Oh."
Dojima Gin, after taking care of his body, leaped into the hot spring, splashing a large amount of water.
"It really feels best to immerse your whole body!"
Shaking his head as he emerged from the hot spring, Dojima Gin's voice carried a hint of emotion.
"Excuse me!"
At the same time, the bathroom door opened once more.
Yukihira Soma appeared outside the door.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/TripleCrown07
If you guys wanna check it out.