"So fast, the crowd is constantly gathering. The initially gathered guests formed a wave, making more people curious about what was happening here, and before they knew it, it was completely surrounded."
Looking at the crowd gathered around Hoshino Sora, the sous chef of Yuanyue Resort, who was standing behind the monitor, opened his eyes wide, his words full of excitement. The scene before him was truly exhilarating!
"There's a term called 'live cooking', which is different from the usual method of serving prepared dishes. The chef directly cooks in front of the guests, which makes people anticipate the taste even more. While 'ingredients' become 'dishes', it also encourages oneself."
"However, why did this guy suddenly become so energetic? He has already completed the 200-portion cooking training, but he is working even harder than before he completed it."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was cooking at super speed, Dojima Gin pinched his chin with a somewhat puzzled expression. He didn't understand why the other party was working even harder after completing two hundred portions of dishes.
Logically speaking, shouldn't he relax appropriately?
But this guy's physical strength is truly terrifying. After cooking at high intensity for such a long time, he doesn't show a hint of fatigue and still looks full of energy.
"Hmph, are you competing with me, Hoshino-kun?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was frantically attracting customers not far away, Yumeko Jabami put her hand to her mouth and gently licked her fingers, which still had the sweet taste of honey.
Lowering her body, as if suddenly entering a certain mode, Yumeko Jabami slowly walked to the sink, cleaned her hands, and returned to the cooking station.
After taking a deep breath, she started cooking at 1.3 times her original speed, not leaving herself any time to rest.
Gradually, a group of people also gathered in front of her cooking station.
This group was a women's alliance led by little girls.
The combat power of the customers on both sides could be said to be evenly matched. Now it was a competition of serving speed. Hoshino Sora obviously also noticed that Yumeko Jabami had sped up, but he was not affected and continued to cook in an orderly manner.
With the optimization of the process and extreme hand speed, his efficiency increased by another 25%, and the number of ovens running behind him also increased from four to five.
"Hoshino-kun, why are you working so hard?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was working incredibly hard at the adjacent cooking station, Alice Nakiri's expression was slightly puzzled. She didn't understand why he was so diligent. Wasn't it enough to just pass this assessment?
Could it be that there's a hidden reward for coming in first?
"Oh, what a pity, the ingredients prepared beforehand have already run out. Because I didn't expect it to be so popular, today can only end here."
"Very good, you can leave now."
Looking at the sold-out White Jade Four Seasons in front of her, and the customers waiting at her cooking station, Alice Nakiri shrugged her shoulders and spoke with a slight apology.
Beside her, Sekimori-san, the senior with the squinting eyes who was in charge of the review, said so, holding the review sheet.
"Oh, thank you~"
"Isn't there one more portion?"
"This one has already been reserved, I'm sorry."
Picking up the last portion of White Jade Four Seasons, Alice Nakiri looked up at the countdown clock on the wall, then hummed and hawed as she left the cooking station and walked towards Hoshino Sora, but she didn't rush to disturb him, instead standing outside and waiting silently.
At this point, less than ten minutes remained until the end of the assessment, and Yumeko Jabami had also reached her limit. Sweat had already soaked her chef's uniform, and strands of hair clung to her forehead, which she had no time to tidy.
"I'm sorry, I can't go on. Let's stop here for today."
Looking at her slightly trembling hands, Yumeko Jabami spoke to the waiting customers in front of her with a face full of apology, bowing deeply as she spoke. She had truly reached her limit; the previous frenzied cooking had severely depleted her energy and stamina.
Looking at Hoshino Sora, he was like a god of war at this moment. His speed not only didn't decrease in the slightest, but subtly increased by a few points, only putting down the dough in his hand at the very last second of the countdown.
Task Completed: Sugar Fire Bun Prince Appears
Task Requirement: Achieve the highest sales volume in the entire venue with the snack 'Sugar Fire Bun', and the total number of portions sold must not be less than 400.
Task Reward: 1500 Reputation Points
Current Reputation: 6300
Raising his hands to stretch his muscles and bones, his body immediately let out cracking sounds like popping beans. Looking at the virtual panel floating in the air, Hoshino Sora's face was filled with relief.
It's getting close. With another 3700 reputation, he can exchange for the Chef's Heart, which sounds very powerful.
At that time, he only needs to taste everyone's dishes to grow. Just thinking about it makes him incredibly excited!
Looking at the Chef's Heart, which glowed faintly in the reputation store, Hoshino Sora's eyes were full of anticipation, then he silently closed it, because he saw Alice Nakiri walking towards him not far away.
"Congratulations, you've completed 501 portions of breakfast dishes. Even looking at Totsuki Academy's history, you might be the only one to do so. And this is the promised White Jade Four Seasons, quickly try it."
Conveniently grabbing a sugar fire bun and taking a bite, Alice Nakiri handed the intentionally left White Jade Four Seasons to Hoshino Sora, then stepped back half a step, her face showing an expression of awaiting praise.
"Hmm? Okay."
Looking at the incredibly proactive Alice Nakiri, Hoshino Sora was stunned for a moment, then nodded in agreement and took the dish. He lowered his head, and four meatballs lay in the clear white soup.
"This is…"
"Bamboo shoots, tomatoes, broth, and fish balls. Before eating, poke open and mix the red and yellow small balls so you can experience the rich taste of the soup base."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's confusion, Alice Nakiri immediately explained, speaking as if she couldn't wait to demonstrate it herself, her desire to show off was extremely strong.
Poking open the red and yellow dumplings, the 'White Jade Soup' instantly took on the tomato red and golden yellow of the broth, and a rich, savory aroma poured out at that moment.
There's a design like this? It's quite innovative.
Looking at the red, yellow, and white alternating noodle soup in front of him, a deep attraction emanated from within. He scooped up the 'spring' made of bamboo shoots, and the first taste was soft and tender. With a slight press of his tongue, he felt as if he possessed the entire spring.
Paired with the richness of the tomato and broth, it ultimately formed this colorful scroll of the four seasons. The fish balls were delicate and chewy, the bamboo shoots fresh and crisp, the noodle soup thick, and the tomato broth rich, all combining to give a sense of the weight of time.
Closing his eyes, it was as if all four seasons appeared before him. Although it was only for a few short moments, it was enough to show that this was an excellent dish.
"How is it? Is it delicious?"
Alice Nakiri looked at Hoshino Sora with shining eyes, appearing very expectant. As she spoke, she also provocatively glanced at Erina Nakiri, who was walking towards them not far away.
"Of course, there's nothing to doubt about Alice's skill."
Hoshino Sora nodded as a matter of course. He knew her level. Although Alice only excelled in her specialized areas, she could perform very well in what she was good at.
But did she really learn anything?
Hoshino Sora expressed doubt on this point. Last night, she studied his sugar-roasted bread for a long time, but the dish she presented today had no connection to his sugar-roasted bread whatsoever.
Not that it necessarily had to have a connection.
But, seeing how seriously Alice Nakiri studied last night, he really thought she would reference his dish. Yet today, she still followed the old routine, and it was impossible for him not to feel a bit disappointed.
That feeling was like teaching a top student for half a day, and even though there was a better method, the other party was unwilling to accept it, still sticking to their original approach.
Although it wasn't bad, there was no progress.
"The promised dish, have a taste."
As the two talked, Erina Nakiri placed a French quiche on the dining table. Looking at Alice, who had gotten there before her, she felt subtly annoyed, and even her tone became a bit more aggressive.
When did these two's relationship become so good? It was the same the past two days, they were always together, so close it was almost inappropriate. Wasn't it just becoming Hoshino Sora's maid? She had done it before too.
Bah, bah, bah, why did she think of that? Why was her heart so chaotic? As soon as she got involved with this guy, she felt like her whole self was off.
"Yay, I've been waiting for so long."
Looking at the dish Erina Nakiri brought, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but swallow. The rich aroma lingered at his nose. He picked up a fork, took a piece, and put it in his mouth.
Layers of texture exploded in his mouth, such a rhythmic taste, like attending a super large concert, where the singer was singing passionately, the conductor was waving the baton at a fast pace, and behind him were countless accompanying musicians.
Loo-la-la, loo-la-la, loo-la, loo-la, loo!
It was as if the rhythm of music came from his ears, and a blissful expression spread across his face. In terms of impact and expressiveness, Erina Nakiri was much stronger than Alice Nakiri.
"Erina's dish is also great, it feels like musicians dancing in my mind."
"So, whose dish is better, mine or Erina's?"
Leaning over the counter, bowing slightly as she looked at Hoshino Sora, Alice Nakiri asked a question that was difficult to answer, although the result was obvious.
But telling the truth was a bit likely to offend people.
Especially for Alice Nakiri, a girl with strong self-esteem. At times like this, you have to...
"Hmm..."
"I feel like, it's impossible to tell who wins."
Pinching his chin and observing for a long time, until both girls blushed, Hoshino Sora finally spoke cautiously.
"Where are you looking when you say that?!"
Clutching her chest and stepping back, Alice Nakiri's gaze was subtle. Although she had known this guy was a pervert for a long time, she really didn't expect him to be so bold in public.
"Pervert!"
With a hint of disdain in her eyes, Erina Nakiri stood beside Alice this time, secretly glancing at the other's chest out of the corner of her eye, then looking at her own. It was indeed difficult to compare.
However, if they were really to compare completely naked, she should be superior!
Bah, bah, they don't seem to need to compare, do they? What on earth was she thinking? How could she start imagining things just because of one sentence from Hoshino Sora?
Realizing her impropriety, Erina Nakiri's face immediately flushed. How could she care about Hoshino Sora so much? It was such a strange feeling.
Facing a lecher, she should just show anger, but what she showed was a blush...
"Well, well, I'm talking about the dishes. Why are you reacting so strongly? Did you think of something strange?"
Hoshino Sora chuckled awkwardly, feigning confusion as he retorted. He never said what he was comparing, dishes or chests? He couldn't just blurt it out.
"You'd better be talking about the dishes."
After this small interlude, the two no longer had the heart to compare, but their gazes towards Hoshino Sora had changed to a certain extent, but neither was angry.
After all, their relationship was already there.
"Hmph, I won't lose next time."
Yumeko Jabami, completed 466 dishes.
Looking at Yumeko Jabami walking towards him, Hoshino Sora didn't retort, but showed a smug smile: "Then please look forward to it."
Hoshino Sora was no longer afraid of Yumeko Jabami. When he first enrolled, she was much stronger than him. At that time, the dishes she presented were a whole level higher than his.
He chose to temporarily avoid her sharp edge.
But now, the gap between the two was actually very small.
"I will look forward to it."
With a daunting red glint in her eyes, Yumeko Jabami nodded lightly in response to Hoshino Sora's provocation. The smile on her face never stopped, indicating that she was very excited.
"Next is an announcement for the 200 completers. The next challenge will take place in four hours. Before that is rest time."
"Heh heh, it really is cruel. After busy work, there's still more busy work."
Hearing the broadcast, Hoshino Sora rubbed his forehead and said with a bitter smile, 'Should I say it lives up to its name as hellish training camp?' They really don't treat students like human beings.
"I almost forgot the training camp isn't over yet."
"How can we sleep in 4 hours?!"
"I'm going to die, this is really going to kill me."
For a moment, the students who had originally relaxed began to move in a hurry.
——————
"What's wrong? Why... why are we suddenly gathered in the hall?"
Standing beside Tadokoro Megumi, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but look around, seeing the girl covering her chest with both hands and looking a bit nervous. Everyone around them looked exhausted.
Compared to the morning, the number of people had decreased significantly.
"It says nothing in the guide..."
"In this situation, how is it like yesterday's..."
Yoshino Yuki didn't want to continue speaking, a blank expression on her face, as if not saying it meant it didn't exist, but in reality, this was self-deception.
"Is everyone here? Before we get to the main topic, let me say a few words. So far, 403 students have failed, leaving 813 people."
Hmm?
Hearing the number spoken by Dojima Gin, Hoshino Sora, standing in the crowd, felt subtly off, but thinking about it carefully, it was normal, after all, this was a world with mixed anime elements.
"Although it seems cruel, this training is just a microcosm of the culinary world. Even in unknown situations, you must remain calm and communicate normally with ingredients.
You must fight against various unexpected situations and survive as a chef, just like wandering alone in the wilderness, constantly striving, your feet unwilling to stop, unable to see your destination. When you realize it, you have already reached the peak and cannot find your way back.
However! I hope you remember that Far Moon is a place where you have comrades who have left their footprints with you in the wilderness. It is this very fact that will motivate you, who have already set off alone."
"I wish you all good luck!"
His voice was impassioned and powerful. By the end, Dojima Gin's eyes widened a few points, clearly showing genuine emotion. That momentum moved all the students below.
"Next, we move on to the final segment of this training camp."
"Is it finally coming?"
"The final showdown!"
Looking at Dojima Gin's gradually serious expression, the students standing or sitting below began to tremble, thinking that the final battle was about to begin, but only Hoshino Sora knew.
It's time to eat!
"Welcome~"
As the students below discussed, the doors to the banquet hall behind them suddenly opened. Two rows of neatly dressed waiters bowed respectfully in welcome. For a moment, the students showed surprised expressions.
"Congratulations on passing this training camp's small gathering! Next, you will taste the rich delicacies brought to you by the graduates! To the 813 of you who remain, congratulations on passing all courses of the training!"
"Enjoy yourselves!"
Looking at the reactions of the crowd below, Dojima Gin completed his final words. The Far Moon graduates, who were originally instructors, also appeared behind the doors at this moment, holding freshly cooked dishes.
"Hoshino-kun, sit with me!"
A slight curve appeared at the corner of her mouth. The long-awaited small banquet had finally arrived. However, before Hoshino Sora could even take a step, Alice Nakiri rushed over from not far away.
"Alright."
Watching Hoshino Sora talking with Alice Nakiri from afar, Erina Nakiri silently retracted her half-stepped foot, a look of dissatisfaction on her face. Hisako Arato took all of this in.
"Erina, Hisako, let's sit together."
"Why call her?"
Watching Hoshino Sora step forward to invite Erina Nakiri, Alice Nakiri stood aside and couldn't help but complain, while also secretly glancing at Erina and Hisako, wondering what she was thinking.
"Hmph, you have good taste. Then let's go together."
Ignoring Alice Nakiri's words, Erina Nakiri agreed without hesitation to Hoshino Sora's invitation. Then, the four of them walked together towards the banquet hall behind them.
"Take me too."
Along the way, Yumeko Jabami also joined them.
"Please be seated, guests."
Thus, the four-person team became five. They took their seats under the waiter's hospitality. The most excited person among them was Hoshino Sora. Smelling the aroma in the air, his Gourmet Cell cheered wildly.
"First dish, Red Wine Braised Venison."
"Second dish..."
The portion of each dish was not large, but every dish was of the silver (superior) level, incredibly delicious and highly complete. At least, Hoshino Sora ate with great enthusiasm.
"Hoshino-kun, did you not eat enough for lunch? Your eating is too unsightly."
"Boys should be like this to be bold. Since you're hungry, you can have my portion too."
Hearing Erina's words, Alice Nakiri dotingly sent her dish over, and then gave the other party a provocative look, which really infuriated Erina.
How could this guy be like this!
Why didn't she notice how 'tea-like' Alice was before?
"Thank you, but I'm not very hungry, and if I eat yours, what will you eat? Don't worry too much about me, ah~"
He cut the meat with a knife and fork and very naturally fed it to Alice Nakiri. His action naturally made Erina jealous, and even her tone became a bit off.
"Hoshino-kun and Alice are really close."
"Your words are very sour, open your mouth."
Noticing the sourness in Erina Nakiri's words, Hoshino Sora acted quickly, cutting off a piece of meat from his plate and feeding it to Erina. This way, everyone got a share.
"Who's jealous! Ugh, I don't need you to feed me! Really, who shoves food into a girl's mouth? It's so impolite."
As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere gradually became lively. The scene with Hoshino Sora and the four girls could be said to be the envy of others. However, the young man in the center of the girls felt nothing special, merely eating his dishes at his own pace, occasionally showing a blissful expression on his face.
After all, after becoming handsome in this world, he was not short of women around him, which led to his current nonchalance. Even in an environment envied by others, his heart felt no ripples.
Erina and Alice were also like this. They were both individuals who didn't care about their surroundings. At this moment, they were wholeheartedly competing in secret, and the center of their competition was naturally Hoshino Sora.
Although she was very unwilling to admit it, Erina Nakiri did have a good impression of Hoshino Sora, and her favorability was not low. She didn't know when it started.
This was also why she was here.
"Let's go to Hoshino-kun's room to play poker after this."
"I want to go too."
"Alice, don't join in the fun."
"Hmph, are you afraid of losing to me, Erina?"
"Who's afraid of whom?! Come on!"
Looking at each other, Erina and Alice once again faced off, clearly neither willing to fall behind the other.
"Can I join you? I super love poker!"
Hearing the two people in front of her, Yumeko Jabami raised her hands, her face beaming with excitement, her eyes shining even more than when she talked about a cooking duel. Seeing her expression, Hoshino Sora's face subtly changed.
"Then let's meet in my room after dinner."
This feeling somehow felt familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before. Her gaze was fixed, and the girl's excitement was already written on her face, the corners of her mouth unable to stop curling up.
"Then it's happily decided."
With her hands clasped together, the thought of the poker game tonight made the food in front of her seem less delicious than before. The fighting spirit burned deep in Yumeko Jabami's eyes, and her body trembled slightly with excitement.
That day, Hoshino Sora, Erina Nakiri, Alice Nakiri, and Hisako Arato experienced the fear of being dominated by Yumeko Jabami.
----------
"Oh, do you want me to lend you some chips?"
Looking at the empty hands of the people in front of her, Yumeko Jabami tilted her head and asked in confusion.
To increase the fun of the game.
They used coins as chips, starting with 1000 yen each, with a minimum bet of 1 yen. Even so, Yumeko Jabami still won everything.
"Hisako, please go to the front desk and exchange my card for 10,000 yen."
"No, it's just a game, don't get carried away!"
Hoshino Sora tapped Erina Nakiri's head and said, it must be said that with her talent, even without using tricks, Yumeko Jabami was stronger than them.
"Hmm..."
"If there are no chips, there's a way to play without them. Let's use a penalty game instead. Yumeko can use her chips as collateral."
Looking at Erina Nakiri, who was covering her head with a look of unwillingness, Hoshino Sora said, playing poker with Yumeko, he was really afraid of losing even his underwear!
That day, laughter filled the rooms of Yuanyue Resort.
--+--
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.