Shun set the reward from the latest task on the low table and told the two girls before him, "There's only one vial. Which means…"
He restated what it did, stressing its uniqueness, the body-remodeling it induced, and how priceless it was as the prerequisite to obtaining Gourmet Cells.
"So, only after you take it can your body truly absorb the nutrients from those special ingredients we've been tasting. Otherwise, most of the essence is wasted."
He continued, "This is the first step toward that world's power system—and a decisive one. But for now… we have only this one dose."
Silence fell again; the air grew heavy.
Erina and Miyoko understood exactly what that implied.
It wasn't merely a strengthening draught. It was a ticket to a new world—and a credential to stand beside Shun and face the unknown to come.
Miyoko looked at the vial, lips pressed together.
Straightforward and strong-willed, she wanted power—and to stand with Shun, not behind him.
The potion tugged at her like gravity. But when she glanced at Erina—at her newly steady emotions and everything that had happened in recent days—she didn't speak.
What neither Shun nor Miyoko expected was how quickly Erina raised her head. "Give it to Miyoko."
Her tone brooked no argument; calm, decisive, and clearly from the heart.
"Erina, you…" Miyoko blurted, startled.
Erina offered a small, easy smile—one that carried relief and the weight of careful thought. "You're the better fit, Miyoko. Your physical base is stronger than mine, and your temperament's tougher. You're suited to handle the dangers that other world might hold. What Shun needs now is a partner who can fight at his side immediately—not someone who still needs protecting."
She paused, then went on, "Besides, Tōtsuki needs me. Ten Masters duties, academy governance—there's a lot I have to shoulder. And… Shun met you first. If not for his kindness, I wouldn't even have a place here. As things stand, I'm already satisfied."
"Erina…" Miyoko began, but Erina lifted a hand.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm calm, and this isn't pride talking. It's a decision for the future."
Finally, she looked to Shun, her eyes softening with complete trust. "And I believe in Shun's judgment. I believe… we'll have more chances down the road. Right?"
Shun's chest tightened with a wordless mix of gratitude and respect.
She hadn't just made a choice—she'd turned it into the optimal strategy: caring for everyone's feelings, calmly assessing the situation, even accounting for any guilt Miyoko might feel.
Miyoko didn't refuse. Erina was right, and what she felt now was responsibility.
She met Erina's gaze solemnly. "Erina, I accept this kindness. I won't waste your concession or your hopes. Just wait—we'll bring back good news, and soon it'll be your turn to come with us…"
"Mm. I believe in you both," Erina said, nodding hard.
Seeing the two of them think of each other so earnestly warmed Shun's heart.
He slid the [Lesser Gourmet-Cell Activator] toward Miyoko. "Then—Miyoko—get ready to be reborn."
Miyoko nodded firmly and, without a second's hesitation, took up the vial.
Under the eyes of Shun and Erina, she tilted it back and drank the blue, starry liquid in a single swallow.
It was like drinking a gentle river of starlight.
A vast energy spread in an instant to her limbs and bones; the remodeling began—silent, yet fierce.
Miyoko closed her eyes. Her body trembled; a sheen of sweat gathered at her brow. She gritted her teeth and made no sound.
She could feel it: every cell in her body cheering, leaping, tearing and knitting anew—tougher, more alive.
Her five senses sharpened with unprecedented speed; the world in her perception grew startlingly clear.
Ten minutes passed.
When Miyoko opened her eyes again, her aura had subtly changed. Her gaze had grown keener and deeper; even her lines seemed smoother and more coordinated.
She slowly curled her hand into a fist, feeling the surge of new strength and a lightness she'd never known.
"How do you feel?" Shun asked.
"Amazing. Like I've cast off a heavy shackle—my body feels so light," Miyoko said, excitement seeping through her steady tone.
Shun nodded. "The activator only opened the door. Next, you'll need a steady diet of high-energy foods to consolidate and build on it. Get ready, Miyoko—soon we leave for Shokurin Temple. That training is the real test."
Watching Miyoko's rebirth, Erina sincerely felt happy for her. "Looks like I'll have to work even harder so I don't get left too far behind."
"Mm. We'll come back for you soon. Hold Tōtsuki for us," Shun said.
Unseen but certain, the bond among the three deepened further.
A week later, Shun and Miyoko were ready to return to the gourmet world.
In a little-known spot in Tōtsuki's mountain district—
After making sure no one was around, Erina said, "Travel safely—come back in one piece."
"Don't worry," Shun replied. "This time it's mainly training at Shokurin Temple. It'll be fine. Everything here is in your hands."
Miyoko smiled at Erina. "We'll bring back good news!"
"Let's go."
Shun took Miyoko's hand and reached for the system with his mind.
"System—jump to Toriko—destination, Shokurin Temple!"
The response chimed in his head.
Ding! Spend 50 Energy—transfer initializing!
A white flash washed over their vision; the world warped and flowed.
When they opened their eyes again, they stood in the heart of a lush, towering forest.
(End of Chapter)
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